At Home In The Poconos

Whether you want to save for retirement, your children’s college education, a house purchase or a dream vacation, you’ll need dedication and time. For many people, the temptation to spend money on things they want or need now, or the belief that saving a large sum of money is too difficult or impossible, keeps them from reaching their goals. Automatically transferring funds to separate accounts for long-term priorities can make saving easier.

One of the most common refrains that has come out of the very hot 2020 real estate market is the message that this is a perfect time to sell a home. Record low interest rates combined with a low inventory market and a shortened spring market means that demand is high and, in many areas, homes are selling for prices well above asking with multiple offers.

Buying your first home is equivalent to embarking on a grand adventure. Although extremely thrilling, learning the ins and outs of the process can often seem overwhelming. From determining a budget to obtaining a loan, there are numerous factors to take into consideration along the way. Keep these five tips in mind throughout the journey.

You’ve been saving for a while, and you’re finally ready to move out of your apartment and take the leap to home ownership. Becoming a first-time homeowner is both an exciting and a stressful process, but the payoff is well worth it once all the papers are signed and the keys are in your hands. Be sure to read on for some useful tips for preparing for home ownership and what to expect once you move in.

After making an offer on a home, you'll enter a contract, part of which should always include getting a home inspection from a licensed professional. It is recommended that any homebuyer make an offer to purchase contingent upon a home inspection that allows you to withdraw your offer if there are any major issues discovered during an inspection.

Deciding where to live, if you’re going to have children, and who takes out the garbage are some of the big and small decisions newlyweds have to make together after the wedding gifts are put away and they’re ready to start their lives together.

There are also financial decisions to make as a married couple, though they may not be as easy to discuss as who’s making dinner on Sunday nights.

Here are some financial priorities newlyweds should set — together:

Many Americans struggle to manage credit card debt. If you have accumulated high balances, either because of overspending or because of circumstances beyond your control, you’re likely feeling stressed by your debt. With many credit cards carrying high interest rates, it may feel like you will never pay off the balances.