One of my favorite card types to write
This week I’m sending out one of my favorite card types – a card to congratulate someone on paying off their mortgage! For many people, paying off their mortgage is a key component in being ready to retire, because with that step down in expenses their nest egg becomes enough…
I paid off my mortgage! Now what?
This isn’t a “what do I do with my money next?” post. This is an important logistical point that is missed by many, and should be done before mentally moving on. First, what is a lien? A lien is essentially a statement that you don’t own an item in its…
Costs of financing
I got a brochure in the mail last month. “Get a car loan with us!” was the general theme. Now it was from my local credit union, and their rates are reasonable compared to other loan options, if borrowing money is what one plans to do for their car. But…
Should I refinance my mortgage?
*whew* We’re finally on the other side of open enrollment, and can focus on the rest of our financial picture again. I had a question come up recently, when someone with a relatively new mortgage on their first home asked if they should refinance. After all, the interest rates had…