What Is Amortization?

Definition and Examples of Amortization Amortization is the way loan payments are applied to certain types of loans. Typically, the monthly payment remains the same, and it’s divided among interest costs (what your lender gets paid for the loan), reducing your loan balance (also known as “paying off the principal loan”), and other expenses like … Read more

CD Early Withdrawal Penalties

Early Withdrawal Penalties at Major Banks bank One-year CD penalty Five-year CD penalty Ally 60 days of interest 150 days of interest Bank of America 90 days of interest 365 days of interest Capital one Three months of interest Six months of interest Chase 180 days of interest 365 days of interest Discover six months … Read more

How To Get SBA Loans for Franchises

7(a) Loans 504/CDC Loans Franchise Uses Establishing and operating the business as well as real estate or heavy equipment Purchase of real estate and large equipment or machinery Eligibility Be a small business, operating as a for-profit in the US, have invested equity, demonstrate good credit history Operating as a for-profit in the US, have … Read more

How To Finance an Airbnb Business

Hosting a place on Airbnb can be a lucrative undertaking—although financing the initial investment might seem daunting. To help you gain a greater understanding of financing an Airbnb business, we’ll cover the main options for funding, tips to help you successfully finance the venture, and answers to some frequently asked questions. Can You Finance an … Read more

HELOC Pros and Cons

HELOC Home Equity Loan Secured by your home equity Secured by your home equity Low interest rates Low interest rates Usually variable rate Variable or fixed rate Draw funds multiple times One-time payout Upfront and annual fees Upfront fees, but no annual fees Secured by Home Equity Both home equity loans and HELOCs are secured … Read more

What Is the Fair Housing Act?

Definition and Example of the Fair Housing Act The Fair Housing Act is a law enacted in 1968 and has been updated several times since its inception. The law is enforced by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Fair Housing Act prohibits lenders, landlords, sellers, and agents from discriminating against homebuyers … Read more

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Ripoff?

Reverse mortgages are special types of loans that give older homeowners a way to turn their home equity into a source of income they can use during retirement. When they move out or die, the lender usually takes and sells the home to repay the loan. There are some benefits to reverse mortgages, but there … Read more

Gas Prices Break New Record After Brief Reprieve

US gas prices reached a new record high Tuesday, erasing the modest relief seen in April. Higher oil prices and increasing demand for gas pushed the average national price to $4.37 a gallon, according to data from AAA. As the chart below shows, the average has now surpassed the previous high of $4.33—fallout from Russia’s … Read more