Mortgage rates are once again becoming a major challenge for Americans hoping to buy their first home. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.76% in September 2026, moving closer to the 7% level and reaching its highest point in about 15 months, according to Freddie Mac. The rate was 6.71% the previous week and … Read more
For many retirees, deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest financial decisions they will make. While claiming benefits early can provide income sooner, waiting until age 70 can significantly increase the monthly benefit for the rest of your life. Why Waiting Can Increase Your Benefit Your Social Security benefit depends partly … Read more
Employer-provided life insurance can feel like a complete safety net. Coverage is often included automatically with workplace benefits, so it is easy to assume your family would have enough financial protection if something happened to you. In many cases, however, employer coverage may not be enough to replace your income or cover your family’s long-term … Read more
Getting a mortgage can be more complicated when you are self-employed, especially if your income changes from year to year. Unlike traditional employees who receive regular W-2 paychecks, self-employed borrowers often need to provide additional documentation to show lenders that their income is reliable. The good news is that being self-employed does not automatically prevent … Read more
Side income can be a great way to increase your earnings, but it also comes with additional tax responsibilities. Unlike a traditional W-2 job, where taxes are typically withheld from each paycheck, self-employment income generally arrives without taxes being taken out. That means you need to plan ahead for both income taxes and self-employment taxes. … Read more