STRATEGIES For financial success!
by Dr. Melissa Griswold, Ph.D.
Peronal finance topics:
Credit Scores
Credit Scores
Credit Scores
Your credit score will impact the rate of interest you pay on future loans. Do you know the 5 factors used to determine your credit score? When was the last time you reviewed your credit report?
Credit Cards
Credit Scores
Credit Scores
Should you have a credit card?How many? What impact does credit card use have on your credit score? Are you a "convenience user" or a "borrower?"
Buying a home
Credit Scores
Buying a home
What type of home mortgage should you consider? How long should you finance your mortgage? What is escrow? Ernest money? A point?
Debt Capacity
Retirement Basics
Buying a home
How much can you comfortably afford to borrow? Yes, your income is a factor. But an additional factor is your overall debt. The 28/36 rule will help you keep your debt levels in check. This section explains the 28/36 rule plus other debt capacity measures.
Retirement Basics
Retirement Basics
Retirement Basics
When should you start planning for retirement? And which plan should you choose? Employer sponsored retirement (401K's and 403B's) along with non-employer sponsored retirement (IRA's) are viable options. Once you choose a retirement plan, you have to choose where to invest your contributions.
Investing 101
Retirement Basics
Retirement Basics
Once you reach the maximum of your company match, open an investment account. What is an exchange traded fund? What strategies are available to reduce the risks of investing? Mutual fund? Index fund? Which should you consider and why? What is a bond?