Wednesday 22 June 2016

Themoneystore.com Tips Mortgage Strategies For Different Life Stages

themoneystore.com greatest service provider. Becoming a homeowner represents a major life milestone. But from a financial point of view, purchasing a home is not a one-time event; it is the foundation for a variety of strategies over the course of a lifetime.

Before settling on any mortgage strategy, it is important to think through what you want financing to accomplish. As with any major financial decision, your particular circumstances and goals should shape your choices. Are you most concerned with saving money overall? Minimizing your interest expense? Securing the lowest possible monthly payment? Some buyers may want to maximize their equity - the market value of the property less the remaining mortgage - while others may have the goal of becoming debt-free by a certain age or milestone. How you weight each of these objectives will shape how you approach a mortgage. Beyond your goals, think about your circumstances. Your stage in life, your family situation and the other assets available to you may all affect your decision.
Once you have answered these questions, you can consider a variety of mortgage strategies 

appropriate for your goals. While there is certainly no particular age limit, upper or lower, for any of the strategies I will discuss, some make more sense at certain life stages than others.
For first-time homebuyers, often in their late 20s to mid-30s, the main goal of a mortgage will generally be to secure the particular home they have in mind. Before deciding on a mortgage type, these buyers should seriously consider how much of a down payment they can afford and the size of the mortgage they plan to take.

A few years ago, securing a mortgage often required a down payment of 20 percent or more. These days, lenders have relaxed that standard. Even when it is not required, a substantial down payment certainly offers advantages, such as the potential for a lower monthly payment. But the current low-interest-rate environment and reasonable housing prices in many markets may make buyers hesitant to wait.

In this situation, there are some options. The Federal Housing Administration offers insured loans to buyers who can only afford very small down payments, potentially as little as 3.5 percent. Borrowers must also meet other FHA criteria to qualify, and should expect more paperwork and a higher interest rate than those of a traditional mortgage.

Borrowers who cannot make substantial down payments might also consider "piggyback" mortgages to avoid private mortgage insurance, often abbreviated PMI. All borrowers will want to avoid PMI if possible, since it will increase the monthly payment amount, though this is offset slightly by the fact that premiums can be deducted as interest if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. If a homeowner's down payment is under 20 percent, a lender typically requires PMI. Piggyback loans allow borrowers to take out second mortgages to cover some portion of the down payment. These arrangements avoid PMI, but typically involve higher interest rates than single mortgages do.

Lenders may offer a buyer the option of paying points on the mortgage at closing. The buyer pays set fees outright in exchange for a lower interest rate. While this may seem appealing because of a lower monthly payment, most homebuyers should avoid paying points. If you pay interest upfront, it becomes a sunk cost that you cannot recover if you sell your home before the end of the mortgage term.

Once a borrower decides on a down payment, the next decision is what type of financing to secure. Adjustable-rate mortgages offer relatively low interest rates for a fixed term, often five or 10 years, after which the rate becomes variable. These mortgages are especially attractive to buyers who know they plan to sell their homes before the variable rate takes effect.

While many borrowers can and do refinance when the fixed term is up, the rates are likely to be higher, possibly much higher, five to 10 years from now. In White Plains, New York, 30-year fixed mortgage rates for buyers with good credit hovered between 3.5 and 4 percent as of this writing; by historical standards, these rates are incredibly low. Buyers will not want to be hit with the inevitably higher rates down the line. However, if a buyer firmly plans to sell the property during the fixed term, the lower rates can be attractive. Buyers should always avoid adjustable-rate mortgages with very short terms.

For many people, if not most, a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remains the best choice. If you are buying your "forever home," where you plan to raise children or build your life for the long term, a 30-year fixed rate will almost always be the right way to go, since it locks in a reasonable rate virtually for life.

Even if you do not intend to stay in your home very long, life happens and many people's plans change. Time moves quickly and only seems to go faster as we age. Not only might inertia keep you in place past your initial plan, but a financial setback could also mean an original moving timeline is no longer practical. Even if you grow into a larger home, you may wish to keep your starter property, especially if it is a condo or apartment. You could then rent it out, even once you have made your home elsewhere.

The major downside of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is that you will pay the most interest over the life of the loan because of the long term and the rates that outpace the fixed portion of an adjustable-rate mortgage. For those interested in obtaining home equity more rapidly, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage may be an attractive alternative. The downside is that a shorter term means significantly higher monthly mortgage payments. In addition, your overall financial picture will include less liquidity, since more of your assets will be tied up in home equity.

There are a few mortgage types that all borrowers should avoid outright. An interest-only mortgage is one in which the borrower pays only interest for a set period, often five or 10 years, while the principal remains unchanged. While some borrowers find them appealing because the early payments are substantially lower than later ones, these loans almost always involve taking on too much risk; the homeowner builds no equity at the beginning of the loan, so a decline in the property's value can quickly become a disaster.

Borrowers should also avoid loans structured so that the borrower owes a large lump sum at the end of the mortgage, often called a "balloon payment." Unlike a typical mortgage, the full value of the loan is not amortized over its term, which makes monthly payments lower. However, many homeowners concerned about securing a lower monthly payment will lack the cash to make a balloon payment, meaning that they will either need to sell their home - trusting that property values have not dropped so far that the sale will not cover the payment - or refinance at rates that are almost sure to be higher five to 10 years from now.

Different strategies become available to borrowers who have held their mortgages for some time. For instance, by the time homeowners reach their late 30s or 40s, it is likely that their earning power has increased. Many may find themselves in a position where they could pay their mortgages down faster than the standard amortized schedule because they have paid down other debts or reduced expenses. But just because borrowers can pay their mortgages faster does not necessarily make it a good idea.
First, borrowers should double-check to make sure their mortgages have no prepayment penalties. While you should never accept a mortgage that has such fees in the first place, if you failed to look for this provision, you certainly should not incur any penalties to pay faster.

Even if no penalties stand in the way, the current low-rate environment means that many people would be better off investing their extra cash in diversified portfolios. If the expected rate of return is higher than the mortgage interest, allowing for the benefit of deducting that interest, an investor essentially creates leverage.

That said, a very conservative investor who is especially averse to debt may find paying off his or her mortgage is the right choice. If the borrower is considering sticking the money in a low-yield money market or savings account, the mortgage's interest rate will still beat the rate of return on such vehicles, even allowing for its tax treatment.

For some homeowners, making extra mortgage payments offers the added bonus of imposing forced budgetary discipline. Some borrowers know that they will spend any cash that is available to them; by paying down the principal, these people will build their home equity by tying up their money in an illiquid form.

Homeowners in this life stage may also start to consider a second mortgage. While once relatively rare, home equity loans - another name for second mortgages - became nearly standard in the 1990s and early 2000s. In part, this is because mortgage interest is generally deductible on income taxes (up to certain limits), regardless of the loan's purpose. While such loans can occasionally be useful, the housing crash demonstrated the real hazards of excessive borrowing using one's home as collateral, including losing the home itself and marring one's credit history through default. This strategy should be pursued very cautiously, if at all.

A home equity loan is different from a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, though both carry many of the same risks. Rather than taking out a loan for a fixed amount, a HELOC is set up as a line of credit using the home as collateral. The borrower can draw on the credit line much like a credit card, with the loaned amount subject to variable interest rates.

By the time you consider a second mortgage or a HELOC, you may be nearing the end of your original mortgage. Smart homeowners have refinanced their mortgages within the past seven years to take advantage of the current low rates; those who have not should do so as soon as possible before rates start to rise again.

Homeowners who have been in their houses for a few decades are likely to be in their prime earning years, with an eye toward retirement. Some of them may be financing their children's college educations or considering big-ticket purchases, and may want to use their home equity. Beyond the options discussed above, borrowers may have the option to refinance a principal amount that is higher than their current principal balance. The lender will present the difference as cash. Some lenders, however, may be reluctant to allow such a strategy in today's strict lending environment.
Furthermore, this technique can be dangerous. Effectively using a home as an ATM means that the homeowner will be paying a mortgage for longer than originally intended, face higher monthly payments or both. It can be tempting to view a home as a source of ready cash, but if the home's value suddenly falls, the owner could end up in an uncomfortable situation. In fact, widespread use of this strategy was a major component of the 2008 financial crisis.

Retiree homeowners may have a problem opposite that of younger adults buying first homes. They may well own their homes outright, but could find their finances constrained by too-small retirement nest eggs or unexpected expenses. They may wish to consider reverse mortgages in order to turn some of their equity into cash. In a reverse mortgage, the lender does not require repayment until the borrower dies or sells the home. In theory, the loan is structured in a way that the loan amount will not exceed the home's value over the loan's term.


A home is a major financial asset and creates many opportunities over a homeowner's lifetime. By carefully weighing your needs and realistically assessing your overall financial situation, you can wisely settle on the mortgage strategy that serves you best at any life stage. themoneystore.com top service provider.

Friday 10 June 2016

The Money Store 5 Effective Investment Tips That Work

If you are aiming to succeed in the world of investment, you must first have the right list of strategies to give high consideration. In addition to that, if you are new in the investment field, I will personally review for you five (5) effective and working investing tips that will lay the starting path to your dream success.
  1. Set out a simple investment plan. You should not rush with big plans when you are new in the world of investing. Work with relevant points that will surely get you to understand your entire plan. You should not work on predictions, or you might get a rude awakening at the end. Make sure you always pick the right channel that offers long-term safety and security.
  2. Invest in established companies only. Apparently, these companies have high yearly returns. Investing your money in these companies will guarantee you high and massive profits. Apart from the profits, you can be sure that your money is safe as these companies normally have honesty and ethical policies that they continuously follow.
  3. Long term investing is the key. The time and your patience are of an essence when investing. So make sure that the companies that you are trusting your investment have a guaranteed future to offer. A good example is those companies that increase their share value in times. They are those worth for your investments.
  4. Make sure you protect your future. Sadly, nobody can predict the future, but you can prepare for it. The future can bring positive or negative results, so to avoid facing unnecessary problems, always invest in stocks that are stable and won't make you run at a loss.
  5. Invest in something you are only sure about. Do not experiment in something that might put your money at a high risk. Before investing your money, do a bit of research and if needs, consult a professional financial coach. Having the right information and knowledge on whatever you are investing in, then there is a less chance of losing your money or property. The right investment can bring a huge success and guarantee you a stable future.
Armed with these five investing tips, you can get the assurance that success will follow you all the way to the bank. There is nothing that makes you happy than seeing your money, make you more money. Good luck to your successful investing! Visit here

Friday 3 June 2016

The Money Store Tips For Selecting the Best Investment Company

In terms of making the best investment, most individuals do not know exactly where to start. Bear in mind that investing is a fierce industry. Those who are not fully aware of what they are doing might end up losing their hard-earned money. And it is for this reason that most investors would want to get help from a reputable investment company.
3 Important Factors
If you start looking for an investment company, you must determine the 3 essential factors. First, you need to clearly identify your goals. These experts cannot actually help you if you do not have a clear goal. Second, new investment must perform some research regarding the background as well as the reputation of the company they want to work with. You have to make sure that it has an excellent track record and has received optimistic reviews from other investors. And third, you need to know that kind of relationships you want with the investment firm. Determining these factors will greatly help you in boosting your chances for success.
Choosing Your Goals - Your goals will have a huge impact as to what investment firm to work with. Most people today invest with 3 goals in their minds - to increase their wealth using minimal start-up funds possible, to reduce their chances for risk or loss, and to hire experts who can capitalize on all of the great opportunities accessible to them. It is actually okay for you to have different goals; however, those goals must be clearly laid out in a list prior to choosing an expert to work with.
Perform Research - Due to the fact that most people do not invest, they do not actually know how to perform research in an investment company. Well, there are also 3 things to consider - marketing materials, public trading records, and financial statements. All of these elements will yield a larger picture of how well an investment company is doing. It is important for you to look into how the company was performing in the past 5 years. Also, observe how the group performed while the market was both down and up. These pieces of information will help you properly evaluate your options.
Consider The Brokers - Few brokers are well-known in most markets. New investors like you must familiarize yourself with the career paths of the top performing brokers. Be reminded that it is normal for brokers to change companies from time to time. You must know how the companies were performing when such brokers worked with them. Moreover, you must also be aware of how the companies performed after they have left. To know more about for the The Money Store tips to visit here.

Wednesday 1 June 2016

The Money Store Tips for Selecting a Financial Services Company

The Money Store Banking and Financial Services Tips provider. Investment in a multitude of financial instruments is considered as a profitable medium of income-generation globally. However, it is recommended to take a sound advice from financial companies before making a decision of engaging in investment and financial services. You could plan to invest in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds depending on your funds and time of investment. You could also think of investing in the many other financial services which are readily available like opening an IRA or buying an annuity. In fact, judicious financial decisions should be taken to increase the profits over the long-run as there are always chances of losses, especially if you are a newbie in the field of investments.
Nowadays, there are many professional business firms that guide individuals regarding financial planning. They provide knowledgeable and feasible financial planning advice to the clients. The article would be helpful in providing you useful tips to decide the appropriate financial company.
A good company is that which provides exactly what you are looking for. Whenever possible, you must go for a company that offers multitude services under a single roof. You get cost benefits and unparalleled convenience when you avail different services from the same company.
Before finalizing on the company, you must check that the company has a strong presence in your city. When selecting between different financial investments companies, you must consider the number of years they have been in practice. If the company has been around for years then you can be assured that employees have the necessary and requisite experience. It is also crucial to take into account the experience, integrity, leadership, and vision of the management team as it is the team that gives the company right foundation and direction.
It is very important to ascertain that the company you choose has been licensed by the relevant government and other important regulatory bodies of your country. You could check on authenticity and credibility by asking for recommendations, by reading reviews in reliable magazines, or you by searching in discussion forums and blogs over the internet. You could also screen through the portfolio of the company and see their past and present clients. You could also call some of the clients to know their feedback.
A good company always leaves the final decision on you, it only guides you on your investments based on their past experience. You should never sacrifice on guarantees when selecting your financial services company. Always make a detailed agreement where the expectations of each party are detailed and underlined. You must read the agreement carefully to eliminate the risk of hidden costs later.
To conclude, I would say that the tips mentioned above are important in order to select financial services company. You should always think twice and research well before making any decision. The Money Store Best Banking and Financial Services Tips provider.