Gina Pogol

If you need money for home improvement, debt consolidation or other big-ticket expenses, what is better? A personal loan, home equity loans or cash out refinance? Learn the pros and cons of personal loans, home equity and cash out mortgage refinancing so you can make the right decision.

If you’ve never hired a tax preparer before, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost to have your taxes done by a professional?” Average tax preparation fees depend on three factors – How organized are your taxes? Where do you live? How complicated are your taxes?

If you need to borrow money quickly, you have a few options. Fast personal loans minimize the time it takes from application to approval and funding. How long does it take to get a personal loan? That depends on the lender, the loan terms, and how prepared you are when you apply. How Long Should… Continue reading How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Loan?

Is borrowing to invest ever a good idea or is it insanely risky? The answer depends on several factors:

• Investment returns
• Borrowing costs
• Risk tolerance

Some of us are well-positioned to borrow money to invest, while others should probably avoid this practice. Here’s how to evaluate potential investments and sources of funds to make a smart decision.

Paying off college debt early can help you save money and get on with your life sooner. And there are several strategies that can help you do this. It’s important that you learn how to maximize the effect of paying extra on student loans before accelerating student loan repayment.

You know the old saying: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you think that you can get a true personal loan with no interest, you’ll be disappointed. However, apps like Dave do offer interest-free personal loans in a limited way. And that limited application may be all that you need.

If you’re having extreme difficulty repaying your government-backed student loans, you’re not alone. About 10% of student loan borrowers default on their loans and experience dire consequences. But you don’t have to slide into default – you may be able to discharge student loans in bankruptcy.

What is a good credit score? There is no standard definition, but credit reporting agency Experian defines “good” credit as a FICO score ranging from 670 to 739. What is a fair credit score? That definition includes FICO scores from 580 to 669. You can reap huge benefits when you raise your credit score from… Continue reading How to Improve Credit Score – From Fair to Good

Neobanks are disrupting the banking industry with their low fees and ease of use. They provide a mobile-friendly alternative for consumers who want fast, simple, and cheap banking services. Before you rush to open a neobank account, however, you’ll want to understand their pros and cons, safety concerns, and how they work. Neobanks have developed… Continue reading What Is a Neobank?

Personal loans are not the most commonly-used form of borrowing, so it’s easy to make errors when shopping or applying for a personal loan. Personal loan mistakes can be very expensive, however, so read these tips before borrowing. With just a little knowledge, you can have a successful personal loan experience.