Three reasons to consolidate debt with a HELOC

We all have dreams. Buying the perfect home. Starting a business. Taking a fantasy vacation. Retiring in luxury. For a growing number of households, however, going debt-free has become the ultimate financial goal. In a Credit.com survey, one in four
Topics:
Owning a Home

Want a bigger tax refund? Do this

The best thing about tax season is the anticipation of receiving a refund — the bigger the better. And this year, more than half of all taxpayers plan to use their refund to improve their finances by paying off debt or building their savings. What
Topics:
Retirement Planning

What’s your home’s life expectancy?

As you decide which home improvement projects to tackle with your home equity loan, you can use the guide below to identify parts of your home that are likely to need replacing in the near future.
Topics:
Owning a Home

How to keep your wheels road-worthy

When it comes to your car, a little love goes a long way. Follow these tips to stay safe and comfortable wherever you go.
Topics:
Basic Finances

College-bound teen? Here’s what you need to know about the FAFSA

Becoming a college student requires filling out a lot of forms. But there’s one form that rules them all — and filing it out is one of the most important things you can do to pay for your child’s education. It’s the Free Application for Federal
Topics:
Basic Finances

Three New Year’s resolutions you can keep

You’ve written them down. You’ve taped them to the mirror. You’ve even made a New Year’s resolution to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Working toward your goals seems much easier when you’re blowing noisemakers and watching the ball drop than it
Topics:
Budgeting & Saving

Eight budget-friendly ways to brighten your winter

Although the days are slowly getting longer, we’ve still got a long stretch of wintertime ahead of us. When sunlight is scarce and rain is abundant, it’s tempting to hibernate — but staying busy and connected is the best way to keep your spirits up
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Budgeting & Saving

Get a fresh financial start for the new year

With the new year comes a chance to make a fresh start – financially as well as personally. Financial health is on a lot of people’s minds this year, prompting nearly one in three Americans to set a money-related resolution for 2019, according to one
Topics:
Basic Finances

What’s new with your taxes this year?

Tax season is upon us. As we begin packing up holiday decorations, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on the latest changes to tax provisions and inflation adjustments.
Topics:
Budgeting & Saving

Thinking about buying a home in Clackamas? You’re not alone

When you’re shopping for a home in a booming area like Clackamas County, choosing the right lender makes a difference. As prices in the Rose City continue to rise, more buyers are seeking homes in outlying communities such as Canby, Happy Valley and
Topics:
Owning a Home