Finance Globe

For those who don’t follow the stock market on a regular basis, I thought I would provide a high level summary and recap. Most investors are relieved that 2018 is over. There were a lot of highs, including the tax-cut optimism, to quite a lot of lows, especially the last few months. From a U.S. stock market perspective, it was the worst performance since 2008 during the financial crises. The S&P 500 fell 6.2% for the...

You should never be shy about negotiating with your credit card company. Here’s why: you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose. The worst that can happen is that you get turned down and have to find an alternative solution. There are many things you can negotiate with your credit card company, including the following: •    Balance: This doesn’t come into play often, but it may if you’re in a tight financial spot. If...

Some people know they have a good credit score, so they don’t see the reason in reviewing their credit report once a year. Conversely, some consumers know they have an average or poor score, which leads them to shy away from their credit report because they’re afraid of what they’ll find. Regardless of which group you fit into - or if you lie somewhere in between – you should get into the habit of reviewing your...

Sure, credit cards are a great way to rack up rewards points on your regular purchases or save money on a high interest rate balance, but there are plenty of other ways you can get tremendous value from your credit card. Pay off your balance every month. One of the ways credit card issuers make money is by charging interest to cardholders who take their time paying off a balance. The bigger your balance and the...

Even with the popularity of online banks on the rise, most people still have a relationship with a local financial institution. There may come a point when you begin to wonder if it’s time to find a new bank (or credit union). The right relationship is important to all aspects of your finances, so it’s nothing to take lightly. Here are a few signs that may point you toward a new bank: •    Increasing fees: Are...

Many Americans are struggling financially, with a large number of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and others having to borrow to make ends meet. Americans who grew up in a home with parents who struggled my repeat their parents’ mistakes because they don’t understand the important parts of being financially healthy. As you work to improve your finances, focus on mastering these key areas. Spend less than you make. When your monthly expenses are greater than...

For most people, buying a home means securing a mortgage. Even if you have an idea of the lender you want to use, it’s critical to shop your options to ensure yourself of getting the best deal. Generally speaking, there are two ways to search for a mortgage: •    Directly through multiple lenders•    Through a mortgage broker The primary benefit of a broker is the ability to compare rates from multiple lenders, without having to do...

As a business owner, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of your company’s finances at all times. This could lead to a situation in which you recognize the need to borrow money. While there are many ways for a business owner to secure the financing they require, a business credit card is one of the best. There are many reasons for this, including the hundreds of offers and ability to receive an instant approval. A...

Temporary layoffs can happen when you least expect and with no warning from your employer. Worse, you may not know how long the layoff will last and when your pay will start again. Staying on top of your finances can be difficult when there’s a delay in your pay. Here are some tips for staying on track until the layoff is over. Take advantage of your emergency fund. A delay in pay is the exact kind of situation...

In today’s day and age, there aren’t many financial institutions that don’t offer an online banking experience. Customers expect this feature in 2019, and any bank that comes up short will find it difficult to compete. While the option is available to you, it doesn’t mean you’re taking full advantage. You don’t have to rely on the many features of online banking, but once you learn more about them there’s a good chance you’ll fall in...