The average family puts 10-15 percent of its monthly spending toward food, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Agriculture, with most of that food purchased at a supermarket. The amount spent on food is less than the typical amount spent on...
Mortgage rates have been on steady decline in Illinois since the start of 2012 as uncertainty for the future of the Eurozone and questions about the soundness of the U.S. economy have led investors into mortgage bonds in droves, lowering the 30-year fixed rate...
Should you lease a new car, or should you buy one? Like most financial questions, the answer depends on your situation. For some people, leasing a car presents distinct economic advantages. For others, buying a car is the way to go. There's plenty of online material...
Planning to make a late-August purchase closing? Keep an eye on your calendar. The last Friday of this month coincides with Labor Day Weekend, which may make for a complicated, end-of-month closing. If you're planning to close on, or around, August 31, 2012, plan...
Being conscious about your finances and setting goals for your money can help you achieve your dreams at any stage in life. Here are some helpful tips to remember when you are making plans for your money and setting your financial priorities: Identify Your Goals...
If you have some money saved up and want to watch it grow, the world of investing can offer some excellent opportunities. However, it can also be very intimidating as it is very complicated and there is a lot to learn. If you are brand new to the investing scene, you...
If you are like most other average Americans you will have a list of bills that you have to pay every month, such as rent, cable, internet, cell phone, water, electricity and much more. If you were to list each of these monthly expenses in order of importance, which...
You have worked hard for most of your adult life and the day has come that you will retire and enjoy the freedom of your golden years. You might take up a hobby, volunteer, or just enjoy working in your garden and socializing with your friends. If you have been...
So you have reached the point where you have some money in savings that you want to keep for the long term future. However, you realize that putting it in your run of the mill savings account will likely result in its compound interest rates barely keeping up with...
So you’ve gone through the hard work of making a budget, written down your expenses and your income and made a plan for your spending. However, sometimes the hardest part of budgeting is sticking to your plan. You might have the intention of cutting down your...
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