Avoiding Foreclosure

How to Refinance During Foreclosure

Finding out that your home is on the cusp of going into foreclosure can feel like the end of the world. But not every notice of foreclosure indicates that you will lose your home. In fact, in some situations, you can seek out refinancing for your...

How to Refinance for Low-Income Families

Losing your job, taking a lower paying position, or struggling to find a decent job puts many families in a financial pinch. A drop in family income also means you may have difficulty refinancing your home. However, when interest rates decrease,...

How Loan Modification Works

When jobs are lost, economic hardships occur, or financial situations change, sometimes paying a mortgage payment can be difficult. Unfortunately, many people in this position end up in foreclosure due to inability to pay their mortgage. To avoid...

The Advantages of Consolidation

Debt consolidation is a process that is characterized by combining different debts into a single one. The different debts can be different types. For example, there could be credit card debts and an automobile loan. Not all debt needs to be...

What Options Are Available Instead of Foreclosure?

Foreclosure on a home occurs when the homeowner has defaulted on the monthly mortgage payments. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, foreclosure affects 1 in every 200 homes. Many people who lose their jobs or have unforeseen expenses...

What Is Loan Foreclosure?

When an individual fails to make the mortgage payments on a house or other real estate property, the bank may initiate foreclosure proceedings. A mortgage is a legally binding contract between the bank and the property owner that stipulates the...

Roth 401(k) Withdrawal Rules

A Roth 401(k) is an employer-offered retirement plan that is similar to a traditional 401(k). Your contributions accumulate tax-free and withdrawals made when you reach age 59 ½ aren't subject to incomes taxes, assuming you've been making...

How Does a Loan Modifcation Work?

If you opted for an adjustable rate mortgage when you purchased your home, the interest rate can adjust upward over time--leaving you with a mortgage payment you can no longer afford. The possibility also exists that changes in your financial...

Definition of Refinancing

Refinancing is the process of replacing your current mortgage with a new mortgage that has different terms. Though there are costs involved and sometimes risks, refinancing can be very beneficial for some people in certain situations. Refinancing...

Family Financial Problems

If you and your family are facing financial problems, you understand how easy it can be to fall behind on your finances. In many cases a financial issue is just temporary caused by an unforeseen bill or temporary lay-off, but losing one paycheck...

About Foreclosing

When homeowners fail to make mortgage payments, banks and mortgage companies can exercise their option to foreclose, or take back the property. During periods of economic decline, homeowners are more likely to find it difficult to pay mortgages....

How to Raise a Credit Score 100 Points

Your credit score is determined by payment history, balances, credit history, available credit and inquiries. A low credit score can prevent you from getting a loan or credit card, but it is possible to raise your credit score and significantly...

Can I Cash Out My 401k While I Am Still Employed?

If you've fallen on hard times and need extra money, cashing out your 401k account may seem like an attractive idea. It's neither a wise nor an easy thing to do, especially if you are still employed by the company managing your 401k plan. Keep in...

What Is a FICO Credit Score?

The FICO credit score is an indication of your creditworthiness. Originated by Fair Isaac Corporation in 1958, the FICO score is derived from a complex statistical analysis of various types of data on your credit report (Reference 1). Ranging from...