nstelmar, Author at MintLife Blog

August Financial Calendar + Checklist

August 1, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

Retirement may feel like a long way off, but it’s important to begin saving for retirement early. The average American predicts they’ll need $1.7 million in savings to live comfortably after leaving the work world. However, most Americans close to...

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Money & Relationships

What is Renters Insurance? Complete Guide to Renters Insurance Coverage

July 13, 2020 (Last Modified: January 14, 2021) / nstelmar

If there’s one thing in life to always bank on, it’s to expect the unexpected. While we like to think we have everything figured out, it’s hard to predict when certain events will occur. Whether it’s an accidental fender bender...

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Money & Relationships

July Financial Checklist + Calendar

July 1, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

Investing in stocks can be a great way to grow your money. However, only a little over half of Americans currently invest in the stock market. Learning how to buy and invest in stocks requires a bit of research and...

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Financial Planning

June Financial To-Do List + Calendar

June 1, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

Life happens, but you can be prepared for the unexpected with an emergency savings fund. These funds are designed to be set aside for unanticipated expenses, such as: Unexpected job loss Unforeseen medical expenses Car repair Family emergencies Emergency funds...

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Financial Planning

May Financial To-Do List + Calendar

May 7, 2020 (Last Modified: January 14, 2021) / nstelmar

We’re coming to the halfway point of the year, and it’s time to take a close look at your credit. Is your score where you want it to be? If not, keep this calendar close at-hand. Our May financial to-do...

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Investing Advice

Real Estate Investment Trusts (How to Invest in REITs)

May 4, 2020 (Last Modified: January 14, 2021) / nstelmar

When you’re just getting started investing — or even if you’ve been at it a little while — it can be hard to wrap your head around all the different kinds of investing tools that exist. The confusion can feel...

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Money & Relationships

April Financial Calendar

April 1, 2020 (Last Modified: January 14, 2021) / nstelmar

Spring is officially in the air, which means it’s time for flowers, warmer weather, and of course, spring cleaning! One way to optimize the goals you set in January, February, and March is to spend a little time organizing and...

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Housing Finances

The Difference Between Pre-Qualified & Pre-Approved

March 18, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

If you’re thinking of buying a home in the near future, you’ve probably started reading up on a lot of the terms related to mortgages. Mortgages are a type of loan you can use to purchase a home. The bank...

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Credit Info

What Affects Your Credit Score?

March 16, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

Credit scores evaluate the likelihood that you’ll repay a loan. They help lenders determine loan qualification, credit limits, and interest rates. The two most common credit-scoring models are FICO and VantageScore. FICO and VantageScore use relatively similar methods, but they...

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Debt

Can Debt Consolidation Help with Payday Loans?

March 12, 2020 (Last Modified: January 13, 2021) / nstelmar

You might’ve heard the term “payday loan” or at least recognize the marketing messages associated with them: “Get Cash Fast!” and “Need Cash Today?” on daytime TV or in print ads. But how much do you know about how payday...

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