In a nutshell FHA loans are mortgages insured by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and these loans have more flexible qualification requirements than conventional mortgages. Down payments may be as low as 3.5% with an FHA loan. Borrowers with credit scores of 500 could qualify. Upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) are required. … Read more

In a nutshell If you’re in the market for a mortgage, you might consider a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans have looser requirements than conventional mortgages, making them easier to qualify for — even with a lower credit score and smaller down payment amount. Your down payment can be as … Read more

In a nutshell Looking for a personal loan when your credit isn’t stellar isn’t easy. LendingClub makes it accessible for borrowers with fair-to-average credit to gain access to financing. LendingClub’s minimum required credit score is 600. LendingClub lets you change your payment due date, which can help you stay on top of your payments. LendingClub … Read more

In a nutshell Federal student loans provide help for families looking to cover the cost of higher education. On average, tuition is $29,150 per year for public four-year, out-of-state schools, according to data from educational nonprofit College Board. That figure jumps to $41,540 for private schools. Like scholarships and grants, federal student loans are a way … Read more

In a nutshell A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a second mortgage that enables you to borrow money from the equity you’ve built in your home. HELOCs generally offer lower interest rates than personal loans and credit cards. A HELOC lender may let you borrow up to 85% of your home’s value, minus … Read more

Qualifying for a personal loan can be difficult if you have poor credit or a short credit history. But it’s possible to find loan providers that have flexible lending criteria and offer a good product. Bad credit loans are available for borrowers with no credit, fair credit or poor credit. These loan providers often have … Read more

In a nutshell Collision insurance is part of a car insurance policy. If your car is damaged in an accident in which you’re at fault, your collision coverage will help pay to repair or replace it. Collision is not mandatory coverage under the law. If you finance your car with a loan or lease, your … Read more

In a nutshell Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that provides a way for you to protect your house, which is likely your most valuable asset. Homeowners insurance is like other kinds of insurance in that you pay premiums for coverage, and in case you need to file a claim, you may pay … Read more

In a nutshell Pet insurance may be a good investment for those who frequently use expensive pet health services, but your mileage will vary. Pet insurance plans range in cost and coverage, but you can generally expect to pay $56.30/month or $675.61/year for dogs, and $31.94/month or $383.30/year for cats. Pet health policies can ease … Read more

In a nutshell There are dozens of auto insurers around the country ready to cover you in case of an accident or other damage. However, just ten auto insurers make up most of the market. Here’s what you should know when comparing the biggest car insurance companies to decide the right one for you. Car … Read more