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Investing

Rules of thumb for first-time home buyers

A home purchase is the biggest investment many people will ever make. Though the housing market can fluctuate, prospective homeowners still look at home ownership as a way to secure their financial futures while also putting a roof over their heads.
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Things to consider before investing in a rental property

Real estate has long been considered one of the best investments a person can make. Even though buyer confidence might have waned somewhat in light of the recent economic swoon and its impact on the housing market, many investors still view real estate as a solid investment.
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Financial tips for young professionals

Today's young professionals face a future that's perhaps more puzzling than any generation of young people has encountered in decades. An economic stall that has carried on for half a decade coupled with an uncertain job market has made it difficult to anticipate what lies ahead.
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Did you know?

A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released in May of 2012 indicated that student loan debt is the only form of consumer debt to increase significantly since 2008.
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Simple ways to maximize profits on your investment property

Real estate investors have many reasons for making such investments, but one of the more common motives behind a decision to invest in a property is the belief that real estate rarely depreciates in value. Though the recent housing crisis might have debunked that myth once and for all, real estate is still widely considered a sound investment, one that many people wish they could afford to make.
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What to do with your retirement account before the next economic downturn

A struggling economy can have both instant and longterm consequences. When the economy is suffering, consumers tend to spend less in the short term while making financial decisions that affect them over the long haul.

One of the biggest quandaries men and women face during a recession or economic downturn is how to approach their retirement accounts, most notably a 401(k). When the economy begins to struggle, men and women may notice their 401(k) plans are struggling right along with it, losing money that most were counting for their retirements. This can induce a certain degree of panic, as account holders worry about their financial futures and how they are going to get by should the recession last and their retirement accounts continue to shrink.
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Create your own 'on a budget' group

High prices at stores coupled with lower wages have encouraged enterprising people to create new ways to shop for less. The rise of swap and sell groups on social media sites and neighborhood initiatives is enabling many consumers to buy what they need at discounted costs.
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