Carnivals for the Week ...

Here are some of the carnivals Free Money Finance was in this week: Cavalcade of Risk Carnival of Personal Finance Enjoy! P.S. Carnival Hosts — If my post is in your carnival in a given week, please send me the URL to the carnival and I will include it in my weekly roundup....

Reader Profile: BG...

The following is the latest post in my “Reader Profiles” series. Each post in this series details the financial situation and challenges of an FMF reader. The purpose of this series is to help us all identify with people like us (in similar situations — not all will be,...

Is My House an Investme...

The following is a guest post from Marotta Wealth Management . Just because something costs a lot doesn’t mean it is an investment. An investment is something that pays you money. For most families the largest purchase they make will be their house. It is crucial to understand how...

Help a Reader: How to P...

Here’s an email I recently received from a reader: My husband and I both work full-time and make a good living.  I am an attorney at a large law firm and he is a real estate entrepreneur.  We have a new baby.  We’ve agreed to split our living expenses 50/50 and do whatever we...

Would You Live in a Ren...

Imagine walking through your front door into a room the size of a cathedral. Tall, gorgeously designed stained glass windows allow endless rays of light to enter. The ceilings soar overhead. The ancient stone walls could tell you stories of the thousands of people who walked, laughed,...

Reader Profile: KM...

The following is the latest post in my “Reader Profiles” series. Each post in this series details the financial situation and challenges of an FMF reader. The purpose of this series is to help us all identify with people like us (in similar situations — not all will be,...

Help a Reader: Dealing ...

Here’s an email I recently received from a reader: My wife and I got married last fall and we both were fortunate/unfortunate to be homeowners.  I’m 32 and my wife is 28 and while we both bought homes before we met which were perfect for our situations, obviously things have...

When Should I Refinance...

Refinancing your mortgage can be a money-saving move, but not in every situation. Since there are costs associated with all refinances, sometimes getting a lower interest rate can actually be more expensive than keeping your current loan. Plus, sifting through all those lender offers...

Developing a Side Gig...

I love stories of people who develop side businesses in addition to their regular jobs. The story of how they did it is usually fascinating and I always end up admiring their determination to build something in their “spare time.” So I had to share this piece from US News...

Beware of the Mortgage ...

Applying for a mortgage can be tricky. There are many things to consider, including something known as a prepayment penalty. A loan with a prepayment penalty may also come with a lower rate and so can seem more attractive. However, the prepayment penalty will hurt you if you want to...