What Are Series HH Savings Bonds?

Key Takeaways Series HH savings bonds were a type of Treasury bond that directly deposited interest payments into an investor’s account. These bonds matured after 20 years and paid interest every six months, but investors could cash in their bonds for the full face value at any time after a required holding period. This bond … Read more

Leveraged ETFs: What Are They?

A leveraged exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of financial product designed to track an underlying index at higher rates of return. It can offer returns as high as 2-3 times the returns of a traditional ETF, but that also makes it a riskier investment option. Leveraged ETFs are quickly becoming one of the most … Read more

What Is Title Insurance?

Key Takeaways Title insurance can protect both buyers and lenders from financial losses that may occur after a home sale. Lenders require borrowers to purchase title insurance to help protect their investment. A homebuyer must purchase separate owner’s title insurance to protect their legal rights to a property. Your title insurance company will handle future … Read more

High-Value Home Insurance: What Is It?

Definition and Examples of High-Value Home Insurance High-value home insurance is a type of homeowners insurance that is designed for homes with high market value. A high-value home is defined as property worth $750,000 or more. Homes that fall into this group might include heritage homes, or homes with special architectural or interior design elements. … Read more

What Is Loan/Lease Payoff Insurance?

Key Takeaways Loan/lease payoff insurance will pay up to 25% of your vehicle’s current cash value after your insurance company has paid you if the vehicle is stolen or totaled. Your insurer must declare the vehicle a total loss. You can usually add loan/lease payoff coverage to your auto insurance coverage at any time. There’s … Read more

What Is Bad Credit?

Key Takeaways A consumer with bad credit is considered a risky borrower, usually due to owing large amounts of money or having a history of unpaid bills and debts. Having bad credit can make it hard to get a credit card, mortgage, car loans, rental approval, or even a job. Bad credit is usually seen … Read more

What Is an Enhanced Life Estate Deed?

Key Takeaways An enhanced life estate deed transfers ownership of property after the owner’s death without the necessity for probate. The owner retains control of the property after the deed is in place and during their lifetime, unlike with standard life estate deeds. Enhanced life estate deeds were recognized by only five states as of … Read more

Best Ways To Use a HELOC

If you’re looking for flexible funding, you can tap into your home equity with a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that uses your home as collateral. Using a HELOC can be risky, so homeowners typically use them for major life expenses, not daily expenses. Let’s learn … Read more

5 Types of Mortgage Loans

If you’re like most people, you’ll need to take out a mortgage to buy a home. According to the US Census Bureau, 94% of people who bought a home in 2021 purchased it with a mortgage. When you start shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are lots of different types of … Read more