Freedom First Advice Center

Choosing to purchase a used vehicle today is an excellent financial move. Not only will you benefit from the lower price tag, but most dealerships offer certified preowned vehicle programs. That means the car you buy will undergo rigorous testing and often comes backed by a manufacturer or dealership warranty.

Buying a reliable car at an affordable price is a win-win for you and your wallet. But did you know other factors can affect the total cost of your used car?

Let’s explore the additional costs of preowned vehicles and how you can reduce how much you pay.

Building wealth and achieving financial freedom stem from your ability to save money. Or better put, from spending less than you make. This holds true regardless of how much you earn. It’s not uncommon to hear about celebrities who earned millions of dollars, filing for bankruptcy later in life. You’ll also hear stories of couples earning modest incomes who go on to retire as millionaires.

The best way to ensure you’re saving regularly is through budgeting. Not only does it help you end the month with money left over, but it allows you to identify expenses you can cut to free up additional funds.

Put your budget to work for you by reviewing six common mistakes people make when budgeting – and learn how to avoid them.

We all have them. We know they cost a small fortune. Yet, instead of canceling subscriptions, we find ourselves subscribing to even more. Businesses across all industries have found creative ways to cash in on this profitable business model – and consumers can’t resist clicking “subscribe.”

While you and your wallet know it’s time to break up with some of your subscriptions, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. The following guide will shed light on the financial toll these monthly fees take on your budget – and walk you through how to regain your hard-earned money. But first, let’s look at how subscriptions took over our lives and wallets.

Buying your first car is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. It’s a big decision that will impact your finances for the next several years. As a first-time buyer, you want to know you’re making the right choice and not being taken advantage of by the dealership.

If you have a parent or friend to help in the process, that’s great. If you’re going it alone, use the following guide to become familiar with the steps necessary for a fun and positive car-buying experience.

Identity theft is a serious crime that can have detrimental consequences on your finances and credit score. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize their personal information was stolen until weeks or months later. So, whether you fell prey to a scam or were a victim of a data breach, it’s crucial you act swiftly.

Use the following seven steps to get your finances back under your control and prevent further damage to your credit score.

Much of your twenties is spent figuring out who you are and where you’re going in life. As you progress into your thirties, more pieces of that puzzle begin to fall into place. Perhaps you’re planning to get married or start a family. Maybe specific career goals are on your mind. Regardless, it’s often a period of significant personal growth.

Achieving many of these milestones also takes preparation. And your financial situation will often play a critical role. Building a solid financial foundation should be a priority as it will pave the way for what’s next in life.

Use the following eight tips to strengthen your financial position and lay the groundwork for the goals you hope to achieve.

The housing market always goes through its ups and downs. During the pandemic, homeowners and homebuyers alike were able to benefit from record-low interest rates. Now, as inflation continues to soar and the Federal Reserve raises rates to offset the climb, the market is cooling down.

The combination of higher home prices and rising interest rates are forcing many would-be homebuyers out of the market. While conventional fixed-rate mortgages reign king during periods of low rates, other home loan options shine in uncertain markets. One of these loans is an adjustable-rate mortgage or ARM.

With the ability to lock in lower introductory rates, ARMs are making a comeback. Is an adjustable-rate mortgage the right solution for you?

Deciding to purchase a home is exciting and a bit nerve-racking. It’s a big decision that can impact your life and finances for years to come. But it also provides the opportunity to improve your home life and build equity in the property.

One of the most common questions prospective buyers ask is, how much cash is needed upfront? While a first mortgage will handle most of your financing needs, it’s these initial costs that keep homeownership at bay for so many.

The following guide outlines the upfront and ongoing costs prospective homeowners should prepare to cover as they progress through the homebuying process.

Receiving a tax refund is exciting and can give you a much-needed financial boost. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just free cash. Your tax refund is essentially money you lent to the government, which is now being returned to you. So, it’s in your best interest to use this money wisely.

How can you spend this money so that it helps improve your financial position? The answer to that question will largely depend on your age. The following suggestions explain how to effectively use your tax refund based on your current life stage.

It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about money. Responsible money management is a vital skill they will carry throughout their lives. However, the subject isn’t always the most entertaining, especially for younger children. Many find it dull or have difficulty understanding the concepts.

Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging ways to educate your child about money. All it takes is a little time and some creativity.