Diana Hobler

Oct 10, 2024 | marketwatch.com | Diana Hobler |David Gregory

Buying a home is an exciting yet stressful process, especially when the housing market is a seller’s market, meaning demand far exceeds supply. According to the National Association of Realtors’ August 2024 Realtors Confidence Index Survey, 26% of buyers had all-cash sales. All-cash offers are common in a seller’s market, and it can be frustrating when you feel like your offer isn’t competitive because you don’t have the cash upfront to finance your new home purchase.

Feb 14, 2024 | marketwatch.com | Diana Hobler |David Gregory

A HELOC is a secured loan that uses your home equity as collateral. The equity in your home is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and the appraised value of your home. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card, that homeowners can draw on as needed. Your credit limit on a HELOC is determined by the lender. You can access your line of credit in your HELOC during the draw period, which typically lasts for a set term.

Jan 28, 2024 | collectionadvisor.com | Diana Hobler

Payday loans represent a risky form of borrowing that we recommend you stay away from. They are usually issued for small amounts, commonly $500 or less. Many states set limits on their size. Depending on your state laws, payday loans are available through either storefront payday lenders or online. These loans usually need to be repaid by your next payday, typically two to four weeks from the date the lender issued the loan.

Jan 23, 2024 | marketwatch.com | Diana Hobler |Jen Hubley Luckwaldt

Some people turn to payday loans if they’re short on cash or need to fund an emergency, but these loans can be challenging to pay back — with serious consequences if you don’t repay. This guide highlights what happens if you don’t pay back a payday loan, the steps you can take if you fall behind and how to break the payday loan cycle. Related Resources Best Personal Loans Best Personal Loan Rates What Is a Payday Loan and How Does It Work?

Jan 22, 2024 | marketwatch.com | Diana Hobler |David Gregory

Personal loans can be a financial lifeline when you need access to cash for expenses or emergencies, but it’s important to protect yourself from scammers when you’re looking to borrow money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers lost almost $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, up more than 30% from the previous year. This figure includes consumers who lost money to scams in the lending industry.