Personal Finance: Organize, Manage, Research, and Invest Online
The Internet can streamline your ongoing personal finance tasks and keep you informed about changes and opportunities in the financial world that may affect you. There are tools for learning the basics, doing your banking online, and managing your budget, credit, and loans.
Expand All Guide SectionsBasics of personal finance
Money makes the world go round, but leaves many of us in the dark. Understanding the nuances of ... read more »
Financial news sources
The market changes every day. To stay up-to-date on global and private economic conditions, read ... read more »
Online banking tips and tools
It's possible to conduct all your normal bank business from your own computer, 24 hours a day. ... read more »
Personal budgeting
Since your allowance days, you've been on a budget. Then, you had to make tough choices like ... ... read more »
Help calculating and filing your taxes
Nobody likes paying taxes, but being prepared and efficient can save you time, money, and prevent a ... read more »
Getting a mortgage or student loan
Sometimes life costs more than you have in the bank. When the time comes to buy a house or car or pay for college, taking out a loan might be a necessary step. Before you apply for a loan, you will want to research all your options and understand the responsibilities and benefits involved. Not only can the Web supply useful information and help you compare statistics, but you can also apply for a loan online.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many Web sites help you find loans and rates. These sites can be useful, but unless you actually plan to apply for a loan, be sure not to enter any confidential information such as credit card details or your social security number.
- As with online banks accounts, online loans are often available at better rates than you'd find at bricks-and-mortar banks thanks to the very low overhead of such institutions.
- Most of the sites for home loans also provide information and rates on car loans and other types of loans.
- Disclosed fee mortgage brokers are an alternative to the standard mortgage broker that's worth considering. A typical mortgage broker has a financial incentive to squeeze as much money out of a client as possible, by tacking on fees and inflating others where possible. Using a disclosed-fee mortgage broker means you pay one fixed sum, so you can proceed with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you aren't being scammed. For more information about mortgages, see our findingDulcinea Mortgages Web Guide.
- Even if you don't intend to get your car loan online, you can use the Web to research the current rates before you negotiate with a dealer. Armed with a good idea of what a fair rate is, you'll be able to negotiate more effectively.
- If you need a student loan, you have a right to the best deal you can find, and it pays to shop around. In early 2007, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo alleged that at universities across the country, lenders are in cahoots with schools and financial aid officials. Investigations revealed that lenders were bribing officials to encourage their students to borrow from the lender in question. Bribes included kickbacks "based on a percentage of the loans directed to the lenders," paid trips to exclusive resorts, and more. These practices prevent students from getting the most competitive interest rates on their loans. MSNBC has an overview of the allegations.
Dulcinea's Picks
To decide what you can afford ...
CNNMoney.com
links to the "How much house can you afford" calculator. Enter your income, the down payment you can afford, and the anticipated mortgage rate, and the quiz results will tell you how much you can afford to borrow for your new home.
For home loans ...
Lendingtree
is one of the leading online loan services. At Lendingtree, banks compete for loans so every time you apply for a loan, you get four different options. Lendingtree.com also offers comprehensive realty services to help you buy or sell your home.
Eloan.com
enables you to apply for various kinds of loans via the Web site. You can also compare rates, use the site's tools and calculators, or get a credit report. Although the site's specialty is mortgages, Eloan covers most topics in regard to lending. For example, the site has a whole section devoted to helping you pay for your motorcycle.
FannieMae
, also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association, offers a variety of mortgages through a national network of lender partners. The links in the "For Home Buyers and Home Owners" section, found on the left side of the page, towards the bottom, can help you find a mortgage, and find a FannieMae lender partner. There are also a myriad of articles worth reading about the home-buying process.
Mortgagesfirst
is another site that allows you to research and apply for mortgages online. The site has a number of calculators for different kinds of loans so you can determine what the best solution is and how much you'll be paying.
E*trade Financial
is a comprehensive site offering services for many aspects of investment and savings. It has a section devoted to mortgages and home equity where you can apply online for a low-rate loan. In addition to 24-hour online access to your account, E-trade assigns you a mortgage advisor who will be available on the phone.
For student loans ...
SallieMae
is the nation's leading provider of student loans and the Web site describes methods for finding loans, financial services to aid in the process, and lets you set up an online account for loan applications and repayment.
Eloanstudentloan.com
allows you to compare student loan offers and get information about lenders so you can choose the one that fits you best. After you make a comparison, you can also get a loan through the site.
For a payment calculator ...
BankRate.com
's free payment calculator can be used to determine what your loan payments will be and how much you can afford to borrow. All you need is a good idea of what interest rate you're getting. BankRate's calculator can even account for advanced payments, by showing how they will shorten the term of your loan.
Credit and debt
Credit cards and loans are a great convenience, but you need to manage debt carefully. Staying ... read more »
Planning for retirement
With the variability of social security a constant topic of discussion, everyone should be aware of ... read more »
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
