For the past 39 months, student loan borrowers enjoyed a grace period where no principal payments on their loans were required, and interest was not accruing. Unfortunately for these borrowers, this grace period is coming to an end. As of September 2023, student loan borrowers will no longer be granted a grace period where principal […]
Have you ever thought about what would happen if you lost everything in your home? A few years back, a friend experienced a devastating electrical fire that destroyed their home and all their belongings. Everything was lost, from furniture and china to electronics and family photos. Would any of us be able to recall everything […]
As summer approaches, it’s important to think about the potential risks associated with water sports and other recreational activities. While we previously discussed the importance of homeowners insurance, it’s also crucial to remember the value of watercraft insurance. Many people overlook this type of coverage, but it can be essential in protecting your finances in […]
Although cyber security issues and digital crime rates are rising, traditional mail fraud is also experiencing a surge. While it used to be limited to specific regions, mail fraud is now becoming more common across northern Alabama, especially in Birmingham. If you become a victim of mail fraud, recovering your losses can be difficult and […]
By The Welch Group Having a good understanding of personal finance is crucial to experiencing financial freedom and success. The sad truth is that financial literacy is not typically taught in schools or families, leaving individuals responsible for learning about and implementing sound financial habits throughout their lives, from their first post-college job to retirement. […]
In recent years, the expenses related to home construction have significantly increased due to various factors such as the post-Covid stimulus demand and low interest rates. While this may not concern homeowners who are not intending to enhance, expand, or build a new home, individuals with insufficient homeowner’s insurance policies are at risk of being […]
Are you aware of the recent changes to mortgage fees by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)? Effective May 1st, new rules by the FHFA have adjusted fees to favor lower-income and credit-score individuals, while higher-income and credit-score individuals may experience higher fees. The FHFA oversees both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two organizations […]
You have probably heard rumblings about the ongoing banking crisis across America. Silicon Valley Bank was the first domino to fall on March 10th of this year. Two days later, Signature Bank of New York was closed. Then on May 1st, First Republic Bank of San Francisco was taken over by JPMorgan Chase Bank. Bad […]
Last year the stock market was down over 18%. So far this year, stocks are up about 8%, but we face potential headwinds of a recession. Is now a good time to invest? To best answer this question requires a quick review of the stock market’s history. In the short term, the stock market can […]
Following the Bretton Woods agreement post World War II, and the agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia in the 1970s to trade oil in US dollars, the US dollar stood alone as the preeminent global currency for almost 80 years. While the United States continues to enjoy this status, concerns are increasing around […]