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Advice for conservative investors
Chris Farrell Dec 23, 2011
We have saved some money for a house deposit in 2-3 years. We have a 3.99% mortgage on our current place. Should we invest our down payment for our next house or should we pay off our current mortgage? We are both conservative investors. Tom, Boston, MA
When to get aggressive with the mortgage paydown
Chris Farrell Dec 15, 2011
My question is, if your mortgage rate is higher than what you could expect from investing, wouldn't it make more sense to pay on the mortgage? This is almost the same as the concept of paying off the credit card with the highest rate first. What are your thoughts on this? John, Rapid City, SD
We got an inheritance. Now what?
Chris Farrell Dec 14, 2011
My husband and I recently inherited over $150,000, which is more than enough money to pay off our mortgage OR invest for our retirement. My husband wants to pay off the mortgage, leaving us with very little to invest. I prefer to put the bulk of the money "to work" via a nationally known and reputable financial services group, using a conservative and long-term approach. What do you suggest? Susan, Brookville, IN
The principle of "Pop"
Chris Farrell Dec 2, 2011
How do we deal with an inheritance in an intelligent and fiscally sound manner? Thank you! Steve, Drexel Hill, PA
Stick with low risk
Chris Farrell Nov 21, 2011
Our primary aim is to have a deposit for a house in 3 years. We have saved a reasonable sum of money but did not want it to linger in a current or savings account for 0.75%. We are deciding either investing at low risk or paying off mortgage. We have to sell our current house to buy a new house. My mortgage rate is 4.99%, so after tax rebate it is about 3.99%. Most investing opportunities are giving us about 2% at low risk and 3-5% at medium risk. After tax one would have to take another 1.25% off the return. We would like some advice. Thanks, Tom and Anne, Boston, MA
Inflation hits residential rents hard
Amy Scott Nov 16, 2011
Inflation isn't causing most Americans a problem at this point, but the prices of rental homes and apartments has risen in recent months.
What now?
Chris Farrell Oct 25, 2011
Question: I own shares in a family business and my shares are being purchased. I will be paid approximately $150,000 over the next ten years in...
SplitTheRent.org: Every renter's dream come true
Katharine Crnko Nov 24, 2011
There's no gracious way to equally divide the rent. Inevitably, when sharing accommodations, someone will get the smaller room, the room next t...
MID-DAY UPDATE: Fannie and Freddie, commercial real estate, Jordanian tourism
Katharine Crnko Feb 9, 2011
The Mortgage Bankers Association this morning reported that applications for home mortgages dropped 5.5 percent last week. And the Wall Street...
Use a reel mower.
Angela Kim Jan 5, 2011
If you have a reasonable sized lawn, start using a reel mover. This is what Grandpa would have used and they are quite effective. Needs no gas. No...
