smart finance Archives

Choosing A Real Estate Agent

November 14, 2012
David S. Chang

One of the top financial goals people have is purchasing a home. Many people buy a house only once in their lifetime, which is why you want the best representation possible for your needs. This is the first of three articles to help you make smarter decisions in purchasing your first home, an investment property […]

November 7, 2012
David S. Chang

As the end of 2012 approaches, we know you are busy with holidays, family, and travel, but it is also a good time to do some last minute tax planning. Currently, a significant number of tax breaks, collectively known as the Bush-era tax cuts, are due to expire on Dec. 31, meaning taxpayers could have […]

October 24, 2012
David S. Chang

Many people are always on the lookout for the best investment to make money. It may be company stock, a mutual fund, a piece of real estate or maybe a business venture. However, there is one investment that many people overlook, and it is the best investment you can make: yourself! You are your […]

October 17, 2012
David S. Chang

Many of us may have been in a situation where a family member or friend has asked to borrow money. In 2011, 7 percent of homebuyers borrowed from a relative or friend to help purchase a house, and 14 percent of business owners also borrowed from family and friends to help cover costs. Lending money […]

October 14, 2012
David S. Chang

A house is a major investment that will greatly affect your financial future. Before you start shopping, be sure you know how much house you can afford.

September 19, 2012
David S. Chang

401(k) retirement plans were first introduced by Congress in 1978. The name comes from the section (401) and paragraph(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The retirement plans were created to encourage Americans to save more for retirement. Here are some tips and information to take full advantage of the benefits of a 401(k): 401(k) plans […]

September 12, 2012
David S. Chang

One of the most overlooked types of insurance is renter’s insurance. If you are currently renting the place you live in, losing everything to fire, flood, burglary or even a lawsuit can be devastating. Renter’s insurance covers your possessions against these potential problems. Here are some reasons why you should get renter’s insurance and key […]

August 22, 2012
David S. Chang

Do you find that old magazines pile up and eventually get thrown away? There’s a good chance you have a friend or neighbor who is doing the exact same thing. Sharing a magazine subscription with someone will not only save you money, but will also cut down on the amount of trees used!

August 11, 2012
David S. Chang

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” No one wants to think about death, but a little planning can ensure your assets are divided smoothly after you are gone. Make a plan. A will dictates where your assets go when you die. Without it, you will not […]

August 8, 2012
David S. Chang

Over the past few decades the debt of U.S. consumers has increased to more than $2.5 trillion, according to the March 2012 Federal Reserve Statistical Release. This is just consumer debt. If you include mortgages, home equity lines of credit and other real estate debt, that number increases to $13.5 trillion! Debt in general should […]