<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/save-for-house-or-pay-off-debt"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Woman working on laptop at home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/save_for_house_or_pay_off_debt_2x.jpg?1643320748" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/save-for-house-or-pay-off-debt">Should You Save for a House or Pay Off Debt?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">It can be difficult to choose between saving for a house and paying off debt. The good news is that you can do both as long as you create a plan that works for you. Here's some guidance for achieving these financial goals. </p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/50-30-20-budget-rule"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Couple reviewing budget in living room" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/what_is_50-30-20_rule_2x.jpg?1631918736" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/50-30-20-budget-rule">What is the 50/30/20 Rule?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">The 50/30/20 budget strategy allocates 50% of your income toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. Learn more about this financial plan and whether it's a sensible option for you.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/what-is-the-fire-movement"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Man focusing on computer in office" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/what_is_the_fire_movement_2x.jpg?1623861031" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/what-is-the-fire-movement">What is the FIRE Movement?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">You might consider the FIRE movement if you're hoping to retire early. Learn more about this program and how else you might be able to achieve financial independence at a younger age.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/save-for-a-house"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Happy family laughing and playing at home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/easy_ways_to_save_for_a_house_2x.jpg?1615500150" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/save-for-a-house">Easy Ways to Save for a House</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Saving for a house can often seem like an impossible task. But there are numerous ways to reduce your spending and boost your income. Continue reading for tips on putting away funds for your dream home.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/protecting-your-finances"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Happy couple looking at laptop in kitchen" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/protecting_your_finances_in_2021_2x.jpg?1613512186" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/protecting-your-finances">5 Tips for Protecting Your Finances</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">There's no question that the pandemic brought a lot of uncertainty. It reminded us to always value our health and finances because life can change in an instant. Here are a few ways to safeguard your assets this year.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/how-to-set-financial-goals"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Two people on top of mountain" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/how_to_set_financial_goals_2x.jpg?1608590051" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/how-to-set-financial-goals">How to Set Financial Goals and Achieve Them</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Ready to take control of your money for good? Then it's important to have the right plan in place. Learn more about financial goals, their potential impact on your life, and tips for setting one.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/savings-by-age"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Family putting money into piggy bank" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/savings_by_age_2x.jpg?1604613961" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/savings-by-age">How Much Should You Have in Savings by Age?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">In order to put yourself in a good position financially, you must spend your working years increasing your emergency and retirement savings accounts. Continue reading to see how much you should have saved at certain ages.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/saving-money-in-retirement"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Retired couple holding hands while walking on the beach" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/guide_to_saving_money_in_retirement_2x.jpg?1599688570" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/saving-money-in-retirement">Guide to Saving Money in Retirement</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">It's pretty much impossible to retire without first putting money away while you work. Yet many retirees struggle to save once they reach their golden years. Here are a few tips worth considering as you approach this next chapter of your life.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/how-to-make-a-monthly-budget"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Couple making a budget while sitting on couch" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/how_to_make_a_monthly_budget_2x.jpg?1598304436" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/how-to-make-a-monthly-budget">How to Make a Monthly Budget</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Everyone needs a plan for their money and a budget is just that. Continue reading for tips on how to make a monthly budget, regardless of your income.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/budgeting-tips-for-new-homeowners"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Person showing $100 bills" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/budgeting_tips_for_new_homeowners_2x.jpg?1590190415" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/budgeting-tips-for-new-homeowners">8 Budgeting Tips for New Homeowners</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Every new homeowner needs a budget. After all, having a financial plan can help you pay for everything from appliances to repairs. Read this article for tips on how to stay in control of your funds after closing on a house.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/stimulus-checks-coronavirus"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Coronavirus stimulus checks" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/coronavirus_stimulus_checks_2x.jpg?1585948760" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/stimulus-checks-coronavirus">Stimulus Checks: When You’ll Get Yours and What to Do With It</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">It won't be long until Americans start receiving their stimulus checks. So when can you expect your payment and how should you use it? Continue reading for must-know information regarding this coronavirus aid.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/choose-home-inspector"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Home inspection report with keys and flashlight" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/home_inspection_AFC.jpg?1572630265" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/choose-home-inspector">How to Choose a Home Inspector: What to Look For</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">After months of searching, you finally found your dream home. But before putting in an offer and planning the housewarming party, we suggest getting a professional home inspection. Here are some tips for hiring a local home inspector.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/cost-to-paint-home"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Family painting the interior of their home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/paint2x.jpg.jpg?1552944304" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/cost-to-paint-home">How Much Does it Cost to Paint My Home Interior &amp; Exterior?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Hire a professional painter or do it yourself? The overall cost to paint a home includes more than just the price of paint. Know how to budget and what your options are before you begin.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/silent-second-mortgage"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Homes in a neighborhood" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/silent-second-mortgage-neighborhood_2x.jpg?1544561146" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/silent-second-mortgage">Silent Second Mortgages: Benefits, Risks, &amp; How They Work</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">When used as down payment assistance, second mortgages may carry a zero or low-interest rate; or interest may be deferred for a certain amount of time. This means that the borrower can focus their effort and resources in paying off the original loan first while the secondary loan remains silent.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/contractor-hiring-interview-questions"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Contractor builder drilling nail" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/contractor-builder-drilling-nail_2x.jpg?1539268512" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/contractor-hiring-interview-questions">12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Getting ready to hire a contractor? Make sure to do your homework homeowners. American Financing lists the top 12 essential questions to ask candidates and tips to help you hire the best contractor</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/shopping-rates-comparing-lenders-guide"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Shopping mortgage rates cart" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/shopping-mortgage-rates-cart_2x.jpg?1533937836" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/shopping-rates-comparing-lenders-guide">Guide to Shopping Interest Rates &amp; Comparing Mortgage Lenders</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Home buying can be tricky. But shopping for interest rates, comparing mortgage lenders, and being patient can literally save you thousands of dollars. Check out our guide to shopping for rates and comparing lenders!</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/umbrella-insurance-for-homeowners-explained"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Umbrellas hanging" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/umbrella-insurance-creative-image_2x.jpg?1526677827" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/umbrella-insurance-for-homeowners-explained">Why Umbrella Policies Are Good for Homeowners</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Umbrella insurance gives you an extra layer of liability protection that can prevent a lawsuit from wiping out your savings, assets, and future income. It can be a lifesaver and is relatively cheap. Learn what an umbrella insurance policy can do for you!</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/home-meal-delivery-services-types"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Home delivery meal service steak and sides" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/delivery-meal-service-dish_2x.jpg?1524081515" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/home-meal-delivery-services-types">Different Types of Meal Delivery Service Options: Dine-in at Home</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Meal kit delivery services have become very popular among individuals and families that either have hectic schedules, recently relocated, or just want to simply cut out most of the prep work. Learn about the different types of meal delivery services and how they vary.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/extra-mortgage-principal-payments"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Woman on couch thinking of extra payments" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/woman-considering-making-extra-mortgage-payments_2x.jpg?1523652896" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/extra-mortgage-principal-payments">Should You Make Extra Mortgage Principal Payments?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Making extra mortgage principal payments has its merits but only in certain circumstances. Learn how and why making extra payments may not be the best choice and get alternative ways to use additional money to reach your homeownership goals.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/mortgage-points-explained"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Skee-ball point game" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/skee-ball-points_2x.jpg?1523050433" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/mortgage-points-explained">Mortgage Points Explained: What They Are &amp; How They Work</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Under the right conditions, purchasing mortgage points when you purchase a home can save you quite a bit of money over the life of the loan. The trick is knowing when to purchase the points and the benefits of doing so.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/credit-score-to-buy-a-house"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Person checking their credit score" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/person-checking-credit-score_2x.jpg?1521056495" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/credit-score-to-buy-a-house">What is a Good Credit Score to Buy a Home?</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Your credit score can make or break the financing of your home. To get the lowest mortgage rate, you need the highest credit score you can get. Find out what lenders consider a "good credit score" and what you can do to improve it!</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/save-more-in-mortgage-interest"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Interest rates card next to calculator" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/mortgage-interest-rates_2x.jpg?1515512176" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/save-more-in-mortgage-interest">5 Ways to Save Thousands in Mortgage Interest </a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">It’s common knowledge that you’re going to pay interest when borrowing money. But, did you know there are ways to pay off mortgage interest sooner? It's true. Let us provide you with some of the easiest and affordable ways to do so.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/budgeting-for-home-with-one-income"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Street view of modern colonial style home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/homeownership-pretty-home_2x.jpg?1515170215" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/budgeting-for-home-with-one-income">Budgeting for Homeownership: Mortgages for One Income Households</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Budgeting for homeownership can seem overwhelming for a couple, let alone for singles that only have their income to work with. Although dual-income homebuyers tend to have a financial advantage, we have budgeting tips for single homebuyers.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/money-management-tips"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Tools to help with money management" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/money-management-financial-tools_2x.jpg?1515619659" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/money-management-tips">Money Management Tips to Achieve Financial Stability</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">As another holiday season comes to an end and a new year upon us, a common goal is to achieve financial stability. Is it as easy as it sounds? That depends on your commitment to succeed. Let’s consider the following tips to get you started.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/who-pays-mortgage-closing-costs"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Couple paying mortgage closing costs with agent holding toy home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/paying-mortgage-closing-costs_2x.jpg?1510352868" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/who-pays-mortgage-closing-costs">Who Pays Closing Costs on a Home Mortgage? Be Prepared to Negotiate</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Finding the home of your dreams is hard enough. Funding the home of your dreams can be just as a difficult. Let this be your roadmap to who pays the closing costs for your new mortgage.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/mortgage-interest-tax-deduction"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Woman reviewing mortgage summary report" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/mortgage-tax-deduction-worksheets_2x.jpg?1510352638" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/mortgage-interest-tax-deduction">Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction: What You Need to Know</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">A major benefit of homeownership is deducting mortgage interest on your taxes. Learn what you can deduct and a bit of history behind the tax code.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/5-tips-for-a-higher-credit-score"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Credit report on desk with 765 score" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/mortgage-credit-score-rate-sheet_2x.jpg?1510352205" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/5-tips-for-a-higher-credit-score">How to Improve Your Mortgage Credit Score</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Lenders use your FICO® (Fair Isaac Corporation) score to determine your credit risk, or ability to repay a loan. The more you understand how much it can affect how lenders see you and what loan terms they offer you, the better prepared you’ll be when it comes time to apply for a mortgage.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li class="article-list__article-list-item">
<a class="article-list-item__teaser-image-link" href="/saving-money/home-downsizing-tips"><img class="article-list-item__teaser-image" alt="Senior couple standing outside retirement home" src="https://cdn.americanfinancing.net/images/gallery/learning-center/tlc_teaser/senior-couple-downsizing-home_2x.jpg?1510353260" />
</a><div class="article-list-item__details">
<a class="article-list-item__title" href="/saving-money/home-downsizing-tips">Downsizing Your House Will Save You More than Money: 6 Tips to Consider</a>
<div class="article-list-item__copy-preview">
<p class="article-tinymce__paragraph">Often times people find themselves living in a home that is simply too large. This can lead you to the question, “should I move into a smaller house?” Whether reasoning is due to your age, space requirements, or the ability to maintain your home, it just might be time to consider a change. We’re here to offer six downsizing home tips to help get you thinking about options.</p>
</div>
</div>
</li>
