A look at some of the best free investment advisors
finance

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Read More
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
finance

Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Read More
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
finance

Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
Read More

Latest Articles

View all
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
finance

Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
finance

Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
finance

All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
finance

5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.

Must Read

5 easy steps to make a successful VA loan application
finance

5 easy steps to make a successful VA loan application

Veterans or those on active duty can avail of VA loans for any financing purposes. The federal government guarantees these loans. However, to get them, there are specific steps to be followed for successful application. These steps include everything from looking for the best VA loan lenders to maintaining a stable credit score. Here are a few easy steps to make a successful loan application for veterans. 1. Get preapproval for the VA loan With preapproval, you can determine your budget. This process involves telling your VA loan lender about your homebuying goals, employment history, and military service. Some documents required during this process include copies of your driver’s license, DD-214 or Guard/Reserve points statements, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. 2. Look for VA-approved loan lenders Always shop for a lender who is an active participant in the VA loan program. The best VA loan lenders would offer several options and deals. The deals generally differ based on discount points, interest rates, and VA closing costs. If you face any difficulty, a loan officer can help you find the right VA loan lender. 3. Get an eligibility certificate A certificate of eligibility or COE is proof that you have met all the eligibility criteria for the VA loan.
5 reasons to get commercial vehicle insurance
finance

5 reasons to get commercial vehicle insurance

Insurance helps cover unexpected costs and liabilities that may incur in the future. Investing in a decent insurance policy also protects your assets, be it rental or owned. If you are a business owner and own or rent vehicles that transport goods and consumables, you must invest in commercial vehicle insurance for the following reasons. There are several monetary benefits, some that also save tax in the long run. Some of them are mentioned below: Get additional cover Your regular auto insurance may not cover all costs that arise out of accidents or personal injury involving commercial vehicles. Also, most personal auto insurance policies are not valid for liabilities accrued out of vehicles used for business purposes. This is where commercial truck insurance will provide customized, comprehensive insurance suited to your business needs. Follow regulations The law in many states requires business owners to get a commercial vehicle insurance policy. The insurance is mandatory if your business transports goods and hauls heavy-duty equipment. Even if your company provides service from a vehicle, your auto insurance policy will not cover the liabilities. Any business, partnership, or corporation that owns vehicles for commercial use must buy this additional cover. Customized coverage One of the main advantages of buying commercial insurance is that you get custom cover for specific damage, repairs, or the replacement of certain parts.
Know the basics of VA streamline refinancing
finance

Know the basics of VA streamline refinancing

Veterans and military families can opt for refinancing offers that give homeowners an option to reduce the ongoing interest rate. VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as VA Streamline, is the simplest refinance option, which involves minimal paperwork and overhead costs. However, despite the substantial benefits every scheme is different, and it must be thoroughly discussed with an expert. What are the benefits of IRRRL? The interest rates will be fixed, contrarily to how they usually fluctuate depending on the market rate. Additionally, there’s the benefit of monthly payment savings once a family signs up for VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. While the VA borrowers are entitled to 0.5 percent funding fee, that too can be waived off under certain conditions. If the veteran develops a disability due to their service, and is not compensated nor given retirement, the family surviving them are entitled to this benefit. How does IRRRL affect the year term? With the help of this VA IRRRL the term year of a loan can be adjusted. If your term loan is of 30 years, one can bring down the term to 15 years. However, the monthly payments will be increased. So, it’s recommended that one must calculate the monthly payment and the interest cost over 20 years to understand what’s a better choice.
4 reasons for mortgage refinancing
finance

4 reasons for mortgage refinancing

If mortgage refinancing (mtg refi) rates today are low, many homeowners will rush to refinance their mortgages. It is quite appealing to opt for mortgage refinancing when one can secure a lower rate. This often helps in lowering monthly payments. In addition, refinancing helps pay off the mortgage quicker; some even cash out the equity on their home. Here are few reasons why one should consider mortgage refinancing: Get a lower interest rate If mtg refi rates are low, getting a mortgage refinancing makes complete sense. This is because the interest rate on the existing mortgage will get lower. There can be a saving of nearly 1 to 2 percent. With lower interest rates through refinancing, one can save money. Moreover, there will be an increase in the rate of building equity on the house. In addition, monthly payments will become lower. It is usually recommended to opt for refinancing when the interest rate can be lowered by a minimum of 2 percent. Reduce the loan term Whenever mtg refi rates fall, homeowners can take the opportunity to get a shorter loan term on an existing loan. However, there won’t be much change in the monthly payments in such cases.
4 apps you can use as a side hustle to earn quick cash
finance

4 apps you can use as a side hustle to earn quick cash

Earning a few quick bucks apart from your primary source of income is always helpful. Whether for selling used items or a side hustle, the internet is brimming with websites and apps that let you make money. However, many of these are not as legitimate as they appear. So, if you want to earn cash with apps, here are the best options. Swagbucks This app has an A rating with Better Business Bureau and more than 10 million active users worldwide. It is one of the best apps that lets you earn cash quickly. Swagbucks offers $10 to new users as a welcome bonus. Besides, it is easy to use; all you need to do is watch videos, play games, or take part in search surveys, and the company will deposit the amount in your PayPal account. Swagbucks also gives you the option to redeem the money and use it as a gift card on shopping websites. Dosh If you are an avid shopper and want to earn cash with apps, Dosh is one of the best options for you. Available on both Android and iOS, Dosh lets you make money every time you use your card for shopping online or at walk-in stores.
5 trusted websites to make money online
finance

5 trusted websites to make money online

Making money online has never been easier! The ever-expanding online world is swamped with legit opportunities that’ll help add some extra bucks to your bank from the comfort of your home. And, the best part is that you don’t always need to have certain skills or qualifications to earn money. Don’t believe us? We’ve compiled a list of trustworthy websites that can help you make money online. Try them! Swagbucks If you have a hard time trusting online survey sites, you likely haven’t tried Swagbucks. It is one of the most popular and legitimate websites that will pay you for everything from filling out surveys to watching videos to shopping online. You will receive your earnings in the form of gift cards from top retailers like Amazon and Walmart or cash back from PayPal. Upwork Interested in taking up some freelance work? Consider creating an account on Upwork. It’s the world’s largest online marketplace to find great clients and grow your independent career. Regardless of what skill you have, be it writing, video editing, software development, graphic designing, or marketing, you can find work in no time. ThredUp If you’re looking for motivation to clean up your closet, then check out ThredUp.
Gold and silver – 5 ways to invest
finance

Gold and silver – 5 ways to invest

When we think of precious metals, gold and silver are two names that come first to the mind. Seasoned investors usually put their capital in these two metals to safeguard against the volatile stock market and inflation. Even central banks and other government entities choose to invest in precious metals. The US government is the largest investor of gold stocks in the world. But finding the best place to buy silver and gold may be difficult for beginners. Let’s take a look a the different modes of investment for these two precious metals. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) There are many ETFs in the market. You can buy gold and silver from the stock market, just like any regular stock. Since the supply of mines is outweighed by hoarded supply in gold, its prices will only fall when hoarders sell and vice-versa. Beginners should start by looking into iShares Gold and Silver Trusts. Bullion Traditional buyers usually prefer to buy gold and silver coins in their physical form. The best place to buy silver and gold bullion coins is the US mint, or you can contact any local coin supplier. The American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand contain certain proportions of gold depending on the currency value.
A 3-step guide to selling a timeshare
finance

A 3-step guide to selling a timeshare

A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe. 1. Determine the value Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it.

Featured Articles

4 services Medicare does not cover
finance

4 services Medicare does not cover

Medicare is a health insurance program issued by the government. The program covers people aged 65 or older, certain people with disabilities, and patients with end-stage renal diseases. It encompasses several plans and is divided into four parts with certain services – A, B, C, and D. Out of these, Part A is free for those who’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years, but the others have to pay a premium. Even though the program is helpful for many, some Medicare plans are complicated in terms of coverage. This makes it difficult to understand. They might cover various aspects of health care, but many conditions are not covered as well, some of which include: Dental care Medicare plans may cover basic health care services and X-rays, but they have a limit of $1,500 annually. Medicare plans may not cover routine dental checkups and treatment of certain dental services. They also do not cover dentures and fillings. However, in the case of emergency hospitalization, patients can use Part A to pay off certain dental services. Long-term hospitalization Usually, all Medicare plans cover up to 90 days of hospitalization. The benefit period begins on the first inpatient day at a hospital or nursing facility and ends when inpatient care isn’t received for more than 60 days.
6 mistakes to avoid when filing tax returns
finance

6 mistakes to avoid when filing tax returns

As the end of the financial year closes in, many people find themselves scrambling to file income tax returns in time this year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines for ensuring a smooth and quick tax filing process. The last thing you want is a notification from the IRS citing an issue with the income tax return submission. So, here are six mistakes to avoid when filing your income tax return: Filing returns prematurely You might receive documentation regarding your current financial status, and this information has to be updated with the IRS. Filing prematurely can result in mistakes like omissions that only delay the processing of returns. Choosing the wrong form or filing status The IRS issues several forms for individuals, businesses, commercial establishments, and government entities to file returns. Ensure you choose the correct form and update the filing status on the official website. If there are dependents in the house or you are filing for a joint return, your filing status can vary accordingly. Making calculation errors Adding the wrong amount, excluding critical tax breaks, or even making mathematical errors while computing your income tax return are issues that IRS software can detect. However, miscalculating the return can delay the process.
4 mistakes to avoid when filing for tax refunds
finance

4 mistakes to avoid when filing for tax refunds

The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, is the governing authority that processes tax returns filed by individuals and businesses and issues refunds. The IRS has issued sizeable refunds worth thousands of dollars in recent years. Individuals can use the money to meet daily expenses and pay pending bills. But to be eligible for prompt refunds, here are some common mistakes you should avoid while filing your tax returns this year. Updating the wrong filing status The IRS lets you file as a single taxpayer, a married taxpayer filing jointly/separately, a qualifying widow/widower, or a sole head of the household. Entering this information correctly is critical while updating the return. Filing under the wrong section can delay processing and refunds. You might even be subject to penalties if there are errors in the calculation. Not reporting all taxable income Salaried employees working for an organization should properly mention any income subject to taxes on Form W-2. Freelancers can report their income using Form 1099. Different kinds of employment and earnings are subject to different tax slabs. The bottom line is that you should never underreport your earned income in the said financial year. If the IRS notes discrepancies, it can order an audit that will lead to subsequent penalties and interest.
4 common mistakes to avoid when applying for home loans
finance

4 common mistakes to avoid when applying for home loans

Buying a house is a big step, no doubt. Since it is a long-term and expensive investment, it requires proper planning and analysis. One should only take out loans after careful research to ensure financial stability. As applying for loans is time-consuming, rushing through paperwork can lead to negative results. One can avoid most such mistakes with better planning and execution. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when seeking a home loan. Not monitoring credit score Maintaining a healthy credit score before applying for any loan is important. Poor credit or a bad repayment history will lower the score, disqualifying the borrower from beneficial home loan schemes. A credit score of 700 or more can qualify for preferred loan terms and options from the best banks. If the score falls behind 700, take care of any prior settlements or written-offs by paying them back to establish a good record. Making these changes may take time, so always plan before applying for the loan. Overestimating the repayment capacity When estimating their repayment capacity, people frequently ignore their monthly expenses. Financial difficulties may arise from high monthly expenses and a loan with a high EMI. It is advised that EMI payments should not exceed 30-40% of one’s salary.

Top Articles

Common mistakes to avoid when buying travel insurance
finance

Common mistakes to avoid when buying travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential financial cover that protects one from unforeseen circumstances while traveling. From losing luggage to hotel cancellations, there are a few incidents against which insurance can be claimed. But before opting for one, it is important to thoroughly understand the policy document, including what is covered in the insurance and what is not. Here are a few common travel insurance mistakes that travelers can easily avoid. Ignoring credit card perks Several credit card companies offer travel insurance benefits to card holders. If you purchase a ticket using the card, you may be eligible for insurance. Credit card-based travel coverage may include claims against delayed, lost, or damaged baggage; trip cancellation or interruption; medical emergencies; evacuation; travel mishaps; or rental car insurance. With these advantages, frequent travelers might not need to get additional insurance. Not reading the details of the insurance Most travel insurance policies have a “cancel for any reason” provision. However, the requirement for this is often overlooked. The “cancel for any reason” coverage often has to be bought 7 to 21 days after paying the original trip deposit. Additionally, one can only receive compensation if they cancel their trip 48 hours in advance. Depending on one’s level of insurance, the reimbursement amount may vary.
Top 10 overlooked tax deductions
finance

Top 10 overlooked tax deductions

In the rush of filing taxes, it can be easy to overlook deductions that could help you save money. Tax deductions are expenses you can subtract from your taxable income. Knowing which expenses can be claimed as deductions is the key to limiting the hard-earned money you owe the government. From student loan interest payments to health expenses, here are some of the most overlooked tax deductions you should know: How do deductions work? Tax deductions lower the amount of tax you owe. A standard tax deduction—a single deduction of a fixed amount—is determined by your filing status: single, married, head of household, or filing jointly. You can claim the standard deduction without providing additional documentation or expense receipts. In contrast, itemized deductions are specific expenses you can deduct from your taxable income, such as clinical expenses, charitable contributions, and mortgage interest. Most overlooked tax deductions Job hunting expenses If you are looking for a new job in your existing field, you may be able to deduct expenses such as those incurred in resume preparation, traveling for interviews, and career counseling services. Charitable contributions Many know that cash donations to charity can be claimed as deductions but often overlook non-cash contributions like clothing or household items.
Best side hustle ideas to check out in 2023
finance

Best side hustle ideas to check out in 2023

The goal of a side hustle is to earn extra money to support one’s lifestyle. With the current economic scenario, people are constantly looking for sources of income besides salaries. It provides greater financial security and the freedom to pursue one’s interests while maintaining job security. The most important aspect of a side hustle is that it is exciting enough to keep one interested. Here are some of the most creative side-hustle ideas for 2023. Best side hustle ideas for 2023 Online surveys Filling online surveys is one of the simplest and most popular side hustles to get started with. Although it might not be the highest-paying job available online, it can be a great place to start learning about time management and balancing two careers, which may eventually lead to finding something more significant. For each survey, people can earn between $1 and $20. Writing blogs Starting a blog can be a fantastic option for people with a creative side who want a voice and a creative outlet. Most blogs generate a little money at first, but as their readership and reach grow, they generate more and more money. Bloggers can earn roughly tens of thousands of dollars per month.
5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance
finance

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing insurance

Purchasing insurance can be an excellent financial decision. When you buy insurance, you make small payments called premiums to an insurance company so that you and your loved ones are protected during a financial emergency. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying an insurance plan. And more often than not, people make mistakes during the process, which cost them a lot more than they would otherwise pay. Opting for low premiums People often opt for a plan with a lower premium because it is easier on the pocket. However, such plans usually provide a smaller claim amount during an emergency. So, try to find a balance between the premiums you pay and how much money you get during a claim. Not trying other insurance providers Staying with the same insurer might make the documentation process easier when renewing the policy or buying a new one. However, it can cost you more in the long haul. The provider may not always offer the best price for a preferred plan. So, if your situation changes—for example, if you get married, buy a car, or move to a new state—compare different insurance companies before choosing one. Not reading the fine print Every insurance plan comes with terms and conditions.
5 important questions to ask a financial advisor
finance

5 important questions to ask a financial advisor

Financial planning is a complicated endeavor that does not stop with simply opening savings and certificate of deposit accounts. You need an expert who can advise you on the best investment and diversification strategies for building a solid portfolio to secure your financial needs. But before hiring a good advisor, it is essential to understand how the process works and how to proceed from here. These questions can be a starting point. Here are the five questions you must ask a financial advisor: What are your qualifications? Financial planning is a vast topic with several areas of specialization in practice. So, you need to understand whether the advisor provides assistance for financial planning in general or focuses on a specific aspect of portfolio building. Primarily, they practice with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification approved by federal regulatory authorities and guidelines for safe practices. What is the range of services you offer? Their experience will vary depending on the type of services provided, ranging from planning for retirement to tax mitigation strategies and real estate trust services. Some CFPs work as fiduciaries, ensuring they keep your best interests at heart when planning and strategizing your finances. You must also check to confirm any disclosures on the record of previous misconduct or legal sanctions imposed on their range of services.
3 quick and easy ways to repay loans
finance

3 quick and easy ways to repay loans

While loans offer quick access to money, repaying them can be challenging. For many, debts feel like an unshakeable monkey on their backs. Additionally, if one fails to repay loan installments per the agreed schedule between them and their lender, the interest and penalties keep spiraling upward. To avoid this and other similarly nasty outcomes, repaying loans quickly and early is incredibly necessary. Here are some ways to achieve quick and easy repayment of loans: Making bi-weekly payments Usually, loan installment schedules are geared toward monthly repayments. However, one can speed up this process and simplify it by making the payments bi-weekly. All one needs to do is submit a half-payment of each weekly installment. This approach has multiple benefits. Firstly, as the payments are carried out more frequently, the interest rates do not accrue and grow with time. Additionally, breaking down the installment amounts make them smaller and easier to pay off. Additionally, by making about 26 half-payments annually, one shortens the life of their loan by a few months or even years. For example, using this approach on a 30-year mortgage can reduce its span to about 26 years. Refinancing personal loans Refinancing is the process where people can change the interest rate or terms of their current mortgage.