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How Much House Can I Afford? Affordability Calculator

Savings Corner

An important metric that your mortgage lender uses to calculate the amount of money you can borrow is the DTI ratio — comparing your total monthly debts (for example, your mortgage payments, including insurance and property tax payments) to your monthly pre-tax income.

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The Best And Worst States To Retire In 2023, Ranked

Savings Corner

according to the Council for Community and Economic Research , which is an advantage for retirees on a fixed income. Iowa lands near the middle of the pack tax-wise. 23 for property taxes and No. 22 for state and local sales tax. The state combines high-quality healthcare and a light tax burden to rank No.

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Benefit from My Financial Mistakes

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

I did not take advantage of either high school or college counselors to help figure it out. By purchasing used vehicles you save on the initial car price, the sales tax you pay upon purchase as well as the property tax you pay each year and the amount you need to insure it.

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Meet a Reader | JenRR from the Midwest

The Frugal Girl

While we were still renting an apartment, I researched areas with lower property taxes, scouted out my ideal neighborhoods, and waited for a smaller, less expensive house to come on the market. Another big win would be taking advantage of our great public library system. Childhood joy.

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Cash-Out Refinancing: How It Works, When To Do It

Savings Corner

You can take advantage of tax deductions: If you use the funds for home improvements, you could take advantage of the interest deduction. The balance doesn’t have to be repaid as long as the borrower lives in and maintains the home and pays their property taxes and homeowners insurance.

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How to Save on Rental Cars

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

The sales tax, plus the ongoing higher property tax and insurance are really turning him off – and the van does fine if we drive it locally or just for a few hours to the lake. Airports are notorious for tacking on fees and taxes. Extra personal and property insurance ($6.95

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How to Save Money on Your Home’s Mortgage

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

Get a property tax assessment. Your tax bill could be incorrect. Your state or province may be overbilling you for the cost of your personal property. What kind of opportunities have you taken advantage of? You can either contact the federal government or your mortgage lender and apply for mortgage assistance.