Buying a Home When You're Self-Employed

Buying a home is one of your most significant financial investments. It can become even more challenging when you're self-employed. While it's rewarding to be your boss and be in charge of your finances, many mortgage loans require proof of income to guarantee you'll repay them. 

Traditional lenders may refuse your request because they don't consider self-employment evidence sufficient. However, keep hope; you can still purchase a home. This article will provide tips and advice for buying a house when self-employed.

Gather Your Financial Information

The first step in buying a home when self-employed is to gather all your financial information. Remember that lenders scrutinize your income and financial background to ascertain your ability to repay a mortgage. 

Therefore, you must present financial statements reflecting a steady income source. Some of the documentation you must gather includes tax returns, bank statements, business licenses, and proof of income. Ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date records to make the process smoother.

Consider Low-Documentation Loans

When you're self-employed, you might not have a traditional salary that earns you a steady paycheck, which would make applying for a standard mortgage challenging. Not to worry, low-documentation loans exist; also called "no-docs loans," these loans allow you to apply for a mortgage without submitting any proof of income or minimal documentation. 

Instead, lenders will examine your credit history, property, and bank statements to determine your creditworthiness.

Boost Your Credit Score

Self-employment does not negatively affect your credit scores. However, some lenders may perceive it differently, making improving your credit score increasingly important. 

To do this, get a copy of your credit report and scrutinize it for errors before disputing them. Pay down your credit card debt, avoid opening new credit lines, and pay bills on time to maintain a good credit score.

Get a Bank Statement Mortgage

One solution for self-employed prospective homeowners is to get a bank statement mortgage instead of a traditional one. Instead of relying on W-2 documentation for income evidence, it uses your 12-month or 24-month bank statement to show a steady income and financial stability. 

Companies like NewFi Lending specialize in brokering these kinds of mortgages, so look for some of these alternative lending strategies if you don’t have proper W-2 forms for a normal mortgage.

Work with a Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers can connect you with lenders that work best for your self-employment status. Brokers can sort through the lenders and help you find the best interest rate and mortgage program to meet your needs. 

Mortgage brokers can also access special programs, including self-employed mortgages tailored to people like you.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home when self-employed can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Gather your financial information, consider low-documentation loans, boost your credit score, get pre-approved mortgage approval, and work with a mortgage broker. 

Remember, the key to purchasing a home when self-employed is showing a steady income stream and paying capacity.

What Do You Need to Do to Get Your Financials in Order?

Getting your financials in order can be daunting, but achieving financial stability and freedom is essential. It’s never too late, and there are steps you can take right now to improve your financial standing.

With that said, here are some tips on how to get your financials in order.

Establish a Budget

Taking control of your finances can be daunting, but setting up a budget can make all the difference. By tracking your income and expenses over the last month, you'll reveal your financial patterns and can make informed decisions accordingly. 

The key is creating a realistic and achievable budget, considering your financial goals. Don't forget to prioritize essential expenses like rent, utilities, and transportation, as they form the foundation of your financial stability. 

With your budget in place, you'll be well on your way to achieving financial freedom.

Pay Off Debt

Struggling with debt can feel like a never-ending nightmare. The constant pressure of paying back loans and accumulating interest can weigh heavily on your mind and wallet. 

But cutting through the noise and prioritizing your debt can make a significant difference in achieving financial stability. Start by paying off high-interest debts, like credit card balances, as soon as possible. Then, tackle lower-interest debts like student loans. 

If that feels too daunting, consider debt consolidation or refinancing to make payments more manageable. Remember, every small step counts towards a future of financial freedom.

Save for Emergencies

Financial stability is something that everyone strives for. We all want to feel secure and in control of our finances. However, life can be unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can throw a wrench in even the most well-thought-out budget. 

That's where having an emergency fund comes in. Setting aside three to six months of living expenses can mean the difference between financial ruin and weathering the storm. Whether it's a sudden job loss or a medical emergency, having a safety net can alleviate the stress and worry that comes with unexpected expenses. 

So, if you haven't already, start saving for emergencies today. Your future self will thank you.

Invest in Retirement

Retirement may seem like a far-off concept, but it's important to start thinking about it now. By investing in your retirement, you can secure your financial future and ensure that you have enough money to enjoy your golden years. 

One popular option is to take advantage of your employer's 401(k) plan, where you can save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. But even if your employer doesn't offer a 401(k), you can start an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and begin saving for your future. 

By starting early and being consistent with your contributions, you can build a solid nest egg that will provide for you in the years to come.

Track Your Finances

Managing your finances can seem like a daunting task, but it's crucial to stay on top of them if you want financial stability and success. One way to do this is by enlisting the help of financial services or an accounting firm that can guide you through the process and offer valuable insights. 

Additionally, numerous budgeting and financial apps are available, such as the popular Mint and YNAB, which allow you to monitor your income and expenses easily. 

Another useful feature of these apps is the ability to set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment due date or incur late fees. By taking advantage of these tools, you can start tracking your finances with greater ease and accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Getting your financials in order is a crucial step towards achieving financial stability and freedom. Establishing a budget, paying off debt, saving for emergencies, investing in retirement, and tracking your finances are all essential components of getting your financials in order. 

Remember, it’s never too late to start and practice patience and persistence along the way. By following these steps, you’ll eventually achieve the financial freedom you deserve.

A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Financial Investment Practices

It is never too early nor too late to start investing in your future. With the right mindset and the right knowledge, a financial investment practice can be an excellent opportunity to grow your wealth and secure your financial stability for the long term.

However, navigating the endless choices of financial products and markets can be daunting for beginners.

This guide aims to provide you with the basic principles you need to know to start smart financial investment practices.

Set Realistic Goals

Before investing, take time to determine your financial goals and risk tolerance. How much are you willing to invest, and how much risk are you willing to take? 

Establishing reasonable expectations and risk parameters for your specific financial situation is crucial. With these goals in mind, create a plan for how you will achieve them.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversity is the key to successful investment practices. Invest in various assets such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to spread your risk. 

By doing so, you reduce your exposure to market fluctuations that can occur in individual assets. A diversified portfolio maximizes return while minimizing risk.

Learn Financial Markets

Every market has its own rules, and it’s important to learn them. Educate yourself on how they work and what factors affect their performance. 

Knowing how to read financial statements and evaluate market trends can help you make informed investment decisions. Attend educational seminars and read industry news and publications to remain up-to-date.

Use a Tax-Advantaged Account

Tax-advantaged accounts, such as an IRA or 401K, offer significant tax benefits that can help grow your investment. These accounts allow you to invest your money in tax-free or tax-deferred vehicles. 

If your employer offers a match for your contributions, it's free money you cannot afford to miss.

Stay Disciplined and Focused

Investing is a long-term game. Markets fluctuate, but over time, they tend to trend upwards. It’s important to remain disciplined and avoid emotional decisions based on short-term market performance. 

By remaining focused on your long-term financial goals and staying invested, your hard work can pay off.

Final Thoughts

Investing can be an overwhelming but rewarding experience that can help secure your financial future. Having a clear plan and set realistic goals is crucial before investing your hard-earned money. 

Remembering to diversify your portfolio, learn financial markets, use tax-advantaged accounts, and stay disciplined and focused will help you build a solid foundation for your investment practices. These fundamentals will help minimize your risk and maximize your return over time. 

By following these smart financial investment practices and committing to a disciplined approach, you can take control of your financial future.

3 Of The Best Long-Term Investments To Make

One of the best ways to protect your financial future is to invest, and the best way to invest is to make long-term investments.

Although it might be tempting to trade in different investments from one day to the next, having a long-term investment and trading approach is a well-versed and practiced strategy which a number of investors can benefit from.

People who take a long-term approach to investments will find that they need a certain level of patience and discipline, as these investments tend to take longer in order to see a return on the initial investment, although the return can often be greater than short-term investments. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 3 of the best long-term investments you can make.

Growth Stocks

In the world of trading and investing, growth stocks are the creme de la creme. They promise high growth and, as well as this, offer high investment returns. Typically, growth stocks are linked with tech companies, but this isn’t always the case. 

If you’re looking to buy growth stocks, then you will want to ensure you have thoroughly analyzed the company you are looking to invest in, which can take some time. 

This is definitely a more considered form of investment and is one that does require research to be done prior.

Because of the volatility surrounding growth stocks, it’s important to be realistic when it comes to your returns. Typically, you can expect to hold the stocks for between 3-5 years. Growth stocks carry some risks as, often, investors will pay a lot for the initial stock in relation to the company’s earnings. 

Should a bear market or recession take hold, then growth stocks can lose value quickly. However, over time, they have been shown to have the best performance.

Real Estate

Real estate has always competed with the stocks and shares market as to be the best long-term investment. This year, that battle shows no signs of slowing or changing and investing in property is still considered to be one of the best long-term investments you can make. 

The benefits of investing in real estate are lengthy and, if you choose the right asset to invest in, then you can expect to get a predictable and steady cash flow, good returns and tax advantages, to name a few.

Real estate investors typically tend to make their money through rental income and any profits that are generated tend to grow in appreciation. 

As well as this, real estate values tend to increase over time and, by making a good investment, you can generate a profit when the time to sell comes. If you do rent, then over time, rental prices increase too, leading to a higher cash flow. 

There are some downsides to property investment, however, but these tend to be relative. Compared to stocks and shares, which can be traded instantly, property purchases take much longer to complete, but this shouldn’t put you off as there are still a multitude of positives.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs have quickly become one of the most popular forms of investments to make. Not only do ETFs allow you to invest in a diverse range and portfolio of securities, but, funds which are available will cover potentially hundreds of different asset classes. 

Unlike mutual funds, ETFs tend to be treated just like stocks and can be purchased for the price of a singular share, or even less. Due to this, it’s much easier to diversify your trading portfolio, even with a smaller amount of investment budget.

Some ETFs will specialize in growth stocks, whereas others will look at things like international stocks or value stocks. You can also look at sectors such as healthcare and tech. Then, you just need to choose which asset you are looking to have within your portfolio.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a financial banker in order to be successful when it comes to investing. You do, however, need to be aware of the different types of long-term investments which are available and which are better suited to your personal requirements.

No matter your investing history, using long-term investment strategies is a great way to grow and expand your finances and create a good-sized investment pot for your future. It’s always recommended to do your research before making an investment decision, as a number of investments may put you at increased risk of falling victim to scams or fraud, particularly if you aren’t an experienced trader or investor. Should this happen, remember there are fraud recovery options available.

Strapped for Cash? 7 Surprising Ways You Can Earn Money Around the Home

If you're looking for ways to earn some extra cash, you might think that a part-time job or freelance gig is the only way. However, you'd be surprised at the number of things you have lying around your home that could potentially make you money.

Whether it's old clothes, electronics, or even plants, there are plenty of ways you can earn money without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. 

In this post, we'll explore some of the most surprising ways you can make money around your home.

Rent Out Your Parking Space

If you live in a busy area with limited parking space, you could earn some extra cash by renting out your driveway or parking spot. Some websites allow homeowners to list their parking spaces for rent, which drivers can then search and book online. 

Depending on the location, you could earn anywhere from a few extra dollars a week to hundreds of dollars a month.

In addition to renting out your parking space, it's important to keep it well-maintained. Make sure the area is always free of debris and that you have clear signage indicating that the space is available for rent. This will help you attract customers and ensure a smooth rental experience. 

Additionally, providing renters with easy access to the space (such as a keyless entry system) can greatly increase customer satisfaction.

Finally, be sure to check with local authorities to ensure you are compliant with any applicable regulations. These simple steps will help ensure your parking space rental is as successful and profitable as possible!

Sell Your Old Clothes

If you're looking to declutter your closet, consider selling your unwanted clothes online. Many websites allow you to sell your clothes to others, either for a fixed price or through an auction-style bidding process. 

You can make a surprising amount of money selling clothes, especially if you have designer items or pieces that are still in good condition.

Rent Out Your Outdoor Space for Events

If you have a large backyard or outdoor space, you could earn money by renting it out for events like weddings, birthday parties, or even fitness classes. 

There are websites that allow homeowners to list their spaces for rent, and you can set your own prices and availability. Depending on the size and location of your outdoor space, you could earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per event.

To maximize the potential of your outdoor event space, you may want to consider investing in a few amenities. For example, portable furniture like chairs and tables can be helpful for hosting parties or dinners. 

If your space is large enough, you may also want to invest in lighting fixtures such as string lights or a stage. These things will help make your space more inviting and appealing to potential renters. 

You can take your outdoor event space from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few simple upgrades!

Sell That Old Scrap Car

If you have an old car that's been sitting around gathering dust, it may be time to sell it. Many scrap yards, such as Texas Junk Car Buyer, will pay good money for cars that are no longer running, as the parts can be reused or recycled. 

Scrap yards usually pay by weight, so the amount you get will depend on the size and type of car. It's also a great way to get rid of a car without having to pay for expensive repairs.

Sell Your Unwanted Electronics

If you have old electronics lying around your home, like laptops, smartphones, or gaming consoles, consider selling them for cash. 

Many websites will buy your old electronics from you and pay you in cash or gift cards. You could earn a surprising amount of money by selling your old devices, especially if they're still in good working condition.

Once electronic devices have been used for a few years, they can start to wear down and become unreliable. If you're considering selling an older model of a device, it may be wise to do some research first. 

Generally speaking, anything over five years old is likely too outdated to be resold in today's market.

It's important to check the specs before attempting to sell your device, as this will help you determine the true value of it. 

Additionally, it may be beneficial to look up similar devices online and compare prices before making a decision. This way, you can ensure that you get the best price for your unwanted electronics.

Grow and Sell Plants

If you have a green thumb, consider growing and selling plants from your home. You can sell plants online or even set up a roadside stand to sell them locally. 

Depending on the type of plants you're growing and the demand in your area, you could earn a decent amount of money from this side hustle.

Host a Garage Sale

This is a classic way to declutter your home and make some extra money. Go through your closets, garage, or basement and gather all unnecessary items that you no longer use. 

On a Saturday morning, post signs in your neighborhood advertising that you're hosting a garage sale. It's an excellent way to get rid of excess clutter and still make money.

There are plenty of surprising ways you can earn money around your home, from renting out parking spaces to selling your unwanted clothes and electronics. 

By taking a closer look at the things you have lying around your home, you could potentially earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars without ever leaving your house. 

So if you're looking to earn some extra cash, consider giving these home-based money-making ideas a try!

5 Reasons Why Home Solar Power Is a Wise Long-Term Investment

As a homeowner, it can be hard to decide which investment you should make to ensure that your money is spent wisely. 

Of course, there are many options out there but one of the most beneficial and future-proof investments any person can make is investing in their own solar power system for their home. Solar energy offers an array of advantages and returns on investment far greater than those of other types of traditional sources. 

This blog post gives an overview as to why installing home solar power is such a wise long-term decision.

Save Money on Utility Bills with Solar Energy

As energy costs continue to rise, it's becoming more important than ever to find alternative sources of power. Luckily, solar energy provides a sustainable solution that not only helps the environment but also saves you money on utility bills. 

By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels can generate electricity for your home, reducing your reliance on expensive grid power. Plus, many programs offer incentives and tax credits to those who switch to solar energy, making it an even more attractive option. 

By investing in solar energy, you can not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Add Value to Your Property through Solar Panel Installation

As a homeowner, you're always looking for ways to add value to your property. And one of the best ways to do so is by installing solar panels. 

Not only will they reduce your energy bills, but also provide a clean, renewable energy source that is good for the environment. Installing solar panels can also increase your property value, making it a smart investment in the long run. 

With government incentives and tax credits, the cost of installation is becoming more affordable than ever before. Plus, the sleek and modern look of solar panels can add a visual appeal to your home's exterior. 

So why not consider adding value to your property and investing in the future by installing solar panels?

Reduce Carbon Emissions and Help the Environment by Utilizing Renewable Resources

As global concern for the environment grows, there is a greater emphasis on finding ways to reduce carbon emissions and turn towards renewable energy sources. 

One of the most popular and beneficial ways to do so is by installing solar panels. Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire cities. 

Utilizing solar energy can reduce your dependence on non-renewable sources like coal and oil, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Not only does this help the environment, but it can also save homeowners on energy bills in the long run. 

The benefits of using solar panels are clear, and it is an investment that can have a positive impact for years to come.

Final Thoughts

By investing in solar power technology, homeowners can enjoy numerous benefits over time. In addition to immediate savings on electricity costs and increasing the value of their property, selecting solar power also allows for potential investment incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies. 

Furthermore, the attractive presence of solar panels can make your home much more marketable to buyers, thus generating a higher resale price down the road. To top it off, taking advantage of renewable resources like solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere—an added bonus that everyone can benefit from! 

With so many advantages, it's no wonder why more people are turning to home solar power – it’s truly a wise long-term investment decision!