Housing

The Cost of Future-Proofing Your Home

October 15, 2019 By Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Mathematicians and nitpickers tell us that the next decade doesn’t “officially” begin until Jan. 1 2021, but most people view the first day of 2020 as the kickoff of the next 10-year time period. What does that mean for your home? It’s a good chance you need to examine the state of your abode’s technology and make sure everything is up to date. Are your kitchen appliances “smart”? Do you have a security system that can actually deter criminals? Is your home safe for older folks who have mobility challenges according to a future-proofing home elevators post? Finally, are you willing to do what it takes to cut down on energy usage?

All those questions and many more, pertain to getting your home in tune for the 2020s. Real estate professionals refer to the process as “future-proofing” the structure to make its long-term resale value rise with inflation. Owners who fail to make the proper upgrades risk a decline in value that could eat in to the potential sales price a decade or more from now. What can the average homeowner do to future-proof a house? Industry gurus say there are four key things to look at.

Energy Efficiency

Some of the most important advances in home tech will be in the area of energy efficiency. Things like solar panels, smart power systems, water utilization programs, electricity management and others will mean lower utility bills for homeowners and a much lower rate of energy usage for entire communities. Even low-tech items like smart thermostats have the potential to reduce overall home electric usage by as much as 20 percent. And that’s just one appliance in one category. Whole-house “smart” grid systems can do even more. It’s possible that the average home in the year 2030 will consume, on average, about one-fourth as much energy as today’s homes consume.

Safety for Old and Young

In-home accidents, mostly due to falls, cause thousands of serious injuries each year. The two most susceptible populations are very young children and senior citizens. Not surprisingly, these two groups of people have frail or underdeveloped bone structures. That means a typical “slip and fall” incident that might have no effect on a healthy young adult could be a serious occurrence for an elderly person or very small child.

Many newer homes are addressing this concern by including home elevators in original home designs. Other homeowners are opting to install in-home elevators for purposes of safety and to boost resale value. Houses with elevators regularly bring higher bids when they go on the market, as opposed to homes that don’t have elevators.

Security

Security system enhancements are an exciting new area of technology for homes. Owners are opting for items like all-around surveillance cameras, smart doors and windows, hard-to-defeat alarm networks that create lots of noise and alert the local police at the same time.

Fire Resistance

High-tech materials that stop house fires before they get out of control will mean lower insurance rates for homeowners who use them. Many new homes are being designed to be not only fire-resistant but truly fireproof.

Amazon HQ2 is Increasing Real Estate Prices in Virginia

September 16, 2019 By Flanice Lewis Leave a Comment

Amazon’s HQ2, its new headquarters, is boosting real estate prices in Arlington, Virginia. Amazon planned on opening two new campuses on the east coast, both in Queens, New York and in Crystal City, a neighborhood within Arlington. However, after protests in New York, and Virginia being deemed the best state for business in 2019, Amazon decides to only open the Virginia office and expects to add 25,000 jobs there. The other 25,000 originally planned for New York were spread over its various campuses.

Recent Changes

As employees house hunt, they will find prices have increased by $200,000 in just a short period. July is usually a slow real estate month, but house hunting rate has increased. There are more views and likes on rental websites and applications for the area. Also, there is an increase in active listings and bidding wars. Homes are selling for more than the asking price. It sounds like a great deal for homeowners looking to sell, but what about the owners looking to stay?

Overinflated home value is already an issue in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. A suburb of DC, Crystal City, is home to government commuters, politicians, and some celebrities. Some employees move an hour or more out for more affordable housing. As home prices increase, so does the cost of living and rental rates. In Seattle, Amazon contributed to all of these things. The city has the third-largest homeless population in the country.

Repeating History?

Seattle is now one of the least affordable cities on the west coast, and thousands of apartments are being built to combat that. However, the rent is about $2,400 on average. The national average as of January 2019 is $1,420, based on RentCafe’s annual report.

Another significant problem with the headquarters is traffic. Subway lines have been extended to accommodate the growth, but it may not be enough. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system is usable but may not be able to handle the influx of daily travelers avoiding the highways once HQ2 is up and running. In Seattle, the city had to add buses to handle the surge in public transportation use. Amazon began shuttling employees to the suburbs in unmarked vans to reduce the strain.

All of these concerns led New Yorkers to protest the other east-coast headquarters that Amazon was planning but has since canceled. There were reports that cities shouldn’t just look at the jobs and taxes but also the negative impacts hosting Amazon could have.

Effect on Businesses

Amazon owns all the prime business real estate in downtown Seattle, covering around 40 buildings. It rents space to local businesses in Seattle to try to boost the local economy. It encourages its employees to skip the cafeteria by keeping it small so they can enjoy the nearby restaurants. There are also numerous food trucks available. However, they also make the restaurants stay open late, even when the demand isn’t there. In some cases, the restaurants barely break even. And the fare has to cater to the employees’ tastes, or they won’t last long.

It is too soon to draw any conclusions of the effect Amazon will have on Crystal City. Hopefully, the company has learned from its experience in Seattle.

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Home Insurance Adjuster Estimate Too Low? Here’s What to Do

August 29, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Approximately 85 percent of homeowners have property insurance. Of those with coverage, about 6 percent of homeowners make an insurance claim each year. And more than 98 percent of those claims involve some sort of property damage or theft. When you file a homeowner’s insurance claim for damage, the hope is that the insurer will provide enough to cover the cost of repairs. However, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, the home insurance adjuster estimate is too low.

The Role of the Home Insurance Adjuster

A home insurance adjuster’s job is to exam your property and estimate what the insurance company needs to pay out. This involves the creation of an estimate – a formal overview of the damage. Also, you get an outline of what needs to be repaired and what the adjuster believes each of those fixes will cost.

The adjuster may be an employer of the insurer. However, it is also possible that they are an employee of a third party. Not all insurers have adjusters available in every region. They essentially contract that task out to a specialty business.

While most homeowners would assume that the estimate will be an accurate reflection of the repair costs, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the amount listed by the adjuster is far below what they actual expense for the fixes would be. This leaves homeowners in a difficult position.

If you receive a home insurance adjuster estimate that is too low, here’s what you need to do.

Understand Your Coverage

Before you approach your insurance company about the amount on the estimate, you need to understand how your homeowner’s insurance coverage is set up. Your policy may work one of two ways.

First, it could cover you for the full cost of the replacement regardless of whether the damaged areas have aged. Often, this means your insurance company will handle your claim based on the amount it takes to do the work, buy the needed supplies in today’s market, and address any associated sales tax.

However, there can be exceptions even if you have this level of coverage. For instance, if you have a wooden fence that was in incredibly poor shape and clearly needed repairs before the incident-related damage occurred, you might not be eligible for full replacement cost in that instance.

Second, your insurer could factor in depreciation, paying only for the value of the damaged items before the incident occurred. For example, if your windows are broken due to heat from a fire, your insurance company would examine the age of the windows to see how much their value has changed since they were originally installed. If your windows are older, you may receive less money from your claim than it would typically cost to install new windows based on the depreciated value of the existing windows.

Knowing how your coverage works before you address the adjuster’s estimate is wise. That way, you understand whether you are covered for full replacement or if depreciation is a factor. If you are in the latter group, you may be stuck with a lower estimate because that is how your policy works, but it can still be worth it to seek an adjustment. However, if you are in the former, pursuing an adjustment should definitely be on your to-do list.

Speak with Your Insurance Company

If you believe the home insurance adjuster’s estimate was too low, you need to contact your insurance company, not the adjuster specifically. Have them walk you through the estimate, explaining why the adjuster listed various costs. Then, ask about the procedure for getting the amount adjusted.

The goal is to learn about your insurer’s process, as each company may handle it slightly differently. However, there are typically similar requirements, as will be discussed below.

Gather Quotes from Contractors

In nearly all cases, you’ll need to prove that the home insurance adjuster’s estimate was too low. Often, the easiest way to do that is to gather quotes from several reputable companies regarding the work that needs to be done.

Research companies in your area that could handle the type of repairs involved with your claim. Use sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Home Advisor to read reviews before reaching out. That way, you can make sure the company is likely to provide a fair quote, offers good customer services, and has former customers who are happy.

After you find some suitable companies, contact at least three, and request a free estimate. By having multiple quotes, you are able to build a case that demonstrates that the adjuster’s estimate was too low. Additionally, you are being diligent about confirming your assumption that the adjuster’s estimate was, in fact, inappropriate.

Consider an Independent Adjuster

Just as your insurance company may hire a third-party adjuster to examine the damage, you can too. Hiring an independent adjuster can accomplish the same goal as getting quotes from contractors. However, you won’t be able to secure this service for free.

Often, an independent adjuster will charge between $200 and $500 to provide an estimate. If the discrepancy between the original amount and the cost of repairs is less than what you would need to pay for an independent assessment, this likely isn’t worth pursuing. But, if the difference is substantial, it is a path you can choose to take.

Provide the Evidence to your Insurer

Once you have quotes from contractors and/or an independent adjuster estimate, contact your insurer again. Submit the documents for the insurer to review and see if they will make an adjustment.

As long as the contractor quotes only relate to damage from the incident and the companies are reputable, there is a solid chance your insurer will settle your claim for a higher amount. However, if they don’t, you still have one more course of action.

File a Formal Complaint

If you genuinely feel that you are being mistreated by your insurer, you do have the option of filing a complaint with your state insurance department. That department would conduct an investigation and provide you with guidance regarding how they think you should proceed.

In some cases, the state insurance department will reach out to your insurer on your behalf if they feel your complaint is justified. When this occurs, they try to encourage the insurance company to reach a fair resolution.

Hire An Attorney

At times, the department may recommend you hire an attorney. However, they will not assist with that cost, so you would be responsible for paying any associated fees. Usually, this is only worth pursuing if the difference between the adjuster’s estimate and the contactor quotes or independent adjuster’s estimate is substantial. If the disparity is too small, you may end up losing money on the claim overall when you pay your attorney.

Ultimately, disputing a home insurance adjuster’s estimate can be a bit of a cumbersome task, but it is worth doing to the estimate is significantly too low to repair the damage. Just make sure you understand your coverage and insurer’s process before you begin. Otherwise, you may spend a significant amount of time fighting for an amount that you would never receive.

Have you ever had to get an insurance estimate adjusted after learning the actual cost? Share your experience in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

10 Ridiculous Examples of San Francisco Rent Prices in 2019

August 6, 2019 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

I moved to San Francisco in 2006. At the time, my roommate and I paid $2500 per month to rent a beautiful two-bedroom house in North Beach. San Francisco rent prices seemed exorbitant to me then. We had moved from Tucson, AZ, where I had been living alone in a three-bedroom house, with a yard, that even today continues to rent for less than $800 per month.

So, we paid $2500 by not just splitting it between the two of us but also renting out the living room as a third bedroom. Then we also rented out the couch for awhile. AirBnB was new at the time and it was great that we lived in a tourist area because we could make some good extra money that way. We got by. I’ve always felt that even though San Francisco is an expensive city, it’s where my heart is, and it’s well worth the cost.

It’s been a little over a decade and now that $2500 sounds like a steal. That same apartment now rents for more than $4000 per month. It’s hard to get much at all for $2500 these days. Let’s take a look at some of the ridiculous San Francisco rent prices in 2019. Notably, although they are ridiculous, most of these are not over-the-top outliers in the rental market. Instead, they are average San Francisco rent prices right now. Although, I’ll share a couple of the extravagant options as well.

1. $1200 to Rent a Bunk Bed

If you are the kind of person who enjoys staying at youth hostels then perhaps you would like to live in a PodShare. You will share a bunk bed with a stranger in a communal home with other strangers. You’ll get a locker, a shelf, and a personal televsion. You’ll also get access to a pantry of really basic supplies. Moreover, you’ll only need to pay $1200 per month to stay there.

It sounds ridiculous, but it’s not a bad option for people who don’t spend a lot of time at home anyway. If you work most of the time, travel a lot, or like to crash at your partner’s place but don’t want to give up the security of your own home then this could be a good option. It’s also not so bad for people who have just moved to San Francisco. You can make new friends in the PodShare while you look for a more permanent place to stay.

2. $1800 for a Room of Your Own

If you don’t mind the idea of sharing housing with strangers but you do want your own room then there are other similar co-living spaces to consider. Bungalow rents out furnished rooms in old Victorian homes for between $1500 and $1800 per month. You also have to pay a $150 monthly membership fee to be part of the co-living group.

A quick glance on Craigslist reveals that this is about the going rate to rent a room in a house with stranger anyway. You’ll definitely find some cheaper options. Or if you want only 1-2 roommates, then you’ll probably have to pay more than this. In my years of being here, what I’ve learned is that if you spot a potentially great roommate situation, you should show up early, with check and references in hand, and plan to put on a great interview in the hopes of joining that home.

3. $2500 for a Studio

If you want a space of your own, then your cheapest bet is, of course, a studio. Gone are the days when you could rent a two bedroom for $2500 like I did when I first moved here. Now that $2500 is probably only going to get you your own studio. Curbed notes that studios priced around $2100 are generally described as “cozy.”

You can definitely find studios for a bit cheaper. For example, there’s currently a Tenderloin neighborhood studio for rent for $1745 per month. Moreover, it even allows pets, which is hard to find here. But you better come fully prepared because you need to pay $35 to apply for a lease. Plus, you’re required to have your two most recent bank statements and two most recent pay stubs. Moreover, you need a minimum credit score of 600, a positive rental history, and proof that you earn at least 3 times the monthly rent. Oh, and also proof that you have at least three times the rent in the bank right now. So if you don’t have over $5000 in the bank, don’t bother applying.

4. Or $4000 for a Studio

If you actually want a nice studio apartment, then you’re looking at the $3500 – $4000 price range. There’s currently a Nob Hill studio for rent for $4000. It allows pets (but dogs have to be under forty pounds, non-aggressive breeds, and you have to pay $40/month pet fee). But for that price you get hotel-style amenities, including cable TV, WiFi, and even fresh linens. There’s even a washer and dryer in unit.

5. $2400 for 300 Square Feet

Square footage is of the most important things that you need to pay attention to when you’re looking for housing. Don’t let the headlines fool you. For example, Curbed points out that a $2400 one-bedroom one-bath loft was described as spacious, but when you look closer it measures only 300 square feet total. The same price could also get you a one-bedroom in-law that’s a bit larger at 440 square feet, but it’s also a bit further out from the city center.

6. Or $1500 for 144 Square Feet

If you only have $1500 per month to spend then you should really look for roommates. But occasionally you can find a micro-apartment of your own for this rate. The law is that an apartment needs to be a minimum of 220 square feet, but Curbed found one earlier this year that was only 144.

7. How Much Does a One Bedroom Rent For in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for your own one-bedroom apartment, you have varied options. It really depends on how much space you want, what neighborhood you want to live in, and what amenities you require. Generally speaking, average one-bedroom rent prices right now are between $3000 and $4500 per month. You can get a good-sized one-bedroom in a decent neighborhood for about $3700 according to a recent article from Curbed, which highlighted a 1000+ square foot one-bedroom loft in SoMa and a trendy one-bedroom apartment in Hayes Valley. And this isn’t just a San Francisco thing, one-bedrooms in Chicago are extremely expensive as well.

8. $7500 for a 1 Bedroom … in a Building That’s Falling Over

Millennium Tower has had no end of controversy. First, people didn’t like how it changed the city’s skyline. Then the whole building started both sinking and leaning over. It’s all wrapped up in lawsuits. But you can still rent a place there. There are currently at least two rental listings on Craigslist for one-bedroom, two-bathroom units in this building. They rent for $7500 per month, and you have to sign a one-year lease. There are no pets allowed. However, you get access to a screening room, terrace, fitness center, and other amenities.

This isn’t the only pricey luxury apartment option in the city. In fact, if you’re in the market to spend $7000 – $10000 per month, you can find a great assortment of one-bedroom apartments with sustainable design, brand-new appliances, and great views. Luxury loft spaces in the SoMa neighborhood are particularly popular.

9. $25,000 for a 2 Bedroom … in a Building That’s Falling Over

That’s right; if you want to live in Millennium Tower but need more space then you’re looking at about $25,000 per month in rent. That’s for the penthouse. It’s only $23,000 for a regular two-bedroom on the 57th floor. According to a recent Craigslist ad, some of the opulence you’ll get for that penthouse price includes:

24-carat gold plated door hinges and switch plates and even toilet levers
Marble and granite details from the best sources in Italy, Greece, and India
Hidden remote-controlled flat screen TV
Sound insulation

Plus, of course, you get access to all of the Millennium Tower’s amenities. In addition to those already mentioned, they also include a wine tasting room and cellar, a children’s play room, and a large lap pool.

10. $5200 for a Regular 2-Bedroom

Maybe you’re an average renter who can’t afford $25,000 per month to live in the lap of luxury. If you’re looking for a two-bedroom, it’s a safe bet to expect that you’ll pay over $4000. In fact, average San Francisco rent prices for two-bedrooms are closer to $5000. Curbed did a roundup of what’s available for $5200 per month in the city this year. If you’re willing to live pretty far away from the city center, you can get three bedrooms, but plan on a two-bedroom at that price in the city.

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5 Circumstances That Make It Better To Rent

July 31, 2019 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Most adults dream of owning their own home. Being a homeowner comes with an air of stability. Plus, it allows you to have a space that is yours to do with as you please, which is enticing. However, there are situations where renting is genuinely the better choice. Here’s a look at five circumstances where it’s better to rent.

1. You Might Want to Move Soon

Buying a home locks you into that property to a degree. While selling may be an option, that can be a time-consuming process. There is no guarantee that you can find a buyer quickly. As a result, if you would need that money to move to another city, state, or country, you’re a bit stuck.

As a renter, you generally have more flexibility. If you might want to explore job opportunities in another area, travel to a new state for fun, or even just find a smaller or larger place, you can usually do that without much hassle. While you might need to contend with your lease agreement, that is often far less cumbersome than trying to sell a house so you can head off on a new adventure.

2. Renting Might be Cheaper and Less Stressful

When you become a homeowner, you are responsible for much more than just the mortgage. You also have to contend with property insurance, real estate taxes, and maintenance costs at the absolute minimum. And failing to handle those expenses can come with some serious consequences.

If you rent instead, you might actually be able to get out cheaper. While landlords often factor in all of the costs associated with the property when determining the monthly rate, you won’t have to worry about having to pay if the refrigerator stops working or the water heater leaks.

Plus, if anything goes wrong with the property, you can just call the landlord. Typically, it is their responsibility to handle things that break, so all you have to do is let them know.

3. Get Better Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates can fluctuate based on the actions of the Federal Reserve. However, even if they are moving up, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get a better rate down the road than you qualify for today.

If your credit is less than stellar or you have a high debt-to-income ratio, focusing on improving your financial house could be a better choice. By raising your credit score, you could qualify for a rate that’s lower than you’d get today, giving you a chance to save over the entire life of your mortgage.

4. Easier Separation from Spouse or Partner

While no one wants to think that their relationship will end, it can happen. If you both buy a house together, you are giving yourself an asset that will have to be dealt with if you happen to separate or divorce. You could get stuck having to buy your spouse or partner out, have to refinance suddenly, or may even lose the property altogether if neither of you can afford it after.

Even if renting doesn’t save you from potentially having to move, it is usually a much easier situation to deal with than the alternative.

5. Housing Prices Might Not Go Up

Many people view buying a home as an investment. However, the market crash in 2007-2008 showed that prices don’t always go up, and you might be in serious financial trouble if you end up underwater on your mortgage.

If you’re purely considering buying a house as an investment, it’s probably best to pass. Housing markets can be volatile, so it may be better to rent until you actually want to settle down.

Are there any other situations where it’s better to rent than to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

You’ve Paid Off Your Escrowed Mortgage. Now What?

July 22, 2019 By Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

When you make payments toward your mortgage, you’re actually paying off several different things. Most of the time, you probably don’t even think about it. You just want to get that balance down so that you owe less on your home. However, it’s important to understand all aspects of your home mortgage payment. If you don’t, then it can come back to bite you later. In particular, if you aren’t fully aware of what your mortgage escrow means, then you might run into some trouble once you’ve paid it off.

Key Parts of Your Mortgage Payment

If you take a detailed look at the statement for your mortgage payment, then you’re going to find that your money tends to go to three different things:

The principal. You borrowed X amount of money for your mortgage. This is the principal. Every time that you make a mortgage payment, you pay back some of this principal. However, that’s not the only thing you’re paying each time that you make a mortgage payment.
The interest. As you probably know, part of your payment also goes to pay the interest on the loan. You’re familiar with this because you’ve likely paid back student loans, credit card payments, and so forth. You know that if you borrow X amount at Y rate of interest, then you’re not done paying it all back until you’ve paid both X and Y. Some of your monthly mortgage payment goes towards the interest. In other words, if you pay $1000 per month, you’re not paying $1000 back on your original loan. You’re paying some to interest.
Escrow. This is the important part of your home mortgage that you might not fully understand. You’ve paid principal and interest back on other types of loans. But mortgages also have an escrow balance. Let’s take a closer look at that …

What is Your Mortgage Escrow Balance?

When you own a home, you have to pay certain additional costs on that home. The two major costs (besides repaying the loan itself, of course) are the costs for your homeowner’s insurance and your property taxes. Sometimes you also have mortgage insurance.

When you have a mortgage, your lender concerns themselves with those additional costs. Therefore, some of your money is set aside to allow the lender to make those payments for you. The annual costs are broken down into monthly costs, which show up in your mortgage payment.

On your end, that’s all wrapped up in what feels like one bill. You probably know what you owe each month, make the payment, and don’t think much about where it’s all going. However, it’s crucial that you understand that some of the money goes toward your escrow balance.

Why Is It Important to Know Your Mortgage Escrow Balance?

Of course, you should always make an effort to understand every aspect of your finances. The more you know, the more power you have. However, simple knowledge isn’t the only reason that it’s important to understand your mortgage escrow. It’s important because someday you’ll have paid off that balance. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never have payments to make again.

You are going to ow property taxes and homeowner’s insurance for the duration of the time that you own a home. As you repay your mortgage loan, your lender deals with those things for you. However, when your mortgage loan is paid off, you have to start taking over those payments on your own. If you aren’t prepared for that, then you could end up getting a big financial shock.

Payments Required After Mortgage Payments Are Complete

You’ve accounted for your mortgage payments in your budget. They’re done now. However, you have to think about what you will still owe each year. The quickest way to figure this out is to go back through your mortgage statements, looking carefully at the line about your escrow balance. This will start to give you a good sense of your monthly and annual costs that will still be ongoing despite repaying your principal and interest on the mortgage itself.

Pay for Homeowner’s Insurance

First of all, you still need homeowner’s insurance. Now that you have repaid your mortgage, it’s a good time to review that insurance. Do you have the right plan? Does it cover everything that you need? Could you get a better deal elsewhere? Some companies actually offer discounts to people who have successfully paid off their mortgages. Ask about that.

Make sure that you’ve got the insurance that you need for your home at the best cost possible. Then make sure that you have adapted your budget to make those payments.

Pay for Property Taxes

You also have to keep paying property taxes. You’ve been paying them all along using your mortgage escrow balance. However, since you might not have paid close attention to that as you were repaying the mortgage, it can feel like a big new expense. Don’t let it take you by surprise.

The big difference you’ll face is that property taxes come due once per year. Your mortgage escrow broke those payments into monthly smaller chunks, so they weren’t as overwhelming. Once you’re paying your own property taxes, it’s imperative to prepare for a big annual payment.

Here are some key steps to take regarding property taxes once you’ve paid off your mortgage:

Contact the lender to see if they owe you money. Sometimes they keep extra in the escrow balance, and you get that back when you repay the mortgage.
Make sure that the property tax bills will now get sent to you directly instead of to your previous lender.
Start setting money aside monthly in a special account to be used only for those annual property tax fees.
Find out if you can pay these taxes (and also your homeowner’s insurance) on a rewards credit card. This allows you to get cash back for those payments. Just make sure that you pay them off immediately, so you don’t pay interest.

Paying back your home mortgage loan is a huge deal. Celebrate it. Just make sure that you’ve done everything you need to secure your finances moving forward.

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