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Is a VA loan right for you?

Extraco Mortgage wants to help our Veterans, Active Duty Military and Surviving Spouses get the mortgage loan they have earned. A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. It is different from a Conventional loan and a FHA loan in several ways.

Whole Life vs. Term Life: Which Life Insurance is Better?

Choosing a life insurance policy can feel like walking through a labyrinth. Different types of policies, costs, benefits, and the fine print can be confusing.  Which insurance is best for you: whole life insurance or term insurance? Let’s look at the differences between each so you can decide.

5 Tips for Maximizing Your New Year’s Resolutions

With inflation beginning to cool, this year might be an excellent time to set your resolutions for meeting your financial goals. After all, we could all use more money in our pockets and bank accounts. To maximize your chances for success, we have some tips to get you started, and you can begin by creating smart goals.

Ways to Save More Money: Tips to find extra funds to save and cut your monthly expenses

If it seems like every news article you read drags you down, and every trip to the gas station and grocery store makes your budget cry, then you’re not alone. Yes, prices are rising. Sometimes it seems like they’re rising daily, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save more of your hard-earned money. It just means that, at least in today’s market, you sometimes might need to get a little more creative about how you go about saving money. Although this list isn’t all-inclusive, here are several tips to get you started.

How to Get a Student Loan to Cover Financial Gaps from Scholarships

Making ends meet as a student when you’re not receiving enough financial aid from scholarships or grants can be challenging. Sometimes, it feels like there’s no way to make up the difference to get the funds you need. Grants and scholarships are an excellent start for funding your education, but they often don’t cover everything you need to get through a semester, let alone the entire school year. However, a student loan can help bridge that gap and get you the necessary funds.

The Reasons People Buy Insurance

Read to learn the six reasons why most people buy insurance. One reason is to protect something purchased that has a high value, such as a house, car, jewelry, etc.

6 Steps to Creating a Great Financial Plan

The biggest mistake in financial planning is not having one. Creating a financial plan is not difficult, but it is daunting! We've broken down the six key steps to the financial planning process.

Are checks really safer than debit cards?

Once you decide to buy something, you then must determine the form of payment you’ll use. Is cash easiest? Will you write a check? Or is your debit card the best way to go? Pros and cons exist for all methods of payment. Many of us decide quickly without thinking through potential fraud or payment protection. 

What’s the Difference Between Scholarships, Grants and Loans?

Few matters more than finding the funding you need to further your education. However, searching for money to cover college or trade school is like walking through a labyrinth. Yes, scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and other opportunities are everywhere, but what’s the difference between them? Which funds do you need and what do they cover? Will you need to repay the money you receive?

Maximizing Your Meal Plan: How to Stretch Your College Food Budget

Creativity and mindful spending can help you maximize your college meal plan and food budget. And it can also help you save money for other things you might need throughout the school year. The tips above will help maximize your food budget and stretch your resources further without compromising your nutritional needs.

6 Tips for How to Pay for a Major Medical Expense


This year, the Susan G. Komen Foundation predicts there will be 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 2,710 new cases of male breast cancer. While early detection and prevention are essential, cancer care and treatment costs can be astronomical. So how do you pay for these and other major medical expenses?

Money Mentor vs. Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor: Which is Best?

The new year brings a unique chance to change your future and financial situation. According to a recent survey by intelliflo, a cloud-based technology platform for financial advisors, 71% of Gen Z (ages 18-25) and 72% of Millennials (ages 26-41) say they want financial advice but don't know how to get it.

Creating a Budget

A budget will help you understand your spending patterns and gain better control over your money. Creating one helps you understand where you spend your money and discover areas where you can save.

Calculating Your Debt-to-Income Ratios

Learn how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to estimate how much you can afford on your next mortgage. In addition to your credit score, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratios are looked at by closely by mortgage lenders when you apply for a loan. This ratio is extremely important in determining the risk associated with approval.

3 Tips to Get the Most from Your Financial Advisor

Make 2023 your best year yet with a financial advisor’s help. But how do you ensure you get the most from their services? After all, hiring an advisor isn’t cheap and can set you back between $2,000 and $7,000 per year for those who charge a flat rate. Others, however, charge a percentage of your account.

Borrower Responsibilities

When you take out a loan, you enter into a legal contract with the lender. This contract makes you liable to repay the obligation as set forth in your loan agreement.

Your Complete Moving Checklist

There is so much to do when you’re getting ready to move — especially if you’re moving to a new city. This checklist won’t reduce your to-do list, but it can make it easier to avoid forgetting important tasks.

Does Being Frugal Make You Feel Richer?

It's easy to rationalize why frugality makes sense today. We’re seeing higher prices at the pumps, the grocery stores, and everywhere else. When costs climb, it’s time to focus on the things that truly matter and identify those that could wait a bit longer.

5 African Americans To Celebrate During Black History Month

We’ve got some extraordinary people to tell you about in celebration of Black History Month. We’re thrilled to celebrate these pioneers for all they have achieved and taught us throughout history. These historical figures remain beacons of hope, knowledge, and resolve. Their stories remind us to pursue our goals, dreams, and ambitions with determination, as tomorrow may bring unexpected opportunities.

Credit Card Debt: How to Know When You’re in Over Your Head

It’s best to avoid going too deep into credit card debt, and the way to do that is with careful planning and by creating a solid budget that you can live with. Knowing what you can reasonably afford and when you’ve reached that point is half the battle to preventing debt.

What Is a Trust Fund?

Trust funds provide a financial safety net for your family in an unexpected tragedy. Creditors cannot access the money you place in a trust fund. However, the fund can pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other immediate needs. Trust funds can also ensure that your loved ones have the money they need to care for themselves financially, even after you're gone.