In October, Americans got another dose of negative economic news. However, despite all the doom and gloom, people are persevering. After hitting an all-time low in August, the COUNTRY Financial Security Index inched up 0.8 points to 63.2 this month. » Read More

Financial decisions aren’t always as easy as deciding whether or not to “add fries with that.” Some are downright terrifying. Should you rent or buy? Or, are you saving enough to have a comfortable retirement? For these fiscal matters, the choices you make can affect your life for years to come. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are some tools to help. » Read More

In the time it takes you to read this post, there will be three home fires reported in the United States. What’s worse is on average seven people die in home fires every day! » Read More

With September behind us, we turn our eyes to fall. However, for many, September won’t be easily forgotten. According to the Conference Board, the recent Consumer Confidence Index showed a stagnating level of confidence. » Read More

It’s a beautiful autumn morning. Despite an early wakeup call, the crisp autumn breeze keeps me alert. In the background, I hear the sounds of hammers, trucks rumbling and saws spinning. I’m holding siding in need of cutting. I was told to do angled cuts measured to fit. What? » Read More

So, you’ve read about Americans’ mortgage gap and learned what questions to ask when buying a home. What’s next? If you’re currently looking, maybe you have recently found your dream house. » Read More

As any homeowner will tell you, there’s nothing quite as intimidating as writing that down payment check, especially as a first-time buyer. It’s hard not to feel your future cementing into place with each pen stroke. However, if you’ve done your homework, there’s no reason for anxiety! Here are four questions you should ask before buying a house. » Read More

It’s been a rocky time for our economy these last couple months. Americans expressed their unease in our latest COUNTRY Index survey in August. This month, our survey focused on housing. With the combination of a repressed market and high unemployment, there’s a significant gap in Americans’ ability to pay their mortgage if they became unemployed. » Read More

With the passing of Labor Day last week, summer has officially ended and college students have resumed classes. Whether living in the dorms or apartments, they’ll be faced with the added costs of a life away from home. We’re here to help! » Read More

As a production assistant, I’ve heard all types of auto claim stories. One where a client swerved and crashed to avoid a turtle immediately comes to mind. From what I heard, that claims adjuster had a hard time getting a statement from it in order to determine who was at fault! » Read More