If you’re looking for a house, you’re probably figuring out which ones you want to see in-person based on online ads. And if you’ve already been out looking, you’ve probably seen houses that didn’t quite match up to their description. Here’s how to spot the red flags in home listings, plus the positive touches you should look for. Language Can Be Deceptive Less-than-desirable properties often have clever adjectives describing them. They sound good, but it’s really a mask to hide an issue. Examples include: Cozy – This sounds comforting and quaint, but in real estate it usually means small. Especially…

Did you have to pay taxes instead of getting a refund? You’re not alone, and unfortunately, it could happen again. But there are things you can do to ease your tax burden, and maybe even end up getting some money back. The key is to start planning now, and not wait until December (which will be here before you know it). Here’s what you should do: Donate to Charity and/or Volunteer This is a great thing to do even without the tax breaks, but the tax write-off is definitely a bonus. Keep careful records of all your donations and volunteer…

The NCUA has noted an increase in check scams. These scams come in a variety of forms, but the most common ones are: From someone purchasing something online  – In this scenario, you receive a check for more than what you’re selling for, and instructed to send the extra to some third party, usually because the buyer owes that person money. It’s a convoluted story, but many sellers get trapped in it. Work from home opportunities – A fake job posting sends you an advance and asks that you deposit a portion of it a specific account. Advance on sweepstakes…

Criminals masquerading as employees of the Federal Reserve are scamming consumers, often getting money and account information out of their victims. Here’s what you need to know. Scam Details Victims are contacted about a federal grant they have access to. The fraudsters will tell them that an application fee will start the process of releasing the grant funds. Victims are instructed to pay the fee via wire transfer, GreenDot Moneypack cards, or gift cards (usually Amazon or Apple), and typically over $200. They’re also told to give their account information so the funds can be direct deposited once the application…

Bills are a lot like bad weather. They’re going to come anyway, so you might as well not try to fix them, right? For some bills, that’s the case. For others, though, you can make a big difference in your monthly budget with a little legwork. One of the bills you can change is your car payment. Refinancing your auto loan can lead to a lower monthly payment, a shorter term, or both! It depends on a wide range of factors, including the value of your vehicle, how much you owe on your current loan, and your credit standing. If…