Tom Kouretsos BHHS Chicago

How often do you use a debit card? To avoid identity theft, start using it less.

Debit Cards: Why You Should Proceed With Caution A debit card can be your worst enemy when it comes to identity fraud. Credit and debit card fraud to...

State-sponsored 529 accounts are a tax-free way to pay for a child's college education.

Getting the Most Out of Your Child's 529 Plan to Pay for College State-sponsored 529 accounts are a tax-free way to pay for a child’s college education. Opening an i...

Have kids? It's never too early to start preparing for college, and student loans aren't the only way to fund their education.

Alternative Ways to Fund a College Education The average student loan debt for a college graduate in 2016 was $37,172, according to Forbes. That’...

Helpful tips for managing your budget.

5 Reminders to Keep In Your Wallet Your purse or wallet can be more than just a place to pull your money out of so you can spend it. It...

Hint It can cost much less than expected

How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring Ask any jeweler how much money you should spend on an engagement ring and they’ll likely give you th...

Guests on the way? Here's how to fake a clean home, fast!

How to Fake a Clean Home in 15 Minutes We’ve all been there: guests are scheduled to arrive in 15 minutes, but you got caught up, and...

Build up your credit and carry around less cash with one of these.

The Benefits of a Secured Credit Card Unable to get a credit card? If so, it may be harder for you to build a good credit rating, making e...

Knowing which bills to pay first can help you better manage your debt.

Prioritizing Your Debt Payments If you’re in debt up to your eyeballs, or at least up to your waist, it can be hard to see which deb...

For the home cook! What are your favorite spices to cook with?

5 Spices That Add Flavor but Not Heat Are you looking to add spice to your home cooking, but not heat? Here are five interesting flavors t...

Low credit shouldn't stop you from getting a second mortgage to pay off debt or make home repairs. What home project would you use the money for?

Refi Options for Those With Low Credit Scores If you want to get a second mortgage so you can make renovations to your home, it can be difficult i...

On average, how many hours of TV do your children watch each week?

How Much Screen Time Is Right for Your Child? In the modern world, children are exposed to technology at a young age. Many parents introduce their...

While student credit cards can help college students build credit, they do come with some conditions.

What to Know Before Applying for a Student Credit Card Building good credit takes time, and it can be a few years before college students or graduates have...