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After much time and research, you've done it - you've found your dream home. Now that your offer has been accepted and your lender has already pre-approved you, it is time for the home appraisal. But how much is the home worth? That’s the question at the heart of an appraisal. Home appraisals find out if the asking price is different than the actual value of the property. The value of the property will determine what the lender will loan you.

An appraisal is the expert opinion that defines the value of a property. But why is the lender so interested in the home appraisal, you may ask? A home appraisal protects the lender by using the home as collateral for the loan, making sure that their investment is indeed, worth the amount that they loan to a borrower. It also helps you  not only to understand what the state of the home is, but it protects you from paying too much for a home.

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Debt is a lot like snow. The more it accumulates, the more damage it can do.

Did you know it only takes two feet of compressed snow to stress the roof of your home and set it up for a potential collapse? While homeowner's insurance can cover repair costs, there's no such insurance policy that can help you recover from the destruction caused by the weight of debt.

If you're struggling to pay bills or can't seem to make progress on your emergency savings fund, too much debt might be to blame. Fortunately, there are two proven debt repayment methods that allow you to melt away years of debt accumulation.

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A college degree is an investment that has the potential to pay a lifetime of dividends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections found workers with a college credential have lower unemployment rates and earn more money than those with only a high school diploma. But, the rising costs of tuition, books, and housing pose a problem for many would-be students.

“Free money,” i.e., grants and scholarships, are rarely enough to cover tuition bills. Some college-bound will either apply for student loans, delay enrollment, or shun higher education altogether.

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Personal finance isn't your favorite subject. We understand. Talking dollars and cents can be confusing and stressful. As a result, you may be among the 65% of Americans who have no idea how much they spent last month. But ignorance isn't bliss, especially with your money. Here are five things you should know about personal finance to make sure you make the most of every hard-earned dollar.

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Most people tend to file their income taxes electronically by using tax preparation software or by hiring a tax professional. Only a brave 10% of taxpayers fill out and file paper forms, presumably without much assistance. Like most decisions related to money, it's important to carefully consider your filing options since a simple error could result in a costly mistake.

As you gather your W-2s, 1099s, or other tax documents, consider the pros and cons of the DIY approach versus hiring a tax professional.

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