Unlock Insights

Key takeaways: If you’re a homeowner, you probably know all too well that the housing market has softened – a lot. Home prices have even slipped, according to a few measurements. And they might fall even further. That’s probably not what you want to hear, but there are some steps you can take now to protect […]

Chanel is proud of her work as a nursing assistant at a major university hospital system. So, the last thing she needed was a broken ankle that kept her from her job she loves. It also meant no income, and no option but to turn to debt. In Chanel’s case, it wasn’t credit card debt, […]

Debt consolidation can be a confusing term. It really just means combining and downsizing debts so they are easier to repay. In effect, you’re getting all debts “under one roof” and at a good interest rate – and you can do so in one of several ways. In considering these common options, keep in mind […]

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’re not alone. In 2022, NBC analyzed IRS data and found that 43 million – or roughly 30% of taxpayers – waited until the three weeks before Tax Day to file their returns. With Tax Day coming up on April 18, we’re officially in crunch time. Here are some strategies […]

Are you looking to eliminate debt, pay down student loans or save up for a home renovation? Maybe you’d like to build up your emergency fund or you find that your budget is telling you your expenses are exceeding your income. A side gig – aka second job – is a great way to generate […]

Key takeaways: In late March, the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates, the ninth time it has raised borrowing costs since early 2022. But those rate increases may soon end, and there’s a strong possibility the Fed may start to cut rates instead. Here’s a closer look at what’s going on.  Since the start of the year, […]

Key takeaways If you have no idea what’s going on in the economy, you’re not alone. The “experts” whose job it is to forecast economic trends are also uncertain. In one recent survey, for example, the well-regarded National Association of Business Economists (NABE) said its members hold “a variety of opinions on the fate of the economy […]

“Spring cleaning” may conjure up visions of decluttered closets, spotless refrigerators and dust-free baseboards. Just as you may give your home a polishing, spring is an ideal time to do the same with your finances. These seven steps can get your finances in top shape for the rest of the year.  Directing some of that […]

Key Takeaways When you’re buying a home, the laundry list of fees and charges thrown at you can feel dizzying. But there’s one charge you must make sure you understand. Homeowner’s Association fees, often abbreviated as “HOA fees,” are critically important — and sometimes pricier than buyers realize. HOA fees are also sometimes called “common […]

Key Takeaways: Budgeting and saving are key components in financial success and moving your finances forward. But if you’re one of the nearly 10 million Americans who are self-employed, work as freelancers or consultants, work on commission, or have joined the gig economy, you may think budgeting is too difficult or even impossible to do effectively. […]

“This company is extraordinary!’  So said Theresa B. about her experience obtaining her Unlock Technologies home equity agreement.  The South Carolina resident was looking for a way to access the equity she had in her home to pay some outstanding bills. Taking on one more monthly payment was the last thing she wanted. “I needed […]

You may be in the depths of winter, whether shoveling, reeling from high heating costs or tired of the shorter days. But spring – and tax season – are just around the corner. This year, a weekend and a District of Columbia holiday – Emancipation Day – are pushing the usual tax filing date to […]