You Invest by J.P. Morgan Review | A Beneficial Brokerage

On August 29, 2018, J.P. Morgan Chase, a financial behemoth with over $2.6 trillion in assets, brought a new product – You Invest – to its customers.

The product offers an impressive collection of trading options, tools, and resources for investors to consider.

You Invest is a new entrant in the online brokerage industry, offering all customers 100 commission-free online stock and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) trades.

So, if you love free stuff, You Invest could be your ideal online brokerage platform. here are several other factors that you need to consider. Let’s take a more in-depth look at this program and see what it has to offer.

You Invest Overview

What You Invest Offers

J.P. Morgan Chase developed You Invest with the aim of eliminating barriers to investing. To achieve that, the program offers $0 account minimums, $0 minimums on hundreds of funds including J.P. Morgan funds, and commission-free online stock and ETF trading.

You don’t have to be a Chase Bank customer to be able to use You Invest to purchase and sell stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and bonds, but the number of free trades available to you will depend on your relationship with Chase Bank.

Namely, if you hold a Premier Plus Banking account, you will get 100 free trades a year. Conversely, if you have a Sapphire Banking or Chase Private Client account, you’ll enjoy unlimited free trades.

Opening a You Invest account is quite easy. It will not take you more than five minutes, and transferring funds between your Chase accounts happens in real-time.

Benefits of You Invest 

Once you are in, a Portfolio Builder tool will evaluate your tolerance to risk, and help you create and invest a diversified portfolio of ETFs and Stocks. In summary, here’s what you stand to enjoy when you sign up for You Invest:

• 100 commission-free online ETF and stock trades for a whole year.
• After a year, all ETF and stocks trades will cost $2.95
• Unlimited commission-free online ETF and stock trades for Sapphire Banking, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Chase Private Client, and J.P. Morgan Securities customers.
• Access to competitively priced online fixed income trading
• Access to mutual funds with no commissions or transactions fees

Note that you may need to pay regulatory transaction fees.

How Does You Invest Work?

Account Set Up

For a Chase Bank customer, the You Invest app is conveniently accessible through the Chase Mobile Banking app.

However, if you’re currently not a Chase customer, you’ll need to visit the Chase website to open your You Invest account. Keep in mind that you must be aged 18 or above and have a valid social security number to be able to open a You Invest account.

You may choose to use your You Invest accounts as a standard brokerage account, but you do have retirement account options. You could open up a Roth or traditional individual retirement account (IRA). If you are not sure what account is appropriate for your situation, consider seeking advice from a tax expert.

Trading Terms

This investing app allows you to trade stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and certificate of deposits (CDs).

The lowest amount you can have in your account is $0, and the app allows you to make 100 trades for free in the first year. After exhausting all your free 100 trades, you’ll be paying $2.95 per trade. This price is lower than what most online brokerages charge, adding to the long list of benefits of You Invest.

Portfolio Builder

You Invest gives you access to a free Portfolio Builder tool if you have a balance of $5,000 and above in your account. This tool is designed to analyze your ETFs and stocks to determine if the entire portfolio is commensurate with your risk profile.

Your risk profile refers to your investment time horizon, your financial goals, and your perceived capability to withstand market fluctuations.

While the portfolio builder isn’t supposed to push you into choosing certain investments, it will notify you if you pick investment options that are inconsistent with your risk profile.

Cost of You Invest

You won’t pay a dime to download the You Invest app. In fact, if you are already a Chase customer, you can easily access it from the Mobile banking app. This app also doesn’t charge maintenance fees or other charges that you’ll see in other investing apps.

However, you will need to pay $2.95 for every trade when purchasing ETFs and stocks once you use all your 100 free trades. If you are a Chase Private Client, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Chase Sapphire Banking, or J.P. Morgan Securities client, you won’t have to pay for trades.

You also won’t be charged if you are purchasing mutual funds via the You Invest app. If you are looking to buy bonds, however, you’ll need to pay $1 for a single bond.

Keep in mind that you’re required to purchase bonds ranging from $10 to $250. If you are investing in fixed income, you’ll need to pay $1 for a trade.

Alternatives to You Invest

What Makes Chase You Invest Unique?

Affordable Account Monitoring

What sets Chase You Invest apart from its competitors is that it helps investors monitor their total portfolio while granting them the flexibility to choose from a wide range of investments.

Additionally, not many investing apps will allow you to purchase and sell assets without paying a dime as You Invest does.

Educational Resources

You Invest is also trying to ensure that investors are knowledgeable. It has a variety of informational articles in its “learning and insights” section. If you are new to investing, these articles can help you understand your portfolios.

J.P. Morgan is the product of J.P. Morgan Chase, a giant in the financial industry, which means you’re getting incredibly best research and information 

Targeted Investment Strategy

If you are looking for investments that can help you attain your financial goals, then You Invest is your ideal investing app. It will help you find the right investments based on your goals.

All you need to do is to navigate to the “find investments” section on the app. Then you can search for investments consistent with your parameters. You can adjust the parameters according to elements such as asset classes, risk profile, and management fees.

One great aspect of the app is that it allows you to review stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and fixed income investments that fit your parameters. J.P. Morgan Chase is among the few brokerage firms that are employing technology to ensure that investors find the right investments based on their goals.

Pros and Cons of You Invest

Pros of Chase You Invest

• Free trades: Every new user gets 100 free trades per year and  Chase Private Clients receive unlimited free trades
• App: You can conveniently trade on the Chase mobile app
• Convenience: Existing Chase customers get universal account management service
• Resources: Access to J.P. Morgan’s award-winning equity research that covers at least 1,200 companies in the United States

Cons of Chase You Invest

• Fees: You pay $2.95 per trade once 100 free trades are exhausted
• Trading options: No futures, options, or forex trading. You Invest only allows trading of ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, and certain bonds

Bottom Line

By offering no account minimums, no minimums on J.P. Morgan funds, and commission-free online ETF and stock trading, You Invest has lived to its promise of eliminating barriers to investing. It has made it easy for even millennials to venture into stocks investing.

This app is ideal for individuals who are somewhat acquainted with investing and are looking to further explore the world of investing by trying options such as individual stocks and ETFs.

Offering 100 free trades a year, this investing app provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate various investment options without having to burn a lot of money.

This app is a fascinating addition in the online brokerage field. You will probably enjoy trading with it, but if it doesn’t meet your expectations, just know there are several alternatives out there that you can give a try.

 

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Got Active Kids? Here Are 9 Simple Ways to Stretch the Family Budget

Feeling Good About Yourself (the Frugal Way): Find Your Flow

Amanda writes in with one of those good mailbag questions that ends up being its own post because it deserves a longer answer:

How do you handle those days when you just feel bad about yourself and just need a perk or a treat? Like your boss yells at you a bunch and you feel stressed out and burned out and you just go do something that makes you feel good for a little bit? I usually go get something to eat (not the best) or go buy makeup.

Here are the four most common things I do when I’m feeling down in the dumps, I’m alone and don’t have a social contact to connect with, and just want to feel better for a little while.

I’ll often read a book. I’ll just go into our sun room – a nice room with lots of windows – and just read for a while. I usually will read a page turner, something that’s not particularly thought intensive but not thoughtless, either. I usually choose literary fiction (I’m just finishing up Barkskins by Annie Proulx at the moment), epic fantasy, or science fiction.

I’ll go on a hike, usually at a particular state park that’s reasonably close to where I live that has really wonderful hilly hiking trails. I’ll just go on a walk in the woods and somehow I feel better.

I’ll play a “just one more turn…” computer game. These are usually really involved computer games that require a lot of thought and focus to play well, so I tend to get lost in them. The ones that usually attract my attention are Factorio, Civilization, Rimworld, Stellaris, and Europa Universalis.

I’ll practice martial arts at home, particularly taekwondo. Going through a long routine of taekwondo movements gets me into a flow state surprisingly well.

There are a few other things I do occasionally if the mood strikes me. I’ll exercise really vigorously. I’ll play a solitaire board game. I’ll make some sort of food item. I’ll go on a long walk.

What do all of these things have in common? It’s certainly not spending money.

Every single one of them is about getting into a “flow state.”

So, let’s back up here. A “flow state” is when you’re so engaged with an activity that you literally lose track of time and place. Have you ever been so engaged with doing something that you totally lose track of time and then all of a sudden you “snap back” to reality and you’re just stunned at how much time has passed? That’s “flow state.”

The thing is, flow state feels tremendously good and, I’ve found, the aftermath feels tremendously good, too. The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi actually wrote a book about flow state, entitled Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, and that subtitle is a big clue. Optimal experience.

I find that whenever I am able to get into a flow state, I thoroughly enjoy myself and I feel incredibly good afterwards, a feeling that lasts for a while. This is doubly true when I do it without anything hanging over my head – no impending deadlines or other responsibilities weighing me down. For example, I’ll sometimes get into a flow state when I’m doing work tasks with deadlines, but while those flow states feel good, they also completely wear me out. A flow state doing something I enjoy without deadlines or without a strict need to do it makes me feel good.

It’s possible to “lose track of time” without getting into a flow state. This can happen when you’re watching a television program, for example. You’re not really deeply engaged with the thing; rather, you just kind of zone out for a while. To me, this isn’t invigorating, but very exhausting. Think about how you feel after a day of just watching television.

Again, it’s worth noting that getting into a “flow state” doesn’t cost anything; it merely requires you to be doing something that you enjoy doing that’s engaging enough that you completely lose track of time and place.

So, to summarize, the one thing I do to improve my mood when I’m feeling down is to do something purely for enjoyment (but also not easy or thoughtless) that’s likely to put me into a “flow state,” where I’m so engaged with it that I lose track of time and place for a while. When I come out of that state, I always feel better and, more importantly, I feel ready to tackle real life problems. (That is, if I don’t just dive back into that “flow state.”)

As you can see, there are a wide variety of specific activities I can do that cause this to happen, so I consciously choose activities that do not require much expense.

For example, I know that from previous experience, I can get into a flow state while golfing, and I can also get into a flow state while working in a wood shop, but the expense of both of those things is tremendous. The startup costs of a proper wood shop are incredible (though it’s not too bad afterwards), while golf is an infinite path of expenses. So, even though I know those things can put me in a flow state, I skip by them.

What about other treats, like eating some ice cream? Sure, those things can give an immediate burst of “feeling good,” but that burst fades really quickly. I’m not left in a state where I feel good and motivated to tackle things after other kinds of splurges. Thus, over time, I’ve learned to not turn to those things that just give a quick burst of pleasure and fade immediately because they don’t really help. In fact, I usually end up feeling worse.

What if you don’t have the time for something that gets you into a “flow state”? If that’s the case, then clearing out a window for it becomes my big short-term goal. “If I get X, Y, and Z done in the next two hours, I can do this other thing for an hour or two.” I deeply enjoy those flow state activities that I have, so they tend to work really well as short-term motivators.

So my answer to Amanda is this: If you want a frugal way to boost your mood, find some things in your life that you enjoy that bring you into a “flow state” without requiring you to spend money and make them a regular and accessible part of your life. For me, “flow state” activities are the most reliable things I have in my life for feeling good in terms of things I can easily draw on when I’m alone or when I’m with others.

For me, as I noted earlier, reading, hiking, gaming, and practicing martial arts gets me there most of the time, and vigorous exercise, cooking, and long walks also work.

Of course, those things won’t necessarily work for you. If you don’t instinctively know what gets you into that kind of “flow state,” you should try a lot of things that you view as fun that don’t come with a sticker price. There are infinite things to do out there that are interesting but don’t require you to spend money.

I’ll offer up my daughter as an example because, well, she’s actually right across the room from me as I’m working on this article, so I asked her. She thought about it and she said the things that get her into that kind of state are painting, playing the piano, reading, and playing soccer.

I asked my oldest son as well, who was in another room nearby, and he told me that the things that work well for him are playing soccer, reading, doing taekwondo forms, and learning something new.

There are some overlap in those answers – we’re family, after all – but some big differences as well.

I’m not going to share a big list of fairly random ideas, but I’d suggest, for starters, trying things that your family and good friends really enjoy as low cost hobbies, as well as seeing if there are any groups or classes for free in your community that might help you dig into a hobby. You can discover those kinds of groups and activities using Meetup, the local library, and the community calendar that’s probably on your city’s website.

After I finish up this article, revise it a little, and then submit it to the website, I’m actually going to do one of those things listed earlier – namely, I’m going to practice taekwondo for half an hour or so. I’ll deeply enjoy the practice itself and I’ll probably slip into a flow state, so I’ll set an “emergency timer” for about an hour after I start just to make sure I don’t completely disrupt my day, and when I’m done, I’m almost certain I’ll feel really good and ready to tackle much of what’s left on my to-do list for today.

There’s truly nothing better I’ve found for lifting my mood than doing things that get me into a flow state. I think you may just find the same to be true in your own life.

Good luck!

Read more by Trent Hamm: 

• 16 Little Perks I Use to Boost My Mood When I’m Feeling Down – Without Spending Money
• The Happy Life on Your Path to Your Financial Goals
• 12 Low-Cost Strategies for Getting Out of a Funk

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Dear Penny: My Husband’s Overspending Is Destroying Our Finances

Dear A.,

You must feel like you’re talking to a wall whenever you want to discuss finances. A very expensive wall.

It sounds like you’re doing everything right by presenting evidence and making the case for cutting back. But since your message isn’t getting through, it might be time to take a few steps back and explore a new approach.

Have you asked questions when you talk about money with your husband, or do you just charge ahead, spreadsheets a-blazing?

Try starting the conversation with something like, “I know we’ve talked about trying to save money before, and you probably remember that I have a lot of ideas for how we can go about it. But I want to learn from you: What are your priorities when it comes to money?”

Even if you’ve argued about this a dozen times before, approaching your husband again with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn can help get you started — and on the right foot this time.

The answers might surprise you. Your husband might say that he thinks cable is worth having in exchange for spending less money on nights out, for example. Or he might reveal that he’d love to avoid paying the late fee on a certain bill, but he can’t figure out how to set up autopay without getting frustrated and giving up — we’ve all been there.  

You may think some of his justifications are dumb or that his priorities are off-base. But that doesn’t make his thoughts less valid. Investigating his point of view should help you identify areas where you agree, as well as areas that might be lost causes.

It’s also important to highlight the “why” as much as the “how.” If you aren’t unified in your goals for saving money, you’re going to be at odds trying to make those changes happen.

It’s only then that you can start re-examining a game plan for your family’s finances. He may be willing to let you take the reins of accounts and subscriptions if he doesn’t have the patience to nickel and dime them.

But you, the go-getter, will not know how to proceed productively until you get to the core of what motivates (and demotivates) your husband.

Have a tricky money question? Write to Dear Penny and you might see your question answered in an upcoming column.

Lisa Rowan is a personal finance expert and senior writer at The Penny Hoarder, and the voice behind Dear Penny.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

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Five Credit Score Points Could Cost You $15,000 on Your Mortgage

7 Ways to Start an Online Fashion Boutique for Free

I’ve often daydreamed of owning my own fashion boutique with piles of designer denim, trendy new tunics, and stylish jewelry hanging from eclectic jewelry stands. But where do you begin? How do you become a wholesaler? And my gosh, what are the startup costs involved!? For the majority of the population, starting a brick and […]

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Can you really bag a bargain at Outlet Stores?

Discount villages and online outlet stores can appear a shoppers’ paradise, with prices slashed on high street and designer items. But are the goods you buy worth their cheaper price tag or is all not as it seems? Moneywise investigates

While many high streets shops are struggling to keep afloat, outlet shopping appears increasingly popular, with at least three more locations planned for 2020. 

But what are you buying when you shop at outlets, both online and in store? Are you really getting items that others pay considerably more for or are you buying the dregs that no one wants or products that were never even on the high street? 

What do outlets stock?

Clothes, homeware, gadgets and electricals are just some of the items being sold off in these places, with eye-catching discounts of up to 75%. But what do you get for your money?

“Typical outlet stock will be a combination of last season, returns and seconds as well as production overruns, experimental lines and some items that are ‘made for outlet’,” says Ken Gunn, managing director of property at retail strategy consultancy Pragma, who has worked on outlet centres including Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Clarks Village in Somerset and Cheshire Oaks in Ellesmere Port.

And with online outlets, items may be a mix of both new and clearance products including refurbished, returns, or seconds.

5.2. Clarks Village-2-110_Brands Gallery 3.jpg

Clarks Village in Somerset claims to be the UK's first outlet shopping centre

Can you pick up a bargain?

How much you can save depends on the brand, but outlet shops, or the shopping villages or centres in which many are housed, typically claim discounts of ‘up to’ anything between 50% and 75%.

While this can sound enticing, remember stock is usually last season, so you are unlikely to find something you spotted on the high street sitting on the outlet shelves a month later. “There is so much discounting on the high street right now that it can make outlet discounts look marginal,” says Clare Bailey, independent retail expert at Retailchampion.co.uk,“so you may not get as much value from the outlet stores”.

Natalie Berg, a retail analyst and founder of NBK Retail, a retail consultancy that looks at changing shopping habits and future retail trends, agrees. “The shine has worn off due to constant discounting on the high street,” she says.

“If shoppers can get 20% to 30% off the entire season’s stock, why trek to an outlet mall where the discounts will be similar but on last season’s inventory?”

However, when it comes to luxury brands, outlets can be a way of introducing the brand to a new market. “At the upper end of the market, people aren’t price sensitive, they’re not fussed about half-price stock and willing to pay top whack,” adds Ms Bailey. “It’s a different type of customer who wants to buy those items at a discount, as they’re not worried about something that’s last season.”

Forget voucher codes

This is one time when voucher codes don’t have any value so don’t even bother hunting for them.  Most vouchers can only be used on ‘full price’ merchandise, so you can’t get ‘double discount’ by using them alongside any special offers, promotions or deals.

However, some outlet locations may offer their own loyalty deals. For example, Springfields outlet, near Spalding in Lincolnshire, offers a free ‘VIP’ card with further discounts at around 40 stores.

Where do you find outlets?

Clarks Village in Street, Somerset claims to be the UK’s first outlet shopping centre, having been going for 25 years, and now boasts 90 outlet stores including many high street names such as Marks & Spencer, Next, Body Shop, White Stuff, Joules, Jack Wills, Hobbs and Gap.

Another big outlet centre is Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, which also features over 90 brands including Coach, Fossil, French Connection, Pandora and Molton Brown. And there are outlet ‘chains’ such as McArthurGlen, which has several sites across the UK including London, Cardiff, Manchester, Nottingham, Swindon and York. Its Cheshire Oaks site has more than 130 stores and houses a mix of high street names, such as Build-A-Bear and Paperchase, alongside luxury brands such as Mulberry and Burberry.

Other outlets, such as Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, have cornered the high-end market with the likes of Armani, Gucci, Montblanc and Kate Spade.

Livingston Designer Outlet is Scotland’s largest outlet mall and houses top-end brands including Antler, Barbour, Calvin Klein, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger along with high street names such as Phase Eight, Reiss, Hamleys, Marks & Spencer, Next, Body Shop and French Connection.

And the London Designer Outlet at Wembley Park houses more than 70 stores including Hamleys, Yankee Candle, Jack Wills and North Face.

95454240-93af-11e5-bd82-c1fb87bef7af.jpeg

Bicester Shopping Village in Oxfordshire

Brands for the outlet market

While the discounts offered sound tempting, you’re not necessarily comparing like for like with high-street stores. In some cases, as much as 50% of the merchandise on sale in outlet stores may be specifically made for the outlet according to Mr Gunn.

“These are sometimes labelled as ‘outlet exclusives’, but every brand is different, so the balance in store can range from 100% last season’s stock to 50% made for outlet.”

“Made for outlet isn’t always inferior quality and essentially lets consumers access aspirational brands at prices they can afford,” says Mr Gunn.

If it matters to you, you can always ask in store if the items on sale have previously been sold in stores or online or specifically made for the outlet market.

Online outlets

Many big-name retailers have online outlet stores, including Argos, Clarks, Debenhams, Currys PC World, Lakeland, and Tesco. These can be separate from their main websites or, in many cases, may be outlet stores on eBay. Some have online outlets even if they don’t have physical outlet locations.

Lakeland, for example, sells refurbished items at up to 50% off, along with a year’s guarantee, through its eBay outlet store. At the time of writing, a soup and milkshake blender (1.5 litre size) is on sale on its eBay outlet for £34.99, which is less than half the price it is currently selling for in its high street stores and on its website.

Some items sold through online outlets are listed as potentially having minor surface defects or not being in their original packaging. If you are buying for yourself you might not mind, but if you’re gifting check the description carefully if you don’t want to give something that is not in perfect condition.

Clarks has more than 50 outlet stores around the country as well an online outlet, which is separate from its standard website. Its outlet site promises at least 30% off, although the headline banner says ‘up to 60%’. However, during sale periods, you can buy current stock with up to 50% off through its standard website.

Joules also has an outlet store on eBay, but right now both its standard website along with its eBay outlet are currently advertising ‘up to 50%’ off, which doesn’t make the online outlet version look like a better deal.

If you prefer an online outlet selling multiple brands, you can sign up for free at BrandAlley.co.uk, which is a members-only designer discount site with up to 80% off around 500 brands.

Well-known brands include Michael Kors, Ted Baker, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, L’Occitane, Elemis, Diesel and Orla Kiely, covering fashion, beauty and home. We found Mulberry handbags with over 70% off and La Prairie luxury skincare at a 50% discount. BrandAlley charges a flat £5.95 delivery charge and £3.50 postage on returns.

Outlet store or online outlet?

It can be hard to compare prices for the same brand between its outlet store and its online outlet. “When it comes to pricing between the outlet stores and outlet websites, they are no better or worse”, says Ms Bailey.

In most cases, they are not likely to have exactly the same products in stock and even if they do, they may in different colours or designs so it is impossible to compare like for like. Sometimes online will have better offers, at others physical outlets – it tends to balance out.

nike.jpg

Nike has over 130 outlet stores across Europe

Looking for a particular item?

If you are really serious about bargain hunting, you may have to put in some legwork, says Mr Gunn, as not all outlets have the same stock.

“Larger chains are more sophisticated. Nike for example, which has over 130 outlet stores across Europe, has a centralised distribution system that collects unsold stock, plans the correct inventory for a specific outlet centre and then resupplies the stores,” he explains.

This, he says, means “smart outlet shoppers will visit different outlet centres as the same brand can have different stock”. 

Check the returns policy

If you are buying from an outlet, it is worth checking its returns policy. In most cases, even if you are able to return unwanted items for a refund, you may have to be prepared to trek back to the same store you bought it from.

This is because most ‘outlet’ stores won’t let you return items to their high street counterpart. But buying online gives you more rights; as even with online outlet stores, you still have 14 days to return items and in many cases, you may even have longer.

Check delivery costs when buying online. Even after you factor this in, it is still likely to be cheaper than the cost of the petrol plus time to drive to an outlet centre, and, of course, no guarantee you’ll find the same thing on the shelves there anyway.

SUE HAYWARD is a personal finance journalist who writes for publications including The Guardian and LoveMoney.com

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Alternatives to TaxAct: Where to Get the Best Prices and Features

Online tax filers searching for the lowest price often land on TaxAct.com. The service consistently offers some of the lowest price points in the market.

The actual price you’ll pay to file online can be more confusing, though.

Depending on your specific situation, you could ultimately pay more on a platform that publishes lower fees. TaxAct should absolutely be on your short list, but you might also benefit from TaxAct’s competitors.

In this comparison, we’ll take a look at how TaAct stacks up to top tax software TurboTax, TaxSlayer, and H&R Block to help you make the call.

Best TaxAct Alternatives

1. TaxAct Breakdown
2. TaxAct vs. TaxSlayer
3. TaxAct vs. H&R Block
4. TaxAct vs. TurboTax
5. What to Look for
6. Bottom Line

Overview of TaxAct

Cost

Before looking at other leading tax software choices, we’ll go over the basics of TaxAct so you’ll know how they compare to other services.

Here’s a breakdown of TaxAct’s current fee structure. Keep in mind TaxAct could change its prices as the tax season progresses. The same goes for any prices quoted in this post:

• TaxAct Free Plan: TaxAct allows free filing for the simplest federal tax situations, and some forms of retirement income can be reported without paying to upgrade. Despite the name, filing a state return will still cost $19.95.
• Basic+ Plan for $14.95: Taxpayers with dependents or education expenses will need to upgrade to the Basic+ plan. Filing a state return will cost an additional $19.95.
• Deluxe+ Plan for $47.95: If you’re writing off interest, taking advantage of tax credits, or itemizing deductions, you’ll need this plan, and you’ll pay an extra $39.95 for a state return.
• Premier+ for $57.95: TaxAct’s most expensive plan allows self-employed, investors, rental property owners, and people with money in offshore accounts to file. A state return will cost an additional $39.95.

Features

TaxAct has improved its customer service this year, especially for customers who pay the most. For example, if you pay $57.95 (plus $39.95 for state filing) for TaxAct’s Premier+ plan, you can get help from a customer service rep who can see your computer screen.

Across the board, though, TaxAct’s customer service still lags behind the higher-priced services, especially services like TurboTax, which offer access to Certified Public Accountants through video conferencing. Unfortunately, TaxAct’s less intuitive interface makes it more likely taxpayers, especially new filers, will need some extra help.

Taxpayers searching for alternatives to TaxAct will notice other services usually publish higher fees. Your tax situation could prevent you from paying more, though, so don’t let the sticker shock scare you away immediately.

File your taxes with TaxAct>>

TaxAct vs TaxSlayer

Cost

We’ll start with TaxSlayer, another budget-friendly option. Although TaxSlayer’s fees aren’t much higher than TaxAct’s, TaxSlayer spreads its services across its fee structure differently:

• Free: Like TaxAct, you can file a new federal 1040 for free but not if you itemize or use Schedules 1-6. Unlike TaxAct, you can file your state return for free, too, assuming it’s just as simple as your federal return.
• Classic Plan for $17 federal + $29 state: If you’re itemizing this year you’ll need to upgrade at least to a Classic Plan with TaxSlayer. Investors, freelancers, and even landlords can often file at this lowest paid tier which is unusual in the industry.
• Premium Plan for $37 federal + $29 state: The extra $20 you’d pay to upgrade from Classic to Premium simply gets you better customer service, including online chatting with tax pros.
• Self-Employed Plan for $47 federal + $29 state: This additional $10 price hike gives you special guidance if you’re self-employed and have multiple sources of income, which can create some of the more complex income tax situations.
• Ultimate Plan for $57 federal + $29 state: TaxSlayer’s most expensive service offers one-on-one help from a tax pro and bonus features such as audit defense for up to three years and extra protection against identity theft.

Features

TaxSlayer’s Classic plan ($17 plus $29 for state) can handle a wide variety of needs, which means you may be able to pay less with TaxSlayer than you’d pay with TaxAct.

For example, a taxpayer who needs to itemize would need TaxAct’s more expensive Deluxe+ plan but could likely file with TaxSlayer’s cheaper Classic plan. With TaxSlayer and TaxAct, higher priced tiers include better customer service. Filing for free prevents you from getting the most help.

While this pricing philosophy makes a certain amount of sense — simpler tax situations should require less help — customer experience doesn’t always line up so neatly. The services we’ll look at next offer more flexibility.

Choose TaxSlayer if: You have simple to moderate needs and you’d still like to save money.

Choose TaxAct if: You know what you’re doing and you just need an easy way to connect with the IRS and you’d like to save money on user fees.

File your taxes with TaxSlayer>>

TaxAct vs. H&R Block

Cost

H&R Block pre-dates the internet with its nationwide network of 10,000 brick-and-mortar tax offices. The company has done well with it’s online and desktop tax software programs, too.

H&R Block’s fees are higher than TaxAct’s across the board, but H&R Blocks’ free edition is also open to more taxpayers than TaxAct’s. Here’s a current price breakdown. Again, remember H&R Block can adjust these prices during the tax season:

• Free Edition: Schedules 1-6 aren’t a problem for free filers with H&R Block. The free plan includes your state return, too. You can opt into help from an H&R Block tax pro for $50.
• Deluxe Plan for $49.99 federal + $36.99 state: Unless you need to report capital gains or losses or income from rental property, H&R Block’s Deluxe plan should work for you. This plan also allows Schedule C-EZ, which is enough to help many part-time freelancers write off expenses. For pro help, add another $80.
• Premium Plan for $69.99 federal + $36.99 state: H&R Block’s Premium plan allows the flexibility most freelancers, investors, and independent contractors will need, as long as your write-offs don’t exceed $5,000. For pro help, add $90.
• Self-Employed Plan for $104.99 federal + $36.99 state: Small businesses or larger-scale independent contractors and full-time freelancers will need this level of service. Add on pro help for an additional $80.

Features

H&R Block has upped its customer service game in recent years by connecting online users with the company’s existing army of tax experts set up in strip malls across the nation. But you can still use H&R Block without paying for this kind of extra help.

In fact, even if you don’t opt for pro help, you can still get technical support and access frequently asked questions, calculators, worksheets, and other resources on the site.

If you’re filing a simple return and can get the job done without paying a fee, you can still tack on the company’s best customer service for $50 if you get stumped along the way.

Choose H&R Block if: You need Schedules 1-6 but would still like to file for free, or if you’re looking for expert guidance and don’t mind paying extra for it.

Choose TaxAct if: You want to save money on fees and you’re comfortable working around tax forms.

File your taxes with H&R Block>>

TaxAct vs. TurboTax

Cost

TurboTax by Intuit tops a lot of people’s list for the best overall platform in the market. The service is easy to use and innovative. In many cases, you’ll pay for this ease of use with some of the highest fees in the market.

• TurboTax Free: TurboTax offers free state and federal returns if you don’t itemize. However, you can claim the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit with the free plan.
• TurboTax Live Basic for $89.99 federal + $29.99 state: With this plan, you’re basically paying for customer service since it doesn’t expand the software beyond what you could do with the free plan. The customer service includes on-demand video access to a tax pro online.
• Deluxe for $59.99 federal + $39.99 state: You’ll need this upgrade to itemize deductions, but you still can’t report rental income or report capital gains or losses. For an additional $70, you can add on video access to a tax professional.
• Premier for $79.99 federal + $39.99 state: This tier allows property owners who earn income from rentals and investors who need to report capital gains and losses to file. Get on-demand live video access to a pro for an extra $100.
• Self-Employed for $119.99 federal + $39.99 state: This highest tier lets independent contractors and career freelancers file. Add on-demand video access to a pro for $90 extra.

Features

TurboTax’s free version doesn’t include Schedules 1-6, which means more filers will need to upgrade to the Deluxe version compared to H&R Block.

If you do qualify for free filing, you can still pay your way into some of the best customer service support in the industry. You’ll also have access to TurboTax’s innovations, such as the ability to snap a photo of your W2 rather than typing in the numbers.

People who know very little about taxes should give TurboTax a close look because the user interface works seamlessly. You can file with almost no knowledge of tax forms.

Choose TurboTax if: You’re a beginner who needs help and you don’t mind paying for quality.

Choose TaxAct if: You’re comfortable working around tax forms and you’d like a basic interface.

File your taxes with TurboTax>>

What to Look For in a Tax Service

With so many IRS-approved tax software programs now available, you might want to venture beyond these four industry leaders.

If so, be sure you’re getting:

• A Guarantee of Accuracy: You don’t want to be responsible for underpayments, and you don’t want to miss out on a bigger refund. And you want some kind of recourse if the software does make a mistake. TaxAct excels with its $100,000 guarantee, for example.
• Direct Deposit Options: Assuming you’re getting a refund, you’ll get it faster when you give the IRS your bank account number so it can deposit your refund directly into your account. The best software services give you other options for receiving your refund, such as prepaid debit cards, old-fashioned checks, and even savings bonds.
• Simple Data Entry: TurboTax may still be an outlier with its ability to enter W2 data by taking a smartphone photo, but any service should let you enter your data quickly and easily.
• Good Customer Service: Even if you don’t opt in, you should be sure you’ll have access to customer service if you need it, whether you have a tax question or a question about how to use the software.
• Easy Transfer of Data: A lot of filers don’t want to switch platforms because their current platform already has all their data. The best tax services offer to help you make this transition easier.

Bottom Line: It’s Not All About the Price

Just about everybody likes to save money, so we talk a lot about finding the best and least expensive options for online tax prep.

Ultimately, though, your comfort level with your tax software matters as much as price. All tax filers have different needs.

If you’re accustomed to filling out paper forms the way our parents and grandparents did, any tax software can make tax season easier for you. You’ll have no problem using TaxAct and possibly saving some money along the way.

If you’re new to taxes, a company like H&R Block or TurboTax can make getting your taxes done a much simpler process.

Of course, the ideal would be to have both: a great platform at the best price. So take a look at your tax situation. If you’re a TaxAct user, you may be able to save money while also enjoying a more seamless customer experience.

The post Alternatives to TaxAct: Where to Get the Best Prices and Features appeared first on Good Financial Cents®.

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Tax Expert Reveals Why Getting a Smaller Refund this Year is a Good Thing

IRS tax refunds are down about nine percent this year compared to last year. Tax expert Dan Pilla explains why that's actually a good thing.

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Experian Boost Review | Give Your Credit Score a Boost

Is an insufficient credit history or low credit score preventing you from qualifying for a loan or a decent interest rate?

If you use the traditional tactics, it may take you several months of responsible financial behavior to raise your credit score to a favorable level.

Thanks to Experian, one of the three leading credit reporting agencies in the U.S., you don’t have to take that arduous route.

The tool, known as Experian Boost. could raise the credit scores of millions of consumers, especially those that don’t have a significant borrowing history.

It allows users to grant permission to the credit reporting agency to connect their bank accounts and gain access to their telecommunication and utility payments in a bid to update their FICO score in real time.

How Experian Boost Works

In addition to offering free credit reports, Experian wants to help people improve their scores. Here’s a quick breakdown of how Boost can help you.

The Basics of Experian Boost

To begin with, you won’t pay a dime to use Experian Boost. It’s a free tool geared to help individuals struggling with building credit.

If you are looking to boost your credit using the tool, you will have to allow it to scan your bank account transactions to identify mobile phone and utility payments. The information extracted by the tool will be reflected in your Experian credit report and be utilized when calculating various credit scores.

It is worth noting that Experian Boost is only interested in positive payment history. It doesn’t consider defaulted payments.

So, you don’t have to worry about missed cell phone or utility payments hurting your credit score. Once Experian Boost has identified utility and telecommunication payments, you will need to verify the data and confirm that you want it added to your Experian credit file.

Afterward, you will receive an updated credit FICO Score in real time. The entire process takes about five minutes, boosting your credit score almost immediately.

Which Credit Scores Experian Boost Impacts

This tool works with the major credit scores that lenders use, namely:

• FICO 8
• FICO 9
• VantageScore 3
• VantageScore 4

However, if a lender uses credit reports from Transunion or Equifax to determine your eligibility for a loan or credit facility, Experian Boost won’t be of any help.

Also worthy of note is that Experian works with Finicity, a third-party firm that facilitates the transfer of data from consumers’ bank accounts to Experian’s credit report repository. You can get access to the tool by registering on Experian’s website.

How Effective is Experian Boost?

Experian Boost by the Numbers

Experian conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of Boost. Here were the findings:

• Two out of three: average scores improved
• 10%: number of consumers who previously had insufficient credit history became scoreable after using Experian Boost.
• 75%: percentage of consumers with FICO Scores below 680 who had their credit scores improved with Experian Boost
• 14%: percentage of consumers with a credit score of 579 and below who saw an improvement in their credit score to between 620 and 679.
• 5 to 15%: percentage who, depending on the credit level,  moved into a better score category.

Experian Boost Results

These study findings serve to show that Experian Boost can boost your credit score, especially if you have a thin credit history. However, results may vary from one user to another.

While Boost calculates your score based on the FICO 8 model, a lender may use a different type of score to determine your eligibility for a credit facility.

Nonetheless, boosting that score could eliminate huge barriers for those looking to enhance their financial health. This tool is not only beneficial for consumers. It also helps lenders make more informed lending decisions after seeing consumers’ payment histories.

Can You Benefit from Experian Boost?

Who Should Use Boost

According to Experian, Experian Boost would be ideal if you have less than five trade lines and with a credit score between 580 and 669. However, any credit-active consumer can benefit from the score-boosting tool. In fact, at least 66 percent of consumers will see an improvement in their credit score after using Experian Boost.

Here are a few particular groups who should consider Experian Boost:

• Consumers with incomplete or subprime credit scores: These individuals can boost their score when applying for loans and lines of credit.
• Young adults: Those looking for credit/loans without much to show in terms of credit history, you will find Experian Boost exceptionally valuable.
• Responsible consumers: Those whose good financial habits aren’t reflected in their current credit report could be able to qualify for various credit and loan products.

How to Benefit from Experian Boost

To benefit from Experian Boost, you need to have an online bank account. You also need to allow Experian to scan it electronically. Experian will partner with a financial technology company, Finicity, to check bank statements for qualifying payments.

You should not worry about the security of your information. The system won’t alter your personal data as it uses read-only access. Also, keep in mind that you can revoke the permission granted to Experian at any time.

That means you are in total control and you can only grant access to your accounts only when you need to use Experian Boost.

Alternative to Experian Boost

Another easy way to boost your credit score is through UltraFICO, which is also geared to help thin-file consumers.

How UltraFICO Works

By evaluating cash balances, UltraFICO is poised to help many consumers who otherwise don’t have, or are struggling to build, up credit. It is aimed at giving those who have no credit or insufficient credit the opportunity to build it by demonstrating they can manage their cash accounts.

Like Experian Boost, this platform also needs access to your bank account data to analyze your financial behavior.

UltraFICO doesn’t look at your telecom and utility payments. It looks at your savings balance and whether your checking account has overdrafts. 

It is worth noting that this platform is being rolled on a smaller-scale pilot program first before it is fully launched in mid-2019. That means it could take a number of years for UltraFICO to be widely adopted by lenders.

Bottom Line

Your credit score can have a significant impact on your financial health. It will determine whether you are eligible for a loan or credit product and the interest rate you will pay. With a low credit score, you may not be approved for a loan or credit product.

Experian Boost, developed by the credit reporting agency Experian, can help improve your score, particularly if you have not taken out substantial loans or had credit cards in your own name.

You will have to grant Experian permission to connect to your bank accounts and gain access to your telecom and utility payments. Then you can verify the data and confirm that you want it to be added to your Experian credit file. Afterward, you will receive an updated credit score in real time.

With an improved credit score, you will have a higher chance of getting approved for a credit card or loan and save some bucks, thanks to lower interest rates. 

If you’re looking for more ways to boost your credit score quickly, check out this helpful guide to get started.

 

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These 21 Apps Will Prevent Your Spring Break Turning Into Spring Broke

If you’re a college student, the best part of your year is quickly approaching: spring break, baby!

Your goal? To have as much fun as you can.

But you know what can quickly put a damper on that fun? Worrying about money.

21 Apps That Help You Save Money on Spring Break

While you could always figure out a way to earn money during spring break, another strategy is to simply keep your costs as low as possible.

Put your money concerns aside, and save money on spring break with these apps.

Apps for Transportation

1. Hopper

Buy your flight now? Or wait? This old favorite takes the guessing game out of when to purchase tickets by analyzing billions of flights and telling you whether the price is likely to go up or down.

2. GasBuddy

Driving to your destination? Don’t leave home without this app. It lists the cost of gas at nearby stations so you can easily find the best deal.

(Want other options? Check out this list of apps that help you find cheap gas.)

3. Uber / 4. Lyft

Instead of paying for a taxi, get a safe (and cheaper) ride home with one of these services.

5. What3Words

Never get separated from your friends again.

When you’re in a new city with unfamiliar landmarks, it can be tough to describe where you are to your companions — especially if you’ve had a few drinks. This app aims to change that by dividing the world into 57 trillion 10-foot squares.

6. Parkmobile

In a big city or a beach town that’s littered with parking meters? Rather than digging up your quarters reserved for laundry, pay for your spot through this app.

7. Citymapper

You can save big by taking public transportation. However, that can get tricky — especially if you’re not used to it. Citymapper helps you plan trips from point A to point B the cheapest and most efficient way possible.

For accommodations, check out…

8. Airbnb

If you’re traveling with a group of friends, renting a house with Airbnb is both economical and fun. Check out these awesome places under $100 per night across the U.S.

And if your own place will be empty while you’re away, why not consider listing it on Airbnb and making some money while you’re partying?

9. Roomer

Want to book a hotel, but don’t want to pay hotel prices? Try Roomer. This innovative app allows you to book deeply-discounted hotel rooms from people who had to cancel their trips.

10. HotelTonight

If you’re really bad at planning ahead or find yourself in a pickle, book a hotel through HotelTonight. It promises last-minute deals for top-rated hotels.

11. Couchsurfing

If you’re down with staying on strangers’ couches, you can snag some awesome, free sleeping spaces. It’s a great way to meet other travelers and gain a local’s point of view.

For food and drink, check out…

12. Price Per Pint

One of the best ways to save money on food and drinks? Hitting up happy hour. But in an unfamiliar city, it’s hard to figure out where to go. Enter this app, which allows you to search by drink type, day, time and city for the lowest priced drink in your area..

13. Drizly

Because the bar can get expensive, you probably want to spend a few nights drinking at home with your friends. Use this app to compare prices at local stores and order booze for delivery.

14. Open Table / 15. Yelp

These two staples help you find nearby restaurants, peruse customer reviews and survey menus and prices.

For activities, check out…

16. TUN Student Discounts

Embrace your student status. Use this app to help you find all of the student discounts available in your destination.

17. Groupon

You probably subscribe to Groupon updates in your home city — but what about when you’re traveling? Though some of the discounts may only be available to local residents, you’re bound to find some great deals on tickets or activities in your destination.

For everything else, check out…

18. Whatsapp

If you’re traveling internationally, this app is a must. Don’t get slammed by exorbitant international data charges and keep track of your friends by using this app to text over WiFi.

19. Wifi Finder

You use a lot of data when you travel. Avoid going over your limit by connecting to wifi whenever possible; use this app to find hotspots near you. You can also find passwords, so you don’t have to ask your barista.

20. Cost Split

If you’re traveling in a group, figuring out who owes what can be a royal pain. This handy app does it for you, so nobody ends up unfairly paying more than their share. At the end of the trip, it’ll even email out a detailed report.

Then, check out these five money-sharing apps.

21. Noonlight

You can’t put a price on your safety. This app (formerly known as SafeTrek) has several features to give you (and your mom) peace of mind. Hold down the safety button until you’re safely where you need to be. When you get there, release the button and enter your pin. If you’re in danger, release — don’t enter your pin — and it’ll contact 911.

With a few downloads before you leave, you’re bound to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Appy Spring Break!

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

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FreedomPlus Personal Loans Review

FreedomPlus is an online lender that focuses on offering affordable personal loans to consumers with less than stellar credit. Personal loans offered through this lender are arranged by Freedom Financial Asset Management, an asset management firm for accredited institutional accounts. FreedomPlus is also affiliated with the Freedom Financial Network (FFN), which provides consumer advocacy services such as debt consolidation and debt relief through companies such as Freedom Debt Relief, Bills.com, and Consolidation Plus.

Borrowers who need to consolidate high interest debt, pay for a large purchase over time, or take on a home remodeling project may find FreedomPlus has the perfect loan for their needs. This direct lender features generous loan amounts and flexible repayment terms with interest rates as low as 5.99% APR for those who qualify. Their straightforward and fast loan application process can also help you get the funding you need in a matter of days.

FreedomPlus Personal Loans: Key Takeaways

• Borrow between $7,500 and $40,000 and receive your funds within a few business days.
• Repayment terms are offered between 2 to 5 years.
• Interest rates range from 5.99% to 29.99% APR.
• Pay an origination fee between 0% and 5% of your loan amount.
• No prepayment penalty or hidden fees.

FreedomPlus Personal Loans: A Solution for Borrowers with Imperfect Credit

While FreedomPlus doesn’t list specific credit requirements for their personal loans on their website, they do imply they are willing to offer loans to consumers with less than perfect credit. Not only does the FreedomPlus homepage spread the message that “you are more than your credit score,” but they also note that their loan consultants will go “beyond your credit score to qualify you for a loan.”

If you need to borrow money but your credit isn’t great, this detail is important. It’s possible FreedomPlus will approve you for a personal loan when other lenders will not, although you will likely pay a higher interest rate if your credit score needs work.

• Related: What is a Good Credit Score Range?

Why should you apply for a personal loan from FreedomPlus over other lenders? There are many reasons, including the fact you can borrow between $7,500 and $40,000 with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payment. Your interest rate can be as low as 5.99% APR depending on your creditworthiness, and you may or may not have to pay an origination fee up to 5% of your loan amount. Aside from the origination fee, FreedomPlus loans come with no prepayment penalty and no hidden fees.

Another benefit of FreedomPlus is the fact you can get pre-qualified for a personal loan without a hard inquiry on your credit report. To get pre-qualified, all you have to do is provide basic information such as your name, email address, home address, verifiable annual income, and phone number. By taking the steps to become pre-qualified, you can find out if you could qualify for a loan from FreedomPlus without harming your credit score with a hard pull.

FreedomPlus Personal Loans: What to Watch Out For

While FreedomPlus makes it clear they’re willing to loan money to consumers with less than perfect credit, keep in mind that you will likely pay higher fees and a higher interest rate if you fall into this category. If your credit is fair or poor, you may even wind up with an interest rate on the higher end of what FreedomPlus offers — up to 29.99% APR. You may also have to pay an origination fee of up to 5% of your loan amount, which could make your loan more expensive than you probably expected.

The reality is, FreedomPlus personal loans are usually best for consumers who can’t qualify for a loan with a lower interest rate and better terms. If your credit is good or excellent, you may be better off with a different lender altogether. With a personal loan from SoFi, Earnest, or Marcus by Goldman Sachs, for example, you wouldn’t have to pay any origination fee and it’s possible your interest rate could be lower depending on your credit score. Since it’s hard to say for sure, definitely shop around and compare personal loans from multiple lenders before you move forward.

While this may not impact you at all, one final detail to be aware of is the fact that FreedomPlus loans may come with limitations depending on where you live. For example, Arizona residents cannot receive a personal loan from this lender in any amount under $10,000. Massachusetts residents cannot borrow less than $6,500, and Georgia residents cannot borrow less than $3,500 through FreedomPlus.

Who FreedomPlus Personal Loans are Best for:

• Anyone who wants to borrow between $7,500 and $40,000 to consolidate debt, pay for home improvements, or make a large purchase
• Consumers with imperfect credit who can’t qualify for a loan without any fees
• Borrowers with great credit who qualify for this lender’s lowest rates and no origination fee

How We Rate FreedomPlus Personal Loans:

At The Simple Dollar, we aim to provide a general overview of a lender’s products and services through a standard rating process. After a thorough research and discovery period, here’s how FreedomPlus stacks up:

FreedomPlus at a Glance
Overall Rating	Affordability (interest rates, fees, and terms)
	Availability (credit requirements, geographic reach)
	Ease of Use
	Transparency

How to Apply for a Personal Loan through FreedomPlus

If you believe FreedomPlus might be the right lender for your needs, you can apply for your loan online and from the comfort of your home. Steps to get approved for a loan include:

• Getting pre-qualified. Offer basic personal information in order to find out whether you can qualify for a personal loan from FreedomPlus. Also decide how much you want to borrow and how much you can afford to pay each month during your loan’s repayment period.
• Complete your loan application. If you are pre-qualified for a loan amount with terms you can live with, complete a full application to move the process forward. You’ll be asked to provide additional personal details such as your employment information and your Social Security number.
• Talk to a loan consultant. FreedomPlus loan consultants will look at your full application to try to find ways you can qualify regardless of your credit score.
• Receive your loan funds quickly. FreedomPlus may be able to approve your loan and deposit funds in your bank account in as little as 48 hours.

The Bottom Line

FreedomPlus offers personal loans that can be affordable and easy to qualify for. You can borrow up to $40,000 and repay your loan off in two to five years with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payment that will never catch you by surprise. Even better, you can take steps to become “pre-qualified” for a loan without a hard inquiry to your credit report. With this feature at your fingertips, you really have nothing to lose.

Still, the best rates and loan terms always go to those who take the time to compare loans from at least three lenders. Make sure you take the time to shop around and compare offers before you take out a personal loan from FreedomPlus or any other lender.

Related Articles: 

• Best Personal Loans
• When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Get a Personal Loan
• Is a Personal Loan My Best Option?

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