Low interest rates = high opportunity

A recent article on MSN Money suggests 7 "smart moves" while interest rates are so low:

1) Buy a home or rental property

2) Refinance your home

3) Buy a car

4) Give money away

5) Review investments

6) Lock in student loan rates

7) Pay off credit card debt

Click here to read the full article for information on each.

Time to refinance?

Dan Danford, CFP® and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Family Investment Center, answers this week's episode of Money Made Easy.

With interest rates so low is now a good time to refinance or are there disadvantages to refinancing?

Danford addresses the costs associated with refinancing (new appraisal, new title company, etc.) but says this is the best time to refinance in the last 50 years. He explains why everyone should consider refinancing not only their marital home but also their credit cards and vehicles.

Dad's Divorce: Refinancing When Unemployed

Dan is a weekly contributor to Dad's Divorce, a website for men going through the divorce process. The site may be been designed for men, but the advice usually can apply to anyone. In this week's edition of Money Made Easy, host Dan Danford answers this financial question from a viewer: I have recently been laid off from my job right at the time I was considering refinancing my home. Would I still be able to refinance my house if I am currently unemployed?

Danford, MBA, CRSP of Family Investment Center, explains the factors banks and mortgage companies will use in their consideration.

Dad's Divorce: When to refinance

Dan Danford regularly provides commentary for Dad's Divorce.com, a web site geared toward men going through divorce - but the advice applies to anyone. This week, he answers a question about when to refinance the marital home. Got a question of your own? Leave it in the comments section.

It's time to talk to your banker

By Dan Danford
Family Investment Center

So when was the last time you refinanced your home?

If you plan to stay in your home a few more years, and if it's been a while since you refinanced, it's time to talk to your banker. Interest rates are dropping on traditional mortgages and you may find that you can save a significant amount of money or lower your monthly payment by refinancing.

Talk to more than one financial institution and see what they have to offer. Don't get stuck on one bank, either, because many sell their mortgages anyway and it won't make much difference who you originate the loan with.

Here's the latest from Bloomberg News on the interest rate drop.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601214&sid=arOOSO1.2Wu4