When you are quoted an APR, dig deeper. Find out how and when the rate is applied, and whether there are other fees and charges.
It also stands for Annual Percentage Rate.
APR is complex, but a few tips can make you a wiser consumer.
With credit cards, know what your APRs are (yes, there are several). There is one for regular purchases, one for balance transfers, one for cash advances, and maybe more.
Pay off your credit card every month if you possibly can to avoid interest charges. If you cannot pay it off, calculate how much you are being charged for carrying a balance. It is always better to be aware than not.
With mortgages, shopping around is key. It is also important to have an expert to help you compare the quotes. You will be quoted an APR, but there are also fees.
Sometimes a higher APR and lower fees can be a better deal than a lower APR and higher fees. This is true especially as mortgages are often 30-year, but the average length of home ownership is only 16 years. Upfront fees allow a lender to get more of your money more quickly. (And the more you pay up front, the longer you need to stay in the home to justify those fees.)
Sadly, most lenders cannot be trusted to look after your best interests.
So always look into the total cost of a credit card or mortgage, not just the APR.
Just starting to get your finances in order? Here are the basics: (1) Purpose (2) Specificity, and (3) Guidance. Plus, we cover 3 things you DON’T need as well.
You have options when deciding what to do with a 401(k) from a former employer. You can do a rollover into a new employer’s plan, convert to a Roth IRA, or cash out (but don’t cash out if you can avoid it).
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