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Hal M. Bundrick, CFP

Hal M. Bundrick is a personal finance writer and a NerdWallet authority in money matters. He is a certified financial planner and former financial consultant and senior investment specialist for Wall Street firms. Hal advised families, business owners, nonprofits, and trusts, as well as managed group employee retirement plans in the South and Midwest. Since hanging up (burning) his suits and ties, Hal now works to make financial topics understandable and jargon-free. Email: [email protected]

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Posts by Hal M. Bundrick, CFP:
Is It Time for Me to Stop Renting?

Is It Time for Me to Stop Renting?

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Dec. 6, 2019

The answer to the question of whether to continue renting a place or hold your nose, jump in and buy a home will require just a little math. Or you can let…

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How Can I Buy My Own Place?

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Dec. 6, 2019

Hey, it’s difficult to buy a home — but not sneeze-with-your-eyes-open impossible. Breaking it down into first this and then that steps can help. First, the down payment. Then, a…

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closing-on-a-house

Closing on a House: How Long It Takes, What to Expect

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Sept. 24, 2019

There are two major edge-of-your-seat suspenseful situations when buying a home: getting preapproved for a mortgage and closing on a house. Both are filled with anticipation and anxiety. First, there’s…

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First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Strategies

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP & Barbara Marquand
Sept. 11, 2019

Socking away a pile of money for a down payment on your first home is easier said than done. First-time home buyers often combine saving for a down payment with…

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ways-to-get-best-usda-mortgage-rates

The 20% Mortgage Down Payment Is Dead

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Sept. 10, 2019

For first-time home buyers, the challenge of coming up with a 20% mortgage down payment is often difficult enough to keep them out of the market. But the 20% down…

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GettyImages-635900950.jpg

First-Time Home Buyer Benefits: How to Qualify

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Aug. 15, 2019

Qualifying as a first-time home buyer doesn’t mean you’ve never owned a house. Meeting first-time home buyer qualifications unlocks many benefits, including low- or no-down-payment loans, down payment assistance, grants…

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first-time-home-buyer-class

First-Time Home Buyer Class: Why Take It?

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Aug. 8, 2019

A first-time home buyer class has been suggested to you — perhaps by a lender, friend or real estate agent. And you’re thinking, “What’s the point?” But what if you…

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8 First-Time Home Buyer Loans and Programs

8 First-Time Home Buyer Loans and Programs

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
July 19, 2019

Buying a home is so hard, they should make it an Olympic event. It’s not just the paperwork; it’s the terminology, the fees and the number of people involved. It’s…

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5 Tips for Finding the Best VA Mortgage Lenders

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
July 2, 2019

Being eligible for a VA loan puts you way ahead in the hunt for the best mortgage. But choosing the right VA mortgage lender is essential. Here are five tips to help you find the best VA mortgage lender for you.

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5 Tips for Finding the Best Refinance Mortgage Lenders

Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
July 2, 2019

Finding the best mortgage refinance lender includes knowing your credit score and shopping more than one lender. Here are tips to find the best one for you.

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