16 Lessons from Your First Semester of University …

By Annie Chen

You’re finally made it out of high school, and your first semester of university was probably nothing you’ve ever experienced, but I’m sure there were lessons from your first semester of university you’ll never forget. After the first 4 months, you’ve certainly learned some lessons – lessons that will greatly improve the rest of you university life. Here are the 16 lessons from the first semester of university… let’s see which you learned, too!

1. Go to Class

This one is kind of a no-brainer. A lot of university lectures are recorded and you can easily watch them later, but if you have small lectures with lots of discussion, go to them! You don’t want to miss out on some valuable participation marks or interesting ideas from your peers just so you can sleep in or hang around with your friends. College is for fun, but it’s also for learning, so it’s essential that you keep up with your classes, which is why this tip made my list of lessons from your first semester of university.

2. Make as Many Friends as Possible in The First Week

This is a very important lesson from your first semester of college because once classes start and everyone settles into a routine, it’s incredibly difficult to make new friends. Sure, you can discover new people in clubs and activities, but good friends that will stick with you for all 4 years will most likely be made in the first few days.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

This is a very important lesson from your first semester because fun and crazy experiences usually come from trying new things. Dip your feet into that club that’s always alluded you, or try out for the soccer team that you’ve never got the chance to. If you’re too used to the way high school was and all you try to do is replicate the experiences, you won’t meet different people or try different things. College is all about trying new things!

4. Make Friends outside of Your Comfort Zone

At least for me, one of the most important lessons of your first semester is to make friends that you usually wouldn’t make friends with. Talk to the girl with the shaved head. Introduce yourself to the guy with the ukulele. You’re finally in the ‘real world,’ so there’s absolutely no reason for you to stay in your high school cliques. Branch out and you just might find your new best friend.

5. Don’t Pile up on Readings

One of the worst things you can do in college is let your reading pile up. Come finals, and you’re going to be the one pulling all nighters, chugging coffee like water, and wishing you had done the readings earlier. The days before a test should be spent studying, not trying to catch up. As much as you’d liked to party seven days a week, it’s important to keep focused and remember why you’re at college.

6. Communicate with Your Authorities

This incredibly useful lesson from your first semester of college makes sure you’re communicating with your professors and advisors and letting them know how you’re doing. Introduce yourself to the faculty advisor, talk to your profs after class- let them know how things are going. As you familiarize yourself with them, it makes it a lot easier for them to help you if you ever need their assistance. They’re there to help you, so don’t be afraid to talk to them.

7. Eat at Regular Times

Missing a meal or two in high school wasn’t that bad, but having your stomach grumble during a midterm could be detrimental. Because you’re constantly using your brain and body, you need to properly fuel up at all times. Try to fit in healthy meals at regular intervals despite your hectic schedule, and your body will surely be thankful.

8. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is something I believe all first years will learn to do in their first semester of college. Because you’re in a new and unfamiliar setting, it’s crucial that you know how to make your way around campus, your dorm, the dining hall etc. For next semester, make sure you know all the times of your classes and where they’ll be held at, because there’s nothing worse than missing half a lecture and having to catch up later because you got lost.

9. Have a Detailed Planner

A nice and detailed planner/agenda is especially important in college. You have your classes, your club meetings, your activities and your social life. How are you going to remember all these events and your to-do list without writing them down. Look for a small, pocket-sized notebook you can easily carry in your book bag or back pocket, because in university missing out is the worse thing you can do.

10. Join Activities

Another no-brainer lesson from your first semester of university is to join activities. If you have exciting hobbies or something you’re passionate about, now is the time to act on them. In high school, you may have had to join activities you weren’t too happy about to please your peers or to look good on your transcript. In college, it’s all about you and the things that interest you. The whole world’s your oysters, so there’s no reason to stay in on the weekends!

11. Take up Leadership Roles

Leadership may not have been a great part of your life in high school, but now that you can finally do the things you’re passionate about, it’s time to take up some responsibilities and conjure the leader in you. Join the campus council to see the changes you want to be made, or nominate yourself to be your faculty leader- do the things you love, and be the change you want to see.

12. Save Your Money

Something many university students face is a lack of finances. A lot of students take out student loans or get government bursaries, so it’s evident money is a often an issue in college. Save your money. You don’t need a fancy latte every morning- they could add up and really put a dent in your already small savings account. You’ll need lots of cash for your textbooks and/or even groceries, so it’s important to be wise when spending your hard-earned dough.

13. Don’t Forget to Call Home

Another important lesson from your first semester of university is that it’s important to call home and let your parents and siblings know how you’re doing. College is an exciting and eye-opening experience, and your family and friends would love it if you shared your experiences with them. It meant a lot to your parents when you took off for college, so remember to call them once in awhile so they know you haven’t forgotten them!

14. Stay in Touch with Your High School Friends

You may have already made a large handful of friends, but why not call your high school buddies and let them know how you’re doing. It’s rare that all your friends are in the same college as you, so why not video chat them once in awhile. You can post photos of yourself on social network sites, but there’s nothing like a nice long call from you high school best friend.

15. Get along with Your Roommate

A incredibly important lesson from your first semester of university is that you should do everything in your power to get along with your roommate(s). Living in such close proximity for months on end can easily make you turn on each other, but it’s important to at least try to get along with him/her. There’s a reason you and your roommate were paired together, so at least to find a friend in them.

16. It’s Okay to Miss Home

Lastly, once in awhile, it’s okay to miss your friends and family back home. University is probably the first time you’ve been my yourself for such a long time, and it’s okay to miss your old life. Give your folks a call, I’m sure they’d really appreciate it, and chances are, they really miss you too!
University is the beginning of a whole new world, and it’s important to learn from your experiences. What did you learn in your first semester of university? What would you add to this list? Share away!

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7 Classes to Take before You Graduate …

By Kelly Marcus 

 

College is a time to expand your education and learn new things you would not have the chance to learn elsewhere. While it is important to focus on classes to prepare you for the career you want, there are also some classes that will make you a better person and will help you in everyday life. Here are some classes you should take before you graduate. Regardless of your major, they will influence the way you think about things, give you valuable skills for the future, and maybe even change what you want to major in.

1. Intro to Psychology

I may be a bit biased on this one because I am a psychology major, but I think having a basic knowledge of psychology is important for everyone. You will be given insight into the reasons behind peoples’ behavior, and more importantly, the reasons behind your own behavior. I personally like social psychology the most, because it talks about the way society shapes our decisions, but in Intro to Psych you will learn about all the different areas of psychology and their impact on our day to day lives.

2. Intro to Economics

I am horrible at math and even I can appreciate the importance of taking Intro to Econ. Especially in these tough economic times, it is important to understand the basic principles that drive the economy. I use the ideas taught in my Intro to Econ class in everyday life as I make purchases. It was hard for me to sit through the math parts but it was definitely rewarding to challenge myself in a such a beneficial way

3. Intro to Public Speaking

No matter who you are or what you do in life, at some point, you will have to give a speech or presentation. Communication skills are one of the most vital skills a person can have. An Intro to Public Speaking class can give you public speaking experience and teach you the skills that are necessary to be an effective public speaker.

4. Intro to Art

Why limit yourself to scholarly classes when you can get your creative juices flowing with an Art class? It really can be whatever you want; drawing, painting, sculpting, and even graphic design. If you are fortunate enough to have a class offered that covers all of these, I would definitely take it. Having a creative outlet will be a nice break from textbooks and lectures.

5. A History Class

George Santayana once said, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” And I believe him. History is such an important thing to learn about because it shapes our world today. Even if history isn’t exactly “your thing”, just pretend it is one big story, because that’s basically what it is.

6. Intro to Religious Studies

This one might seem random, but learning about all the different religions that people practice is an eye opening experience. Regardless of how religious you are, you should always be tolerant of others’ religions. Tolerance starts with understanding exactly what they believe. An Intro to Religion class is a great way to get a reliable education on various religions and beliefs from around the world.

7. Whatever You Want

Some colleges offer the strangest classes that are totally random and unique. So why not take The Science of Harry Potter (offered at Frostburg State University) or Simpsons and Philosophy (offered at UC-Berkley)? Every college has those totally strange classes that are unique to that school, so why not expand on totally useless knowledge that you will never use again but is still super fun to know? Then

you can impress your friends with all your fun facts!
What do you think are important classes to take in college? Have you taken these classes? What did you think of these classes?

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7 Ways to Tell If You Are Gay …

By Heather Jensen 

 

Being gay is something that isn’t a choice, but there are ways to tell if you are gay. If you are having sexual feelings toward the same sex, if you constantly are confused about who you like and if you have some unexplained attraction, those can all be ways to tell if you are gay. It took me a long time to realize that I was gay, but I am and now I am out and proud. It’s a hard road, but it’s one that can be easy to spot, if you know what you are looking for.

1. Unexplained Attraction to The Same Gender as You

One of the surefire ways to tell if you are gay is if you have a lot of unexplained attraction to the same sex. This isn’t a bad thing, this is something that is normal and you shouldn’t try to repress it at all. If you feel attraction toward the same and opposite sex as you, that could dictate if you are bi-sexual too.

2. Constant Feelings of Guilt

When I was first realizing that I was gay, I had a lot of feelings of guilt. Guilt that I was going to disappoint my parents and upset my family. I didn’t realize that these feelings of guilt could be one of the ways that I could tell if I was gay. I just thought that I was feeling guilty or depressed from events totally unrelated. If you have a nagging feeling of guilt a lot of the time, think about what sex you are attracted to.

3. Sexual Attraction to The Same Sex

How about your sexual attraction? I can think a guy is hot or cute, but for me, I wouldn’t want to date one. I have a girlfriend and that is who I want to be with. What about you? Do you think that you could sexually be with the opposite sex? If the answer is no, that is a sure way to know if you are gay or not.

4. Fantasies That You Have

Everyone has fantasies at some point, what types of fantasies do you have? Do they involve the same sex or the opposite sex or both? Do you think that you could be fantasizing about the same sex because you want to be with someone of the same sex? These are things to think about when you are looking for ways to tell if you are gay.

5. Ignore Stereotypes

Whether you are a girl or a boy and you are just exploring if you are gay or not, ignore every stereotype out there about gay men and women. I am not a butch anything, I am just me. You don’t want to get caught up in how you are ‘supposed’ to act because you might be gay; instead, focus on who you are.

6. Experiment with Your Feelings

If you really think that you are gay, it’s okay for you to experiment with those feelings with other gay kids. It’s okay for you to explore those feelings and for you to really find yourself and find out what you like. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s wrong, because it’s not; it’s natural.

7. Research Online

Finally, researching online is one of the best ways to see if you are gay. Truthfully, I did a ton of research before I finally came out, to see if my feelings were natural and to really see the best way to come out. It’s hard, but so worth it!
Having the feeling that you are gay is really difficult to handle in the beginning, but it is a natural feeling and one that you should look into. If you think you might be gay, it’s okay. Don’t worry and don’t come out until you are ready to! Are you out? Please feel free to share your experiences!

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8 Points to Remember When Dating a Foreigner …

By Alison Bryant 

 

Tips for dating a foreigner can be very useful if you date someone of a different nationality. With many people moving to another country for work or other reasons, it’s increasingly easy and common to meet and fall in love with foreigners. There are all kinds of cultural and linguistic differences that can complicate the relationship! So here are some tips for dating a foreigner.

1. Language Problems

The first of my tips for dating a foreigner is that you must be prepared for language problems. Unless you share the same native tongue, or one of you is fluent in the other’s language, it’s very easy for misunderstandings to arise! So you both need patience and tolerance of any mistakes.

2. Cultural Differences

Even if you both come from similar cultures, there may still be significant differences in the way you view things. If your cultures are very different, then the potential for problems is even greater. That’s not to say it can’t work, but you need to be aware of the pitfalls.

3. Patience

It’s hard enough to make any relationship work. Dating someone from another country can be even more challenging. Both partners need to have a lot of patience, not just with language problems but with all the other differences that will arise. If either of you can’t accept the differences and problems, then it won’t work.

4. Children

Unfortunately, many women have experienced difficulties when having children with someone from a very different culture. If you want to start a family with your foreign partner, discuss all the relevant issues and be informed about legal ramifications. What language will your kids speak? Which religion will they be brought up in, if any? Can you return to your own country with your children, or could your partner take them away if you split up? All very important issues.

5. Where to Live

This can be difficult to decide on. Would you be happy moving to your partner’s country, or is that too far from your family and friends? Would the culture be too different for you to adapt to? What are the legal issues (see below)?

6. Legal Issues

When you are in a relationship with someone from a different country, you may have legal issues to deal with, regarding your or his working and residential status. Plus if you plan to have children, you should look into what their status would be and what rights each parent has

 

7. Family Hostility

Unfortunately, families are not always happy that their child is dating a foreigner, and if either (or both) of your families take that attitude, it may cause difficulties. Even if you try to ignore it, their influence may create problems. It’s not right – you should be able to date whom you like – but be aware of the possibility.

8. Interesting

Finally, although there are a lot of potential problems when you date a foreigner, it can also be an amazing experience. You are exposed to a different culture, maybe learn a new language, and get to visit another country. So it can also be really interesting!

Being in a relationship with a foreigner does mean extra challenges in addition to the usual dating issues. You do need to keep your eyes open, and not be carried away by the excitement of dating someone “different” and exotic. What have your experiences of dating foreign guys been like?

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12 Things Men Like in Women More Than Good Looks

By Jelena Jovanovic

 

Things Men Like in Women often have nothing to do with looks, bra size or any of the standard things we think men fall for. In fact, although physical appearance is the first thing they notice (don’t we all?), when it comes to settling down it often comes in last and counts the least. Believe it or not, there are at least 12 completely non-physical things men like in women and I’m pretty sure your boyfriend could list many more and confirm that your gorgeous physique, beautiful eyes and soft lips are not the only things that made him fall head over heels for you! Interested to learn more about those other things men like in women? Well, read carefully because every man would love to be with a woman who is…

1. A Good Listener

Most men appreciate women who are able to just listen – no “ I told you so” lines, no lectures, tips or comments regarding what you would do if you were in his place. You know… just sitting, listening (and I mean REALLY listening)… just showing that you care. Oh, and that involves being patient as well, understanding that most men need to “process” their problems before they can talk about them and learning to say, “Okay, baby, whenever you want to talk about it – I’m here for you”.

2. Spontaneous

Being able to “go with the flow” is one of the things men like in women the most and I must admit I’m still not as nearly as spontaneous as my fianc? would like me to be although I’m working on it. Most of our men would never sing in front of us (professional singers excluded) but they just love to hear us sing ( even if it sounds more like howling), they love to see us dance around the house, they will gladly throw us a surprise if they know the reaction would be positive and they love to see us being us (even if it involves a certain dose of silliness).

3. A Good Driver

Although our men often complain about female drivers, most of them would agree driving skills are a must for a modern woman. But, some of them are ready to do go even further and admit they LOVE a woman who can make that engine purr like an overgrown kitten! Shocking? Nah, not really!

4. Accomplished And Fulfilled

Women who actually enjoy the things they do are more attractive, which means you should definitely stop whining about the things you DON’T have and start enjoying the things you DO! It’s not about being extremely beautiful, having a good job, an impressive resume or whatnot – it’s about you being happy for who you are as a person, it’s about being positive, about knowing that you’re a great woman who deserves great things. And, believe me, it’s true that bad luck never travels alone, but the same can be said for good luck as well.

5. Able to Enjoy Her Food

Eating healthy food and trying to cut down on unnecessary calories is one thing, obsessively counting them is something completely different and, while this first thing is actually good for you, the second one won’t really impress him. Being able to go out to a restaurant or a pizza place, to relax, to have a good time and talk about your food in terms of how good it tastes instead of how fat it’s going to make you shows that you’re confident… and we already know confidence is one of the things men (real men) like in women – don’t we?

6. A Good Cook

Our grandmas used to say that the only way to get to a man’s heart is through his stomach – remember that one? Well, we did learn by now that’s not the only way although it certainly is one of the ways and, if I may add, a very good one. Men love women who can cook and women who would be willing to learn to cook for them. That’s when that traditional part of the brain turns on to note the woman in question would be a good wife. It’s a clich?, I know, but even experts agree on this one!

7. Real

Although fake girls with their fake this, that and everything turn a lot of heads and probably get a lot of free drinks, most men have agreed they could never choose a girl like that for something more than just a casual romance. Whoa! What a coincidence – we feel the same way about fake guys! LOL! Which leads us back to that ideal, fun loving, girl next door all guys love– a girl that likes to smile and doesn’t care what others think of her smile (thin lips, teeth or whatever), a girl that can tell a joke, a girl that doesn’t use “words” like O.M.G or T.T.Y.L, a girl that won’t have a nervous breakdown every time her mascara starts running… a REAL girl!

8. Ready to Compromise

Every man feels better when he knows his lady is ready to negotiate and work hard to find a solution that will be acceptable for both sides so hope you’re ready to compromise girls, because, although guys like boobs and long legs, they all agree this non-physical quality is far more important.

9. Caring

He really wants to know that you care for him but, be careful, because repeating “I love you” until he can’t take it anymore isn’t a good way to let him know how you feel. An average man will tell you that he loves you once and show you how much he loves you five times. You should do the same. Baby him when he’s sick or tired, surprise him every once in a while, listen to his problems – SHOW him everything you wanted to tell him because this quality is one of the very important things men like in women.

10. Funny

A sense of humor is also one of the things men like in women, especially in women they are planning to settle down with! Time to find your funny bone, ladies! Now, I wonder why is that so… are they planning to make a lot of jokes or they just want to make sure we’re able to find positive or maybe even funny sides in the future events that aren’t guaranteed to be stress free and easy? LOL! Don’t know but a sense of humor definitely gets my vote!

11. Taking Care of Herself

Could you believe this is one of the things men like in women? I mean, come on, could it be? They actually LIKE when we spend money on all those cr?mes and beauty products? Well, hold on to your chairs now, ladies, because the experts say the answer is “Yes”. Taking care of yourself shows him you’ll take good care of him as well and since they are the ones who enjoy all the benefits of our waxing, beauty treatments and shopping, they might as well admit they like it.

12. Strong

The last but not the least – one of the best things men like in women, a quality like no others, a virtue that no woman of today could live without – strength. You don’t have to lose your best damsel in distress act, in fact, you can even let him “save” you once in a while, but he has to know you’ll be there in case things start to get ugly. He has to know that there is a strong rock he can grab for under that delicate butterfly facade of yours – a woman he can count on.
You see, things men like in women are almost the same as the things women like in men. Interesting, huh? Certainly! Do you know of any other things men like in women? Feel free to ask your man, too!

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8 Effective Ways to Get Out of Debt Fast …

 

 By Jordin Keim

 

Getting out of debt fast is what most of us dream of. In fact, we’d all be better off without debt. Debt can hang over your head like a cloud, reminding you that you have bills up to your neck and making you feel guilty every time you want to buy an ice cream or a new dress. You may be at a point where you think you will never get out of debt fast! But here are the facts: YOU put yourself into debt in the first place. And debt will not get paid off without a little work and commitment from you. Read on for top tips and advice on how to get out of debt fast.

1. No Credit Cards

What is the number one thing that puts you in debt? Most people will answer with “credit cards”! A credit card is a dangerous thing to have, and you can rack up debt so quickly when you have one. The best thing to do is cut your card up and throw it away. Using only debit cards or checks as payment methods will ensure you never buy more than you can afford. If you MUST keep a credit card, I would suggest leaving it home in a safe place and saving it only for emergencies.

2. The “Snowball” Method

If you’ve never heard of Dave Ramsey, you won’t know about the snowball effect. In Dave Ramsey’s materials, he teaches that in order to get rid of debt, you must “snowball” it. Start with your smallest debt. While paying the minimum payment on all other debts, pay large sums toward your smallest debt until it’s paid off. Then continue on to your next debt until all your debt is gone. This method is quite effective and works well!

3. Cash Only

Want to know how to get out of debt fast? Then use this tip. Carry only cash with you. Leave your debit card at home. Although debit cards are not a poor method of spending money, if you have cash, you can easily limit what you spend. When cash is gone, it’s gone! And it’s always harder seeing your hard-earned cash go as opposed to the swipe of a card. You will be more conscious of what you are spending when you employ this trick. The less you spend, the more you have to put towards paying off your debts.

4. Prioritize Your Necessities

When you are concerned about getting out of debt fast, you must learn to prioritize your necessities. Which is more important to you, having gas in your car or getting your nails done? Putting food on your table or buying a new outfit? If you are hard up, you may have to make decisions to cut off your cable or Internet until you get caught up on your bills. When you cut out unnecessary stuff, it leaves more money for paying off your debts.

5. Arm Yourself with Information

I’ve noticed people who are trying to get out of debt fast make the same mistake over and over. They focus on just making the minimum payments each month so they have enough money to buy other things. Then, they are left paying an even higher interest rate because they didn’t pay off their debt by the deadline. Learn your deadlines and interest rates. You will end up paying for items you have put on the credit card twice if you don’t watch your interest.

6. Stop Spending

Want to know the simplest way to get out of debt fast? Here it is: simply stop spending. Many times, our “wants” get confused with our needs. You may have to learn the hard way, but please, take my advice and spare yourself! When you have to wait until payday to buy toilet paper, you may start regretting the boots you bought last week. When you stop spending, it will leave more money to put towards your debts.

7. Make Larger Payments

If your priority is getting out of debt fast, look at it the most logical way. Stop paying the minimum payments, and put more towards your debt! Not only will you have your bill paid off quicker, but also you will spare yourself the ugly interest rates I mentioned earlier. And larger payments can be manageable if you plan for it.

8. Downgrade If Necessary

Many people don’t like this tip for getting out of debt fast, but it’s a champion when you use it. In order to pay off large chunks of debt, you must have money, right? Well, get more money by downgrading. It may only be temporary, but if it helps you out, why not go for it? Some areas to downgrade in are cell phones, vehicles, Internet or cable, and insurance plans.

These tips will absolutely set you on the fast track to getting out of debt fast. Remember, if you’re truly serious and committed and ready to get out of debt fast, you may have to make a few sacrifices along the way. Once you have learned how to get out of debt fast, keep yourself out of debt by saving up for the things you want and paying for them up front rather than using a credit card or getting a loan. What are your tips for getting out of debt fast?

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7 Reasons to Refinance Your Mortgage Loan

By Valencia Higuera 

 

You can’t turn on the financial news without being bombarded with reasons to refinance your mortgage. Some banks and lenders even mail random advertisements! And if you have an existing home loan, your current lender may telephone and invite you to complete a refi application. But even if you’re tired of refinance talk, there are sound reasons to refinance your mortgage. Can’t decide whether now is the right time? Here are seven logical reasons to consider a refi.

1. Lower Mortgage Rate

Mortgage rates have never been this low. And while some financial experts predict that rates will remain low throughout 2013, they will eventually increase. This is one of the biggest reasons to refinance your mortgage. If you purchased your house years ago and you’re paying a higher rate, a refinance makes financial sense.

2. Reduce Monthly Payment

Not only does a mortgage refinance bring down your interest rate, but it can also reduce your home loan payment. Your payment is directly connected to your mortgage rate. The lower your rate, the cheaper your house payment. In fact, reducing your mortgage rate by 2 percentage points or more can lower your home payment by as much as $200.

3. Get Rid of An Adjustable Rate Mortgage

If your lender previously talked you into an adjustable rate mortgage, a refinance is one way to get from under this risky home loan. Adjustable rate mortgages feature a low, fixed rate for the first few years, and then annual rate adjustments after the initial rate period. Rate fluctuations are dangerous because a spike in mortgage rates can trigger a higher mortgage payment. But you can refinance to a fixed, permanent rate and avoid payment surprises

 

4. Take Someone’s Name off a Mortgage

Buying a house with someone can help you qualify for a home loan, but if you divorce or part ways with a co-owner, getting this person’s name off the mortgage isn’t easy. A refinance is your only option, in which you apply for a new mortgage loan on your own. If approved, the other person’s name is taken off the home loan and you become the sole owner of the property.

5. Pay off Credit Cards

Are you burdened with credit card debt and need cash to pay off your creditors? If you have plenty of equity, refinancing and borrowing against your equity can provided needed cash. Called a cash-out refinance, your lender rolls the borrowed amount into your new mortgage loan. You can use these funds to pay off debt.

6. Home Improvements

A cash-out refinancing isn’t only for debt elimination. Is your house in need of a makeover? If you plan on living in your property for years to come, pull out some of your equity and make a few upgrades. Get a new kitchen and bathroom, or finally complete your home addition. Improvements are perfect for increasing your home’s value and raising your equity.

7. Buy Another Property

With the supply of home foreclosures on the market, refinancing and cashing out your equity can jump start your real estate investing career. Let’s say you come across an amazing real estate deal. You can always apply for a separate mortgage loan. Another option: cash out your equity and pay for the property with cash.

Granted, refinancing isn’t the best move for everyone, and there’s plenty to consider before you make a decision – such as closing costs and your credit score. But if you’re able and willing, a refinance can improve your financial outlook? Can you think of another good reason to refinance your mortgage?

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