Benjamin Locke
articles from Benjamin
637 posts
How To Buy or Invest In Real Estate At 18
Published 05/22/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Buying real estate at 18 and holding it can be an incredibly smart decision if done the right way. However, getting a mortgage at 18 can be difficult if you have no credit history, so you might not be able to afford the properties you want to buy outright. Instead, there are several ways to gain exposure to the real estate industry and make a return on your investment.

How To Minimize Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Liability
Published 05/18/2023 by Benjamin Locke
If you are a tax filer with income over a certain threshold, then you might be required to pay the alternative minimum tax or AMT. The alternative minimum tax acts as a catch-all to ensure high-income earners pay their fair share. Fortunately, if you are subject to this tax, there are ways to minimize your AMT liability, such as restructuring your income or donating to charity.

What Happens If I Go Over My Credit Limit But Pay It Off?
Published 05/17/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Often, when you try to make a purchase that exceeds your credit limit, your credit card will be declined. But sometimes, it is possible to go over your credit limit. This depends on the credit card company, your card’s terms of service, and whether or not your card offers over-limit spending. Unfortunately, over-limit spending can incur unwanted fees and affect your credit score even if you do pay it off; thus, you should avoid it if possible.

Can I Cancel My 401k and Cash Out While Still Employed?
Published 05/16/2023 by Benjamin Locke
In the majority of cases, you can’t cancel and cash out your 401(k) while still employed without paying a penalty. If something comes up and you need to access the cash in your 401(k) before retirement, the IRS does offer some exemptions to the penalty for situations it deems hardships. You can also take a loan from your 401(k) or roll your 401(k) money into an IRA and then withdraw it, although you may still be subject to penalties. Some employers even have 401(k) plans that offer in-service withdrawals without hardship requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy (2026)?
Published 05/15/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Most individuals who have to file bankruptcy will have to pay for either Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and each comes with a different cost. Generally speaking, Chapter 11 is the most complicated and, therefore, will cost more than Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. You will have to pay for court costs and attorney fees, which could run from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

How to Find Investors for Real Estate
Published 05/09/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Whether you are an individual looking to buy and flip a house or pursuing a small development and need an equity partner, finding investors for real estate is tricky. The first step is to find out how you want to structure the investment, including who gets paid what and when, assuming the project is successful. The next step is finding out where to get the capital you need for your real estate project. You have many options, from friends and family to investing clubs, crowdfunding sites, and more.

How to Use a HELOC on Investment Property
Published 05/09/2023 by Benjamin Locke
If you own a home, you can utilize a HELOC, or home equity line of credit, to build an investment property portfolio. Before you take one out, you will have to run some numbers to make sure that your return on investment will exceed the interest rate you pay on the HELOC, especially since the rates are variable.

Does Applying for a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?
Published 05/04/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Applying for a new credit card does indeed affect your credit, but the results can be a mixed bag. Although a hard pull on your credit application could temporarilyhurtn your credit score, credit diversification and a lower credit utilization rate can ultimately increase it. Credit cards are just a portion of your overall credit profile and should be used in conjunction with other strategies to help maintain strong credit scores.

Is Electric Utilities Central a Good Career Path?
Published 04/11/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Electric Utilities Central is a good career path due to high job stability, strong salary potential, and consistent demand for skilled workers. The industry offers roles in engineering, operations, and administration, with long-term growth supported by ongoing energy needs and infrastructure upgrades.

Best Paying Jobs in Telecommunications Equipment
Published 04/05/2023 by Benjamin Locke
Telecommunications equipment spans a number of platforms, from phone lines to fiber-optic cables and the various equipment that transports mobile data. Due to its sheer size, there are some great career paths in telecommunications for both blue-collar and white-collar workers. Some of the highest-paying jobs, many for engineers, will be on the cutting edge of telecommunications technology.
