Debt is either "good debt" or "bad debt." --or so we've been told. "Good" debt is that money owed for things that may assist in building wealth, such as student loans or mortgages. "Bad" debt would be things like credit cards. This is an oversimplification as the differences between "good" and "bad" debt can be better defined, thereby giving us a clearer picture of debt and how to tell what is helpful. 

Here's the rundown on debt: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Student Loans

Student loans are often necessary, as it's often the only way college education is possible for many Americans. But not all degree programs are equal when considering the debt one acquires and the income potential from that particular degree. A good rule of thumb is

Thinking about buying a first home or a second? You have many loan options, and each one varies as far as their down payment requirements. Use this quick guide to get an idea of the amount you'll need to put down on your next purchase.

Is 20% Down Always Necessary to Buy a Home?

The down payment refers to the monies you'll put down during the mortgage closing, and it's often expressed as a percentage of the property price. For example, 20% down on a $200,000 home means paying $40,000 at closing.

20% down can make homeownership feel too out of reach. But take heart, very few loan programs are firm about needing 20% at closing. You can even get a conventional mortgage with as little as 3% down! Read on to learn more.

**Make better