Personal finance tips: Signs you should keep renting, and more

Three top pieces of financial advice — from being smart with rebates to vetting alternative funds

Renters
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Signs you should keep renting

Trying to decide whether to rent or buy? asks AJ Smith at Credit.com. While the homeownership decision is "ultimately personal," there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge. "If you don't have an emergency fund yet, or if purchasing a home would drain all of your savings, you probably aren't ready." Besides a down payment and a mortgage, "homeownership comes with expenses" like repairs and improvements, so basic safeguards, like job security, are key. "If you are unsure whether you will have your job for the next few years, you may want to wait." And before you rush into buying, do your research and "learn what you can about the local housing market, including the price trends, the school district, and the property taxes."

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Sergio Hernandez is business editor of The Week's print edition. He has previously worked for The DailyProPublica, the Village Voice, and Gawker.