Archives

Opening an account at a bank or credit union is the first step toward owning your personal finances. Best of all? It’s super easy. Why Open an Account? Up until now, you’ve probably kept all of your money in your wallet or a jar on your dresser. While that may work when you’re first starting […]

In today’s uber-connected online world, the risk of identity theft is hard to avoid. But there are ways to minimize identity theft risks and stay ahead of scammers and thieves who want your personal information. Know the Risks According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 30% of Americans were impacted by at least one of […]

If you find yourself facing an emergency that you’re financially under-prepared for, the prospect of what to do next may feel overwhelming. Don’t panic. There are things you can do to get through this crisis. Work With What You Have The first step is to restructure your current budget. While some expenses are difficult to […]

Cybersecurity risks have grown just as rapidly as technology has and online scam artists are always finding new ways to lower a system’s defenses. Ramping up your cybersecurity awareness means learning how to stay safe online, and it’s the best way to keep your personal information (and money) safe from scammers. Here are 50 helpful […]

Most people ask, “How much does college cost?”—that’s the first mistake. It’s not to say this question isn’t answerable, but grouping college into one huge expense can be a little deceiving. The cost of a degree is so much more than a singular bill—especially if you factor in questions like where you’ll be living, how […]

During a recession, there are plenty of things everyone can do to help boost the economy. Since most of the conversation about recessions tends to focus on what governments or big businesses can do to help the economy, it can be easy to feel like you have no way to help your community. While there […]

Nothing is as certain as death and taxes. While no one has control over the former, there are ways to impact the latter. Read on for several areas where careful planning can lower your tax liability, either now or in the future. *To view current tax brackets and statuses, click here Retirement Account Contributions Contributions […]

When emergencies and unexpected situations strike, it’s important to be prepared and make wise decisions. While tough times can vary, from a sudden job loss to a natural disaster, the steps that you can take to prepare yourself are often the same. There’s an old phrase that says “the best time to plant a tree […]

If you’re willing to wait, a CD or share certificate can be a great way to earn a high interest rate on the money you deposit. The Basics You can get a certificate of deposit (CD) through almost any bank, while share certificates are available exclusively at credit unions. They are similar products. With both […]

It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of holiday spending. But if you’re relying on credit to make holiday wishes a reality, the magic often falls flat when your bills come due. Take the time now to create a holiday budget and avoid a post-holiday spending hangover. Be Realistic The best thing you […]