Tips for Car Shopping
Looking for a new car or wanting to get behind the wheel of a new-to-you car? Either way, there are a few things to consider before you go car shopping. Below are some tips to help make that car buying…
Stay Productive in the Summer
You made it! Summer is finally here and I bet you can’t wait to sleep away all of your free time – NOT! As much as you hate to admit it, you probably would rather not sleep until 3pm every day of this summer. You probably have goals and expectations to live up to. So get off the couch and make this summer a productive one.
Understanding and Directing Your Withholding
You just got your paycheck. Your eyes scan down the list of deductions and settle on the most important part—your take-home pay. You take that number and start subtracting your bills, your day-to-day purchases, or that expensive item you’ve got…
What to Do if You’re Turned Down for a Loan
Getting rejected for a loan can feel like a punch in the gut. No way around it, rejection is painful. But a loan rejection may be a gift in disguise. All too often, borrowers get the loan they want and…
Credit Cards: Pay More than Minimum for Faster Payoff
Minimum payments on credit cards are between 1% to 4% of the balance due. If you can afford higher payments each month, you'll benefit over the long haul. If you can't afford to pay this percentage of your balance, chances…
Tap Your Home’s Equity
If you need cash to remodel your kitchen or bath, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) might be your best bet. These loans let you borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral.…
Understand Your Loan Options
There are many different types of loans. So many, in fact, you may actually be overwhelmed. First, it is important to understand what credit unions look for and require when lending. Then understand what options credit unions may have to…
5 Ways Good Credit is Your Safety Net
A healthy savings account is your best defense against life’s curve balls. But sometimes setting aside some money every paycheck isn’t enough—particularly when you’re just starting out in life. A good credit score can be an additional safety net, providing…
The Best Ways to Use a Few Hundred Dollars
Sometimes it can feel like you need thousands of dollars to move the needle on your finances even a little bit. So if you find yourself with a few hundred dollars--say from a tax refund or an unexpected windfall--the temptation…
Government Financial Assistance During the Pandemic 2021
As the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to infect millions of Americans, businesses are being forced to reduce employee hours or even layoff staff as they struggle to stay open. If your job was affected and you’re worried about paying for home,…
The Key to a Successful Budget Is Minimalism
The easiest way to abandon your budget? Make it complicated and tedious. A minimalist budget can help you clarify your financial goals, provide you guidance on how to meet them, and allow you the freedom to spend a little on…