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Credit Scores: What Are They And Why Do You Need One?

Credit scores may be more important than you think. A good score could help you get lower interest rates and open up opportunities to buy the house of your dreams. Investing time in managing your credit score could mean saving thousands of dollars in interest down the road. Learn the basics of what a credit score is and how it can affect your financial life.

How to Start Making Charitable Donations

Giving to charities can easily be left out of your budget. No matter the size of your paycheck, set aside a small amount of money for organizations and charities of your choice throughout the year. By setting a budget for giving, you can make an impact on your community and find ways to support causes you are passionate about.

3 Reasons Banking Local is Better

When looking to open a bank account, there are several things to consider to ensure you’re choosing the right place. Megabanks like Wells Fargo and Citigroup boast about their convenience and worldwide access, but when compared to local community banks, their benefits might not be as great as they might seem. Local banks generally provide the same essential services in addition to three things big banks can never beat.

How the CARES Act May Affect Your Student Loan Repayment

In March 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law to bring economic relief to American citizens everywhere. As a part of this relief, federal lenders have placed all federal student loans on administrative forbearance from March 2020 to September 2020. This means that all payments have been postponed and interest is temporarily set at 0%.

Balancing Your Digital Checkbook

As the world moves toward digital wallets and away from physical checks, you may find yourself unsure of how to spot and fix statement mistakes and track what you’re spending. The need to consistently reconcile your account hasn’t gone away. Overdraft fees and fraud still happen, but reporting mistakes is the account holder’s responsibility. Learn how to manage your account when you’ve gone digital.

What You Need to Know About the SBA Paycheck Protection Program

Extended stay-at-home orders are causing restrictions and closures on small businesses that can seem to be overwhelming. To continue their daily operations and keep their staff employed, many small business owners are turning to loans, debt relief programs and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

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3 Finance Questions to Consider Before Marriage

Considering how to manage expenses with a partner is an important decision to make as your relationship moves forward. Having discussions surrounding the following topics will help you plan for financial changes after tying the knot!

What to Know About Job Benefits

Exploring benefit options and offerings is an important factor to consider before accepting potential job offers. Before accepting a job offer, consider the following advice on benefits.

How to Recover from Credit Card Fraud

Finding fraudulent activity on your credit card account is a common yet frustrating experience. Here are four steps to take if you learn of fraudulent credit card transactions on your account.

5 Banking Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

There are many misconceptions and myths about banking. Instead of letting these misconceptions guide your financial decisions, it is important to research for yourself. Below are five common banking myths, debunked.

What to Consider Before Opening a Joint Checking Account

Merging a checking account with your partner, teenager or other close relative is an important life choice that will impact your finances for years to come. Consider the pros and cons of creating a joint checking account and learn if it is right for you.

How to Use Loans to Consolidate Debt

Do you have auto loan, credit card, medical bill, student loan, or home loan debt? Improve your credit score and make monthly payments simpler with debt consolidation through a personal loan.

Common Budget Mistakes You Should Avoid

Achieving financial stability and managing your money responsibly can be hard. Budgets get overwhelming and frustrating when they don’t seem to work. Luckily, budgets are always adjustable. If you’re having issues with your budget, sit back and re-evaluate it. Try removing these typical budget mistakes and you may resolve all your problems!

Budgeting for Your Lifestyle

Trying to fit your life within a budget can be frustrating. Most people think the traditional budgeting system works for everyone and if it isn’t working, you must be the problem. That simply isn’t true. Lifestyle needs and income types are all different and bring various requirements. If traditional budgeting hasn’t worked, try out this list and see which budgeting strategy works best for you. It may take some trial and error, but controlling your spending habits doesn’t have to be difficult.

Five Ways to Stretch Your Paycheck

Your job may or may not be affected by coronavirus-related closures, but according to the American Payroll Association, more than 74 percent of American workers will experience financial difficulty if their paychecks are delayed by a week. For many, now more than ever, it is important to make the most of your paycheck.

Financial Planning for a Pet

Whether you’re surprising the kids with a new puppy or adopting a local rescue, you’re not alone. According to the National Pet Owners Survey, 68 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But with food, veterinary visits and ongoing care and supplies, how much does it actually cost to get a pet?

Merry, Bright, and on a Budget

Six steps to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank. With events, family gatherings, gift-giving…