Blog

Money talks.

 

Our blog is written by experts — who also happen to be real people who have experienced the same financial concerns you have. Read on for real talk about real finances.

Kids and Money: Top tips to help educate

Read Time
5 minutes
Allowances, first jobs, babysitting cash, birthday money from Grandma – today’s youth have access to money in a way that previous generations may not have. Fortunately, they also have unprecedented access to financial tools and resources that can help them set good habits for life. Here’s a roundup of tips for teaching kids about money. Here’s a roundup of tips for teaching kids about m... Continue Reading »

Getting your finances in order – Clear out the clutter

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5 minutes
Nearly everyone has that drawer or cupboard: the one where all the receipts and financial documents get collected, until the pile seems like an insurmountable mountain. Although organizing all those papers may feel daunting, it’s a great step to take toward getting your finances in order and becoming a stellar money manager. If you’re looking to de-clutter, here are a few tips to get you s... Continue Reading »

How to set smart money goals for kids

Read Time
5 minutes
It’s never too early to teach your kids the value of a dollar. As a parent, you have a lot to share with your children about earning, saving, spending, and managing money responsibly. And because personal finance courses aren’t typically offered in grade schools and even high schools – currently only four states require a one-semester course in personal finance for high school graduation �... Continue Reading »

Savvy Advice on Choosing the Right Credit Card

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5 minutes
From building a credit history to financing a short-term purchase, a credit card can really come in handy, but the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming – and leave you more than just a little confused. With so many different credit cards and rewards programs out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Here we help you sort out the choices by looking at the top four co... Continue Reading »

ATM Safety Tips You Need to Know

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5 minutes
ATM safety is something we often take for granted. We drive up to use the ATM to either withdraw cash or make a deposit and assume that there is no risk or chance of foul play. ATMs are such a part of our everyday lives that it can be easy to feel a false sense of security, but it’s important to be mindful of potential risks. Keep the following ATM safety tips in mind the next time you use on... Continue Reading »

10 Tips for Living on a Budget in College

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5 minutes
The toughest math test for many college students is making their money last through each month. That’s why living on a budget is so important. With plenty of bills and limited time for work, cash is tight for almost every student. Thankfully, with these ten budgeting tips, you can make your money go further and build financial habits that pay off for a lifetime. 1. Write a budget down and t... Continue Reading »

Wondering how to repair credit? Here’s one tactic that doesn’t work.

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5 minutes
There are many myths when it comes to finances and credit, but one that’s particularly misleading is that moving credit card balances to multiple cards will help someone “hide” debt on a credit report. Unfortunately, many people find out the truth too late: Not only does that sneaky tactic keep debt on your report, but it can actually harm your credit rating too. Talk about a backfire. ... Continue Reading »

What’s a good credit card interest rate?

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5 minutes
You’re likely familiar with credit card interest rates, but it can be confusing to choose a card based on those big, bold numbers – especially with annual fees, introductory rates, and balance transfer offers. Here’s a simple answer to the question of what constitutes a good credit card interest rate: A “good” rate these days starts at about 7.75 percent interest, with no annual fees.... Continue Reading »

Money management tips: 5 easy ways to spark financial fireworks

Read Time
5 minutes
When it comes to your finances, a small spark can ignite spectacular results. Even seemingly minor decisions can have long-term benefits, like lighting a fuse on an amazing fireworks display. Here’s a roundup of our best money management tips, to help you find your spark: 1. Put together a realistic budget.Because this task feels like a chore, many people put it off or skip it altogether.... Continue Reading »

Make the most of your first salary: living on a budget

Read Time
5 minutes
Establishing a viable budget after landing your first full-time job is tricky, usually because it’s difficult to imagine exactly how many places your money has to go. You’ll soon discover, though, that without a plan, your finances can quickly run amok. Read on to help get your financial house in tip-top shape. Budget framework When establishing a budget, it’s a good idea to get your pla... Continue Reading »