Figuring out the best time to buy a home can be tricky. Should you wait until summer when property listings are plentiful? The warmer temperatures bring a more extensive housing inventory, but also greater competition. Maybe winter is a better time to buy a home. Colder months often mean less competition and increased negotiating power for buyers. Sellers who didn’t have success in the prior...

Money lessons begin at home. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware they've been teaching their kids about money for years. Whether your teen always sees you paying for groceries with plastic (and assumes it's your credit, not debit card), or you frequently tell your eight-year-old, "Put that back. It costs too much", you're forming your child's understanding of money. If you're ready to get...

Protecting Your ATM Card Always protect your ATM card and keep it in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks. Do not leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you. Immediately notify your financial institution if it is lost or stolen. Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never write it...

The idea of a "budget" just sounds restrictive. Placing limits on how you spend your hard-earned money seems like the exact opposite of the financial freedom you crave. But spending money without a savings plan for the future — or even knowing how much you need to save — can put you in a financial bind that's hard to escape. Tracking your income and expenses using a budget is key to taking charge...