When you're short on cash and need to cover an expense quickly, a payday loan could be a lifesaver. As long as you have a job, an active checking account, and meet minimum age requirements in your state, you might qualify for a cash advance on your next paycheck in as little as 15 minutes. But fast money isn't cheap. Payday loan interest rates could run in excess of 500%, depending on the lender...

Whether you're new to personal finance or just want to brush up on your knowledge, understanding lines of credit could help you make smarter financial decisions. Credit lines are one more tool in your financial arsenal that can help you reach financial goals sooner. But if misunderstood, they could cause lasting harm to your finances. When you can identify different credit lines, choosing the best...

Healthcare costs during retirement are much higher than most people expect. A recent Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate survey suggests that a 65-year old individual retiring in 2021 will spend approximately $150,000 on health care and medical expenses throughout retirement. Double that amount for couples. A health savings account (HSA) could make paying these costs more manageable. While HSAs...

The end of your lease is just around the corner. And, so is another rent increase. You're not alone if you're wondering how to keep housing costs down without moving – again. With housing being the largest expense in most households, achieving other financial goals becomes more difficult each time you sign a new lease agreement. Fortunately, you can reduce your those costs without packing a single...

Contactless payment systems, digital wallets, and peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps reduce the need to carry cash. Shoppers only need to preload credit or debit card information into their mobile device to experience incredible convenience. Saying “Yes” to virtual plastic and “No” to physical cash also provides fraud protection and simplified recordkeeping. Credit and debit cards often possess...

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...