While most people know that saving money is key to a comfortable financial future, many fail to do it regularly. Whether because of a lack of discipline, a recent bout of unemployment, or another money emergency, growing a hefty savings balance is often necessary to weather a financial storm without using credit cards or loans. Regardless of your circumstances, now is an excellent time to kick...

When volatile markets negatively affect, retirement accounts, you might feel uneasy about your investments. It’s natural to question whether you should change your saving strategy to preserve gains or exit the market altogether. While circumstances vary, there are six things investors can do to stay on track toward achieving their retirement savings benchmark. 1. Review your asset mix. Recent...

There is one constant in life: change. And that includes tax laws. U.S. taxpayers can expect annual federal tax code adjustments just about every year. For tax year 2023, there are at least 60 tax provisions to be aware of as you prepare your finances for the new year. Here are a few changes that will likely affect most taxpayers filing their federal income tax return in 2024. Higher standard...

U.S. households are feeling the squeeze of inflation on their wallets, and many are considering auto loan refinancing to help ease the financial pressure. But with rising interest rates, paying off an existing auto loan with a new one may not be a smart move. While the new loan could provide immediate relief, it could also cost more over the long term. Weigh the pros and cons of an auto loan...

If you and your special someone are getting serious, you might be discussing the next steps of your relationship. For some, this means exchanging vows. For others, it means a wedding of finances. Either way, merging money can be a delicate topic that one or both partners hope to avoid. But having a heart-to-heart about finances is necessary for the long-term happiness of the relationship. Here are...

As outdoor temperatures drop, utility bills are expected to heat up the finances of households across the country. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts a sharp uptick in the amount it will cost to heat your home this winter. But higher bills, whether due to increased fuel costs, colder temperatures, or both, don’t have to freeze your budget. Here are four practical ways to save...

Setting goals is an important step toward creating a secure financial future. Goals provide clear direction by requiring you to focus on a specific money target. While goals can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, having both short-term and long-term goals is essential to successful financial planning. Short-term goals are typically achieved in a year or less, while long-term goals...

No one wants to lose money. But that’s precisely what can happen if you don’t stay in touch with your financial institution. Credit unions are legally required to turn a member’s assets over to the state where they’re marked as “unclaimed property,” if there is no account activity or contact with the member for at least one year. Common credit union assets that become unclaimed property include...

On the heels of record-breaking inflation and rising interest rates, economists predict a recession will hit the U.S. in 2023. Higher prices for goods and services, along with a possible loss in income due to unemployment, could leave a gaping hole in the middle of your finances. But households that shield their finances now will be in a better position to face the inevitable downturn. Even if the...

Planning a vacation that doesn’t break the bank is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. You might need to review numerous options before piecing together the right combination of flights, hotels, and activities to fit your budget. And without a strategy, you could waste hours scanning deals that are a complete mismatch for your finances. Instead, solve your vacation challenges with these six creative...