Financial surprises can lift your spirits. An unexpected federal tax refund, finding a $20 bill in a shirt pocket on laundry day, or receiving an instant rebate at checkout can put a smile on your face. But, when a water pipe suddenly bursts or an A/C unit stops blowing cold air on the hottest day of the year, the resulting financial surprise can quickly dampen your mood. An emergency fund can...

Was your housing rental application recently denied? Did your new cell phone provider require a hefty deposit? It might have something to do with your credit health. Like other creditors, property management companies and cell phone carriers need assurance that you’ll meet your financial obligations, regardless of how much money you earn. Poor credit scores often result in credit denials or...

Money habits naturally change over time. Young twenty-somethings are unlikely to spend their paychecks in the same way as mid-life earners planning on early retirement. Whether you're like the nearly 40% of millennials whom a Credit Karma/Qualtrics study found have fallen victim to FOMO spending , or you classify yourself as an intermittent saver, almost every income earner hopes to avoid a life...

When you're ready to buy your dream home, understanding your mortgage options is key to securing a loan that works for your finances. But confusing mortgage terms can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Unless you become familiar with some of the jargon, it becomes difficult to navigate the homebuying process. Fortunately, you don't need to take a real estate course to learn essential vocabulary and...

You have a choice on how you want to pay for the things you buy and use most. These facts about using your debit card can help you decide which option is best for you: PIN-based debit card transaction facts: A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is used to complete transaction (no signature required). Money comes out of your checking account immediately. The transaction is just like using cash...

Canceling streaming subscriptions and embracing low-cost entertainment alternatives can give you a quick win with your finances. Trimming these or other discretionary expenses might result in a monthly savings of $50 or more. But during uncertain economic times, many people are looking to knock savings out of the park. This often requires reassessing non-discretionary spending and focusing on your...

High inflation and a sluggish economy are negatively affecting bank accounts across the country. To make ends meet, consumers are reigning in spending by eating more meals at home, driving less, and seeking lower-cost entertainment options. But when lifestyle changes don’t free up enough cash to pay all the bills, many households stop making deposits into their retirement plans, emergency funds...

The first bell of the new school year is about to ring, and many parents are searching for money-saving tips on essential back-to-school supplies. Saving money this year is being made more challenging than usual by high inflation ( 8.5% as of July 2022 ). The National Retail Federation predicts that families will spend record amounts on school supplies to ensure their children have what they need...

Many people are looking for lower-cost entertainment options, and we’re here to help. But unfortunately, record inflation and predictions of a coming recession can put a damper on your entertainment plans. After paying those pesky living expenses, many U.S. households have little left to splurge on amusement park tickets, a new movie release, or other favorite pastimes. But a forecast of heavy...

Record inflation can put the freeze on holiday travel plans. As temperatures drop, so do your hopes of vacationing in a winter paradise or driving cross-country to visit relatives. High airline ticket, gasoline, and lodging prices might have you nixing your plans for a merry holiday season. Don’t despair! It’s time to thaw your financial concerns and make traveling more affordable this winter...