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...

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...