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...

The sooner you plant and nurture smart money habits, the better prepared you’ll be to weather financial storms that may arrive later in life. Individuals under age 25 who’ve learned to live within their means are often better equipped to shield themselves from the devastating effects of an income loss or other financial emergency. Plus, weeding out bad decisions makes it possible to grow a...

Predatory lending can cause significant hardship for vulnerable consumers – although many don’t realize it until it’s too late. If you’re in a dire financial situation, being able to pocket cash the same day could be exactly what you need to bring much needed relief. But it’s crucial to understand what predatory lending is and how to avoid it since signing on the dotted line could make matters...

Scammers continue to use the same slick tactics to steal money and valuable information from unsuspecting victims. But there’s good news. Because these crooks stick with tried-and-true methods, you can more easily identify these fraud schemes. While they might tweak their strategies to fit the situation, you can still keep your financial data and personal information secure when you know how to...