Fun and Affordable Holiday Activities: The Ultimate List
Are those jingle bells I hear? Or is that the sound of coins rattling in near-empty pockets after an avalanche of not-so-affordable holiday expenses? *Gulp* If you asked Santa for a big sack of cash this Christmas, you’re not alone! The financial strain of Christmas time is constantly battling the desire to enjoy as much […]
Feast on Savings With Thrifty Thanksgiving Tips
Breathe it all in… pumpkin spice lattes, crisp apples, brown sugar, fresh bread…am I drooling? Thanksgiving is in the air, along with plans for get-togethers galore. However, these filling festivities can leave bank accounts looking starved. To help you avoid that fate, we’ve cooked up some ways to keep you AND your wallet stuffed this […]
Bankruptcy: To Fear or Not to Fear
“I declare…BANKRUPTCY!” – Michael Scott, The Office While I often feel like sarcastically quoting this after paying $7 for a Starbucks coffee, bankruptcy is not an ordinary, everyday occurrence. Nor should it be, as it’s not something to take lightly in business or personal finances. However, this debt-relieving legal process can give individuals a “fresh […]
What is a HELOC and When Should I Use One?
*Cue the trumpets* It’s time we introduced you to the royally awesome, incredibly useful financial solution known as a home equity line of credit, often referred to as a HELOC. If you felt a little disappointed by the end of that sentence, trust me, HELOCs are worth the hype! There’s more to these powerful loans […]
What Are Home Equity Loans?
Home is where the “equity” is. And the more you have of it, the better. But what is home equity, what is a home equity loan, and how do you make the most of these helpful resources? What is Home Equity? Simply put, home equity is your home’s current market value, minus the amount you […]
Inflation Unveiled: Understanding, Coping, and Thriving
“Inflation” has lingered heavily on the minds of Americans for the past three or four years, inducing fear in up-and-coming generations grappling to hold onto the hope of financial stability. As prices continue to rise, more and more Americans, especially Millennials and members of Gen Z, are vocalizing the “death of the American Dream.” In […]
How to Save $5,050 in 100 Days
I don’t know about you, but when someone says I can save $5,050 in 100 days, I get in the savings mood. For those who find saving money not only a struggle but a dreadful task, the 100 Envelope Saving Challenge could be your quirky, yet practical, solution. Not only will you 100% save $5,050 […]
Credit Cards: Insider Info You Need To Know
The first inklings of credit cards appeared as clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia, at least 5,000 years ago, recording transactions between merchants for payment of goods or services that would come later. Today, we are all too familiar with those thin, rectangular pieces of plastic, so much so that 77 percent of U.S. adults have […]
Saving for Retirement: Traditional IRA vs ROTH IRA
56% of Americans feel behind on saving for retirement, yet 25% of workers haven’t made retirement contributions in at least a year, according to Bankrate. For some, retirement is right around the corner, so much so that it can feel more scary than exciting. For others, it’s tempting to sweep saving plans under the rug […]
Personal Loans: A Quick and Easy Guide
You have needs, wants, desires, and dreams. Much to our chagrin, achieving these aspirations requires money. But what if you don’t have the cash you need? A personal loan is a viable option when you need financial support to accomplish your goals. What is a personal loan? Personal loans are sums of money individuals can […]
Understanding Credit Scores: No Luck Required
March is the month of four-leaf clovers and Leprechauns, but did you know it’s also the perfect time to learn about credit and credit scores? That’s because March is National Credit Education Month! What’s even better? You don’t need any luck to be a credit expert! What is Credit? Let’s start at the beginning. What […]
2 Debt Repayment Strategies You Will Love
Does reading “debt repayment strategies” send a shiver down your spine? That wouldn’t be the only cause for a case of the chills. The temperatures are dropping, the wind is howling, and it takes me at least 10 extra minutes to leave my warm, cozy bed each morning. February is here, and with it comes […]
3 Financial Resolutions To Kick Start 2024
It’s the new year! You know what that means: New Year resolutions. While hitting the gym and eating healthier are popular resolutions for a reason, financial resolutions are the real unsung heroes of 2024 prepping. Financial resolutions are the gateway to achieving additional yearly goals. For example: Creating a budget → ability to afford a […]
Help Seniors Recognize and Defend Against Scams and Elder Fraud
Seniors are swimming in fraud-infested waters, vulnerable to scammers eager to take a massive bite out of their victim’s finances. It sounds dramatic, but these attacks are serious, and learning to prevent them is essential to protect the financial wellness of your loved ones. In 2022, 88,262 people over 60 fell victim to elder fraud, […]
Credit Unions vs Banks
What advantages do credit unions have over traditional banks? Many of us are no strangers to traditional banks but credit unions are a different story. “Credit unions…they do stuff with money, right?” Here lies the typical response I get when I ask younger generations what a credit union is, and I don’t blame them! Gen […]
How to Build Credit When You Have None
Building credit scores and cartwheels. What do the two have in common? Surprisingly more than you think. Let’s bring Simone Biles into the conversation. Yes, gymnastics legend and Olympic Gold Medalist Simon Biles (stay with me, I promise there is a method to my madness). Simone Biles has an insane history of being good at […]
Creating a Monthly Budget
Creating a monthly budget brings out the imaginary angel and devil on my shoulders. The angel whispers, “I’m so proud of you! This will help you reach your goals and financial stability!” and the devil retorts with, “Remember that dress you saw on TikTok? What if we got Chick-fil-A on Monday…and Wednesday? What about your […]
How to Achieve Financial Stability
What is the secret key to financial stability? I wish I could say it’s a combination of jumping on one foot, spinning around 3 times, and getting a full 8 hours of sleep, but unfortunately, there’s no single recipe for success. However, there are key areas of focus that can readjust your financial trajectory. Acknowledging […]
Three Financial Services to Support the Gig Economy
Hold up…what’s the gig economy? The International Revenue Service (IRS) defines the gig economy, also known as the sharing or collaborative economy, as an “activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods.” Instead of a 9 to 5, these individuals work 3 to 4…or 8 to 12…or whatever hours they choose. Gig […]
What is an Emergency Fund?
“If only I set up an emergency fund when 1166 FCU told me to!” To stop these words from ever coming out of your mouth, I’ll give you the rundown on this extremely helpful and proactive saving solution. But first, picture this. Your car breaks down this weekend. It’s going to cost a pretty penny […]
