Tools and Tips

Making the leap from renting to owning a home can seem like an improbable dream in the face of financial challenges. With the rising cost of living, high housing prices, and all the requirements to get approved for a mortgage, it’s no wonder many aspiring homeowners feel overwhelmed. But don’t lose heart just yet! If […]

When it comes to your monthly expenses, some are more important than others. Your budget might have 100 different spending categories, but the most important ones — your necessities — are the ones critical to your health and safety. That includes your rent or mortgage, food, medical expenses and utilities. When money is tight, some […]

It’s happening earlier and earlier every year: Summer hasn’t even ended and you start seeing Christmas decorations pop up in retail stores. These not-so-subtle reminders tell you it’s time to start spending money for the holidays.  “Shop early to get the best deals,” say our newspapers, economists and social media feeds. But the result of […]

Many of us worry about improving both our finances and our fitness. When it comes to what we eat, it can feel like those two goals are in conflict: we have to choose either affordability or good nutrition. However, eating healthy doesn’t have to break the budget. In fact, fitness and finances have a lot […]

Debt can feel like an insurmountable mountain looming over your financial landscape. It’s a burden that weighs heavy on the shoulders of many Americans, as revealed by the 2024 NFCC Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey. With 2 in 5 Americans carrying an average of about $5,000 in credit card debt each month, and 1 in […]

Did you know April 27th is National Teach Children to Save Day? This year, take a step beyond simply giving a piggy bank and provide the gift of lifelong financial wisdom to your young ones. Learning to save is a crucial life skill that can secure their financial well-being and foster a sense of responsibility […]

If you have a financial goal that you’re not making any progress toward, there’s probably something you’re missing: a plan. Without a plan in place, you might find yourself perpetually putting things like saving money and paying off debt for tomorrow. In the meantime, tomorrow can turn into months or even years.  But your financial […]

Congratulations! You’ve found your special person and you’re planning a new life together.  As you start thinking through the details of your wedding, your honeymoon and how you’ll build your life together, you may be tempted to focus on the fun and romantic aspects of your future while avoiding the difficult topic of money. The […]

Today, it seems as if the cost of your morning coffee or ride home can fluctuate like a stock on Wall Street, and that means managing your budget comes with some new challenges. Notably, Wendy’s recent announcement to test “dynamic pricing” at some locations in 2025 has generated a buzz for all the wrong reasons, […]

Did you know February 20th is “Love Your Pet Day?” Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys. Our furry, feathery, and scaly companions bring love, laughter, and a special kind of warmth to our homes—but keeping them healthy and happy comes with its own set of responsibilities, including financial implications that can sneak […]