Finances

Who needs a budget anyway?

If you’re always wondering how you’re going to pay the next bill, feel guilty when you indulge in overpriced treats, and you can’t seem to find money to put into savings, then you probably need a budget.

Here’s all you need to know about striking a balance when borrowing for your business:

When trying to trim a monthly budget, most people don’t consider their fixed expenses. These recurring costs, which include mortgage payments, insurance premiums and subscription payments, are easy to budget and plan for since they generally remain constant throughout the year. While people tend to think there’s no way to lower fixed expenses, with a bit of effort and research, most of these costs can be reduced.

Here are five ways to trim your fixed expenses.

As part of the changes you’re gearing up for in the months after you graduate, you’re poised to enter the working world as a long-term employee, perhaps for the first time in your life. As you prepare for this transition, you might have dollar signs dancing in your head while you dream of what you’re going to do with your first paycheck.

Before you start planning a one-in-each-color shopping spree at the mall or a weekend in Vegas, check out our list of responsible things to do with your first paycheck.

College is not just about partying and breaking all the rules your parents subjected you to while you were growing up … It’s also about, you know, preparing for your future and all that.

Once you leave college and enter the “real world,” you are going to quickly realize there is something really important you need to develop: good credit.

If your business has reached a point where it needs an infusion of funds in order to grow, you may be in the market for a business loan. A business loan can help a struggling small business establish itself better, or help a thriving company expand its line of products, open an additional location, move to a larger site, hire new team members, or purchase expensive equipment.

Here’s all you need to know about applying for a business loan:

Choosing to pay a bill with a card can have a significant impact on your general financial wellness — for better or for worse. That’s why it’s important to consider the many variables of this decision before going ahead with it.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of paying monthly bills with a credit card or debit card.

We all grow up hearing the same financial advice: Spend less, save more, and invest early. While most of these words of wisdom ring true, there are lots of widespread money management tips that are actually false.

Outlined here are 7 money myths that might be causing you more financial stress than benefit.

Understanding how a credit card works can help the cardholder use it responsibly.

Here’s all you need to know about responsible credit card usage.

Leaving college often means the start of a new job, student loan debt to pay off, new living arrangements to pay for and other new expenses to cover. All of this means your finances will likely need an overhaul. It’s time to create your post-college budget.

Giving yourself an end-of-year financial review is a wonderful way to check on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and update your accounts, funds, and investments.

Here’s all you need to know about this important end-of-year ritual.

“Buy today with no money down and zero interest!”

Here are the potential pitfalls of going this route and the surprising benefits of financing a large purchase under specific circumstances—even if you have the cash to pay for it today.

The news from the real estate market can be confusing. What do I need to know as a buyer, a seller, or just an American citizen, about today’s real estate market?

The most obvious things in life are often overlooked, and your checking account is just one of them. Most people hardly give a thought to this important account and how to best manage it effectively. We’re here to change that.

Here’s all you need to know about checking accounts:

You need to build up your savings, but it always seems to get bumped down your to-do list.

Here are some simple steps to start saving today.

If you’re like many of us, you’ve been trying to stick to a budget for a while, but by the time each month is over, you’ve busted your budget – again.

Because of this recurring pattern, you’re probably wondering if there’s a better way. Fortunately, the answer is yes!

Debt consolidation is the process of moving several (possibly) high-interest debts into a new loan or line of credit. Debt consolidation can help you pay off your debt quicker, with less money going toward overall interest payments.

Here’s what you need to know about debt consolidation:

One excellent option we offer our members to help their savings grow is our share certificates. Sometimes known as savings certificates, and referred to by banks as CDs, these unique accounts blend higher growth potential of a stock investment with the security of a typical savings account.

Let’s take a closer look at this savings product and why it might be the perfect choice for you.

Whether you’re only thinking about having a baby, or your due date is fast approaching, there’s no need to stress about finances. By taking the necessary measures today, you can learn to cover these new expenses without falling into debt.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare financially for a new baby:

Investing your funds is a great way to grow your money and secure your financial future; however, choosing a first investment can be tricky.

Here’s all you need to know about the most common beginner investments and how to choose the path that best suits your needs:

The paystub will summarize all the information from your paycheck and provide a total for net pay.

Before reviewing the actual numbers, let’s take a moment to explore the way a paystub is structured.

Being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life. Here’s why (and how):

Debt consolidation isn't a solution for everyone.

Let’s take a look at the questions you might ask yourself before you take on a debt consolidation loan.

Taking on debt can be an inevitable step for many businesses. A loan or a line of credit can provide a struggling business with the cash it needs to expand or fund a new venture.

When is it a good idea to take on business debt?

Businesses can benefit from taking out loans or opening new lines of credit under these circumstances:

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between these two terms and how each one impacts your loan.

Let’s take a look at seven red flags that might mean you’re living beyond your means and the steps you can take to get back on track.

We’ll walk you through a W-4 form and show you how to fill it out in five easy steps. 

It’s important to note that only Step 1 and Step 5 are mandatory; the rest are optional.

You’ve just about had it with those endless piles of credit card bills and those hideous numbers that never seem to get any lower. It’s time to kiss that debt goodbye!

Those three magic digits tell a story of accountability, good financial sense, and the ability to spend mindfully. A great credit score also unlocks doors for large, affordable loans, employment opportunities, and more.

As the outside temperature falls, we raise the temperature inside, and with it, heating costs go up, too. While peaceful white snowfall may be picturesque, the winter utility bills are not quite as pretty.

It’s tax season, so it’s time to get your paperwork in order and hire a tax preparer. Unfortunately, though, there are thousands of scammers looking to steal your information and your tax refund by posing as authentic tax preparers. It’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of a fraudulent tax preparer so you don’t fall victim to a tax filing scam.

Asking for the occasional raise should be part of any career path, but it can sometimes be difficult to know when and how to ask for an increase in salary. Follow these tips to make negotiating your next raise easy.

Keeping your finances intact throughout the summer is well within reach if you’re ready to plan ahead and make responsible choices.

Survey scams are almost as old as the internet. The alert consumer can spot a survey scam easily, but fraudsters are unfortunately becoming more sophisticated at luring innocent victims into their schemes. 

When every indulgence and impulse buy is just a swipe away, it can be super-challenging to rein in that spending instinct – but it is possible. Here's how to learn the art of mindful spending.

Despite its bad rap, not all debt is bad debt. Some debts are actually beneficial for the debtor and can be considered “good debt.” Let’s take a look at the factors defining good debt, the various types of good debt and how to keep this debt from going bad.

Talking finances with your partner may not be your idea of a shared romantic moment but communicating openly about how you manage your money is a crucial part of having an honest and trusting relationship. 

Life is full of surprises, and some of them can be expensive. Whether it’s a medical emergency, job loss, car repairs or any other unforeseen event, having a financial safety net can provide a sense of security and stability.