As hackers continue to expand their digital bag of tricks, avoiding financial scams and identity theft has become mission critical. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 2.1 million fraud incidents were reported in 2020, with consumers suffering upwards of $3.3 billion in losses. Those crimes nearly doubled year-over-year after people lost $1.8 billion in 2019. With regard to avoiding financial scams, nearly $1.2 billion was stolen through imposter schemes, and another $246 million resulted from identity theft linked to online shopping. That’s why internet users need to take hei ..read more

Making a budget isn’t difficult; in fact, 80% of Americans say they have one. The problem comes when people try to stay on a budget. Approximately 80% of those who made a budget did not follow it, resulting in an average of $7,400 in overspending per year. So, how do people who need a budget stay on one? Here are a few tips from our experts on how to stick to a budget. 1. Use Zero-Based Budgeting The concept behind zero-based budgeting is making sure every dollar has been allocated each month. For example, add up monthly expenses and subtract the total from your monthly inc ..read more

If you want to know how to get approved for a home loan, you’ve come to the right place. Nearly 48 percent of Americans doubt that they could qualify for mortgages. Nonetheless, lenders approve about seven out of 10 people who apply. Follow these steps if you’d like to join them: 1. Save up some money for a down payment. Most people need at least 3 percent of a home’s price, according to The Motley Fool. A 20 percent down payment will substantially reduce the loan’s overall cost. Certain government programs can help, especially if you’ve served in the military. 2. Request a free credit repor ..read more

Never had a monthly budget before? Here are some tips to get you started. Whether you’re deep in the throes of money woes or you’re just looking for a way to save a bit more cash, there’s one thing you can do to turn everything around: You need a budget. 1. Start by simply tracking your spending. If you’ve never had a budget before, start by just tracking what you spend and where you spend it. This will give you a good idea of your overall habits. 2. Figure out where you can “trim the fat.” Once you’ve been tracking your spending habits for a month or two, take a look at where you can make som ..read more

From mortgages and car payments to credit cards and student loans; having some debt is normal. The important thing is that you exercise excellent debt management skills to ensure your financial moves are smart ones. The Importance of Debt Management Keeping your finances in check means proper debt management. This practice includes things like taking the time to consider whether that new credit card or auto loan is working towards your goals. It also includes knowing the difference between good debt vs. bad debt and how it will affect your finances. Understanding Good Debt vs. Bad Debt Savvy c ..read more

Due to the plethora of convenient digital services and online apps, the traditional way we do banking is changing. In fact, according to a recent study by Forbes, the U.S. Consumer Banking Statistics indicates that 78% of Americans prefer using a mobile app or bank website for a digital banking experience over using the phone, ATM, or visiting the bank or credit union branch to manage their accounts. The Rise of Digital Banking Due to the popularity of digital banking options, security is of the utmost importance and financial institutions are making the safety of your online accounts a top pr ..read more

The personal loan continues to rank among the most popular borrowing options because they offer tremendous flexibility. Getting approval for these unsecured products is largely based on credit scores, income, and repayment history. Because local lenders place few restrictions on their use, smart community members put them to work. If an injection of cash would help you further your quality of life or professional goals, these are ways a personal loan can help. What is a Personal Loan? A personal loan is a borrowing option that typically provides relatively quick approvals for qualified applica ..read more

  It’s Never Too Early When it comes to learning good money management tips; it is truly never too early to get started. In fact, learning how to save and spend wisely when you are young gives you great insight on how to best handle your finances and will help you build a solid financial future for years to come. By the time you graduate from high school and are headed to college or looking to begin a new career you should be prepared to earn money as well as how to properly spend and save it. Here are some basic money management tips to help savvy young adults make the most of your incom ..read more

While everyone is telling you in your 20’s that you have your whole life ahead of you and you are young. Do not underestimate the importance of the financial decisions you make in your 20s. Making smart money moves when you are just starting out in life can make all the difference in the success of your financial future. A few smart choices and strategic cut backs in your 20s may actually help you have the means to have an even better quality of life in the future.   It’s Never Too Early to Start Saving  Did you know that your 20s are the perfect time to start creating good mone ..read more

Buying a home is no small decision and there is a lot to consider before signing those mortgage papers.  To ensure you are making the right choice, it’s important to not only know where you want to buy and what type of home best suits your needs, but to also educate yourself about the responsibilities of buying a home as well as the obligations of home ownership. Importance of Housing Decisions  Deciding where you will live and exactly which home you will buy is an important choice that will affect you for many years to come. To be confident in your choice and feel good about the hom ..read more