Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or are looking for a new opportunity, there are a few ways to search for a job, prepare for the job search process and put your best foot forward. Here are seven steps to finding a job you love. Brainstorm Your Career Goals You wouldn’t start a home renovation project or even a haircut without knowing how you would like it to end up, so why do that in your job search? Before starting your job search, evaluate your career goals and write them down. Do you want to find a company you can build a long-term career with? Or do you want a posit ..read more

Everyone is at a different stage in their financial journey, including how much debt they may have. So, could debt consolidation be right for you? This option may make paying your debt more manageable and assessing the pros and cons of debt consolidation loans is important before jumping right in. What is Debt Consolidation & How Does It Work? Debt consolidation is a way for you to merge your debts by taking out a new loan or credit card. You use that new credit card or loan to pay off your debts, leaving you with a single monthly payment. This debt consolidation strategy could benefit you ..read more

Saving is an important aspect of financial wellness. Yet, it may seem like everything you earn goes towards gas, groceries and other needs, leaving nothing left over for an emergency fund or other financial goals. You might have started going through your subscriptions, consolidating your debt, or couponing at the grocery store. These are all great ways to start saving money, but there may be more you can do for your savings plan. Follow these money-saving and budgeting tips if it feels like you’ve already spent everything on the essentials. Set Realistic Saving Goals Whether you don’t have en ..read more

Switching banks or credit unions can be hard. Altering something we’ve grown accustomed to requires coordination and effort, but there are steps you can follow to make the process of changing financial institutions smoother. Research & Find a New Credit Union or Bank When choosing a new credit union or bank to move to, it’s important to do your research. Think about what you want from your financial institution. Whether it’s lower fees, community involvement, the latest technology or the best interest rates, choose a financial institution that will best meet your needs—both now and in the ..read more

So, you’re starting a new chapter in your life, and with that comes a new chapter for your finances! As you start or complete milestones, like graduating high school or college, your finances need to adapt with you. Continue reading for smart money tips whether you’re starting your college career, wrapping up your degree or taking on a new journey. Create Financial Goals for Your Twenties Before you start setting up your budget or opening a credit card, you should think about what your financial goals are. Maybe you want to build your credit, graduate with minimal student loans, travel or save ..read more

In 2023, consumers reported $752 million dollars lost because of online retail scams. With the rise in internet shopping fraud, we’ve put together a list of what to look for before buying something from an online store, how to protect yourself when purchasing online and what to do if you become a victim of this type of fraud. What Should I Look for When Making Purchases from an Online Business? When you receive a fraudulent email, it’ll likely include a new invoice, a new contact person for customer service issues and new instructions on how to complete the purchase. Here are a few more red fl ..read more

Quick response codes also known as QR codes, are everywhere these days. Many restaurants use them for their menus, airlines use them for checking into your flight, and concerts or sporting events for admission tickets. While these codes are more prevalent post-pandemic as a contactless way to do business, they have been around for 30 years. With the increase in QR codes comes the rise in fraudsters. While most codes are safe to scan, it’s important to know what to look for in a fraudulent QR code, the steps you can take to avoid being scammed and what to do if you scan a strange QR code that y ..read more

It’s almost the new year —a time for resolutions and fresh starts. So, why not refresh your finances? The new year is a great opportunity to look back on your financial year, find ways to improve and set new financial goals. That’s where a financial checklist can help. What Is a Year-End Financial Plan Checklist? A year-end financial plan checklist is a list of tasks that cover various areas of your financials. From checking your credit score to reviewing your retirement savings, a good personal finance review should cover all your financial planning basics. Why Should I Complete an Annual Fin ..read more

Identity theft can happen to anyone and occurs when someone uses another person’s identifying information, typically for a financial gain. There are several ways identity theft can happen: Mail Fraud Data Breaches Digital Service (Apps) Compromise Phishing Emails & Texts To help keep you informed and safe, below are some quick identity theft prevent tips on how to spot these scams, ways to protect yourself or a loved one from identity theft and what to do if your identity or the identity of a loved one has been stolen. Mail Fraud While we live in a digital world, mail fraud is still a la ..read more