Claire Hegstrom

Is it better to pay off debt or save first?

If you’ve ever found yourself stressed about a lack of emergency savings, you’re not alone. Bankrate reports that nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults feel they don’t have enough in savings, and over 25 percent don’t have a savings at all.   Additionally, the Federal Reserve Division of Research & Analysis recently reported that over 77 […]

How to prepare your finances for holiday spending

‘Tis the season to be shopping! According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend nearly $990 billion in November and December alone – an increase of 3.5 percent year-over-year.  While the average holiday shopper is estimated to spend over $2,100 this winter, Empeople members are uniquely positioned to save while they spend. […]

Four spooky money scams to watch out for this Halloween

Ghouls and goblins aren’t the only frightening creatures lurking around this fall. Scammers are preying on your social media, your email inbox, and even texting or calling your phone number, trying to steal your money or personal information.   The Federal Trade Commission has reported a 14 percent increase in total losses from fraud, topping over […]

How to adjust your budget after receiving a promotion

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over five million people were hired for a new job this fiscal year alone. Additionally, U.S. employers promote nearly seven percent of their workforce annually. Whether you’ve received a raise because of an internal job promotion, or you’re earning extra money at a new job, adjusting your […]

Three types of insurance that are worth the money

Most people hold basic, necessary insurance policies like auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance. However, there are a vast array of ancillary insurance products to help make life’s unexpected hurdles more manageable.   After all, roughly 44 percent of Americans do not have enough money in savings to cover a $1,000 emergency. […]

Buying vs renting a home: The pros & cons explained

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy. Both options have their own set of pros and cons that need to be considered before deciding. For example, renting is great for people who like to move around or are just starting their career. On the other hand, buying a home […]