Why Budget?

When you know your income and track your expenses, it helps you understand how to invest, save and pay off debt. But just tracking your expenses doesn’t change how much money you can spend every month; it only ever tells you where that money is going.  The path to personal financial wisdom is enlightened by […]

Home Improvement: Here is what you need to know.

Home renovation plans are hot right now, with plenty of homeowners itching to do something around the house.  At the same time, a new sense of workplace flexibility is freeing up another set of homeowners previously bound by their commuter distance to the office. Add in this season’s tax returns, recent federal stimulus checks, economic side-hustles, […]

How To Save For A Down Payment On A House

Nationwide home buying statistics for 2020 are not going to look like the rest of the century, because of the economic disruptions caused by Covid-19, but in 2019 the average median down payment for first-time homebuyers was 6 percent of the purchase price.  Likewise, in 2019 the average cost of a brand new home in […]

This Christmas, Save Instead of Spend!

With snow falling earlier this year than I can ever remember, the feel of the season has given me a jump-start to my holiday shopping.  While Christmas gift exchanges can be rather expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money.  I’d like to share with you a few tips on how you can enjoy […]

10 Tips To Win On Black Friday-Cyber Monday

Thanksgiving comes again this week, and with it Black Friday, the start of the holiday shopping season! Is it us or do deals seem to start earlier and run longer with every following year? Last year, retailers earned $7.9 billion on Black Friday, a rise of 18 percent from 2017. Seventy-seven million shoppers got up […]

Millennial Budget Tips To Pay Down Debt

One question we hear most often from Credit Union members is “How do I get out of debt?” It comes up constantly in conversations and now seems more present than ever.  So, I had to ask myself . . . “why this question?” and after some serious research into it, I found a one-word answer […]

How to Save and Manage Money as a College Student

As a recent college graduate, I’ve learned countless ways to save and manage my money over the four years. For most, college is a great learning experience where students have very little income and lots of expenses all while having to build their financial foundation. There is no better time to practice good money habits than during this exciting and formative period in life.

How to Pay Off Debt Faster with These 3 Refinancing Strategies

Many homeowners don’t know they have an option to refinance their mortgage or a loan to pay off debt faster. Even if a mortgage term has been agreed upon and signed, homeowners can opt for changes before the contract is completed. Many are taking advantage of these three refinancing strategies to pay off their debts faster.

5 Important Money Management Lessons for Single Parents

As a single parent, you’re probably familiar with the dual challenges of managing a household and planning for the future on your own. But are you as familiar with the financial strategies that can stretch your income and help you get ahead? Consider the following lessons to help improve your family’s bottom line. Lesson #1: […]

How to Dig Yourself Out of Debt and Save at the Same Time

Paying down debt can be a daunting task. But with a little self-discipline and some faith in yourself, your financial picture can change for the better in about six months. The following three-part strategy may help you control your cash flow and encourage saving so you can pay off your debt and handle the unexpected […]