Category: Blog

Coping Financially During Tough Times

Job loss and other financial hits from an economic downturn inevitably take a toll on your household. Even if you have your budget and spending under control, you may face difficult decisions about how to protect your household’s financial future. Anticipating a Layoff If you suspect that your employer is planning a layoff or other […]

Car Buyers’ Worst Mistakes

How much money do you think educated car buyers can save over uneducated buyers when buying the same car? Would $5,000 get your attention? While you may not save as much as $5,000, you’ll save a bunch if you avoid these classic car-buying errors. Big mistakes mean big bucks out the window. We like to […]

Payday Loans Aren’t Worth the Cost

When money is tight and you don’t know if you’ll be able to make your rent or keep the lights on, you start looking for ways to find quick cash. You can sell some personal items or ask family members for a loan, but whatever you do, don’t go to a payday lender. It’s a […]

‘Try on’ Your Car Payment

You already know that car loans cost less when you can pay a portion of a vehicle’s purchase price in cash. Makes sense—you borrow less when you have a down payment. But coming up with that down payment can be a challenge. And then, once you have a car loan, that monthly payment can be […]

To Pay Down Debt, First You Have to Save

When you want to pay off debt fast, that impulse often means depleting your savings. So how do you pay off debt AND save money? Mathematically, based on the interest rates of your loans versus your savings account (or other savings products), your debt is likely costing you more money every month than your savings […]

How to Get a Great Price on Your Next Car

Are you thinking of buying a car, but want to make sure you get the best price? Here are a few tips to help you find the right car at the best price. Buy “off-season.” Peak demand for cars is in the spring and fall, but if you want to find a bargain, shop for […]

Elder Financial Exploitation

Advice for members to protect themselves and their loved ones over 65 from financial abuse. To con artists, down-on-their-luck relatives, or opportunistic acquaintances, they are gold mines. Individuals over the age of 50 control 70 percent of the country’s wealth, and seniors between the ages of 65 and 74, with an average net worth of […]

When Is Debt Consolidation Helpful?

If you’re struggling to pay off multiple debts every month, you may have considered a debt consolidation loan. But how do you know if a consolidation loan would be helpful for your situation? What is debt consolidation? Debt consolidation is a form of debt refinancing that allows you to combine multiple debts into one single […]

Train Your Kids to Save

Getting financially fit isn’t easy. But teach children how to save and they’ll have one of the most difficult aspects of finance mastered by the time they’re teens—being consistent savers. Here are a few ideas to help your kids get money fit: As your kids reach high-school age, clarify what you will pay for and […]

3 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Return

If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, it’s smart to have a plan for your money. Don’t end up spending your refund money like it’s a bonus check from the government—treat it like any other paycheck. Think about your financial situation and figure out the most beneficial way to use that money. Here are […]