Taking out a mortgage and buying a home can be a daunting task, but we have good news! In October 2015, the federal government took steps to make the home-buying process easier. Known as the “Know before you owe” rules, the new regulations have many benefits for consumers. Chief among these is the replacement of […]
Archive for the ‘Just Married’ Category
Creating a budget and sticking to it
Wouldn’t it be great if you could make a plan for your money, where you could keep track of every penny coming in and going out? A plan that could help you stay on track, reach your goals and aim for that dream vacation? Good news! You’ve been able to do this all along! So, […]
Just married? Don’t make these money mistakes!
Just got married? Congratulations! As you settle into married life, don’t let your newlywed bliss prevent you from having a heart-to-heart with your partner about your finances. Talking about how you will manage your money as a married couple is a huge gift you can give each other. Why? Because one of the leading causes […]
Shoppers beware of store credit cards this holiday season
“Would you like to save 15 percent by opening a store credit card today? It will just take a few minutes!” These are words many of us are all too familiar with. It’s free money, so what’s the harm, right? Wrong. Although we could all stand to save some additional cash during the holiday season, […]
Wheels and Deals: Finding an auto loan that’s good to go
Buying a car can be exciting, but don’t lose sight of how you will pay for it. Here are some tips on financing a vehicle with an auto loan. Check your credit. Review your credit reports long before you go to purchase a car. Correcting inaccuracies, such as an erroneous history of late payments, can […]
What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney and how important is it?
Advance Directive. Healthcare Power of Attorney. Living Will. Healthcare Proxy. What are these documents? Do you need them? Do you have them already? If so, do you know and like what they say? Planning in your life, financial and otherwise, can also mean planning for the event of sudden illness or injury and, in some […]
How to manage money while traveling abroad
Planning a trip can be a lot of work – especially when you’re going abroad. It can be tricky to determine the best and most efficient ways to manage your money before and during a trip. From setting a budget to exchanging foreign currency, there are lots of things to think about when traveling abroad. […]
The hidden value of HSA accounts: retirement savings
When you think of tax advantages for retirement, you typically think of an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). The latest to join the array of retirement savings strategies is a health savings account, or HSA. The first thing to know is that an HSA is designed and to be treated as a way to build savings […]
Tips for saving money in the summer
Yes, it’s that time of year. It’s time for vacations, pool parties, grilling and finding something (ANYTHING!) to occupy your children. There are also more opportunities to lose track of your spending. How can you beat the financial heat? First, you need to take a close look at your summer plans. Are you going to […]
Mobile Banking Security
It’s faster than the race cars at the Iowa Speedway. It’s as quiet as an open meadow. And, it’s more dangerous than a beagle at a buffet. No, it’s not an army of ninjas. It’s the moment when someone steals your banking information. If it happens to you, your emotions will likely range from anger […]