Written by Jean Chatzky A quick and painless way to shave dollars off your monthly bill and hundreds of dollars off your total interest paid. Ever thought about refinancing your car loan to capture a lower interest rate? It can be done.Unlike refinancing a home mortgage, the process is quick, and easy, with relatively low...Read More

Written by Chris O’Shea Looking at HVACs and if a home warranty can help with repairs If you’re a homeowner who has had to make significant repairs to your HVAC system, you know how financially painful that can be. The numbers back that up. Not only are HVAC systems some of the most expensive items...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky Consider these tips before you sign on the dotted line — for a new car and loan. Do one thing: Before you let a car dealer provide financing, check out the loan rates for new and used automobiles at your local credit union or bank. Often, that’s where the best deals...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky Want to dig yourself out of high-interest debt? Here’s how: Do you have a wallet full of credit cards and carry balances from month to month? Figuring out how to pay those growing debts off can sometimes feel impossible. Ask yourself the following questions: Should I only make the minimum payments?Do...Read More

In honor of America Saves Week, we’re hosting pop-up branches in DC and St. Louis throughout the week. Tuesday, 4/9, 11 AM – 2 PM: DC – Martin Building CafeteriaWednesday, 4/10, 11 AM – 2 PM:DC – NY Avenue Building LobbySTL – Outside the HUBThursday, 4/11, 11 AM – 2 PM: DC – International Square,...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky Should you have a high deductible or a lower deductible? Do one thing: Get a copy of your insurance policies for your home, auto, and healthcare coverage and see what your deductibles are. Then, check in with your agents to find out how lowering those could potentially change your monthly payments. It...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky Steps to Cut Retail Credit Card Costs! Retail credit cards can be tempting. Whatever the reason for getting a retail credit card, now you’re in deep, and simultaneously, the interest rates on these cards have soared. So, how do you regain your footing? Here are a few suggestions.  Prioritize Repayment. When we...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky Is There a ‘Right’ Amount of Emergency Funds to Have Saved?  Do one thing: If you don’t have a separate emergency fund set up outside of your main checking account, open one and set up an electronic funds transfer to move a specific amount – say $20 to start – from...Read More

Your financial health is important! You want to be able to have the flexibility to do what you want, when you want, without worries. And we can help you get there by creating a realistic budget. Join our own CEO, Theresa Trimble, for a Budgeting & Personal Finance Webinar on Tuesday, January 23rd from 12:00 – 1:00...Read More

Written by Jean Chatzky When it comes to teaching children about money—including the importance of saving for the future—it’s smart to start early. And it’s really up to us, the parents, family members, and mentors of the next generation, to drive these points home. While it may seem a little daunting, building a strong financial...Read More