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
Everything is expensive, and you want to get a good deal when buying something. When you’re shopping for a big-ticket item, it pays to do your homework and ask for a deal. These five items are good things to negotiate the price to buy. They can say no, but the answer will automatically be no if you...Read More
Written by Chris O’Shea Tips for Financial Planning Month Financial planning for your future is important and should be a priority. Take advantage of this time of year and tighten up your finances. Here are some things to try. Examine Your Goals One fun way to celebrate financial planning month is to think about your...Read More
Article Written by Chris O’Shea Some common money missteps to avoid with your financials. It can be easy to make mistakes with money. It’s easy to make mistakes with anything. However, with money, there are certain pitfalls that are easier to avoid than others. Here are some common money mistakes that can be avoided with...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
Personal finance is such a fascinating topic—it is way more than dollars and cents. We’re proud to help our members and any groups of individuals plan, work towards, and achieve their financial goals. Are any of these financial questions relevant to your or your group? How can you build financial independence during every stage of life?Are...Read More
Written by Chris O’Shea Tips to help maximize your Social Security benefits If you are nearing retirement, you’re likely wondering when you should claim Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, there’s no exact answer because everyone’s situation is different. However, you can think the decision through and come up with a number that fits you. Here are...Read More
Want to impress others on the beach with your summer reading and get smarter about personal finance at the same time? The Wall Street Journal asked several personal finance experts to recommend their favorite books on personal finance. And our own Theresa Trimble recommended a 6th book about the meme stock craze from 2021 that should be required...Read More