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 Chris O’Shea How to be on time, every time with bills and payments Everyone can miss a bill payment from time to time. It’s when you string together a few misses that things can go south quickly. If you’ve been struggling to make timely payments, use some of the tips below to get...Read More

Written by Chris O’Shea Now is a good time to review your insurance coverages! The start of a new year or if you have any big lifestyle changes, is a good time to reassess your insurance needs. Need help doing that? Below are some questions that will help guide you through the process. Did You...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

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