Written by Jean Chatzky Consider these strategies for handling life’s financial surprises. Do one thing: If you don’t have an emergency fund, start now by setting aside a small amount every week in a separate account from the one you use to pay your monthly bills. If you tuck away just $10 a week, you can...Read More

Written by Chris O’Shea Learn more about credit boosting services. A credit score is important, which is why so many people are looking for alternative ways to improve credit like boosting services. After all, these products claim to gather unconventional items — like on-time payments for streaming services — and use them to improve your...Read More

Written by Chris O’Shea How much to budget for some common surprise expenses. According to a recent report, 56 percent of American adults have dealt with a “surprise expense” within the last year. The average cost of that expense was a whopping $5,500. What does that mean? It means a healthy emergency fund is necessary. Here’s a...Read More

Written by Chris O’Shea How to reach short-term financial goals. It’s helpful to have financial goals. For those goals that you want to achieve within a year or two, the time is now to get things in motion. Here are some ways you can set yourself up for short-term goal success. 1. Create or Revise...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

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