Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your personal information from hackers and other cyber criminals. If your passwords could use some strengthening, try these tips: Don’t use personal information. Avoid birthdates, hometowns, and names of children or pets. Any information that someone could glean from your social media or public profile should…
It’s back-to-school time! If you are looking for ways to save time and money on this year’s school shopping expedition, try these tips: Take an inventory. Before you head to the store, evaluate what you already have on hand. Finding supplies that may have been forgotten in a closet or drawer could delay the need…
When an illness, injury, or unexpected death occurs, it may create unforeseen complications. Without a plan in place, decisions about your health, children, or financial assets may be left in the hands of a court rather than a trusted family member or friend. The best way to avoid the legal red tape and uncertainty that…
Dating can be fun, but it is often expensive. Whether you are just starting out in a relationship or having “date night” with your longtime partner, keep these cost-saving tips in mind: Plan ahead. While a spur-of-the-moment date is great, it may be easier to keep costs down by scheduling in advance. If you have…
Do you feel overwhelmed by financial decisions? Getting back to basics can help you maximize the power of your income. Try these tips: Start an emergency savings account. Car repairs, medical emergencies, and last-minute necessities are all budget busters. Having an emergency savings account that is separate from your primary savings may help you weather…
When you have an active, busy life, it may be tempting to rely on takeout or ready-to-go meals. However, making your ownmeals will benefit both your wallet and your waistline. If you are looking for ways to get the most out of your food budget, try these tips: Eat fresh. You don’t actually have…
While it’s best to save for large expenses, emergencies happen. Unplanned health care visits, car or home repairs, or other unexpected needs may upend your budget. In these situations, it’s important to look at your options for covering these costs in manageable ways to avoid high-interest debt. Consider these options: Financing or payments. Committing to…
Did you go overboard with holiday spending this year? If you are now carrying too much credit card debt, here are ways to dig yourself out: Add up seasonal costs. Calculate the exact amount of holiday-related debt to determine the target number for your repayment plan. This will also help you establish a budget for…
There are plenty of ways to bring down your energy costs, whether you own or rent your home. While some of these tips are specific to the summer season, many of them may be helpful year-round. If you own your home, consider installing solar panels and upgrading your thermostat or HVAC system. If you rent,…
Gas prices have been taking a bite out of all our wallets. If the price per gallon is throwing your budget out of whack, these tips may help: Look for the cheapest price along your daily route. Download a gas app so you can more easily track which station is cheapest on a given day.…