man using phone, laptop, and calculator

Maintaining Your Credit Score

Building a good credit score is hard work. Once you’ve achieved a solid rating, how do you maintain it? For starters, keep doing the things you did to earn that high score in the first place. These include: Making all payments on time Maintaining low balances on revolving accounts or paying them off in full…

Close up of person pumping gas into SUV

Inflation-Busting Strategies

Inflation is a major challenge to personal finances. When prices go up, it reduces a consumer’s buying power. Every dollar is worth less, resulting in stressed budgets — and people. If you are struggling with the impact inflation is having on your finances, these tips may help: Minimize fees and interest. Look for ways to…

Young girl writing in binder

Minimizing Money Stress

Are your finances a source of stress? Struggling to keep up with your bills may impact your ability to focus on your work or maintain stability in your personal life. If money is a constant worry, these tips may help: Create a budget. List how much cash you have, how much you earn, what you…

Father and daughters camping in beautiful nature

Vacation Budget Tips

If you’re struggling to choose between taking a summer vacation and staying on track for your budget goals, consider these options: National parks. At a national park, you can have a life-changing experience on a tight budget. Introduce children to history or the country’s natural wonders, or simply relax and recharge. To learn more, visit…

Mother and Daughter Shopping in Supermarket

Lowering Household Food Costs

A grocery budget is one of the trickiest monthly expenses to manage. Hidden costs, impulse buys, and purchasing in bulk to “save” can easily cause this line item to get out of control. Add in takeout a few times a month, and suddenly food becomes a major money drain. If you’re looking for ways to…

Cashier at the supermarket getting a card payment

Breaking Bad Money Habits

How much of your spending is habit? Whether it’s the size of your weekly takeout order or that streaming service you never watch, most people waste money on things they don’t need or won’t use. Breaking bad money habits takes work, but it can be done. Here’s how: Monitor your accounts. Do you know how much…

A man using his smartphone to deposit his check

Financial Wellness Checkup

Your body isn’t the only thing that needs an annual wellness checkup. Your finances will benefit from one, too. An annual review of your finances will help you catch problems and avoid mistakes. Consider these areas when determining your financial health: Personal balance sheet. List all of your assets (investments, retirement accounts, cash, home/real estate,…