Kaitlyn Szabo
Traveling
For many, travel is a great thrill – it provides the chance to explore a new place, to dive deep into the unknown, and to escape the daily grind, even if just for a weekend. However, it isn’t always easy to accommodate excursions given the constraints of our schedules and our budgets. That’s why Read more Traveling
Healthy Food on a Budget
Meal Planning Before hitting the market be sure to have a plan, a shopping list, and a full stomach. Here are some things you can do before shopping to save time, energy, and money: Spend 15-20 minutes planning a week’s worth of evening meals Check what you already have and build recipes around current Read more Healthy Food on a Budget
Preparing for Homeownership
Before purchasing a home, it is essential to understand why you want to pursue this step. Ask yourself: What are my long-term goals? Why do I want to own a home? Do I have the capacity to take on homeownership at this time? Will my job or income support this move? Do I have Read more Preparing for Homeownership
Back to School and Saving for College
From kindergarten to university, no matter which school year your child is entering, there is a lot to do to prepare for the school year. Here are some tips to keep costs down and to help you save for any future educational expenses. Back to School Shopping After holiday shopping, back to school shopping is Read more Back to School and Saving for College
Credit Reports and Credit Scores
Credit Reports and Credit Scores Learn the difference between credit reports & credit scores, how each are created, and how to build & maintain good credit scores. Credit Reports A credit report is a statement of your credit activity, including credit cards, loans, some unpaid medical bills, debt collections, and certain public record entries (e.g. foreclosures). Read more Credit Reports and Credit Scores
Budget-Friendly Activities
There is plenty of fun to be had right in our backyards or not too far down the road. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy yourself while staying within your budget. Get Outside! Local Parks and Outdoor Activities Once the snow (finally) melts, get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine with Read more Budget-Friendly Activities
April 2018 Update
At Exodus Lending, our program participants are the guiding force behind our work. Their stories of struggle with payday loan debt infuriate us. Their tales of triumph when they eliminate this debt through our program inspire us. We hope you too feel inspired by them, so on this frustratingly chilly April day, here is program Read more April 2018 Update
Paula's Story
A couple pay stubs. A photo ID. That’s all Paula needed to get a payday loan to cover a car repair. Simple enough, right? Not quite. The loan was then due back in full in two weeks. In theory, Paula could cover it with her next paycheck. In reality, Paula was living paycheck to paycheck. Her Read more Paula's Story
March 2018 Update
To Moorhead and beyond! Visits to St. Paul and Moorhead From the capitol to the suburbs to northern Minnesota, our Executive Director, Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer, has seemingly been everywhere spreading the word about Exodus Lending- and that’s just in this last week! On Tuesday, Sara spoke to members of the House of Representatives’ Job Growth and Read more March 2018 Update
Emergency Funds & Savings Bonds
“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.” – Stacia Tauscher, dancer and artist Building your savings is a lot like raising a child. Both require balancing the needs of today with the needs of tomorrow. Each requires consistent, daily commitment to growth toward the future you Read more Emergency Funds & Savings Bonds