Money Management
Needs vs. Wants
Define Need vs. Want A need is an expense that is essential for you and your family to live and work. Typically, this includes the recurring expenditures that eat up most of our budgets: housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare. A want is nice but non-essential for survival. These are items you can live without (even Read more Needs vs. Wants
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
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
Tax Preparation
Tax Preparation Spring is so, so close. Today’s melting snow puddles will soon give way to rainy sidewalks and blossoming buds. You can almost feel the weather getting warmer. And while you’re dreaming of spring weather on the horizons, you probably aren’t daydreaming about that other lingering springtime tradition: taxes. Yes, tax season is coming Read more Tax Preparation
Financial Wellness
New Year’s Resolutions: easy to make, not so easy to keep – especially if yours is to improve your financial health. So to start 2018 off with a bang, here are 18 tips to help you reach your money goals. Visualize your “why.” Why is it important for you make changes to your financial habits? Read more Financial Wellness