News
Stories and news from Exodus Lending and the financial industry
Money Mindfulness
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), one of the major stressors for people during the holiday season (or, frankly, any time of the year) is finances. To avoid stress, think intentionally about your money and practice money mindfulness. Defining Money Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. Money mindfulness Read more Money Mindfulness
Isabella’s Story
Isabella* was caught in the precarious financial position of supporting both her children and her extended family. Then, she was hit hard following a minor car accident and a reduction in hours at work. The income loss and spike in expenses drained an already tight budget dry. Since her family was not able to fully Read more Isabella’s Story
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
Sandy’s Story
No matter how many hours Sandy* worked, her paycheck was never enough to cover housing, groceries, and car maintenance. Every time she turned around it was “car repairs, car repairs, then more car repairs.” Keeping up with the bills and everyday expenses was a constant struggle, so she took out her first payday loan. Although Read more Sandy’s Story
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