Gen Z: It’s Time to Kickstart Your Credit Journey

Whether you are college bound or heading into the workforce, there is something all young adults need to know about: your credit score. Think of this three-number score as your financial GPA. It holds the keys to your dreams of owning a car, renting your first place, or even landing that dream job.   The best part? Laying the foundation for a great score requires minimum effort. The trick is to get started early. The following guide will highlight strategies to build your credit score and tips to keep your score favorable. It’s easier than you think and can tremendously impact…

September 14, 2023Future Planning No Comments
Gen Z: It’s Time to Kickstart Your Credit Journey

Whether you are college bound or heading into the workforce, there is something all young adults need to know about: your credit score. Think of this three-number score as your financial GPA. It holds the keys to your dreams of owning a car, renting your first place, or even landing that dream job.   The best part? Laying the foundation for a great score requires minimum effort. The trick is to get started early. The following guide will highlight strategies to build your credit score and tips to keep your score favorable. It’s easier than you think and can tremendously impact…

Estate Planning: Peace of Mind for You & Your Family

Amidst the countless shared experiences with friends and family, it’s easy to focus on the here and now. But there’s a chapter of life that we all must consider – one where we’re not present to guide and support our loved ones.  No one wants to picture a world without them; however, planning for this scenario is one of the most generous tasks you can undertake for those you love. It provides peace of mind, direction, and comfort, knowing your intentions will echo through the years – offering guidance when others need it most.   What is Estate Planning?  People commonly…

September 14, 2023Future Planning No Comments
Estate Planning: Peace of Mind for You & Your Family

Amidst the countless shared experiences with friends and family, it’s easy to focus on the here and now. But there’s a chapter of life that we all must consider – one where we’re not present to guide and support our loved ones.  No one wants to picture a world without them; however, planning for this scenario is one of the most generous tasks you can undertake for those you love. It provides peace of mind, direction, and comfort, knowing your intentions will echo through the years – offering guidance when others need it most.   What is Estate Planning?  People commonly…

Tips to Achieve an 800+ Credit Score

An excellent credit score will unlock plenty of financial perks. Loan approvals are much easier, and you’ll qualify for the best rates – potentially saving you thousands of dollars. However, if your goal is to push your credit score over the 800-line, you likely already know quite a bit about this subject.   Going from a “very good” to an “exceptional” credit score is like losing those last five pounds after shedding a significant amount of weight. It can be challenging, but it’s so worth it once you get there. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you reach…

September 1, 2023Wallet Wins 3 Comments
Tips to Achieve an 800+ Credit Score

An excellent credit score will unlock plenty of financial perks. Loan approvals are much easier, and you’ll qualify for the best rates – potentially saving you thousands of dollars. However, if your goal is to push your credit score over the 800-line, you likely already know quite a bit about this subject.   Going from a “very good” to an “exceptional” credit score is like losing those last five pounds after shedding a significant amount of weight. It can be challenging, but it’s so worth it once you get there. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you reach…

When Does a Home Equity Loan Make Financial Sense?

As a homeowner, you possess a unique financial advantage – the ability to build and utilize the equity in your property. Home equity loans offer an affordable means to finance a wide range of expenses, including home renovations, weddings, and higher education.   Nevertheless, some homeowners are hesitant to access their home’s equity. Often, people are unsure how these loans work and their potential benefits. Others aren’t positive whether a home equity loan is the best solution for their financial needs.   Before highlighting the best ways to use home equity loans, it’s helpful to begin with the basics.  What is a…

September 1, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments
When Does a Home Equity Loan Make Financial Sense?

As a homeowner, you possess a unique financial advantage – the ability to build and utilize the equity in your property. Home equity loans offer an affordable means to finance a wide range of expenses, including home renovations, weddings, and higher education.   Nevertheless, some homeowners are hesitant to access their home’s equity. Often, people are unsure how these loans work and their potential benefits. Others aren’t positive whether a home equity loan is the best solution for their financial needs.   Before highlighting the best ways to use home equity loans, it’s helpful to begin with the basics.  What is a…

8 Financial Moves for Empty Nesters

It’s a bittersweet feeling when your children spread their wings and leave the nest. As they venture into the world to pursue their dreams, it’s time for you to take stock of your financial situation and make some strategic moves. With retirement likely right around the corner, the upcoming years are crucial to ensure you enjoy your golden years.   The following guide highlights eight essential financial steps empty nesters should consider as they embark on this next phase of their lives.  Revisit Your Budget With your children out of the house, your everyday expenses will change. From your grocery and…

September 1, 2023Future Planning No Comments
8 Financial Moves for Empty Nesters

It’s a bittersweet feeling when your children spread their wings and leave the nest. As they venture into the world to pursue their dreams, it’s time for you to take stock of your financial situation and make some strategic moves. With retirement likely right around the corner, the upcoming years are crucial to ensure you enjoy your golden years.   The following guide highlights eight essential financial steps empty nesters should consider as they embark on this next phase of their lives.  Revisit Your Budget With your children out of the house, your everyday expenses will change. From your grocery and…

4 Popular Email Scams and How to Avoid Them

Nowadays, it seems like a day doesn’t go by without someone trying to lure you into a scam. Whether through text messages, social media, robocalls, or email, fraudsters always work overtime. And just when you think you know all their moves, a new ploy lands on your lap.   Countless people fall victim to fraud annually. Your best defense to avoid these traps is to stay informed on how they operate. Today, we’re sharing four popular phishing scams guaranteed to land in your email inbox and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.  What is Phishing?  Phishing is a…

August 24, 2023Security Center No Comments
4 Popular Email Scams and How to Avoid Them

Nowadays, it seems like a day doesn’t go by without someone trying to lure you into a scam. Whether through text messages, social media, robocalls, or email, fraudsters always work overtime. And just when you think you know all their moves, a new ploy lands on your lap.   Countless people fall victim to fraud annually. Your best defense to avoid these traps is to stay informed on how they operate. Today, we’re sharing four popular phishing scams guaranteed to land in your email inbox and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.  What is Phishing?  Phishing is a…

7 Common Money Myths You Should Ignore

Everyone holds their own perspective when it comes to handling finances. While friends and family may offer well-intentioned guidance, not everything you hear is necessarily accurate or beneficial. Much of it can be misleading or misguided – causing you to overlook opportunities or make poor financial decisions.   We put together a list of common money myths to help right the ship on managing your money and steer clear of financial pitfalls. You’ll learn why this guidance is mistaken and the steps you can take to strengthen your financial position.  Myth #1 – You must carry a balance on your credit…

August 1, 2023Wallet Wins 1 Comment
7 Common Money Myths You Should Ignore

Everyone holds their own perspective when it comes to handling finances. While friends and family may offer well-intentioned guidance, not everything you hear is necessarily accurate or beneficial. Much of it can be misleading or misguided – causing you to overlook opportunities or make poor financial decisions.   We put together a list of common money myths to help right the ship on managing your money and steer clear of financial pitfalls. You’ll learn why this guidance is mistaken and the steps you can take to strengthen your financial position.  Myth #1 – You must carry a balance on your credit…

Unsubscribe & Save: Breaking Up with Your Subscriptions

We all have them. We know they cost a small fortune. Yet, instead of canceling subscriptions, we find ourselves subscribing to even more. Businesses across all industries have found creative ways to cash in on this profitable business model – and consumers can’t resist clicking “subscribe.”  While you and your wallet know it’s time to break up with some of your subscriptions, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. The following guide will shed light on the financial toll these monthly fees take on your budget and walk you through how to regain your hard-earned money. But first, let’s…

August 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
Unsubscribe & Save: Breaking Up with Your Subscriptions

We all have them. We know they cost a small fortune. Yet, instead of canceling subscriptions, we find ourselves subscribing to even more. Businesses across all industries have found creative ways to cash in on this profitable business model – and consumers can’t resist clicking “subscribe.”  While you and your wallet know it’s time to break up with some of your subscriptions, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. The following guide will shed light on the financial toll these monthly fees take on your budget and walk you through how to regain your hard-earned money. But first, let’s…

How to Buy a Home When Rates Keep Rising

Whenever you watch the news or read the latest headlines, someone claims that homeownership is no longer attainable due to rising interest rates. But is it true? Or is it just another thing to hype in the day’s news cycle?  While interest rates are rising because of inflation, homeownership is still achievable today. Not only that, but interest rates remain historically low and affordable. The distaste for the real estate market today stems from a decade of extremely low rates – set off by the housing crisis that began in 2007. To understand what is happening in the current market,…

August 1, 2023Borrowing Basics No Comments
How to Buy a Home When Rates Keep Rising

Whenever you watch the news or read the latest headlines, someone claims that homeownership is no longer attainable due to rising interest rates. But is it true? Or is it just another thing to hype in the day’s news cycle?  While interest rates are rising because of inflation, homeownership is still achievable today. Not only that, but interest rates remain historically low and affordable. The distaste for the real estate market today stems from a decade of extremely low rates – set off by the housing crisis that began in 2007. To understand what is happening in the current market,…

Preparing for a Home Makeover

Your home is more than simply a house. It’s where you create memories with your family, entertain your friends, and relax after a hard day at work. As time passes, you want your home to keep up with your changing life and style.   Perhaps you want to finish your basement to provide more privacy for your teens. Or you want to upgrade your kitchen and back patio for entertaining guests. Maybe you’re able to work from home and want to keep your “work” and “home” separate with a designated office.   Remodeling your home is an excellent way to extend the…

July 31, 2023Future Planning 2 Comments
Preparing for a Home Makeover

Your home is more than simply a house. It’s where you create memories with your family, entertain your friends, and relax after a hard day at work. As time passes, you want your home to keep up with your changing life and style.   Perhaps you want to finish your basement to provide more privacy for your teens. Or you want to upgrade your kitchen and back patio for entertaining guests. Maybe you’re able to work from home and want to keep your “work” and “home” separate with a designated office.   Remodeling your home is an excellent way to extend the…