7 Financial Moves to Make Your First Year of College

If starting college is your first time living away from home, then there’s probably a lot on your mind. Setting out on your own means more independence and all of the responsibilities that come with it, which can be both exciting and daunting. One thing you want to keep in mind as you’re starting the transition is your finances.   Learning to manage your money early will set you up for more financial freedom later on and lead to less stress. There are steps you can take before you leave for school to secure your finances and moves you can make…

July 10, 2023Wallet Wins 2 Comments
7 Financial Moves to Make Your First Year of College

If starting college is your first time living away from home, then there’s probably a lot on your mind. Setting out on your own means more independence and all of the responsibilities that come with it, which can be both exciting and daunting. One thing you want to keep in mind as you’re starting the transition is your finances.   Learning to manage your money early will set you up for more financial freedom later on and lead to less stress. There are steps you can take before you leave for school to secure your finances and moves you can make…

How to Manage Debt When Interest Rates are Rising 

Interest rates across the board continue to rise. It’s a wonderful scenario for savers with Money Market Accounts and Share Certificates. Higher saving yields provide greater earning potential.   However, it’s an entirely different story when loan rates are also increasing – especially if the interest rates on your loans are variable. Sudden jumps can derail your budget instantly if you’re not prepared.   Managing existing debt and finding ways to preserve cash in a rising rate environment is crucial. The best place to start is by understanding the different types of loan rates and how the economy can impact your outstanding…

June 1, 2023Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Manage Debt When Interest Rates are Rising 

Interest rates across the board continue to rise. It’s a wonderful scenario for savers with Money Market Accounts and Share Certificates. Higher saving yields provide greater earning potential.   However, it’s an entirely different story when loan rates are also increasing – especially if the interest rates on your loans are variable. Sudden jumps can derail your budget instantly if you’re not prepared.   Managing existing debt and finding ways to preserve cash in a rising rate environment is crucial. The best place to start is by understanding the different types of loan rates and how the economy can impact your outstanding…

Financial Tips for Your College-Bound Child 

As a parent, watching your child graduate high school can be bittersweet. You’re filled with pride as you reminisce about all they have achieved and overcome to reach this point. Yet, you know they are about to embark on the next chapter of their life. For many, that’s heading off to college in the fall.   Before your child leaves the nest, it’s vital they understand how to manage their money responsibly. That includes knowing basic money concepts, such as budgeting, and utilizing financial tools like debit cards and mobile banking.   Use the summer as an opportunity to educate your child…

May 30, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Financial Tips for Your College-Bound Child 

As a parent, watching your child graduate high school can be bittersweet. You’re filled with pride as you reminisce about all they have achieved and overcome to reach this point. Yet, you know they are about to embark on the next chapter of their life. For many, that’s heading off to college in the fall.   Before your child leaves the nest, it’s vital they understand how to manage their money responsibly. That includes knowing basic money concepts, such as budgeting, and utilizing financial tools like debit cards and mobile banking.   Use the summer as an opportunity to educate your child…

Love Your Car but Not the Payments?

When you purchased your vehicle, you probably didn’t buy it on a whim. Instead, you researched vehicles to find the one that best matched your lifestyle. Perhaps you needed an SUV for your growing family. Or you wanted a car with excellent gas mileage for commuting. Regardless, your car reflects you and your personality!  But what about the payments? Buying a new car is exciting, and it’s easy to get distracted. Then, months later, you realize the payments might be more than you prefer. Luckily, lowering your auto loan payment is pretty easy through a process called refinancing.   What Is…

May 1, 2023Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Love Your Car but Not the Payments?

When you purchased your vehicle, you probably didn’t buy it on a whim. Instead, you researched vehicles to find the one that best matched your lifestyle. Perhaps you needed an SUV for your growing family. Or you wanted a car with excellent gas mileage for commuting. Regardless, your car reflects you and your personality!  But what about the payments? Buying a new car is exciting, and it’s easy to get distracted. Then, months later, you realize the payments might be more than you prefer. Luckily, lowering your auto loan payment is pretty easy through a process called refinancing.   What Is…

Share Certificates vs. Money Market Accounts: Understanding Your Options 

Share Certificates vs. Money Market Accounts: Understanding Your Options  Finding ways to save more money should always be a financial priority. However, you can only trim expenses so much before it feels like you’ve cut all the fun out of life. Luckily, boosting your savings doesn’t have to be so drastic. It all comes down to how you save – not necessarily how much you put aside.  For example, take a moment and glance at your account balances. Do you have a decent amount of money sitting in your savings or checking account(s)? If so, your savings strategy might be…

May 1, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Share Certificates vs. Money Market Accounts: Understanding Your Options 

Share Certificates vs. Money Market Accounts: Understanding Your Options  Finding ways to save more money should always be a financial priority. However, you can only trim expenses so much before it feels like you’ve cut all the fun out of life. Luckily, boosting your savings doesn’t have to be so drastic. It all comes down to how you save – not necessarily how much you put aside.  For example, take a moment and glance at your account balances. Do you have a decent amount of money sitting in your savings or checking account(s)? If so, your savings strategy might be…

8 Wise Money Moves to Make in Your 30s 

Much of your twenties is spent figuring out who you are and where you’re going in life. As you progress into your thirties, more pieces of that puzzle begin to fall into place. Perhaps you’re planning to get married or start a family. Maybe specific career goals are on your mind. Regardless, it’s often a period of significant personal growth.   Achieving many of these milestones also takes preparation. And your financial situation will often play a critical role. Building a solid financial foundation should be a priority, as it will pave the way for what’s next in life.   Use the…

May 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
8 Wise Money Moves to Make in Your 30s 

Much of your twenties is spent figuring out who you are and where you’re going in life. As you progress into your thirties, more pieces of that puzzle begin to fall into place. Perhaps you’re planning to get married or start a family. Maybe specific career goals are on your mind. Regardless, it’s often a period of significant personal growth.   Achieving many of these milestones also takes preparation. And your financial situation will often play a critical role. Building a solid financial foundation should be a priority, as it will pave the way for what’s next in life.   Use the…

Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Money 

It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about money. Responsible money management is a vital skill they will carry throughout their lives. However, the subject isn’t always the most entertaining, especially for younger children. Many find it dull or have difficulty understanding the concepts.   Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging ways to educate your child about money. All it takes is a little time and some creativity. 1. Playing Games Think back to your childhood and the many board games that helped you understand how money works. Games like Monopoly and The Game of LIFE introduce young people to…

May 1, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins 2 Comments
Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Money 

It’s never too early to begin teaching kids about money. Responsible money management is a vital skill they will carry throughout their lives. However, the subject isn’t always the most entertaining, especially for younger children. Many find it dull or have difficulty understanding the concepts.   Fortunately, there are many fun and engaging ways to educate your child about money. All it takes is a little time and some creativity. 1. Playing Games Think back to your childhood and the many board games that helped you understand how money works. Games like Monopoly and The Game of LIFE introduce young people to…

Financial Diets vs. Lifestyle Changes 

If you’ve ever tried to shed a few pounds, you know there are plenty of diets to choose from. And whether they’re dictating how much you can eat or what types of foods are acceptable, most diets have one thing in common – they’re unsustainable.  Sure, they might provide a quick fix to get you back in your favorite pair of jeans, but they won’t keep you healthy in the long term. The same “diets” are commonplace when it comes to finances. You can set goals to save more money or cut back on frivolous spending, but long-term success will…

April 6, 2023Borrowing Basics, Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Financial Diets vs. Lifestyle Changes 

If you’ve ever tried to shed a few pounds, you know there are plenty of diets to choose from. And whether they’re dictating how much you can eat or what types of foods are acceptable, most diets have one thing in common – they’re unsustainable.  Sure, they might provide a quick fix to get you back in your favorite pair of jeans, but they won’t keep you healthy in the long term. The same “diets” are commonplace when it comes to finances. You can set goals to save more money or cut back on frivolous spending, but long-term success will…

Don’t Forget These Details When Home Buying 

As you prepare to buy your first home, it’s likely that you have already spent significant time researching the home-buying process. Fiscally you’re ready. You’re preapproved for your mortgage. Your monthly budget is ready to go, and a stellar real estate agent is in your corner. Now you just need to find that dream home!  Tips Before Making an Offer  Buying a house can quickly turn into an emotional decision. You find a home that would be perfect for raising your young family – schools are close by, and your commute to work is only ten minutes away. However, before…

March 2, 2023Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Don’t Forget These Details When Home Buying 

As you prepare to buy your first home, it’s likely that you have already spent significant time researching the home-buying process. Fiscally you’re ready. You’re preapproved for your mortgage. Your monthly budget is ready to go, and a stellar real estate agent is in your corner. Now you just need to find that dream home!  Tips Before Making an Offer  Buying a house can quickly turn into an emotional decision. You find a home that would be perfect for raising your young family – schools are close by, and your commute to work is only ten minutes away. However, before…

4 Reasons to Refinance Your Auto Loan 

When people hear the term “refinance,” they often associate it with a long, tedious process. That can be true of mortgage refis due to the complexity of those loans. However, refinancing your car loan is quite simple and usually only takes a day or two.   The most common reason members refinance their vehicle loans is to save money. It’s a great way to reduce the total interest paid on your loan and free up extra cash each month. But there are other reasons why refinancing an auto loan could be in your best interest.  So, if you love your car…

March 2, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
4 Reasons to Refinance Your Auto Loan 

When people hear the term “refinance,” they often associate it with a long, tedious process. That can be true of mortgage refis due to the complexity of those loans. However, refinancing your car loan is quite simple and usually only takes a day or two.   The most common reason members refinance their vehicle loans is to save money. It’s a great way to reduce the total interest paid on your loan and free up extra cash each month. But there are other reasons why refinancing an auto loan could be in your best interest.  So, if you love your car…