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…

10 Ways You Can Use a Home Equity Loan 

Homeowners often talk about tapping into their home’s equity to solve various financial challenges. But what exactly is home equity? And if you tap into your home’s equity, how can you use those funds?   What is Home Equity?   Home equity is the difference between the appraised value of a home and what you currently owe on the house. For example, if your home’s value is $450,000 and you owe $200,000 on a mortgage, your home’s equity will be $250,000.   However, you may not be able to borrow this entire amount. Other credit factors and lender limits will determine the…

March 2, 2023Borrowing Basics, Future Planning, Wallet Wins 2 Comments
10 Ways You Can Use a Home Equity Loan 

Homeowners often talk about tapping into their home’s equity to solve various financial challenges. But what exactly is home equity? And if you tap into your home’s equity, how can you use those funds?   What is Home Equity?   Home equity is the difference between the appraised value of a home and what you currently owe on the house. For example, if your home’s value is $450,000 and you owe $200,000 on a mortgage, your home’s equity will be $250,000.   However, you may not be able to borrow this entire amount. Other credit factors and lender limits will determine the…

How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

March 2, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
How to Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality 

Whether it’s trekking across Europe, embarking on a coast-to-coast road trip of the U.S., or cruising through the Canadian Rockies by train, most people dream about that one bucket-list vacation. To many, this adventure remains a dream. But with dedication and planning, it’s often more attainable than people realize.  As with any grand vacation, the key is preparation. From mapping out the entire trip to plotting the logistics and setting your budget, planning your perfect adventure will take time. Use the following guide to help you put your plans in motion for that once-in-a-lifetime excursion.   1. Determine Your Destination &…

7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

February 15, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early 

Filing your taxes can be a bit of a headache each year. While many people may have good intentions of filing as soon as they get their W-2s, the reality is people often procrastinate. Then, before they know it, the deadline sneaks up and forces them to reorganize their schedule to make time to file, causing a great deal of unnecessary stress.   If that scenario sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider filing your taxes early. Doing so will not only relieve your stress and anxiety levels but there are many other benefits you’ll experience.  The Benefits of Filing…

2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…

February 2, 2023Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
2023 Financial Check-Up: Tips to Fight Inflation 

Creating and maintaining a budget is one of the best ways to achieve your financial goals. However, even the most dedicated can find it challenging at times. That’s why it’s essential to revisit your budget and financial plan every six months. This financial check-up is your opportunity to get back on track before you stray too far from your goals.  A regular financial check-up is even more crucial today as inflation continues to decrease the value of your money. With less money to spend, it’s important to find ways to maximize your hard-earned dollars.   Consider the following inflation-fighting strategies when…