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…

Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

February 1, 2023Wallet Wins No Comments
Why are Share Certificates (CDs) Becoming So Popular?

Share certificates (like CDs at banks) are investment accounts that yield higher returns than traditional savings accounts. They offer a spectrum of financial perks with very little downside. Keep reading to find out if adding a share certificate to your savings plan is right for you.  What Is a Share Certificate?  Most credit unions offer three primary savings and investment accounts:   Traditional share (savings) accounts   Money market accounts   Share certificates   Among the three, share certificates generally offer the greatest yields. However, there is a tradeoff in exchange for earning higher dividends. With a share certificate, your money is locked in,…

Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer All It’s Cracked Up to Be? 

You’ve probably already heard the sweet siren song of the promotional 0% balance transfer rate. The trick is to decide whether offer an offer like this can work out for you without getting confused.  Follow these tips—and watch your step! This path might not be as enticing as it seems.  Crunch the Numbers  When you look at offers like this from big banks and credit card companies, it comes off as pretty tempting. After all, what could be better than paying no interest for several months on your debt? However, most credit card companies are not in it for your…

Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

December 29, 2022Borrowing Basics, Wallet Wins No Comments
Why You Should Consolidate Debt in the New Year

The holiday season has come and gone. While you can’t put a price tag on the memories, you might feel the burden of the debt accrued from making those memories. If you’re a bit anxious about paying back your holiday debt, there’s a relatively easy solution – debt consolidation.   Consolidating debt may sound complicated and more intimidating than slowly paying down your current balance. However, the process is easier than you might think, and it could save you a significant amount of money long term. It’s a win-win!   What is Debt Consolidation?  Debt consolidation is transferring one or multiple loans…

Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…

December 29, 2022Future Planning, Wallet Wins No Comments
Setting New Year’s [Financial] Resolutions as a Couple 

As the new year begins, people take the opportunity to start fresh. It’s a time to change habits and resolve to be better in the coming year. Living healthier, spending more time with family and friends, and bettering one’s financial position are consistently the top resolutions each year.   Even though you may have the best intentions, it can be challenging to stick with your resolutions throughout the year – especially regarding financial goals.   Accomplishing your goals becomes much easier when you do it with your partner. You get to work as a team to hit your target. That includes…

It’s Time for a Financial Fresh Start in 2023

It’s that time again. The potential for new beginnings, a fresh start, the opportunity to reevaluate your budget, and financial goals in 2023. While resolutions can be difficult to keep, you can make simple changes that will put you on track to smart money moves this year.  Think about your budget   A new year is a great time to consider your spending habits. This will help you make an accurate budget that reflects your lifestyle. What do you spend the most on? What do you want to put money toward? Sit down and plan what to save and spend money…

December 29, 2022Wallet Wins No Comments
It’s Time for a Financial Fresh Start in 2023

It’s that time again. The potential for new beginnings, a fresh start, the opportunity to reevaluate your budget, and financial goals in 2023. While resolutions can be difficult to keep, you can make simple changes that will put you on track to smart money moves this year.  Think about your budget   A new year is a great time to consider your spending habits. This will help you make an accurate budget that reflects your lifestyle. What do you spend the most on? What do you want to put money toward? Sit down and plan what to save and spend money…

Tips to Increase Your Credit Score

A high credit score makes it much easier to be approved for loans, make large purchases, take on financial assets, and even rent an apartment. If improving your credit score is on your “to-do” list, we have some tips that will lead to significant improvements in your score within a matter of months.   Steps to Increase Your Credit Score  Check for Errors. While you may think it’s unlikely that your credit report will contain errors, it’s more common than you may think. Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential. Take a moment and download a FREE copy of your credit…

December 1, 2022Wallet Wins 1 Comment
Tips to Increase Your Credit Score

A high credit score makes it much easier to be approved for loans, make large purchases, take on financial assets, and even rent an apartment. If improving your credit score is on your “to-do” list, we have some tips that will lead to significant improvements in your score within a matter of months.   Steps to Increase Your Credit Score  Check for Errors. While you may think it’s unlikely that your credit report will contain errors, it’s more common than you may think. Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential. Take a moment and download a FREE copy of your credit…