Articles
Knowledge Is Power
We’re here to advise.
Preparing for life’s changes and challenges is no easy task. We’re here to help you make smart financial decisions that push you to the next level of prosperity, and education is your best path to success.
Rely on us for honest, practical advice that can help you manage your money, invest and save, build good credit, buy a car or a home, and more. Whatever you’re striving toward, we’re here to help you get there.
The Latest Articles
-
You’ve Lost Your Job. Now What?
The loss of a job can be emotionally traumatic and financially taxing. Here are some ways to make the most of a worst-case situation. -
Should I Skip a Loan Payment?
When finances are tight, and they are for a great many people these days, skipped or deferred payment plans might give you some welcome breathing room. But what really happens when you skip (or defer) payment on your loan? Here’s what you need to know. -
Understanding Risk Tolerance
In these uncertain times, we have witnessed many changes in the stock market. How you react to these changes can reveal the type of investor you are, and the amount of risk you are willing to tolerate in your investments. -
Understanding Payday Loans and Three Better Options
Some people consider taking out a payday loan when they need cash fast, but think twice. Payday loans are the most expensive way to borrow money, and they can trap you in a cycle of debt. Learn how they work, and get three better options. -
Five Home Organization Ideas – Inspiring, Space-Clearing Tips
You’ve heard of spring cleaning. But every season has its reason to let go and live free of clutter. So here’s to minimizing in order to maximize your life, your productivity, and your time spent with those you love. -
Serve Your Community from Behind the Wheel
If you want to use your car to make the world a better place, we want to help! There are a variety of ways you can help your community from behind the wheel. -
Three Credit Union Benefits and the Principles Behind Them
Ever wonder why credit unions are able to offer great rates and lower fees, personalized service, and emphasize people over profits? Here’s a list of three great credit union benefits and the guiding principles that make them possible. -
Tips for Cybersafety, After a Disaster
Consider these tips to confidently give to relief efforts and deter fraudsters after disaster strikes. -
What’s the Best Option: Cash, Debit, or Credit?
Making a conscientious decision about when to us cash or debit versus credit should be an intentional part of your financial strategy. Here are some reasons why. -
Spending Package Includes Sweeping Retirement Plan Changes
The SECURE Act may have the largest impact on retirement planning since the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Many provisions offer enhanced opportunities for individuals and small business owners, but there is one notable drawback for investors with significant assets in traditional IRAs and retirement plans. -
Setting and Achieving Financial Goals
Do you ever wonder where you are really going, financially? All too often, financial dreams are abandoned in lieu of life’s practical obligations. They may seem unachievable, or even silly. But they’re not. You can go from dreaming to achieving financial health by following these five steps. -
What to Do If You Suspect You're a Victim of Fraud
If you suspect you’re a victim of fraud, here’s a list of five action items you can take to recover as quickly as possible. -
How to Invest* for Your New Baby
There’s one item on your to-do list after a baby is born that should be automatic: opening a savings account for their future. Here are three ways you might get started. -
Pay Yourself First!
Take a deep dive into what it means to pay yourself first, and how you can achieve this goal consistently. -
Five Behaviors for Finding Your Credit Zen
Our financial health is complex and composed of many important parts. Understanding how to spend intentionally is one of them, particularly when it comes to credit. If you’d like to reap the rewards that come with credit cards, consider these five behaviors we’ve identified as milestones on the journey to Credit Card Zen. -
Are You Ready to Retire? Ask Yourself These Seven Questions
If you are thinking of retiring, take this retirement readiness test. -
Ready to Buy a Home? Here’s What Not to Do
You’ve heard all the advice about what to do to prepare, but there’s more to it than that. Before you begin looking at homes and negotiating a contract, you should know about some moves that could significantly hurt your chance of getting that home loan. Here are three things not to do when a new home purchase or even a refinance is in your future. -
Rebuild Your Credit in Six Easy Steps
If you’re like most people, your credit score is only fair. If you have not yet achieved a rating of good or better, read on for five practical, doable steps you can take to get there.