A hot real estate market can pose a real challenge for hopeful buyers – especially for those looking to buy their first home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place you love and get your offer accepted. It just takes a combination of patience and fortitude, plus a little homebuying know-how. Not sure where to start? Read on for some smart steps to follow.
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Your home is likely your biggest investment—and it’s where you and your family should feel safe, comfortable, and connected. So, whether it’s your forever home or you’re planning to make a move in the near future, you might want to consider some home improvement projects that can deliver value, efficiency, and style.
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As a parent, you’re responsible for teaching your kids important life lessons. You help them learn their ABCs, how to tie their shoes, and to look both ways before crossing the street. But do you teach them about saving money? Learning how to budget and save responsibly are key skills they’ll need to succeed later in life. In honor of Financial Literacy Month and National Credit Union Youth Month, here are six ways to cultivate smart savings habits as your child grows up.
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There’s no doubt about it – we’re living in an increasingly cash-free society these days. Between credit cards and mobile wallets, you may spend long stretches of time without using actual cash. But eventually there will come a time when paying with plastic just won’t cut it. If you need to pay the babysitter, a vendor who doesn’t accept cards, or an unexpected toll on your next road trip, having cash in your wallet can definitely come in handy. And ATMs are a convenient way to get money when you’re out and about, without having to go into the branch during business hours. However, not all ATMs are created equal. Whether you’re using a stand-alone ATM, one inside a grocery store, or a drive-through ATM, here are some ATM safety tips that can help keep you, your money, and your financial information safe from would-be criminals.
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Small actions can have a big impact. And, they can also have a ripple effect. If you’d like to make a positive difference in your community – and beyond – here are some easy ways to get started.
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February 14 is Valentine’s Day – the perfect opportunity to celebrate romance and spend quality time with your special someone. But the traditional trappings of the holiday – red roses, fancy restaurants, giant heart-shaped boxes of chocolate – can really add up. In fact, the average American spent over $160 on Valentine’s Day last year. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas that are easier on your wallet, read on!
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If you have limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, the dream of owning your own home may feel out of reach. You’re not alone, but don’t think you’re out of luck either. FHA loans are designed to help people with these challenges achieve the goal of homeownership by providing a mortgage that may work with their financial situation.
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Your home is your castle—and castle upkeep can be expensive. But with a little know-how and effort, you can enjoy your home without emptying your wallet. Using less energy, decorating on a budget, taking care of small problems before they become big ones, and doing basic home renovations and repairs yourself can help you keep your home costs down. Sound good? Then this guide is for you.
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From monthly checking account fees to surprise ATM surcharges, Americans are paying way too much for their banking. If you’ve ever gotten an unexpected bank charge—or a few of them—you know how it feels. That money could be put to better use, whether it’s to pay for a nice meal or stash away in your savings. If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, knowing about these eight common banking fees and how to avoid them is a great first step.
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Maybe you overdid it with the holiday spending. Between buying presents and traveling to see loved ones, it’s easy to lose track of exactly how much you’re spending. But when you get your January statements and see all your purchases in black and white… ouch. Seeing a lower balance than you’d like in your checking account and a higher credit card bill than you expected can be just the wake-up call you need to take control of your spending. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get out of debt and improve your finances, these tips can help.
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