Credit unions may not immediately come to mind when thinking about history. But the truth is, credit unions have played an important role in shaping financial identity through the ages. Credit unions have always helped others in tough times, whether through support during wars or other modern-day relief efforts.
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The cost of college continues to increase, but so does the availability of tools and strategies to help families plan ahead. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or preparing for college tours, now is the perfect time to revisit your savings strategy.
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It’s time once again for pencils to be sharpened, lunches to be packed, and backpacks to be zipped. Whether you’re a parent or not, your last few weeks have likely been surrounded by back-to-school advertisements or thoughts. And while it’s undoubtedly exciting for the kids to return for another school year, it’s a process that can become rather costly.
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Financial literacy is more important than ever. It’s key to making informed decisions about managing your money and meeting your long-term goals. Yet, according to a survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, only 53% of Americans give themselves an A or B when considering their knowledge of personal finance. In that same survey, 80% feel they could benefit from additional financial advice and education, even with their existing knowledge.
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College graduation is a significant milestone—the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. As you step into the next chapter, financial independence becomes a critical factor in shaping your future. This article can help you navigate the exciting yet sometimes complex world of personal finance. By managing your finances wisely from the start, you can steer clear of common pitfalls and set yourself on a path toward fulfilling your long-term financial goals.
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Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations, had the whole world’s well-being in mind when he said, “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope—it is a bulwark against poverty and a building block of development.” Astronomer Carl Sagan was thinking beyond our own space and time when he said, “Across the millennia, the author is speaking directly to you—proof that humans can work magic.” Unfortunately, not everyone in our communities gets to fully experience that magic. Nationwide, over half of adults read below a sixth-grade level, which has significant implications for health and financial wellness.
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For many high school students, senior year is an exciting time—and an expensive one. Between car shopping, campus tours, and prom night, there’s a lot going on during the time leading up to graduation. During this transition period to independence and adulthood, it’s essential to build key life skills. Learning how to budget and manage money now will help set students up for a lifetime of financial success. Check out this list of typical senior year expenses and ways parents and teens can work together to have a wonderful senior year without breaking the bank.
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With the start of the school year right around the corner, now is a good time to make decisions about what you will need to bring with you to college, especially as a freshman. One of the things that you are most likely going to bring is a computer. With classes moving towards online or hybrid learning, the need to have access to a reliable machine becomes more and more necessary with each passing year. With so many options for performance, features, and of course price, how do you choose a machine that will fit your needs without burning your budget?
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The Department of Education’s pause on federal student loans and interest accrual ends September 1, 2023. Payments will start back up in October 2023, so if you haven’t selected a repayment plan yet or are looking to adjust your payments to fit your current circumstances, now is the time to do your research.
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As every parent knows, juggling is part of the job. When it comes to financial matters, though, knowing which ball to keep airborne is not always clear. Case in point: Should you prioritize saving for retirement or for your child's college education? Financial planning is similar to parenting in that the decisions are complex and not always straightforward. While the best choice for you will depend upon your unique situation and needs, a few general considerations can help you create an informed strategy.
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