Blogs

Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Higher Education If you’re considering going back to college to boost your credentials, you’re probably on the lookout for money-saving strategies. Here are dollar-stretching tips to keep you at the top of your class. Fill Out FAFSA If you’re looking to continue your education, your first stop should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. FAFSA requires your income, housing and tax information, so be sure to have last year’s tax return ready when you apply. Plus, most colleges and universities require that you complete the FAFSA to become...

Learn More About Direct Deposit It’s easy to take conveniences like direct deposit for granted without fully understanding how it works or why you should use it. You may have questions concerning direct deposit, so we want to make sure you fully understand the system. How Does Direct Deposit Work? Direct deposit forgoes the physical printing of payment checks by transferring money online through software like payroll programs. An electronic file is transmitted to or from your financial institution, which lets the recipient know which account should receive payment/deduction and how much...

Best Coupon Sites to Help Your Family Save Money Making ends meet while having money for extracurricular activities is a challenge for most families. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your family’s dollar, it’s time to get creative with a tried-and-true savings tool — coupons. The following coupon sites and apps will help you and your family save on the essentials and services you need and the experiences you crave. Saving at the Grocery Store If your local grocery store is a regional or national chain like Kroger, check their site or app for downloadable coupons. It takes only a few...

How to Prepare for the Unexpected (No, Not the Zombie Apocalypse) We can plan as much as we’d like, but life will inevitably throw a wrench (or five) into our plans. Having a safety net to bounce back up after life knocks us down can make a tough situation easier to handle. What if your furnace stopped, your car suddenly broke down or you found yourself with surprising medical bills? Most financial advisors agree that we should have an emergency fund that can withstand three to six months of living expenses. The best way to accomplish this is to develop a rainy-day savings plan. Set a monthly...

How Paying Bills on Time Can Improve Your Life Paying your bills on time is one of the key aspects of taking charge of your financial life. Not only does paying bills on time help you avoid a number of nasty repercussions, but it can also have lots of short and long-term positive side effects. Click here to view an important note before clicking on links within the video. Avoid Late Fees Arguably the most immediate reason to pay bills on time is to avoid late fees. Some companies and services will charge late fees just minutes after a payment is due. It’s especially...