Financial Education

Getting preapproved for a home loan is an important part of the home buying process. Not sure how to get preapproval for a mortgage? Read on to learn more about pre-approval and what you need to do to get things started. What is a Mortgage Pre-approval? Mortgage pre-approval is an evaluation process done by […]

When you buy a home, you’ll have to cover a number of expenses, including your down payment, certain inspection fees, and closing costs. Not sure how to get money for closing costs? Learning more about closing fees will help you prepare for these expenses and get access to the funds you need. What are […]

Some fraudsters are going “old school” to commit bank fraud While much safer than sending cash, we advise everyone use caution when sending paper checks through the mail. Properly filling out a check offers a layer of protection, however thieves are even finding ways to manipulate completed checks to commit bank fraud. When using paper […]

If you’ve been thinking about refinancing, it’s likely that you have some questions. It’s natural to wonder things such as how soon can you refinance a mortgage or when should you refinance a mortgage? Oftentimes, homeowners can benefit from refinancing, but it’s important that you understand all the ins and outs of the refinancing […]

Refinancing Your Car Loan: What to Know It’s normal to have questions about refinancing, especially if you’ve never refinanced a car before. “If I refinance my car, what happens?” you might ask. “Will refinancing save me money?” While refinancing can lead to savings, it also has its costs. Read on to learn when to […]

Wondering what you can do with home equity you’ve acquired? We’ve got some good news…you can do a lot! The equity in your home (which is the value of your home exceeding how much you owe) can be tapped into to improve your home, pay down debt, purchase additional real estate, or achieve any other […]

Answering the question what credit card should I get is a lot easier when you know what to look for. The right card can save you money in interest and annual fees, offer perks like cash back and rewards, and ensure protection so you’re not surprised by (and responsible for!) fraud or unauthorized spending. Before […]

Choosing a checking account should be a pretty easy task, in theory. If you’re wondering where should I open a checking account, you’re in the right place. There’s more to think about than you might first realize. To learn more about what questions about checking accounts you should be asking, keep reading. We’re breaking down […]

5 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score in 2022 Improving your credit score can be a game-changer for your financial health and wellbeing. Having good credit can mean lower interest rates on your credit cards, better loan rates, preapproval for new credit and financing options, home and auto loans, and more. And while it might […]

At what age can you get a debit card? While at one time most people didn’t get their first debit card until adulthood, today, there are cards specifically designed for minors. If you’re interested in a debit card for your teen or tween, now’s the perfect time to learn more about these cards and how […]

10/1 ARM vs 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Whether you’re buying a home or refinancing, it’s important to understand your primary financing options, including how current interest rates will affect your loan and monthly payments. In many cases, you can choose between a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Making the right choice could change […]

When it comes to financial services, you have choices. Two specific options you can choose from are found in the form of banks and credit unions. Understanding a few things can help you make a more informed, better decision about which is the best route for you to take. Keep reading to learn more […]

When you’re making improvements to your home, you’re not just making your life better in the short term. You’re also making an investment in your future. Ideally, the increase in the value of your home will exceed the cost of the improvement. However, it seldom works out like that. The most efficient home improvements don’t […]

If you’re looking for a large sum of money to use for a home improvement project, or the economic devastation of COVID-19 has left you in desperate need of cash, consider tapping into your home’s equity. One great way to do this is by opening a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. Let’s […]

Financial Security: Beware of the New Pending Package Scam! Everyone loves a surprise package, and scammers are taking the excitement out of that experience by using bogus packages as a cover for a nefarious scam that tricks victims into sharing their personal information — and their money. Here’s all you need to know about the […]

What Is The Difference Between APR and Interest Rate? When comparing long-term loans, the interest rate and the annual percentage rate (APR) are often confused. While the interest rate refers to the annual interest expense of the loan, the APR reflects the annual cost of borrowing money from the lender. Clear as mud? Don’t worry; […]

Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing your loved ones’ faces light up when they open that perfect gift you (or Santa) gave them. The holidays will look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why most people will try even more challenging to make the season brighter for others. But, you don’t […]

Smart money management is always important, but it can take on more urgency for those who are without a partner. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single by choice, single parenting brings unique budgeting challenges. Marilyn Timbers, a Connecticut-based financial advisor, says of having to raise a child on one income,” Children are a joy, but […]

Need a car but can’t pay cash? You have three choices: Borrow from the dealer or manufacturer’s financing company, borrow from a bank, or borrow from a credit union. Each method has advantages and disadvantages – but if you can qualify, the way to go is usually with a credit union. Credit Unions Credit unions […]

With hundreds of billions of dollars in stimulus money, business loans, and unemployment benefits floating around, everyone is trying to keep up with what all this means for you when you sit down to file your taxes this year. First, don’t panic! Here are some answers to some of the biggest questions about how the […]