Education Articles

6 Family-Proof (Financial) Holiday Conversation Starters

Money can be a touchy topic any time of year. But during the holidays, when the whole family has gathered and spending is higher than usual, conversations about finances can become downright polarizing. There has to be a way to keep the Grinches and Scrooges at bay, right? If personal finance talk rears its head at your holiday gathering, try...

What’s a Credit Score? And How Can You Improve Yours?

Thinking about applying for a loan? You’ll want to pay close attention to your credit score. But what is a credit score? And why does it matter? In short, your credit score demonstrates to lenders how likely you are to pay back a loan. The higher the score, the better you look to a lender, which often means better rates and terms on a loan. Read...

Keep Your Investments on Track While Weathering the Inflation Storm

There are many forces working against us right now. Inflation, gas prices, and stock market woes have made investing a big challenge. But it’s wise to stick to a long-term plan while being frugal in the moment to weather the storm.

Making Sense of Rising Insurance Rates

There are ways to level off, or even lower, your auto and homeowners premiums The recent meteoric rise in inflation has found its way to the insurance industry. Thanks to an unusual convergence of market trends, it’s much more expensive to build, repair, or replace a vehicle or home in 2022 than ever before—forcing most insurance carriers to...

Homeowners Can Put Equity to Work with a HELOC

As any savvy homeowner will tell you, protecting the investment in your home is a crucial part of ownership. After all, a home is likely the largest investment many of us will make. While upgrades, renovations, and additions often help maintain or even boost a home’s value, these undertakings can be costly.  Thankfully, homeowners have an...

5 Things to Know About Commercial Loans

Thinking about a commercial loan? Here are five things you should know: 1. Commercial loans aren't one-size-fits-all And there are different types of loans depending on your goals. As a business owner or investor, you may have a variety of needs to take your business to the next level, so one type of loan may not cover the entire spectrum.  Ther...

Before You Sign Your Auto Loan

Congrats on deciding to buy or trade up! This could be the start of some exciting changes—more mobility, mobility in more style, perhaps the convenience and comforts of technology from the current century. But one change that’s likely is the additional financial responsibility.   “Just like modern cars, financing can be very complex,” says Jerry...

The 3 Signs You're Ready to Buy Your First Home

Despite those mental (and financial) hurdles, there are plenty of reasons to become a homeowner. Homeownership can build wealth over time and grant tax deductions you’d never see as a renter. Also, interest shrinks as a mortgage is paid off, while rent costs tend to grow. 

7 Ways To Spring Clean Your Finances

Spring is a great time of year to clear your house of clutter and dust away winter’s dirt and grime. Why not do the same for your finances? Clutter can accumulate there, too. Whatever your current situation, a thorough spring-cleaning for your finances is a responsible move this time of year. Here are some ways to put your financial home in orde...

7 Visa Card Features That Might Surprise You

‘More than just a piece of plastic’ Credit cards offer a convenient way to make purchases. That much is known. What’s less understood are the benefits credit cards can offer. For those willing to put on their research hats, there are many perks attached to credit cards—many of which you may already have at your disposal without knowing it. To ge...