With so many options, purchasing a new car can feel a bit overwhelming. What kind of car do you want or need? Which cars work with your budget? How can you find the best deals? Follow the tips below from Kelley Blue Book for an ultra-smooth car-buying process and reach out to your local credit union for additional assistance: Know your shopping style – When you shop for a car, do you focus on value, method, or safety? Evaluate what’s…
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Are You Spending Too Much on Groceries? How many times have you checked out at the grocery and were surprised by the total? It’s easy to let our grocery bill get too big if we’re not careful. Yes, food prices have gone up for certain items lately, and we’re making more meals at home now than eating at restaurants, but there are ways to keep that expense under control. Figure out how much you can reasonably spend on food. Financial…
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The typical family spends an average of $2,200 per year on utilities, according to the Energy Department. Tweaking your usage can lower your spending by as much as 25%. Check out this infographic for 10 easy ways to save on your utility bills.
Research shows that most Americans don’t have enough savings to cover an unexpected emergency. There’s no time like the present to start putting money aside for financial security in the future. Here are a few tips to help you get started. 7 Tips to Start Saving Today If you’re a beginner, start small. Even if you start by saving a small amount, focus on the fact that you’re saving something. Celebrate the $5 you stash away each week: It will…
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There are a number of financial management tools and resources available to help make the goal of improving finances an achievable undertaking, whether viewed as a New Year’s resolution or a consistent, long-term objective. If you’ve resolved to improve your finances in the new year, consider these money management and resolution tips from U.S. News & World Report. 10 Tips to Improve Your Finances in the New Year Identify your financial goals – Whether you’re planning to buy a home,…
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Are you adding a child to your family? Congrats! Whether it be through birth or adoption, parenthood is very fulfilling for many people. Preparing to add a child to your family can be a daunting task. As with any major life change, if you have a better grasp of the financial requirements and tasks, you can be prepared and have a high chance of success. According to a 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it will cost approximately…
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Understanding behaviors that impact credit score is important According to a 2018 Credit Health survey by Discover, 85 percent of U.S. consumers are aware of their credit standing, a statistic that increased 12 percentage points over the previous year. Consumers across the U.S. seem to grasp the importance of the credit score – but may fall short of understanding the specific behaviors that affect it. A study from U.S. News & World Report on Americans’ understanding of credit scores suggests…
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The short answer? Yes. Although it’s tempting to believe you can run a business on your own, it’s usually a good idea to get professional help. Running your own business is challenging enough without trying to handle your company’s tax planning and reporting. Most business owners would agree that hiring an accountant is a good investment. Accountants can work with you and your financial officer or controller to keep your business financially sound. Some areas that accountants can help you…
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This infographic has 4 tips to help you clean up and unclutter your finances this Spring. Click the image below.
Are you planning for college? Getting a college degree is a great investment, but it does come at a significant cost. In addition to tuition, there are a few other expenses you’ll have to plan for. While it may seem daunting, don’t let the cost prevent you from getting a degree. By planning ahead and putting money into an education savings account as soon as you can, you’ll put yourself in a better position to handle your college expenses. Creating…
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