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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Teaching your kids financial concepts takes more than just saving change in a piggy bank. To give your kids a solid understanding of how to manage their money as an adult, you need to teach them three key financial concepts: 1. The Difference Between a Need and a Want This is a concept that you can begin teaching your children as early as preschool and should continue to model for them well into their teen years. Teaching your kids the…
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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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Did you know that the easiest and most effective way to save is automatically? It’s how millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. It’s also how millions of Americans save at their bank or credit union. It’s a great way to build wealth and financial security, and it’s easy to set up! How to Save Automatically Every month, have your bank or credit union transfer a fixed amount (like $25, $50 or $100) from your checking…
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Every year, the middle of April marks the end of the federal tax return filing season. For many Americans, that can mean seemingly endless forms, paystubs, and other paperwork. However, tax time can also be a unique opportunity for saving for your future! You can maximize tax time in three easy ways and have your tax refund work for you. Put your refund into a saving account For people claiming some of the unique tax credits that benefit hardworking families…
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