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Money Moves
hands holding upside down cups representing three-shell game

08.18.22

Student Loan Scams

Student loan-forgiveness scams are common, and they are likely to become more prevalent when deferred loan payments resume in September. For more than 40 million Americans, student loan debt is a reality. What’s not real, however, is a blanket student loan-forgiveness program offered by the government. 
worried looking man staring at laptop screen

03.25.22

5 Ways to Avoid an Overpayment Scam

Just remember that there is no legitimate reason for anyone to pay more than the accepted price. Never agree to forward money to someone you don’t know on behalf of a “buyer.” Even if the funds are real, you could be implicated in money laundering.
financial planner speaking with a couple

02.16.22

Five basic benefits of working with a financial planner

Thanks to the Internet and YouTube, doing it yourself has taken on a new life. For example, a young person we know was able to diagnose a problem with his clothes dryer, then order the key part and install it, thus saving the cost of an in-home repair. Information that once might have been hard to find outside of specialized publications has become accessible to everyone. But there are limits to self-empowerment. One area in which some people may be overconfident is financial management. There is more to financial planning than setting some goals and pinching some pennies.
person holding many credit cards

02.03.21

The three best ways to use a credit card

Credit cards are a secure, convenient alternative to using debit cards, checks or cash to make purchases. They can serve as a powerful money management tool and can help you boost
man handing waiter credit card

12.16.20

Four tips to getting approved for a credit card

Having a credit card offers many advantages. Depending on the card you have, those perks can vary from travel rewards to getting cash back just by using your credit card. So, what do you need to do to get approved
a pen laying on top of a blank check

11.29.20

Why you totally need a checking account

In an era during which convenient financial technology tools — such as Google Pay, Venmo and Apple Pay — are all the rage, do you need a checking account? The answer is a definitive yes. Here’s why
the scales of justice balancing a money sign and a percentage sign

09.24.20

Interest Rates 101

If you’ve been researching loans, you’ve certainly noticed the term interest rate. Expressed as a percentage, usually in annual terms, an interest rate is the amount of money your lender charges you for a loan. Nearly every type of loan, including mortgages, car loans and student loans, charges an interest rate. Rates vary depending on your credit score, the type of loan and the lender.
2 men in suits going over a loan agreement

08.24.20

Unsecured or secured loans: What's best for you?

Smart borrowers understand the loan options available to them. The majority of loans are either unsecured or secured. Each loan type has its pros and cons. When you apply for a loan, do your homework.
columns of coins with plants growing on top in the sunlight

07.23.20

Seven ways to save money by going green

We all know we should turn off the lights when we leave a room, unplug appliances we aren’t using and invest in reusable drinkware to reduce our carbon footprints. But, changing other small habits can have a positive impact not only on the environment, but also your wallet.
concerned woman looking at her laptop

06.25.20

Turned down for a bank account? This could be why

If you have a history of overdrafts or, worse, if another financial institution closed your account, you’re probably going to run into some difficulties when you try to open another one
man cheering as he sees his tax refund

03.11.20

Seven ways to get the most from your tax refund

Saving money is a lot like exercising. You know you should do it, but you just don’t want to. As tax season approaches, a refund is a great opportunity to better position yourself for financial fitness
young woman at home balancing her budget

02.18.20

Four steps to budget like a pro

Budgeting is a vital component of building and maintaining financial stability. For a lot of people though, it can seem like a chore — one too daunting even to try.
woman with broken leg sitting on couch looking at phone

02.06.20

Everything you need to know about emergency funds

Having a healthy emergency fund in place is a critical component to achieving and maintaining financial stability. Unfortunately, things happen, like medical emergencies and job loss.
two business people shaking hands

01.08.20

How to negotiate a higher salary

You’ve interviewed for a new job, and now it’s time to talk money. While it may seem daunting, negotiating salary is a pivotal step in the interview process. It’s your chance to get the pay you deserve and set your financial trajectory for years to come.
mobile phone displaying person's credit score

01.01.20

What Your Credit Score Really Means

Ever wonder how important your credit score is? Well, that three-digit number has a lot of power. It can make or break your ability to receive a loan, a credit card, affordable car insurance and even rent an apartment.
Smiling man with a papers in hand on phone

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