Financial Tips

As we head into the holiday season, you’ll likely see an uptick in outreach from charities and non-profits asking you to donate. But how can you be sure you’re not being scammed, and how can you make sure your donation is going to the right place?

Somewhere along the way, our expectations for what a savings account could offer us changed. At one point, you could count on whatever balance you kept in a standard savings account to earn a modest return each month.

When monthly expenses begin to pile up, it’s easy to ignore budget planning and hope that your monthly income covers all your costs and hopefully leaves a little extra for your savings account.

It often starts with a moment of panic: a bill you didn’t plan for and not enough money to cover it before payday. In that stress, payday loans can feel like a lifeline—but before you move forward, it helps to understand how payday loans typically work for many borrowers.  

As days get shorter and temperatures cool down, it’s the perfect time for you to prepare a winter budget and make sure you have the tools you need to keep your finances as happy as we hope your holidays will be. While winter is a time for celebrations and spending time with loved ones, it can also be a time of financial surprises and unexpected costs. 

Starting in the 2025 tax filing year, a new federal law will allow some borrowers to deduct the interest paid on qualifying auto loans – a first for many modern consumers. This change could mean extra savings at tax time, however, like most tax updates, there are a few important details to understand before making decisions.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your finances. Check your credit report, cut unnecessary expenses, and safely shred outdated documents. Don’t forget to review and update your beneficiaries to keep everything current.

Find out how college students can save money and build smart financial habits through budgeting, scholarships, and using cash. Learn tips on cutting costs with used textbooks and credit unions.

By saving, you can spend money on what’s important to you – whether that’s a new video game, a trip to the movies, a used car, or even a college education. 

Making smart financial choices in your 20’s can set you up for financial success as you age and make it significantly easier for you to reach your big life goals.