Should I save for my child in a custodial account or a 529 account?
Should I save for my child in a custodial account so he can use that money for whatever he chooses or should I save in a 529 account? Submitted by anonymous. Think about the goal YOU have for your child. What is the point of the savings? A 529 is a good choice for children’s…
Read More“What credit card refinancing options do you recommend?”
What are some credit card debt refinancing options you recommend? Submitted by anonymous. My favorite approach to debt reduction is a payment plan. It helps you reduce interest by paying the debt in a way that works within your budget. A payment plan also minimizes the risk of consolidating, which can incur additional debt. If…
Read MoreSteps to Get Retirement Ready at Every Age
You’re never too old or too young to prepare for retirement. Sure, starting early is best (you can do more with less), but if you’re just getting started, focus on what you CAN do rather than what you missed out on. Here’s the deal. If you’re in your 20s: Get ready! Start NOW and save regularly.…
Read MoreSaverLife’s Top 5 Tips for Saving Money
We’ve heard so much great feedback from the SaverLife Community on money hacks they use to stretch their dollars and meet their savings goals. Let’s take a look at some of the top money-saving strategies that Savers have shared: 1. Negotiating with Bill Companies “For our medical bills, we got payments reduced by hospital and…
Read MoreHelp is out there! Resources for when the unexpected happens
Few words describe the human experience better than the quote by writer and cartoonist Allen Saunders: “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” We all know this is true, so what can you do when things don’t go according to plan? Sure, an emergency fund can give you a sense…
Read More4 Ways to Protect Yourself from Financial Abuse
Even if you are doing all you can to manage your money, we know there are some circumstances where your bank, job, or landlord may be taking advantage of you. These situations can be financial land mines, so it’s crucial to know your rights and get help if you need it. Let’s take a look…
Read MoreWhat’s holding me back from getting approved for a credit card?
What’s holding me back from getting approved for a credit card? Submitted by anonymous. There are many reasons that credit card companies deny an application for a credit card. They review your application and your credit history to assess if you have stable income and how likely you are to pay them back (on time).…
Read MoreHow can I manage money with a partner who has different money habits?
Do you have any advice for managing money and budgets with a partner who has a different view of spending and saving than I do? Submitted by anonymous. Ah, love and money! This can be blissful or stressful. For many people, money can make or break your relationship. It is pretty common to partner with…
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between a bank and a credit union?
What is the difference between a bank and a credit union? Submitted by anonymous. Banks and credit unions serve similar roles in our financial system. Both hold our deposits and make investments to raise money to lend to businesses and individuals. In general, banks are for-profit businesses. Their profits benefit their shareholders. This is one…
Read MoreWhat Is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan to purchase a home or land. When you begin planning to buy a home, shopping for mortgages is one of the steps you can take to find out how much you can afford. Mortgages are offered by banks or credit unions and the loan is secured (guaranteed) by the property you purchase.…
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