6 Hidden Costs When Buying a New or Used Car
When you think about big financial purchases, one thing that typically comes to mind is buying a car. Whether you’re buying a car new or used, there may be associated costs you haven’t considered. These additional costs can be considered hidden costs of buying a car. Whether the car is new or used, it’s important…
Read MoreHow to Get Childcare Assistance and Build Care Costs into Your Budget
One of the largest expenses parents may face, especially during the first few years of their child’s life, is childcare. According to Illumine, the average cost of childcare in the US is $14,760 per year. While this cost does vary from state to state, it’s clear that the cost to cover childcare can put a…
Read MoreHow and Why You Should Price Comparison Shop Utilities
Whether you rent or own your home, a large portion of your monthly housing budget probably goes toward paying your utilities. Utility bills like electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash, streaming services, and internet and phone bills, on average, cost Americans roughly $500 a month, according to a study by Move.com. These expenses can add…
Read MoreWhat to do When You Get Behind Paying Utilities Like Your Electric and Water Bill
Sometimes, keeping up with all our financial obligations is a struggle. With such high inflation, our money doesn’t go as far as it used to, and it can be a challenge to stay on track financially. In fact, in 2022, one in six Americans were behind on their utility bills. If you find yourself behind…
Read MoreHow to Get Ahead Paying Bills and Buying Common Household Items
Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck, according to Lending Tree. This means that many of us are putting to work all the money we earn in a month, and very little, if any, is left over. Living paycheck to paycheck can make it feel like you’ll never get ahead with your finances. Living paycheck to…
Read MoreHow to Negotiate Your Lease & Adjust Your Budget When Your Rent Goes Up
Raise your hand if you rent your house or apartment! If you do, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research Study, in 2019 36% of Americans rented their homes. Renting is a great housing option for many people. It can allow flexibility if you aren’t sure how long you’re staying in an area. It can…
Read MoreChanges Ahead: Student Loan Repayment & SNAP Benefit Updates May Impact Your Finances
You were probably inundated this spring with debt ceiling discussions on the news and social media. But what is a debt ceiling, and how does it affect your personal finances? Debt Ceiling Background Put simply, the debt ceiling is the limit of how much the US Treasury can borrow. This limit has been raised many…
Read More12 Costs to Budget for When Adopting a Pet
Are you thinking about getting a pet to share your days and brighten your home? If so, you’re not alone. According to the ASPCA, 4.1 million dogs and cats are adopted each year in the US. Adopting a pet can be exciting. But pets also come with responsibilities. These responsibilities can impact your budget and…
Read MoreTop 10 Household Expenses to Consider When Creating Your Family Budget
The largest chunk of a family’s budget typically goes toward housing and household expenses, according to QuickBooks. Covering such big costs every month can be overwhelming, but building a solid budget for your household expenses can help you feel prepared and less stressed. Average Household Expenses In 2023, housing is the largest expense most families…
Read MoreOmar’s Story: Establishing Credit is the Foundation of Wealth
Meet Omar, a full-time college student living in San Francisco, CA with his parents and 21-year old son. What do you do? I’m studying behavioral science and addiction counseling at the City College of San Francisco. I want to be a part of the solution of dealing with all the pain that’s in the world—or…
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