Keep It in the Family: How to Pass on Money and Assets to Family Members
Creating a plan for how you will pass on money or other assets (anything you own) is called estate planning. Many people think that if they don’t have a lot of money or assets (like homes, cars, and jewelry), they don’t have an “estate.” But the fact is we all have an estate. How you…
Read MoreHow Can I Get Started with Low-Risk Investments?
How do I begin with low risk investments? For example CD’s, money market accounts, etc. Submitted by Deirel M. First of all, way to go! Investing is all about preparing for your future and the fact that you’re clear that you want low risk is an appropriate first step. Are You Ready to Start Investing?…
Read MoreKarina’s Story: Needs Vs. Wants
Meet Karina, a PhD student in Chemistry living in Columbus, Ohio with her young son. What did your upbringing teach you about finances? Sometimes we think we need things that we really don’t need. If you just wait, you realize that you really don’t need that thing. As a kid, when I asked my mom…
Read MoreNicole’s Story: Live on Less Than You Earn
Meet Nicole, a social worker and mother of two in Atlanta, Georgia. What do you do? Right now, I’m working in logistics, but I was a social worker for a very long time. When I got married and had my kids, I took a break from social work because it’s a very involved career. So…
Read MoreThinking about Investing? Investment-Savvy Checklist
A lot of members tell us they’re interested in investing. Maybe you’re starting to save regularly, and you’re wondering how your money can work for you instead of sitting passively in a bank account. What Are Your Goals? Before jumping into investment strategies, start with this basic question: what is the point of investing to…
Read MoreReady to Start Investing? 6 Tips for Avoiding Scams
You’ve worked hard to get where you are financially, and investing might seem like the next step. But sometimes the financial landscape (and especially the internet) is like the Wild West. Let’s go through some tips to have in mind and common pitfalls to watch out for when you start investing. Know Your “Why” 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…
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