How to protect yourself from online fraud As if we didn’t have enough to think about during this uncertain time, now, some people are using COVID-19 as an opportunity to create scams, hoping we act upon our fears surrounding the coronavirus. Whether you’re already aware of these online scams, curious to know what is true vs. false, or hearing about scams for the first time, we want to help protect you. Read on to learn more about how to protect…
Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget Volatile times may leave you feeling unsettled and concerned about finances. You may be wondering how secure your job is or how you’ll make bill or loan payments on time, especially if you find yourself laid off or unemployed. Greater Alliance knows that managing your finances is more essential than ever now, and we’re here to help. Read on for ways to save money on a tight budget. We also are offering…
Checking accounts help you control finances, budget and more You don’t have cash in your wallet. You need to get gas. Now what? You could use a credit card. But by choosing a check or debit card for transactions, you’ll get a better handle on expenses and your income. It’ll also be easier to set a budget. Managing a checking account can help you control your finances. When you write a check or use your debit card to make a…
And Other Credit Score 101 Lessons Buying a new car. Negotiating interest rates. Deciding your insurance premium. A credit score isn’t just a mythical number out in cyberspace. It’s a financial resource that lenders use to decide who gets the best loan rates, cell phone plans, or even the home or apartment you’ve been dreaming about. If your score is good, you can leverage it into great deals. If it’s not, it can leave you missing out on opportunities, or…
How to Save for the Unexpected Your furnace stops working during the coldest time of the year. Your car springs an oil leak that will take hundreds of dollars to fix. You lose your job when your employer decides to downsize. Life is full of big mishaps like these. That’s why building an emergency fund is essential. What is an emergency fund? It is money set aside—separate from other financial accounts—that is used only for unexpected expenses. It cushions any…
Where Should Your Money Go? Running a startup requires a lot of financial savvy. Barring the unlikely backing of a billionaire, you don’t have the budget to throw money at every obstacle ahead of you, so you need to know how to invest wisely in the future. Make smart decisions, and your company will grow at a steady pace. Choose poorly, and you’ll struggle to make it through your first year. It’s one thing to accept that you need to…
6 Things to Consider Before Applying Cash flow issues, buying new equipment, expansion, more inventory for the busy season, or reinforcement of manpower, are just some of the reasons why business owners consider getting a business loan. But, it shouldn’t be done hastily. You need to assess the current situation of your business and consider important factors that come with it. Whether you just want to keep your business afloat or you aim to grow your company, a business loan…
Setting up a Simple Savings Account Creates Financial Literacy for Kids In a world of direct deposit, online bill paying and credit cards, opening a savings account for your child is an ever-more-critical tool for teaching them the A-B-Cs of 1-2-3s. As your child grows from newborn to new college student, selecting the best savings plan for kids can help them grow their finances as they grow up. Read on to learn a few tips on picking the right account…
We Answer Your Questions on How Do Personal Loans Work Maybe you’re dreaming of updating your home with new flooring and modern appliances. Or, perhaps you’re dreaming of making good on that bucket list vacation destination. Did you know you could make both of those dreams a reality with a personal loan? Personal loans can be used for a variety of reasons—from making dreams come true to getting cash for an emergency. That’s probably why they are the fastest-growing loan…
8 Steps to Buying a House From getting your finances in order to finding a mortgage lender, the home-buying process can feel complicated and overwhelming. If you consider the “seller’s market” we’re in today, with a highly competitive buying landscape, you might be second-guessing the purchase of a new home. But, don’t let cold feet keep you from your dream home! Homes are still an excellent long-term investment. This step-by-step home buyer checklist will help the buying process feel more…
