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…

Which is better in purchasing a car? When you want convenience and comfort, buying a car of your own, whether brand new or secondhand, is always a good preference. However, it never comes cheap. If your savings is not enough to purchase a car, your option is to go for a car loan. The other alternative is a personal loan. That may have you wondering about the pros and cons of a personal loan vs. auto loan. Debt statistics for…

The pros and cons of leasing vs. financing a car Are you excited to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle? Are you wondering whether to lease vs. buy? With so many options on the market, choosing the right vehicle—and the right financing option—can be challenging. Dealer offers, personal preferences and car resale values also play an important part in determining your best course of action. But, worry not. We’ve gathered the pros and cons of leasing vs. financing…

How to choose the best college checking accounts If you’re a student headed off to college or a parent whose child will be leaving home for the next chapter in their life, you may be thinking about how to best manage money during the next four or more years. College-bound students have their own set of financial needs, so keep these tips in mind when opening a bank account for college students. What to consider when opening checking and savings…

The simple, fool-proof method for paying off debt If it seems like you’ve always been in debt and there’s just no way to get out, take heart: There is a solution to becoming debt free. Can you imagine a life without debt? A life where you’re not paying for yesterday’s expenses, but instead can use everything you earn for today, and possibly put something away for tomorrow, too? Here’s the good news: It can be done! The method for paying off debt is…