Financial Fundamentals Blog

Cash vs. Credit: Which is better?

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Ever wonder what form of payment – cash or credit – is better for money management? Here are a few advantages of using a credit card that might help you settle your debate!

How to Talk to Kids About Money: Practical Tips and Tricks

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Learn how to prepare them for financial success.

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which is Right for You?

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If you’re concerned about identity theft, it could be in your best interest to place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert on your accounts. But, which one is right for you? Here’s what these tools are and how they work so that you can determine your next steps.

Budgeting Made Easy: Tips for Financial Success

  • 7 17 Staff
Welcome to the New Year! With a new year comes new resolutions: For some it’s eating better, for others it’s getting fit, and for many it’s getting their finances in order. When it comes to getting your finances in check, it can be difficult to know where to start.

5 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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Working to achieve your financial goals can be a delicate balancing act, and even when you make your best effort, mistakes can happen. Let’s face it – we’re only human. What you don’t want is to let a mistake go uncorrected because it can have serious repercussions down the road. Let’s review five common money mistakes and their fixes.

5 Reasons You Should Start a Savings Account

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Whether your goals include purchasing a house or setting aside money for emergencies, a savings account is a strategic way to prepare for your future. Starting a savings account will help you put money away, making saving automatic and even earning interest.

Effective Ways To Increase Your Tax Refund

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Tax season is upon us! Filing taxes may seem like a hassle that you want to be done with quickly, but if you take your time and make sure you’re remembering deductions and applicable credits, you can maximize your tax refund while minimizing your tax liability.

What to Know Before Buying Your First Car

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Buying your first car. It can be an exciting time and one of stress too. On one hand, you're considering what features you want, what color you prefer, and of course, which locations you’re driving to once you have it.

Social Media Scams and How To Avoid Them

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Social media is a way to stay connected with family and friends, but it’s also become a popular place for fraudsters. In fact, social media scams were the most profitable avenue for scammers in 2021, with approximately 95,000 people reporting losses of about $770 million.

How to Start an Emergency Fund

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Loss of income, unexpected medical or home expenses, and even a new job or child — life can send unexpected things your way, both stressful and wonderful. You want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible, no matter what.

4 Ways to Build Your Credit as a College Student

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Building a strong credit history is important, and it’s never too early to start. A credit score will carry a lot of weight for certain milestones in the future, such as getting your own apartment, house, auto loan and even other student loans or student debt consolidation.

4 Ways To Pay Off Credit Card Debt

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Credit card debt has become a massive problem for many American households. The market for credit cards has become very competitive, so it’s easy for consumers to qualify for new credit cards. As a result, many families find themselves struggling to pay off credit card debt.