Financial Fundamentals Blog

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.

What Is A Good Credit Score?

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Your credit score is an important financial asset and can affect many of your financial decisions, such as if you get approved for an auto loan, mortgage, personal loan or credit card. However, you may be wondering, “What is a good credit score, and what exactly factors into my credit score?” We’re removing the mystery...

How to Apply for a Mortgage Loan in 6 Steps

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Deciding to buy your first home is an exciting prospect. You’ve dreamt about the number of bedrooms your family will need, the size of yard you want, and the other must-have features you can’t live without.

Should I Refinance My Auto Loan?

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The holidays end, and the bills come due. Even if you budget well, the first few months of a new year always feel tight — especially now, when groceries and other goods and services are more expensive because of inflation. When your budget feels crunched, looking for ways to save money and shore up your finances makes sense.

7 Ways to Prepare for Retirement

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It’s never too early to start preparing for retirement. In fact, the earlier you start saving and investing, the more money you’ll have saved when you retire!

Money Management: 5 Tips to Improve Your Finances

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An essential habit to cultivate as you move into adulthood — and to maintain throughout your adult years — is budgeting and making the most of your money. These habits are especially essential during financial periods such as inflation and recession. Considering the recent increase in prices for groceries and utilities, it’s...

Types of Mortgages for First-Time Homebuyers

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Planning for the purchase of your own home is an exciting step. You’re likely thinking about how many rooms you want, the perfect-sized yard for your family, and the must-haves you need in your home.

What To Do if Someone Tries To Steal Your Identity

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Identity theft is the use of another person’s name, address, or Social Security Number (SSN) for personal gain. According to Javelin Strategy and Research, approximately 15 million people had their identity stolen in 2021. However, only 1.4 million cases were reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).