Financial Fundamentals Blog

Features to consider when opening a new checking account

  • 7 17 Staff
Opening a new checking account is usually easy. However, choosing the right financial institution and product for you is another story.

401k vs IRA: What's The Difference?

  • 7 17 Staff
It’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement options and how to save as much as you can for retirement. You have several choices for retirement savings, including a 401(k) and an individual retirement account (IRA).

Building An Emergency Fund During A Recession

  • 7 17 Staff
Life can unexpectedly send a lot your way. Loss of a job, unexpected medical expenses—you never know what might arise. That’s especially true during a recession when finances are already tight.

How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget

  • 7 17 Staff
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time and we’re sure you have plenty of visions about what you want your wedding to look like, who you want to invite, and what your wedding colors will be.

Am I Saving Enough For Retirement?

  • 7 17 Staff
We all have retirement dreams—catching up on the to-be-read list, traveling with family, or doing projects around the house. No matter what your retirement dreams are, one thing is certain: You need to make sure you’re saving enough now so you don’t have to worry about money later. But the big question is: Are you doing enough saving for retirement?

Six Tips for Avoiding Summer Travel Scams

  • Beth Ann Tabak
Ready to get away this summer? We hear you! Just don’t fall prey to a fraudster. Here are four tips to steering clear of travel scams this summer.

7 Tips for Traveling On A Budget

  • 7 17 Staff
When the weather starts getting nicer, we start dreaming of vacations and exploring new areas. No matter what your vacation plans are, one thing is for sure: We all want to save money.

Should I Consolidate My Credit Card Debt?

  • 7 17 Staff
It’s overwhelming to have credit card debt and not know the best way to eliminate it. On top of that, you may feel stressed, anxious, or even ashamed due to your debt.

A Simple Guide to Budgeting for your Summer Vacation

  • Beth Ann Tabak
Nothing can ruin your post-vacation bliss quicker than seeing high credit card bills come in. The dream of sunny skies and cool breezes while sitting on the beach is tempting after months of cold weather and dreary skies—but it’s important to make sure you can afford your dream vacation and take steps to prepare for it with a vacation budget.

Auto Loans 101: How It Works, Refinancing, and More

  • 7 17 Staff
If you’re planning to invest in a vehicle soon, you’re likely going to seek financing for your purchase. You’re not alone—in 2022, approximately 82 percent of new car buyers and 40 percent of people who bought a used car sought financing.

How Protect Yourself from Financial Aid Scams

  • Beth Ann Tabak

Navigating the world of college and financial aid is no easy task. Tuition can be expensive, which puts added stress on families because they’re on the hunt for scholarships, grants and other financial aid.

Types of Insurance And Why You Need Them

  • 7 17 Staff
You can’t prevent unexpected events from happening. However, you can make sure you’re as prepared as possible to protect yourself and your family from the worst of any financial hardship you could experience from an unexpected life event.