Financial Fundamentals Blog

The holidays are in full swing, and shopping days are running out. I know what you’re thinking: It’s too late to score deals and save money. Don’t worry; there are still steps you can take to cut costs even if your shopping has only just begun. Let’s review some of those steps as well as explore year-round measures that can help put you at the top of your financial game next year.

COVID-19 has caused financial problems for millions of Americans, and while the local economy is starting to operate again, many people are still in a financial pinch. If you’ve started an emergency fund, you may have begun to dip into it. But before you drain that account, consider some alternatives. We’ve compiled a list to help you weigh your options before using/draining your emergency fund.

From the eggs in the grocery store to the gas at the pump, inflation makes everything a bit more expensive. And for many people, the hike in prices can make it difficult to pay for basic expenses.

If you’re serious about building financial stability and long-term security, then you’re probably looking for ways to grow your net worth.

Owning a home isn’t merely a dream that you achieve once you reach a certain age. For many prospective homebuyers, the decision to switch from renting to buying requires a lot of planning, saving and carefully waiting for the right time to invest in a place of your own.

When we’re children, we depend on our parents to provide everything we need — from food and shelter to emotional support. Then, as we grow up and our parents age, the tables start to turn. The parents we used to depend on start to grow old and require new kinds of care to maintain their health and quality of life.

The rising cost of college is a perennial concern for high school grads and their families. For Ohio residents looking to attend The Ohio State University, tuition and other costs have risen to more than $27,000 per year — or well over $100,000 for a four-year degree. The costs at local private schools or many public and...

If you’ve only done your banking at a traditional bank, the value of a credit union can be hard to understand. On top of that, the big advertising budgets afforded by banks mean that consumers start their financial journey having a stronger familiarity with big-name banks as opposed to local credit unions.

When debt grows beyond your ability to pay it off in a matter of months — or, in some cases, years — it’s time to consider other options for paying off that debt, managing the amount of interest you’re charged and building a plan to settle this debt and get your finances back on track.

We’ve all been there: retail therapy after a bad or long day, new clothing, books or home items that caught your eye in an influencer’s post—even tacking on a candy bar in the checkout line or a latte while grocery shopping. All of these unexpected purchases that were made with little to no consideration are known as impulse...

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with it, the reminder that you should shower your loved ones with lavish gifts. But expressing your love doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. You can still make romantic or thoughtful gestures without breaking the bank.

Parents have a lot of aspirations when choosing what lessons and skills they plan to teach their children. But if money management and other financial lessons aren’t near the top of that list, they should be.