Financial Fundamentals Blog

5 Reasons You Should Start a Savings Account

  • 7 17 Staff
  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.

Money Management: 5 Tips to Improve Your Finances

  • 7 17 Staff
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...

Inflation Periods in the US: How to Make Smart Economic Decisions With Inflation on the Rise

  • 7 17 Staff
Many people are currently feeling the effects of inflation, from grocery prices to the cost of gasoline, utilities and housing. Inflation is the rise in prices over a certain period of time. Prices for goods, utilities and housing have steadily risen in recent months, with the U.S. inflation rate reaching 9.1% in June.    Many...

Here's How Much a Low Credit Score Can Cost You

  • Francesca Sacco
  Your credit score is often cited as one of your most important financial assets. But while financial experts love to discuss the risk of a low credit score, many consumers aren’t aware of the material costs that come with negative marks on their credit report.   The costs of a low credit score can span many aspects of your...

Three tips to battle inflation

  • Francesca Sacco
Three tips to battle inflation

Beware of holiday credit pitfalls

  • Francesca Sacco
It’s easy to over spend during the holidays. The tantalizing sales and elaborate window sales make it easy to get caught up in holiday shopping. And while it may not seem important in the moment, over spending can have many implications on your finances. Instead of spending the new year trying to correct the damage, learn to...

How to get the most out of Black Friday

  • Francesca Sacco
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and an ideal time to score deals on items on your shopping list. But this year, product shortages and longer delivery times are likely to create some hurdles. Shoppers may experience problems getting all the items on their list, especially if you wait to make your...

6 College Saving Plans for Future Ohio Grads

  • Francesca Sacco
  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...

How to make a budget for holiday spending

  • Francesca Sacco
The holidays are right around the corner, and while its’s a joyous time filled with family and friends, the holidays can also be expensive. Gifts, traveling and entertaining can certainly take a toll on your wallet.

Should I Get My Car Loan Through a Credit Union or a Bank?

  • Francesca Sacco
  If you’re planning on buying a vehicle soon, you’re likely going to be seeking financing for that purchase. Eighty-five percent of all new car purchases in the United States, and 53% of all used car purchases, rely on some amount of financing to close the deal.   Financing can affect how much you end up paying for your...

How Much Do I Need to Save To Retire? (+ Calculator)

  • Francesca Sacco
  For many individuals and households, the ultimate financial goal is saving for retirement and achieving financial security by building net worth throughout your working years.   But when planning out your finances years and decades into the future, it’s difficult to account for every variable you might face. From medical...

Financial benefits of working from home

  • Francesca Sacco
While the country returns to normal following the height of the pandemic, many people are still finding themselves working from home. It’s not surprising to learn that working from home can be very different from working in the office. There are new complications.