Financial Fundamentals Blog

Secure Your Future with These 6 College Savings Plans

  • 7 17 Staff
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...

Credit Unions vs. Banks: 6 Benefits You Need to Know

  • 7 17 Staff
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.

Impulse buying: What it is and how to stop it

  • 7 17 Staff
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...

4 Ways to Have a Budget-Friendly Valentine's Day

  • 7 17 Staff
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.

Understanding Deferred Interest: Avoiding Financial Pitfalls

  • 7 17 Staff
Using a credit card may sound like a smart way to finance a large purchase, but if you’re not careful, you may be falling into a debt trap. Most retailers offer store-branded, deferred interest credit cards to appeal to buyers, but few consumers are aware of the pitfalls of deferred interest.

Financial planning: How to create a plan and stick to your goals

  • 7 17 Staff
No matter how big or small your financial goals are, a financial plan can help you make those goals a reality. Think of financial planning as a roadmap to help you achieve your goals. It’s an ongoing process that can help you feel more confident about your finances and navigate any bumps in the road, such as inflation or a...

Essential tips for affordable college textbooks

  • 7 17 Staff
School is back in session, and with it comes a myriad of costs. If you’re heading off to college for your first or last semester, don’t be afraid to look for ways to save. One way to cut costs is to eliminate visiting your college bookstore for textbooks. Don’t be afraid to look for deals or to get creative! Here are some tips to help.

Financial benefits of working from home

  • 7 17 Staff
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.

Unraveling money myths that could drain your wallet

  • 7 17 Staff
Everyone learns about money differently. Some people take classes, others rely on advice from family and friends and even more people learn from personal experiences. But following poor advice can end up costing you money and have negative implications on your credit score. Before you follow a misconception about money, check our list of debunked money myths.

Money-saving tips that make early mornings worthwhile

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What if ditching the snooze button in the morning could save you money? While getting up early can be difficult, it turns out there may be a correlation between success, money and your alarm clock.

Simplify the holiday season with mobile banking

  • 7 17 Staff
Feeling the pressure of the Holidays already? Don’t worry, we have some tips on how online and mobile banking can truly make the Holidays the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday budgeting: tips to help you save during the holiday season

  • 7 17 Staff
The holidays are right around the corner, and for some, that means added stress about finances. With less than 90 days until Christmas, there’s still time to start planning so you can worry less and focus on what really matters.