By GreenPath Financial Wellness Whether you’re earning rewards on groceries, booking summer travel, or simply covering everyday purchases, credit cards can be a valuable financial tool. But convenience is a double-edged sword. With one tap, it’s easier than ever to spend without thinking about the long-term impact. These practical habits can help you use credit cards wisely, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your finances on track. Use Credit Cards as a Payment Tool, Not a Borrowing Plan One of the healthiest ways to think about a credit card is as a payment method rather than an extension of your income. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: “Could I pay for… read more »

If you’re tired of high balances and never-ending payments, it’s time to take control of your debt for good. Enough is enough. Getting out of debt won’t happen overnight, but with focus and the right strategy, you can make real progress. Start with these six steps to begin turning things around today. Step 1: Choose your debt-crushing method Before you start paying down your debt, it’s important to choose a strategy that works for you. Two of the most common approaches are the snowball method and the avalanche method. The snowball method, popularized by financial expert Dave Ramsey, focuses on paying off your smallest balance first. Once that’s paid off,… read more »

Summer means sunshine, adventure, and plenty of expenses. From weddings and household moves to long-awaited vacations and big-ticket purchases, the season can add up quickly. Before you start swiping your credit card for everything on your summer list, consider a personal loan as a smarter way to stay on budget. Big summer energy, meet smart money moves. Check out a few responsible ways to use a personal loan in the coming season. Saying “I Do” This Summer According to a 2025 article on NerdWallet, the average U.S. wedding now costs about $34,000, with many couples spending significantly more depending on location, guest count, and overall style. If you are planning… read more »

By GreenPath Financial Wellness It often starts with a moment of panic: a bill you didn’t plan for and not enough money to cover it before payday. In that stress, payday loans can feel like a lifeline—fast, simple, and there when you need it. Before you move forward, it helps to understand how payday loans typically work for many borrowers. What Payday Loans Are (and Why They’re Risky) A payday loan is a small, short-term loan (often a few hundred dollars) that is supposed to be repaid by your next payday. On the surface? It’s an easy way to cover a cash crunch. The costs can be eye-opening: Most payday… read more »

Giving Tuesday, which occurs annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is the perfect reminder that generosity isn’t about how much money you spend; rather, it’s about what you’re willing to share from your heart, time, and talents. If your bank account is feeling as empty as your coffee cup on a Monday morning, don’t worry. There are plenty of free, creative ways to make a big impact without spending a dime. Let’s dive into some feel-good ideas that prove giving back can be priceless. Donate Your Time Local nonprofits like food banks, shelters, libraries, and animal rescues are often in need of volunteers to help sort donations, serve meals, walk… read more »

Not all car loans are created equal. When applying for a loan and reviewing your options, make sure that you find the best loan available. In doing so, there are five factors you want to consider when completing the process. Boost Auto Loan Rates with a Strong Credit Score When securing an auto loan, your credit score plays a major role in determining how much you’ll pay in interest over time. In fact, it’s the most important factor lenders consider when calculating your annual percentage rate (APR), which is the true cost of borrowing. A higher credit score often means significantly lower interest rates, with borrowers boasting scores of 780… read more »

Buying your first car is a big deal. It means no more begging for rides or planning your day around someone else’s schedule. But figuring out what to buy, how much to spend, and how to ultimately make it yours can feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide breaks down the car-buying process into simple steps, so you can focus on finding a ride that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Assess Your Needs Before you shop, take a step back and think about what you really need from a car. Think about your lifestyle: Commute: Fuel-efficient or just reliable for short trips?… read more »

By LPL Financial, L.L.C. Whether you’re 23 or 35, it’s important to know whether you are saving enough for your retirement. There is no time like the present to ensure you are allocating enough funds to your retirement account. With folks routinely living into their 80s and 90s, it’s more important than ever to ensure your money lasts your lifetime. Millennials have the advantage of time. You can benefit from compounding and the long-term trends that can make a real difference over the course of several decades. A good savings target is 15% of your income. That’s a very general target, and in many cases, it’s too conservative. That can… read more »

The holidays are a magical time filled with twinkling lights and festive gatherings, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers spent an average of $902 per person during the 2024 winter holiday season on gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items. Between buying presents, hosting parties, and making travel arrangements, it’s easy to overspend without noticing. The good news? With thoughtful planning and smart strategies, you can sleigh the season without slaying your savings. Keep your wallet happy and your spirits bright with these savings tips to help you spend smarter and celebrate bigger! Budget First, Buy Later Before… read more »

Zelle® is a fast, private, and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your sibling, friend, babysitter, coworkers, fellow PTA mom, or your son’s soccer coach. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money. Only send money to those you know and trust Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from bank account to bank account in minutes*, so it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending money to. Why? Because you can’t cancel a payment once… read more »