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 »

Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a struggle, even on a tight budget. By using smart strategies and building healthy financial habits, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Every small step counts, and over time, those little wins can lead to greater financial confidence and security. What Does a Personal Budget Look Like? A personal budget is a clear, specific, and easy-to-read breakdown of your income and expenses, typically over a month. It should be tailored to your individual goals and lifestyle. Budgets help you track spending, plan for future expenses, and make informed financial decisions, whether you’re saving for college, paying off debt, or investing for… read more »

What Is a Budget? A budget is a simple yet powerful financial tool that helps you manage how you save and spend your money each month. Simply put, a budget helps you take control of your money instead of wondering where it went. When you create a budget, you can clearly see: How much money you bring in (your income) Where your money goes (your expenses) Once everything is laid out, you may begin to spot areas where you can cut back, reallocate your spending, or start saving more intentionally. According to Debt.com’s 2025 Budgeting Survey, over 86% of people say they budget regularly, and among them, more than 84%… read more »

Choosing where to keep your money is a major decision. While many people go with big banks simply out of habit, that may not be the best option. Credit unions offer a compelling alternative. As member-owned, not-for-profit institutions, they focus on people over profits. While they offer many of the same services as banks, credit unions can provide a more personal, affordable, and community-driven experience. Here are 10 key benefits of joining a credit union Profit vs Not-For-Profit Banks exist to make money for their shareholders, not their members. That often means focusing on profits over people. Flashy ads and big marketing budgets may grab attention, but they don’t always… read more »

As you chip away at your mortgage, you’re not just reducing debt. You’re building something valuable: equity. That’s the portion of your home you truly own, free and clear. The more equity you build, the more financial flexibility you gain. If you need funds for a major expense or an unexpected situation, a home equity loan can help. It allows you to tap into the value you’ve already built in your home, turning your hard work into real financial support when you need it most. When A Home Equity Loan Makes Sense A home equity loan can be a great way to resolve unplanned expenses and meet other financial needs;… read more »

Check out these tips to help you support small businesses in your community May is National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the significant impact small businesses have on our lives and well-being. By supporting them, you strengthen the local economy and foster a thriving, connected community. Supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be complicated, since there are many easy ways to make a difference. Here are some simple tips to help you champion small businesses this May and throughout the year! 1. Shop Local When you’re ready to make a purchase, whether online or in person, consider the small businesses in your area. Supporting local shops, restaurants, and… read more »