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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and it’s about more than just finding a fenced-in yard with a pool. While it’s easy to get caught up in visions of mid-July plunges, taking a hard look at your financial readiness and planning ahead can help ensure you don’t end up in over your head when it’s time to make those mortgage payments. Assess Your Savings The first step toward homeownership is ensuring you’ve saved enough for a down payment. While some loan pr

You’ve crunched the numbers, and it’s official — you’re getting a tax refund! Knowing that extra cash is coming your way, visions of a beachy vacation or an online shopping spree might already be dancing in your head. But before booking your flight or booting up your computer, consider this: Having a plan for your refund can help you enjoy it now while also reaping rewards that last long after your tan fades and the suitcase is unpacked. Refund With Benefits Your tax refund isn’t just a bonus —

Every parent wants their kids to grow into responsible adults with good spending habits that support financial well-being. One of the best ways to help set them up for success is by teaching them how to manage money responsibly. While basic budgeting skills might seem like something best taught in adulthood, it can be a powerful tool that helps kids understand how to stretch their money further, plan for things they really want and make more thoughtful spending choices. Here’s how you can make

Receiving a call from a debt collector can feel overwhelming — or even frightening. But with the right approach, you can handle these calls calmly, protect your rights and work toward resolving your debt. Here’s how to start taking control of the situation, step by step. Stay Calm and Gather Information The first step when a debt collector calls is to keep your cool. Reacting emotionally can lead to impulsive decisions, so take a moment to collect yourself. Politely ask for detailed information

Saving for a child’s education is a deeply meaningful financial goal for many parents, and a 529 plan can be a powerful tool to help achieve it. However, even with all its benefits, certain missteps could limit the plan’s effectiveness — or create unnecessary hurdles. Here are five common mistakes to avoid. Not starting early enough. Time is one of the most valuable assets when it comes to investing. Delaying contributions to a 529 plan can limit the opportunity for your investments to grow t

Spring isn’t just for decluttering your closets — it’s the perfect time to freshen up your credit too. A clean, well-maintained credit report can open doors to better interest rates, loan approvals and greater financial peace of mind. Your credit report contains details about your credit history, including open and closed accounts, credit limits and any negative marks such as late payments or collections. Reviewing it regularly helps ensure accuracy and enables you to address any potential red

Procrastination can be costly — especially when it comes to your personal finances. Some tasks might seem minor or easy to put off, but delaying them can lead to missed opportunities, higher costs and unnecessary stress. Taking action now can help you avoid pitfalls and provide greater peace of mind. Here are five key financial tasks you should tackle sooner rather than later. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts With retirement savings, time is your greatest asset. The earlier you start cont

In both good and challenging economic times, finding ways to save money without sacrificing quality is always a winning strategy. Organizing clothing exchanges and buying used furniture, for example, can be great ways to stretch your budget. However, some items are better bought new. Knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — can help you make smarter purchasing decisions. Refresh Your Wardrobe for Free One of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime is through s wi

Welcome back! In this second installment (read part one here), we’re sharing additional strategies to safeguard your sensitive financial information online. When it comes to protecting your finances, you can never have too many layers of security. 20 Questions Regularly review the security questions you use to authenticate yourself. Change anything that a diligent criminal might find by digging through your social media, such as your high school mascot, maiden name, city of birth and so on. Cho

Saving enough to weather tough times (and ultimately retire) is difficult enough, but in today’s connected world, where assets are mostly held online, hard-earned savings are continually at risk from cybertheft. In 2023, 3.5 million reports of fraud and identity theft were filed in the U.S. That includes more than 400,000 cases of credit card fraud, and another 287,000 incidents of bank, loan or lease fraud. Worldwide, cybercrime is projected to cost $10.5 trillion in damages by 2025. It’s a bi

One of the first things most experienced hikers pack for a long trail is a well-stocked first-aid kit. They know that a bandage and some antibiotic ointment can keep a minor scrape from turning into a more serious problem later. Similarly, having a financial first-aid kit can be a lifesaver when unexpected challenges arise. Whether it’s a fender bender, a stolen credit card or storm damage, life emergencies happen all the time. Preparing in advance can help you take unexpected situations in str

In today’s tough housing market, you might feel stuck with a home that doesn’t quite fit your current needs or style. But before you start dreaming about upsizing or making costly renovations, consider budget-friendly ways to make the most of the house you already have. With a few simple updates and creative space-saving solutions, you can transform your current home into one that better suits your lifestyle and taste — without draining your savings. Repurpose Rooms for Dual Functionality If yo

Building strong financial habits is a lot like hitting the gym or studying for exams — consistency is key. Just like regular workouts build your muscles and study sessions sharpen your mind, practicing good money management can strengthen your financial future. Commit to healthy money habits now, so you’ll be better prepared to handle your financial life after graduation. Put Saving on Auto Pilot If you’ve landed a work-study job or an off-campus gig as a barista, direct deposit and automatic s

You pay your car insurance premiums each month, trusting that your policy will protect you when the unexpected happens. But what if it doesn’t? Unfortunately, many insurance policies are designed to meet only the bare minimum requirements, which may leave significant protection gaps in the event of a major incident. These gaps can result in costly out-of-pocket expenses and long-term financial consequences, making it crucial to regularly and thoroughly evaluate your policy. Let’s take a look at

When your wallet or desk drawer is crowded with credit cards, managing all those accounts can feel overwhelming. You may not even remember the last time you used some of them. Simplifying your financial life sounds appealing, and closing a few cards seems like the logical next step. However, shutting down those accounts might have unintended consequences for your credit (or FICO) score. Here’s what you need to know before you trim the fat from your wallet.  FICO Fallout Closing a credit ca