Wallet Wins

In early August 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that US consumer credit card debt surged to its highest level – topping $1 trillion.1 This upswing in credit card spending comes as individuals nationwide grapple with managing their finances amidst escalating prices.   While rising credit card balances are worrisome, it’s the potential long-term consequences of higher interest rates that are cause for alarm. In this article, we’ll reveal tactics you can implement to reclaim your budget and reduce your dependency on credit cards. But first, it’s essential to understand the cause of these record-setting balances.   The Foundation…

Navigating between rising interest rates and higher car prices can feel like driving on winding roads. While the current market conditions might not seem ideal for purchasing a new car, there are many ways to make your hard-earned dollars go further.   So, buckle up and enjoy a few savvy tips that will help save you money and steer you toward an excellent car-buying experience.   Do Your Research First  The last thing you want to do is walk mindlessly onto a dealer lot, especially as prices and financing costs are rising. Spending a few hours researching could save you hundreds, or…

Sometimes you need quick access to money. The car engine light came on. The refrigerator is on its last legs. You’re facing a reduction in hours at work. Unplanned expenses and financial hiccups pop up regularly. All these scenarios have one thing in common – they can throw off your budget instantly and put you in a financial pickle.   While payday loans might seem like a quick fix in a pinch, other, more affordable alternatives are available. Knowing your options ahead of time can prevent costly headaches down the road.  What Not to Do in a Financial Pinch:  Facing large,…

An excellent credit score will unlock plenty of financial perks. Loan approvals are much easier, and you’ll qualify for the best rates – potentially saving you thousands of dollars. However, if your goal is to push your credit score over the 800-line, you likely already know quite a bit about this subject.   Going from a “very good” to an “exceptional” credit score is like losing those last five pounds after shedding a significant amount of weight. It can be challenging, but it’s so worth it once you get there. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you reach…

Everyone holds their own perspective when it comes to handling finances. While friends and family may offer well-intentioned guidance, not everything you hear is necessarily accurate or beneficial. Much of it can be misleading or misguided – causing you to overlook opportunities or make poor financial decisions.   We put together a list of common money myths to help right the ship on managing your money and steer clear of financial pitfalls. You’ll learn why this guidance is mistaken and the steps you can take to strengthen your financial position.  Myth #1 – You must carry a balance on your credit…

We all have them. We know they cost a small fortune. Yet, instead of canceling subscriptions, we find ourselves subscribing to even more. Businesses across all industries have found creative ways to cash in on this profitable business model – and consumers can’t resist clicking “subscribe.”  While you and your wallet know it’s time to break up with some of your subscriptions, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. The following guide will shed light on the financial toll these monthly fees take on your budget and walk you through how to regain your hard-earned money. But first, let’s…

If starting college is your first time living away from home, then there’s probably a lot on your mind. Setting out on your own means more independence and all of the responsibilities that come with it, which can be both exciting and daunting. One thing you want to keep in mind as you’re starting the transition is your finances.   Learning to manage your money early will set you up for more financial freedom later on and lead to less stress. There are steps you can take before you leave for school to secure your finances and moves you can make…