Scammers are becoming more sophisticated all the time, and debit card and credit card fraud are on the rise. You’ve probably heard about scammers using skimmers at ATMs or buying stolen card details on the dark web, but one of the fastest-growing threats is a scammer’s use of social engineering, which is where they try to trick you into divulging your sensitive information.
Continue reading
You’ve finally finished scrubbing your home from top to bottom in honor of spring. And now, with every surface, closet and room sparkling clean, you’re starting to see all the areas that could use a facelift. Maybe you’re hankering after a complete kitchen makeover or dreaming of a fresh coat of paint for your bedrooms. Or maybe your window treatments are in desperate need of an overhaul and your light fixtures are awfully dated. If the only thing standing between you and your dream home is finding piles of cash for funding it, no worries! You don’t need to spend a fortune this spring to give your house a new look. Read on for our list of home improvement hacks and learn how to upgrade your home on a budget.
Continue reading
Q: I’m planning to renovate my house, and I’m wondering about my financing options. What’s the best way to pay for a home improvement project?
A: Home renovations can breathe new life into your living space, enhance your property’s value and customize your home to satisfy your unique needs. Whether you’re upgrading the kitchen, adding a new room or tackling long-overdue repairs, funding the project can be the most significant consideration. Fortunately, there are financially responsible ways to pay for a home renovation.
Continue reading
It’s tax refund season! How are you going to be spending the pile of cash Uncle Sam’s giving back?
Of course, you can use some of your tax refund to indulge responsibly. If you’ve been wanting to buy yourself a new something special for a while, or to spend on an experience you generally cannot afford, by all means, allow yourself to use some of your tax refund for your chosen treat. Indulging occasionally and mindfully can prevent feelings of deprivation and can actually help you manage your money better.
However, before you go out and blow your full refund on a sinfully expensive weekend, take a step back and try to determine the most financially responsible approach you can take with this money. Instead of spending all the funds on short-term indulgences, consider using some of them to improve your overall financial wellness. To help you get started, we’ve compiled this list of eight financially responsible ways to use your tax refund this year.
Continue reading
In 2022, Phyllis Wiseberg, a 90-year-old widow lost $20,000 when cybercriminals withdrew the money from her account. Her story, shared by the National Council on Aging, is devastating, but unfortunately not uncommon. Financial exploitation is a reality many seniors face, especially in the age of online scams. Here are actions you can take to help financially safeguard your loved ones.
Continue reading
Did you know that the number of family caregivers supporting older adults increased by nearly one-third between 2011 and 2022? This trend means more individuals are juggling the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and their own children. For dual caregivers, the financial strain is overwhelming: nearly 80% of family caregivers incur out-of-pocket costs averaging $7,200 annually.
Continue reading
Getting fit doesn’t have to cost a lot of money at all. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost a thing! With the willingness to work hard and think outside the box, you can get in your daily workout for free. Here’s how.
Continue reading
It’s been a long winter semester and spring is on its way! If you’re dreaming of a luxury springtime getaway, but your budget didn’t get the memo, we can help. Here are 10 ways to save on spring break for the vacation of your dreams that doesn’t break the budget.
Continue reading
Tax season can be one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year for business owners. However, with a little planning and organization, you can streamline the process, minimize stress and avoid last-minute surprises. Here are some practical steps to help you prepare your business for a smooth tax season.
Continue reading
The importance of the internet when it comes to day-to-day life cannot be understated. It has become a necessity for both business and personal use, which scammers try and take advantage of. Watch out for these clever and dangerous online scams.
Continue reading