Scammers are everywhere in web-based commerce. You might think you’re safe using cash, but scammers wait in one location you can’t avoid: the ATM. ATM fraud is an old concern, but technological advances mean consumers need to be even more aware. Be cautious of the following: 1.) ATMs in weird locations Cash is convenient. While it’s tempting to use whatever …
If you really want to build your credit you may have to wait until after graduation, but there are a few ways you can control your credit score now. Pay your bills (and pay them on time), keep your debts low and keep your name off credit card applications. Your credit score is one of the most important and widely …
Some of the most important lessons you’ll learn in college won’t be taught in a classroom. Your ability to master the pressures of the adult world will determine, in large part, how well you live. To help prepare you for those life tests, you can start to put these simple habits into your daily routine. Your future self will thank you. …
As a credit union member, you have borrowing options. Two popular choices for emergency funding are personal loans and credit cards. Here are several pros and cons to each. 1.) Limits. Credit cards have credit limits in the thousands, enough to cover a small emergency. The value of credit cards is their convenience. There’s no need for a new loan …
Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. But some friendships can be a serious drain on your savings. If you recognize these kinds of people in your life, it’s hard to know what to do. Here are several examples of financially dangerous friends and how to handle them: 1.) Party every night It’s great to blow off steam with …
Personal finance is almost always a balancing act. You’ll need to strike a balance between spending and saving. You’ll want to balance your expenses against your income. You would be wise to make sure the risk and potential reward stay in balance. Most importantly, though, your portfolio will benefit if you keep your investments in balance. There are many ways …
Congratulations! You’ve made the important decision to invest some of your finances this year, and it’s your first time ever. But where do you start? Jumping into the market without first taking careful stock of your finances is like asking for seconds at the dinner table before finishing your first portion. Though you can technically invest before your debts are …
Sometimes life throws expensive surprises. To cover them, you’ll need to borrow. If you’re borrowing to finance one of these costly events, consider a personal loan. 1.) Weddings. When it’s time to get married, the wedding is on – there’s no waiting for funds! The average wedding costs over $30,000, too much for one credit card, and the interest would …
The best things to do with a savings account is to forget about it and let it earn dividends. However, don’t forget about it so long that it becomes dormant. A dormant savings account is one with a low balance that has had no deposits in a while. Exact criteria varies by state. Generally, accounts with less than $50 that …
Exchanging time for money is a primary economic activity. It underscores every transaction. You go to work and trade your time and labor for a salary. You’re tired on the way home, so instead of cooking, you exchange money for the time and energy of a fast-food worker. You want to go out to dinner with your partner, so you …
