College is a time for kids to take responsibility for their finances. Many college first-year students have had minimal experience dealing with money. Typically they come from living in a parent-controlled world where they have rules, and they know their limits. College offers a sense of freedom that could cause financial problems if not handled correctly. Credit cards and shopping …
Flipping houses is an investment concept. It involves purchasing a rundown home at the lowest possible price, spending the necessary time and money on fixing it up and then selling it for profit. Flipping, or rehabbing homes, has become the primary source of income for thousands of people across the country. Are you thinking of launching your own home-flipping business? …
You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your goals and many other factors. …
At Directions Credit Union, we are dedicated to improving our members’ lives and everyone who helps make our communities strong through education. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the school systems in our community. Our educators have been forced to be innovative as they struggle with creating a safe and conducive learning environment for their students. Schools have …
Landscaping can really drain your wallet! Between seeds, fertilizer and gardening supplies, costs can be high enough to take the pleasure out of lawn care. Here are 10 creative ways to save on landscaping, so you can have your well-tended lawn and your budget, too. 1. Plant perennials Go green with your garden by choosing plants that flower year after …
Spring is a great time of year to clear your house of accumulated junk and make it sparkle. Why not do the same for your finances? Junk can accumulate there, too. In fact, some of your money matters may need a good wipe down this season. Here are some ways to spring clean your finances: Sweep out your budget It’s …
Congratulations! You’ve just gotten the positive pregnancy test results, and you’re breathless with excitement — and nerves. Or maybe you’re a few months along, and the mild panic is growing right along with the baby bump. Regardless, a baby means big changes, and some of those changes bring many new expenses. How will you pay for it all? Here are …
Q: My 65th birthday is approaching and I’m ready to apply for Medicare. What do I need to know before signing up? A: Medicare offers affordable health care coverage to older Americans. However, the application process and the various options can be confusing. If you’re getting close to 65 or meet certain other requirements, it’s time to learn about the …
No matter what’s going in with the economy, debt-collection scams are always around. Now, scammers are exploiting the financial downturn by tricking unsuspecting victims into paying for debts that don’t actually exist or using abusive tactics to collect legitimate debts. Don’t be the next victim of a debt-collection scam. Here’s all you need to know about these scams: How the …
Selling a home is a move people generally plan years in advance, and 2020 was no different. For many homeowners, the hot real estate market of spring and summer of 2020 was going to be the season they put their homes up for sale. And then came the coronavirus — and the world turned upside down. With people struggling to …
