Blogs

Complete the Feeling of Fellowship Have you found yourself with some extra free time? This is a fantastic opportunity to try something new, learn a skill or to make the world a better place for everyone, not just yourself. Here are a few ways you can give back to your community. Donate Your Time There are countless ways to use your free time to help others. Most cities operate homeless shelters and soup kitchens, both of which are almost definitely in need of volunteers. Similarly, post-holidays can be a very lonely time for people whose families are away. Consider spending some time visiting...

Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Higher Education If you’re considering going back to college to boost your credentials, you’re probably on the lookout for money-saving strategies. Here are dollar-stretching tips to keep you at the top of your class. Fill Out FAFSA If you’re looking to continue your education, your first stop should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. FAFSA requires your income, housing and tax information, so be sure to have last year’s tax return ready when you apply. Plus, most colleges and universities require that you complete the FAFSA to become...

Learn More About Direct Deposit It’s easy to take conveniences like direct deposit for granted without fully understanding how it works or why you should use it. You may have questions concerning direct deposit, so we want to make sure you fully understand the system. How Does Direct Deposit Work? Direct deposit forgoes the physical printing of payment checks by transferring money online through software like payroll programs. An electronic file is transmitted to or from your financial institution, which lets the recipient know which account should receive payment/deduction and how much...

How to Prepare for the Unexpected (No, Not the Zombie Apocalypse) We can plan as much as we’d like, but life will inevitably throw a wrench (or five) into our plans. Having a safety net to bounce back up after life knocks us down can make a tough situation easier to handle. What if your furnace stopped, your car suddenly broke down or you found yourself with surprising medical bills? Most financial advisors agree that we should have an emergency fund that can withstand three to six months of living expenses. The best way to accomplish this is to develop a rainy-day savings plan. Set a monthly...

Best Coupon Sites to Help Your Family Save Money Making ends meet while having money for extracurricular activities is a challenge for most families. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your family’s dollar, it’s time to get creative with a tried-and-true savings tool — coupons. The following coupon sites and apps will help you and your family save on the essentials and services you need and the experiences you crave. Saving at the Grocery Store If your local grocery store is a regional or national chain like Kroger, check their site or app for downloadable coupons. It takes only a few...