-
Wondering How to Spend the Next Stimulus Check if it Comes?
This spring, as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened, Americans got a boost in their bank accounts in the form of government stimulus checks. Qualifying adults received up to $1,200, along with another $500 for each child 16 and under. The goal was to encourage spending and limit any financial stress that consumers were facing as furloughs […]
-
Overdraft Protection: The Real Pros and Cons
Overdraft protection can be a good idea if used correctly. Here are some pros and cons to using this service.
-
10 Ways to Curb Scary Halloween Spending
Don’t spook your budget – curb Halloween spending with these tips. Don’t spend a fortune. From food to costumes to decorations, we have you covered.
-
Money Lessons from Mom and Dad
Saving money for a rainy day? Clipping coupons? Chances are those are money lessons you learned from your parents. Do you have a budget? Most likely, you watched your mom and dad follow a budget while you were growing up. Donate money and other items to charity? You probably didn’t come up with those traits […]
-
Free, But Not Really: Hidden Prison Costs Following Incarceration
After being asked to help someone “with their bills” who had been recently released from prison, I was shocked to find out exactly what bills they meant. I try to stay informed about issues related to financial literacy but I was woefully ignorant (and am still learning) about the real prison costs that follow incarceration. […]
-
How to Get Financial Relief During COVID-19
A new report from TransUnion, the consumer credit reporting agency, underscores the enormous challenges facing American consumers as the pandemic continues. Many are looking for financial relief during COVID-19. In July when the survey was taken, 77% of respondents were concerned about being able to pay future bills and loans and forecasted an average budget […]
-
Which Debt Management Tools Are Best For Me?
You’re ready to choose a debt management software program, and that can be confusing. To narrow down your choices, here are the 9 most important features.
-
Disaster Preparedness and Your Finances
September is National Preparedness Month, intended to promote family and community disaster preparedness planning. As summer winds down, we know to expect; wildfires in California; tornados and derechos in the Midwest; hurricanes on the Southern and Eastern shorelines. The news programs show survivors of these terrible events and our hearts break but we don’t think […]
-
Making Money Real for Kids
Making money real for kids is an important undertaking. Every few months I have the pleasure of teaching children as a volunteer for Junior Achievement and the kids are delightful. They’re inquisitive, energetic, and little truth-tellers. One little boy kept hugging me and when I asked him why, he said it was because I was […]