Rainy Day Fund: 4 Ways to Save for Unexpected Events

emergency-fund

We all have bad days when unexpected misfortune is thrown our way. You can make those days a little less painful by preparing for the costs ahead of time! A Rainy Day Fund will help you protect yourself financially from life’s mishaps, such as fixing a flat tire or a small plumbing problem. 1. Separate

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Savings Hacks for College Students

graduation-cap

While college remains one of the best ways to invest in yourself and your future, the cost of attending college continues to grow. Developing strong saving habits can help reduce financial stress and better prepare you for life after graduation. Set a Budget Creating a budget is the first step in any successful savings strategy.

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7 Surprising Costs of Buying a Home

home

Buying your first home is so exciting. It can also be a little nerve-racking. Here are some home buying expenses to consider before becoming a homeowner. The Appraisal An appraisal involves having an unbiased, professional appraiser determine the market value of the home. An appraisal helps ensure that you do not pay more for the

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How to Buy a Car – and Actually Save Money

buy-car

Is your current car on the fritz or have you been eyeing that shiny new Jeep you see parked at a dealership on your way to work every morning? If you’ve been hesitant to buy a new vehicle because you’re worried about it costing too much, here are some ways that you can get the

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Cybersecurity for Beginners

cybersecurity

Let’s get back to the basics! Cybersecurity is important for everyone, whether you use the Internet daily or weekly. If you’ve never considered the best security tactics for the cyber world, hold on tight and pay close attention as we run through the biggest pillars of cybersecurity. What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the act or

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Top Tips to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies

school

Whether you are taking your little ones for their very first school supplies shopping trip or perhaps gathering items you need as you continue your education this fall, there’s no need to empty your wallet. Here are some great ways to save money on school supplies, while still getting everything that’s on the list! 1.

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Wedding Planning on a Budget

wedding

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life. You’re surrounded by family and friends as you embark on your new journey with your spouse. While your wedding is one of the best moments in your life, it is also among the most expensive. According to The Knot, the average cost of

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Budgeting Checklist for Buying Your First Home

buying-home

Buying your first home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. The right bank and agent can take most of the hassle off of your shoulders. Make sure you’re checking these items off of your list to allow for a smooth home buying journey – without breaking the bank. Check Your Credit Score Making sure

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How to Boost Your Curb Appeal On a Budget

curb-appeal

There’s always that house in town that makes you stare a little longer. It’s either landscaped so beautifully that you can’t help but take in their attention to detail or it’s so terribly neglected with tacky lawn ornaments you can’t help but gawk. We hope that you are the former but if you are looking

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3 Questions to Ask Before Using Your Emergency Fund

emergency-fund

When is a financial emergency, truly an emergency? Establishing an emergency fund is an incredibly important part of your budget, but knowing when to use it is just as important. Ask yourself these three questions before dipping into the pot. Emergency Fund If you’re new to budgeting, we recommend having a $1,000 cushion to help

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