You’re getting married, congratulations! Since we’re a credit union, it’s only normal our marriage advice would be to talk about finances with your future spouse. Discussing how you’ll handle past, present and future finances can get your marriage off on the right financial footing. Financial Baggage Have a discussion about how you’ll handle premarital debt. … Continue reading “Marrying Your Finances”
Category: Budgeting / Expenses
If your budget says a big summer vacation is out of the question, here are some inexpensive options for immersive summer fun. Drive-in Movies An old-fashioned way to enjoy the summer blockbusters or old classics. Many historic drive-in theaters are still around, and movies are more memorable on summer nights with nature as the backdrop. … Continue reading “10 Cheap, Fun Things to Do in the Summer”
Last week we shared a few different ways for kids to make some extra cash. Now lets talk about babysitting as a great first job. Even better than a job, help your child think of this as their own business. Share this advice with them and soon they’ll be rocking (the babies) and rolling (in cash): * Make … Continue reading “Rock With Babies”
Summer is just around the corner, and that means kids are out of school, and many times looking for ways to earn a few extra dollars. Even though the legal working age in the U.S. is 14, there are ways for your children to make money before they first become employed. Is babysitting the right fit? … Continue reading “Make Money Your Own Way”
You don’t have to get away to the great outdoors. The best outside spaces could be in your own back—or front—yard. The outdoor evolution Today’s outdoor spaces are varied, intricate, and personalized. “It’s not unusual to see combinations of decks, patios, water features, and even fire elements,” says Rick Meinzer of Platinum Landscapes and Pools, … Continue reading “Out in the Open: Enjoying Your Landscaping”
If credit card payments are eating up your disposable income each month, if you need cash to remodel, update landscaping or to buy a new car, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) might be your best bet. In addition to great rates, there’s also a tax advantage. Unlike almost any other … Continue reading “Home Equity Loans: Low-Cost, Tax-Advantaged Credit”
The first step to teaching your kids about money is talking about money. “The most effective way to teach is by having frequent discussions and don’t ever lecture,” said Ted Beck, president and chief executive of the National Endowment for Financial Education, in a recent Wall Street Journal article. “Look for teachable moments and always be … Continue reading “Teach Your Little Owls to Fly With Money Talks”
Worrying about money is natural. Almost everyone does it at some point. But worrying could also be a sign there are serious problems you’re avoiding —a persistent little reminder that just won’t go away. So if you’re finding yourself stressed about upcoming spring plans or summer travels, there are some simple things you can do to stop … Continue reading “Three Steps to Fixing Your Money Worries”
The home decorating business is a billion dollar industry, and for good reason. Nothing makes a house feel like a home quite like photos, artwork, and end tables. Before you know it, you’re buying more odds and ends from your Pinterest board so your home can look like it’s from an episode on HGTV. A … Continue reading “Minimalize Your Life and Your Finances”
The new year brings with it plenty of resolutions, cleaning out the closets and resolves to “do better” with our lives. Whether you want to move into a smaller house or just plan to rid your home of clutter, downsizing your belongings can be easier said than done. Here are 5 tips for downsizing with no … Continue reading “Save Money When Downsizing Your Belongings”