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Not all advice is created equal when it comes to budgeting and saving money. The financial landscape has changed over the past few decades, and some financial tips have become increasingly unreliable as time goes on. Financial myths get carried down from generation to generation, but it might be time to retire some of them for good. They include topics like renting vs. buying a home, the pros and cons of carrying around debt and other important matters related to your personal finances. If you’ve heard one of these personal finance myths, be sure to take them with a grain of salt.

Imagine this: A few years ago, you took out a Home Equity Line of Credit to fund a significant home renovation. Fast forward to today, and you find yourself juggling higher interest rates with steadily climbing payments. Or you may be nearing the end of your draw period and must start repaying both principal and interest.

In these scenarios, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face similar challenges as they reach the end of their HELOC draw period or struggle with fluctuating interest rates. So, what is a HELOC, and can you refinance it? If so, how does the process work? Let’s dive into the details.

How can I save money? Picture your money as water flowing through a series of channels. Some streams nourish long-term goals, others evaporate into impulse buys, and a few leak through cracks you never noticed. Redirecting enough of that flow toward the bucket that matters most — savings for emergencies and retirement — guarantees long-term security. Savings protect your future. Yet the typical American household saves just 3.9 % of disposable income as of March 2025, roughly half the pre-pandemic norm (St. Louis Fed, 2025). The good news is that small, deliberate changes can double or triple that rate without feeling like deprivation.

Below, you’ll find proven, beginner-friendly money saving strategies you can start on today. By the end, you’ll have a clear map of ways to save money, from the daily latte decision to bigger moves like automating transfers or picking a side hustle.

Owning a pet brings immense joy and companionship, but it also creates financial responsibilities. In the first year, the average cost of owning a dog or cat is $3,221 and $1,904, respectively (ASPCA, 2024). This means you must have a detailed money strategy before owning a pet. Creating a budget for pets ensures the best care for your Fido or fluffy without straining your finances. Let’s explore how to budget for your furry (or scaly) friend effectively.

Scammers no longer rely on quick-hit phishing scams; instead, they patiently cultivate online relationships — a tactic investigators call financial grooming. This article unpacks how grooming scams unfold and the red flags to watch for. We also detail the practical actions you and your loved ones can take to shut fraudsters out.

If you’re looking to send and receive money quickly using your mobile phone, you might have heard of the app known as Zelle. You can use Zelle to pay for goods and services on the go once you link the app to your bank account, but it has some limitations that can affect how you spend your money. There are dozens of apps like Zelle that let you make payments with your mobile device, and they each come with different features. Learn more about the differences between these products and how they work.

Choosing the right loan product to meet your financial needs can be confusing. With several options like Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), personal loans, and credit cards, it's crucial to understand how each works and what scenarios they are best suited for. You might ask yourself, "What is a HELOC?" or "Which financial product is right for me?" This guide will help you answer those questions.

Choosing the right Colorado credit union can offer unique benefits, such as lower fees, personalized service, and community involvement. This guide will help you understand what to look for when selecting a credit union that meets your financial needs, comparing top options, and how to join.

Every semester delivers the same double punch: a tuition bill larger than last term and a flood of incidental costs — textbooks, lab fees, late-night pizzas — that evaporate paychecks and loan disbursements at dizzying speed. The average college student spends $38,270 per year on tuition, books, supplies, and daily living expenses. In a private campus, that bill rises to $58,628 (Hanson, 2025). When numbers grow that large, hoping for the best is not a plan; a written budget is. This guide offers a practical roadmap for how to budget as a college student—from mapping cash flows, choosing tracking tools, and cutting expenses without trimming the joy out of campus life.

Digital banking lets you securely manage your money on the go. You can access nearly all the same benefits and features on your mobile device or computer without visiting a brick-and-mortar branch. Digital banking apps also use security features such as two-factor authentication and facial recognition.  

You have many options for where and how you manage your money. Thanks to digital banking, you no longer need to go to a physical bank or credit union to open an account, make a deposit, or transfer money between accounts. You can manage your money digitally using your smartphone, tablet, or computer and save time from commuting to your local financial institution. Convenient digital banking is widespread, and your current bank or credit union probably already offers this service.

What is digital banking, and how does it compare to visiting a branch in person? Explore the benefits of digital banking and use these tips to help keep your money safe.  

In the realm of personal finance, our beliefs about money can significantly influence our financial decisions and behaviors. These beliefs often stem from various sources such as upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. Recognizing and understanding these beliefs is crucial for achieving financial well-being. In this article, we'll explore four common money beliefs - Avoidance, Status, Worship, and Vigilance – and provide insights on how to overcome them for better financial management. It is important to note that these are contextual and its not unusual to be influenced by multiple, seemingly contradictive money beliefs.