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Certificates of deposit (CDs) let you earn money off your savings without taking on unnecessary risks. They come with fixed interest rates that can help you plan for your future and are convenient to use for all income levels. CDs also provide peace of mind in today’s unpredictable economy.

It’s important to invest your money so that it appreciates in value over time. Many investment options let you earn money off the funds you have already earned, but CDs tend to be the most reliable. They are a predictable, stable way to grow your money over the long term. There are several types of CDs to choose from based on whether you need access to the funds in the account. Learn more about the benefits of CDs and how they can help you protect your money from inflation.

Are you ready to house hunt, but are wondering "How much mortgage can I afford?" Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can show sellers that you are a serious prospect and give you a leg up on other buyers who jump the gun by visiting open houses without even knowing their budget. In this market, where sellers are getting many offers including cash offers, a pre-approval can help you stand out as a buyer. When you have a documented pre-approval, the seller knows you will be able to get the funding you are offering for the home and you’ll be able to close more quickly and reliably.

Your 50s may mean juggling multiple financial responsibilities, so it’s important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. By this point in your life, you might have a family to raise, debt to pay off and a comfortable career that suits your financial needs. With retirement approaching, you should save up a sizeable nest egg and think about how your expensive may change with health needs. Learn how your age can affect your finances as you move through the next chapter of life with our guide to financial planning in your 50s.

Lenders, landlords and credit card issuers use credit scores to determine the risk of a borrower defaulting on their debt. If the score is high, it shows the person has a reliable stream of income and can be trusted to repay their debt on time. If the score is low, there is a risk the person may be unable to pay their bills. Credit scores determine the likelihood of the person falling behind on their bills for more than 90 days within the next 24 months.

If you are applying for a loan or credit card, your credit score will determine your interest rate. Having a high score can help you lock in a lower interest rate, which will make it less expensive to buy a house, car or borrow money in the future.

FICO and Vantage scores are two different types of credit scores. These scores may be used to tally your final score based on your financial history. Lenders have long used the FICO score to evaluate loan applicants, but the Vantage score has been growing in popularity over the last few years. These scores are generally used in the same way, but they are calculated using different percentages and equations.

A new dream home promises a fresh beginning. With this rite of passage comes the complexity of managing your finances and various home-related bills. Embarking on a new home journey is no small feat — especially when it's your first foray. You might ask, "How can I make the most of this experience without compromising my financial well-being?" Fear not. We have new homeowner budgeting tips for you.

Getting out of debt is a lot more difficult than getting in it. You might feel overwhelmed or even discouraged at times, but it’s worth the discipline and determination it takes to pay it off. Getting out from under that financial burden will feel like a heavy weight has been lifted from your shoulders. It’s worth the effort.

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives that offer banking services to their members. Some credit union advantages include higher savings rates, lower fees, and a more personalized customer service experience. Credit unions stand out in prioritizing member needs. Here's a comprehensive look at how they set themselves apart in the financial sector.

The automotive industry is going electric, and consumers are slowly shifting towards electric vehicles to save money on gas. Some of the most established automakers in the country have released fully electric vehicles (EVs) that run on electricity instead of fuel and hybrid vehicles that use a combination of the two. These vehicles dramatically reduce our impact on the environment to offset the effects of climate change, but they can also help you save money on transportation. If you are in the market for a new car, learn about the potential benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

Choosing the right credit union mortgage loan shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret manual. Yet when people first compare a VA loan vs a conventional loan, the jargon — funding fees, PMI, conforming limits — can stall the search before it starts. This guide strips away the haze by lining up the two products feature by feature. You will see how each loan handles down payments, credit scores, interest rates, and closing costs, and you’ll finish with a checklist that points you toward the option most likely to fit your budget, service record, and future plans.

Have you ever had an unexpected bill wipe out your good intentions, or caught yourself wondering, “What should I do with my money?” You’re not alone. Late-night searches for money advice can leave anyone confused. One blog tells you to skip the lattes, while another pushes a cryptocurrency side hustle. Instead of adding to the noise, this guide breaks down five of the most common money mistakes and, more importantly, how to sidestep them.

Adopting the right loan repayment strategies is key to debt management. Whether you are paying off a mortgage, car loan, or personal debt, a good plan will come in handy. Most of the time, the goal is to stay on track while minimizing the overall costs. A powerful tool that can accelerate success in this area is an amortization schedule. This article will discuss how various loan repayment strategies can work and why an amortization schedule is essential for effectively managing different types of home loans and other debt.