Smart Money Management

Getting a check in the mail or automatic deposit from the federal government after you submit your tax return is a great opportunity to whip your finances into shape. Don’t let that money burn a hole in your pocket. Use these tips to make the most of your tax refund.

Have you ever wondered how much money it would take for you to be considered rich or wealthy? While people may have different definitions of wealth, it is commonly thought of as having great material resources or assets. Read this article to learn what is considered wealthy and what experts recommend to help you build your wealth.

Your net worth all comes down to assets and debts. Everyone owns a few assets and you may have a few debts or liabilities as well. Calculating your net worth shows you how much you’re worth in terms of dollars and cents. It’s how much you own or have minus everything you still owe. Use this simple guide to learn how to calculate your net worth.

With a record number of job openings all over the country, it’s a great time to look for a new job. But transitioning careers can leave you without income for several months or more, depending on how long you are out of work. If you are thinking of changing jobs, learn how to manage your finances during this period of transition.

If you could only learn four things about money, what would they be? Read this article to learn about four essential money principles that can help you take control of your finances.

If you’re looking to make the most of your money, it’s time to set a financial goal. Everyone has dreams of a better tomorrow, and saving money is usually a big part of making your dreams come true. Setting a goal is like setting a budget. You should work towards saving as much money as you can every week/month until you reach your goal, whether it’s buying a new car, saving for retirement, or paying off your student loan debt. Setting a goal for your finances is the best way to turn your money into something of value. Learn how to take control of your money with these personal finance tips.

Inflation can have a serious effect on your finances. When prices start to rise, consumers lose their purchasing power, which means your money won’t go as far as it used to. You may not be able to control inflation, but you can change the way you manage your finances during these uncertain times. Learn more about the effects of inflation and the impact it can have on your savings and income.

As a parent, you might struggle with when and what to teach your children about money management. Is five too early to earn an allowance? Should you share the family budget with your children? When should teens learn about credit? These are all important questions, and it’s often not easy to know the answers. Kids have different levels of interest in financial education. But research tells us that by the age of five most children understand money and what it can do. The information below offers more specific guidelines for different age groups. Again, these are just guidelines. What decisions you make about when and what to teach at home depend on your family situation, household budget and how comfortable you are in the role of teacher.

Americans are more in debt than ever. The pandemic may be to blame for part of the increase, but studies have also shown that Americans are less financially literate than they used to be. If you’re struggling with debt, or you just want to live within your means, the first step is to create a budget.

Saving money can feel like a challenge. Even thinking about saving – when you’re trying to pay off existing debt – can be stressful. But, it doesn’t have to be. You can start to save more by using these strategies.

Whether you’re saving for your child to go to college or planning the next chapter of your career, you have several options to choose from when it comes to paying for school. The good news is that you’re thinking about your options ahead of time, which should help you make the most of your money as you prepare to further your education. 529 plans can be confusing but learning about these programs will help you save money over time as you finance your education, regardless of where you decide to go to school.

Have you filed your tax return yet? If you're worried about preparing your taxes, use these tips to help get you ready for tax season.