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Being in your 20s is sure to be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it’s also a great time to think about your financial future. The decisions you make today will have a tremendous impact on your financial situation in the years to come. It is never too early to start thinking about saving for retirement, getting out of debt or saving for a down payment on your first home or car. Starting early gives you an advantage because your savings will grow interest over time. You can also lock in low rates on life insurance and other important financial safeguards. Use these financial milestones to set yourself up for success later in life.

Financial stability and peace of mind start with a robust, well-thought-out family budget. If you've ever felt the stress of an unexpected expense or wondered where all your money went at the end of the month, you're not alone. This guide takes you through a comprehensive step-by-step process of crafting a budget that suits your family's needs, ensuring financial health and sustainability.

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.

Technology is here to help you with money management and your personal finances. Most of us are used to spending money every day, and keeping up with every purchase can feel like a part-time job. It’s important to monitor your finances regularly, whether you are trying to stick to a budget or saving up for an expensive purchase, such as a down payment on a house or car.

You can use money management apps connected to your bank account to quickly check your available balance or see how much you have saved. This will give you a better idea of how much you can spend at any given time so you don’t go over budget. You can also plan your finances for the next several months or year to help you prepare for the future.

U.S. households have accumulated over $35 trillion in home equity (St. Louis Fed, 2024). For many, this is a strategic asset they could unlock to finance significant expenses or consolidate debt. One way to do so is through a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which offers flexibility and financial advantages to homeowners. Below, we dive into what a HELOC is, why choosing a credit union for your HELOC might be beneficial, and how to find the best HELOC rates in Colorado.

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.

In some ways, going to college has become essential in today’s economy. Having a degree can be your ticket to a better paying job, but the cost of tuition can be prohibitive for some aspiring students and professionals. The good news is that there are many financial aid programs for you to choose from, regardless of your financial situation. You can lower the cost of college by doing your research and taking advantage of as many of these programs as possible. Don’t wait! The sooner you start researching these programs, the less you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Your 401(k) is your retirement nest egg. You’ll need that money later in life once you have stopped working. If you need extra cash for an emergency or have trouble making ends meet, you may be tempted to tap into your 401(k) before retiring. After all, it’s your money. But withdrawing from your account before you retire may leave you with less money for your golden years. Keep these tips in mind when tapping into your 401(k).

It’s tax season in the U.S. You’re likely focused on gathering all the necessary paperwork and submitting your return on time. Meanwhile, in the criminal world, fraudsters are busy executing schemes in an attempt to steal your identity and money. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service identified $2.3 billion in tax fraud in 2020. To help alleviate some stress this tax season, we’ve compiled this guide to help you protect yourself, recognize possible fraud warning signs and take action if you become a victim.

What is a budget & why it works

A budget is simply a written plan for your money, yet only 42% of Americans keep one consistently (NFCC, 2024). When you chart where every dollar goes, three things happen: you gain clarity, you control spending before it occurs, and you feel more confident about emergencies. In short, a budget is a way to make sure you can cover your expenses from month to month — a calm antidote to paycheck panic. It creates financial stability and supports your financial goals; read on to learn how to create a budgeting plan.

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.