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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.

The festive season is a time of joy, giving and celebration. But as you prepare to dive into the celebrations, you must be on guard against scams that could ruin your festivities. From convincing phishing emails decorated with jingle bells to too-good-to-be-true travel deals promising a winter wonderland, the tactics are endless and, sadly, effective. Generally, financial institutions follow information security guidelines and never request personal or sensitive information. Therefore, any call or information request for your banking information, such as banking username and password, account number, routing number or social security number, should be treated with the utmost suspicion.  As technology evolves, scammers are getting more sophisticated. Some of their rackets appear genuine. Thus, you must be extra vigilant, especially during this holiday season. Here's a detailed overview to equip you against potential pitfalls.

In today's digital age, safeguarding your financial information is more critical than ever. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your accounts is by ensuring you have strong, secure passwords in place.

Scammers are using fake financial institution caller IDs to call and ask people for their banking and personal information. Bank customers and credit union members — including Ent members — are being targeted. Our members have reported getting calls that look like they're from Ent Federal or a specific Ent service center. 

With the New Year rapidly approaching, many take this time to reexamine and reprioritize every aspect of their life, including their finances. The end of the year is a great time to reflect on everything you’re doing right and how you’d like to improve. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions, vowing to change our behavior for the better. If you start meaningful financial habits, you will be one step closer to achieving financial health. If you’re looking to improve your finances, add these New Year’s financial resolutions to your list.

In Q3 2024, Americans spent 11.3% of their disposable income on household debt payments (St. Louis Fed, 2024). Still, some households suffer massive debts, using over 50% of income to service debt. When your debt payments consume too much of your monthly income, lenders view you as a riskier borrower. This results in unfavorable loan terms, higher interest rates, or loan denials. Understanding how to improve your debt-to-income ratio helps you qualify for better financing options. In simple terms, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) computes the percentage of your income that goes toward paying debts each month. In this article, we’ll explain how to compute your DTI ratio, what is a good debt-to-income ratio, the best debt-to-income ratio for various loans and strategies for lowering it.

Interest rates on mortgage loans are rising fast due to a variety of factors. The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates with several more rate hikes planned for later this year in hopes of easing inflation. This makes it more expensive to borrow money. Learn more about what these rates mean for you and your finances.

Groceries are a significant part of any household budget. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), households spend an average of $5,703 annually on groceries, which translates to $475 monthly (BLS, 2023). Therefore, finding ways to save money on groceries can make a big difference. In today’s economy, every dollar counts. So, in addition to adhering to saving money tips, making small changes to your shopping habits can lead to substantial savings. In this guide, we'll share valuable tips for saving money on groceries to help you cut costs without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

Nowadays, debit and credit cards are used as the primary way to pay for purchases. They are designed to be easy and convenient to use on the go, so you don’t have to carry around large quantities of cash. You can also freeze the card if it is lost or stolen to limit your exposure to fraud. But credit and debit cards work in different ways. A debit card gives you a direct line to the money already in your checking account, while a credit card means buying something on credit. You will then need to pay off the balance on the card plus any interest that has accrued. Credit cards can enhance your credit score, while debit cards do not impact credit history. Additionally, credit cards frequently offer rewards and benefits, such as cash back or points. Learn how to find the right type of card for your situation and ensure you use these two cards responsibly.

As retirement approaches, financial stability becomes a paramount concern. Like many other Americans, your home is not only a place of comfort but might also be the largest asset or liability in your portfolio. Refinancing your mortgage is a common strategic move to enhance your financial situation as you transition into retirement. This guide will explore how to use refinancing effectively as part of a comprehensive mortgage and retirement planning strategy.

Home values continue to soar, and U.S. households have accumulated over $35 trillion in home equity (St. Louis Fed, 2024). If you are among those who have done so, you can borrow against this financial resource for various needs, such as home improvements, education expenses, or consolidating high-interest debt. Below, we outline how to qualify for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to prepare you for this opportunity.