Fund your new ride at a great rate

In the homeownership journey, a significant financial advantage is leveraging your home equity. Today, many Americans have this opportunity, considering that rising home prices pushed the total equity per borrower to 327,000 by the end of Q2 2024 (ICE Mortgage Monitor, 2024).

If you're planning a major renovation, consolidating debt, or funding a child's education, tapping into your home's equity can provide the necessary funds. Two primary options are home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). While both allow you to borrow against the value of your home, they operate differently. Let’s discuss home equity loans vs HELOC features and how they are suited to different financial needs.

Refinancing your mortgage is a great way to reduce debt and take control of your finances. There are many reasons to swap out your current home mortgage for a new repayment plan. It all depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your new home loan. Use this guide to learn more about the refinancing process to see if this is the right option for you.

If you vowed this is the year you get ahead financially only to watch payday deposits disappear, you’re not alone. Gillespie (2025) notes that 59% of Americans still can’t cover a $1,000 emergency without borrowing or selling something. Meanwhile, the U.S. personal-saving rate is languishing below 4 percent—about half its long-term average (BEA, 2025). These sobering numbers explain why learning how to start saving is so critical. The encouraging news? A few clever ways to save money can transform vague intentions into steady progress.

Money psychology studies our relationship with money, influencing how we earn, save, spend, and invest. So, why understand the psychology of money? Because money, in its essence, is not just a currency or a tool for exchange. It's a lens through which we view our security, success, and, sometimes, our self-worth. Our financial decisions are seldom purely logical. They are deeply intertwined with our emotions, upbringing, and societal influences. Recognizing and acknowledging this can be the first step toward financial empowerment.

Are you considering opening an account but unsure which is the right choice? A free checking account offers advantages like easy access to your funds. However, it also has certain limitations. Let us explore the pros and cons of a checking account.

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.

Be proactive in safeguarding your sensitive, personal and confidential information. Protecting this information makes it difficult for someone to assume your identity to commit fraud or other criminal acts. Focus on best practices in these areas to help keep your information safe:

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.

Impersonal banking services have been a huge pain point for consumers. As a result, individuals are looking for financial institutions that genuinely prioritize their needs. For residents of Colorado, Ent Credit Union emerges as a standout choice, blending personalized service with a strong commitment to community engagement. If you're on the quest for the best credit unions near you, let us explore what credit unions, specifically Ent, have to offer.

When someone you trust — a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend — asks to use your credit card, the request feels innocent. Maybe it’s for groceries, a plane ticket, or an emergency car repair. But even with the best intentions, lending your credit card can end up with disastrous consequences. So, you might be asking, is it wrong to let someone use my credit card?

The short answer: Yes, it can be wrong — legally, financially, and ethically — depending on the circumstances. Even if you trust the person, the risks often outweigh the convenience. Below, we unpack the hazards, the narrow circumstances when sharing your credit card can work, and safer alternatives that protect you.