Finance

How to Apply for Federal Student Aid

How to Apply for Federal Student Aid

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As the current job market transitions from in-person to remote, many are called to learn new skills. Colleges have noticed a shift in preference and an uprise of interest in computer-related degrees. Since the average Associate's for Information Technology costs $18,000 a year, federal student aid applications seem almost standard. What types of student loans are there? And what should you know before you apply? Find out the answers, as well as helpful tips for first-timers below. How old do you have to be to apply for federal student aid? To apply as an independent student, the applicant must be...
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FTC Warns About the Rise in Work-at-Home Scams

Don’t Fall Victim to Work-at-Home Scams

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There's a phone call. A friendly voice wants to follow up with your application. The person lists their credentials and states that they're interested in hiring you. It's one of the most common work-at-home scams encompassing our economy. Essentially a phone phisher, they promise a job you can perform in the comfort of your home, as long as you answer a few questions first.    The FTC warns about giving personally identifiable information (PII) over the phone. While there are legitimate companies that conduct telecom interviews, there are very few instances when they take your social security number at the...
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How to Negotiate Car Financing For a Better Deal

How to Negotiate Car Financing For a Better Deal

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Imagine you're sitting in an office at the dealership, and the sales associate returns with bad news. They don't have the authority to complete the deal without approval from the finance manager. You know they are going to ask you to provide more money per month; or a larger down payment. If only there were a way to save time and negotiate car financing like a pro. While most of us have been through the hassle of buying a new car at least once, not everyone understands the complete process. Even if you prefer to shop a used vehicle, negotiating...
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Cut Monthly Expenses with 6 Simple Tricks

Creative Ways To Cut Monthly Expenses

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It's a common desire to want flexibility within our budgets. Households all across the United States either want to increase their intake, cut monthly expenses, or in best-case scenarios, both. What if we told you that a slight change in behavior would go a long way? How's an extra $1200 left in your budget every year sound?  What mastering the "latte factor" does for your budget As we begin this article, we'll get the most obvious way to cut monthly expenses out into the open. The "latte factor" regards to the appeal presented by drive-thru coffee. As mentioned before, skipping...
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Essential Sinking Fund Categories to Use in Your Budget

Essential Sinking Fund Categories to Use in Your Budget

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Everyday life requires its own set of quintessential purchases. There are things that every budget should account for, like food, water, and shelter. Additionally, there must be a plan for occasional spending on higher-priced items, such as cars, washing machines, and other primary goods. While sinking fund categories vary from household to household, the steps to obtain the resources are mainly the same.  Why Do I Need a Sinking Fund? A sinking fund is necessary because it keeps people out of financial hardship. Instead of being caught off guard, the household creates a plan to save for larger purchases. For...
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good credit

Help Your Teen Establish Good Credit

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If you think showing your teenager how to balance a checkbook is hard…try explaining how to maintain good credit! Ah, the joys of adulting. Many adults don’t quite understand the intricacies of the credit system. So, the idea of breaking it down where a teenager can grasp the intricacies is laughable. Yet, it must be done! Otherwise, your impressionable teen may fall into a very expensive trap when they turn 18. As of 2018, the average American carries around $90,000 in debt (1). Of that debt, the average credit card debt is around $6,849 (2). Yikes! That’s not even taken...
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have fun

Fun For Free (Or Close To It)

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You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun. In fact, some of the most memorable moments are free! Finding time to have fun, and spending time with our loved ones, is important for so many reasons. Improved health, increased productivity, and overall life satisfaction. Yet, we tend not to prioritize it. Sometimes, the reason is a tight budget. Let’s nip that excuse in the bud now. Here are some great ways to have fun for free, or close to it! Here are just a few fun ideas on a tight budget: A water gun fight in your own...
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4 Smart Ways to Earn Incentives with Your Friends

4 Smart Ways to Earn Incentives With Achieva

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Achieva Credit Union members have a brand new opportunity to earn incentives with Achieva for both themselves and their friends. Those with a current account can share the joys of GOOD banking via Achieva's Refer-a-Friend program. Powered by ReferLive, there are four simple ways to receive real cash. Refer your friends, and you’ll both earn $50* When your friend signs up as a member using your referral, you will both earn incentives. There are no limits to the amounts of friends you can invite, so the more, the merrier. The referrer and the invitee will both receive $50 if the invitee opens...
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Money Journal Prompts to Last the Rest of the Year

7 Money Journal Prompts to Improve Finances

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People thrive where they place their passion. If it's on the mind, dedication towards the subject will create awareness, thus improving the odds of being successful. Could writing money journal prompts increase the relationship between a person and their wallet? Experts around the globe say, "Yes." Commit to wealth tracking for just 90 days Rachel Cruze, the author of multiple bestselling financial books, states that people should "Consider what [they] can do as an individual to move beyond complacency." Actively creating money journal prompts may be the big push that someone needs to work towards getting ahead. It starts by having...
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extra cash

Five Creative Ideas to Make Some Extra Cash

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How would you like a little extra cash? If you’re shaking your head yes, then you should keep reading! Most people would enjoy making a little spending money on the side. Throw in a stressful, challenging crisis, and the idea becomes almost a necessity. Good news! There are TONS of great ways to pad your budget. Even better, it doesn’t involve digging through your couch cushions—not that we’re saying that’s a bad idea. Here are a few ideas you can try: 1. Become an affiliate marketer. It’s NOT as hard as it sounds. When you find a cool product, you...
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