EDUCATION CENTER


Homeownership
Cash-Out Refinancing or a Home Equity Loan

If you’ve built up equity in your home, you may be considering how to put it to work—whether for renovations, debt consolidation, or major expenses ...

Homeownership
15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgages

Choosing between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homebuyer ...

Homeownership
Down Payment Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers

The idea of buying a first home is exciting. Coming up with a sizeable down payment, however, can feel like an insurmountable task. That is especially true ...

Retirement
The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) Method

The Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) method is a lifestyle movement designed to help individuals achieve early retirement through disciplined saving ...

Retirement
2024 & 2025 Maximum IRA Contribution Limits

Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are popular tax-deferred, long-term investments that offer financial security during retirement ...

Retirement
2024 & 2025 Maximum 401(k) Contribution Limits

A 401(k) plan is one of the most effective ways to save for retirement. This employer-sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plan allows you to invest a portion of your ...

Family Finances
Investing Basics for Teens

You don't need to wait until adulthood to make smart financial moves. The earlier you start investing, the more time you give your money to grow and ...

Family Finances
Getting Your Child Their First Credit Card

Teaching your child how to manage money is essential in today's financial landscape, and one of the most impactful tools for building those skills ...

Family Finances
Teaching Your Teen About Financial Risk

Teaching your teen to understand financial risk and providing them with strategies to avoid or mitigate it can save them from future financial trouble or ...

Paying for College
Dealing with a Student Loan in Collections

If you've fallen behind on your student loans and they've gone into collections, you're not alone, and you're not stuck. You still have control, even if ...

Paying for College
The ROI of Education

Committing to higher education, whether through a student loan or directly from your savings to cover tuition, room, and board, represents a significant ...

Paying for College
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Working in government service or for a non-profit organization might qualify you for the public service loan forgiveness program (PSLF). However, to fully qualify ...

Credit and Debt
What is a Green Loan?

A green loan provides funding for projects that drive environmental sustainability. It follows the standards outlined in the Green Loan Principles ...

Credit and Debt
Using a Personal Loan

A personal loan can be a helpful financial tool when you need quick access to cash for urgent or significant expenses ...

Credit and Debt
Understanding Travel Reward Programs: Tips for Getting the Most Value

You can accumulate free travel rewards using your credit card for everyday purchases. It's true! However, it is important to approach travel reward programs ...

Money Management
Understanding Your Net Worth

To understand your complete financial picture, you need to know your net worth, a snapshot of what you own ...

Money Management
What Is the “No-Buy” Challenge?

In a world overflowing with flash sales, targeted ads, and one-click checkouts, the no-buy challenge offers a powerful way to reclaim control over your finances ...

Money Management
What Is ‘Soft Saving’?

In a time of rising financial uncertainty, student loan burdens, and social pressure to "have it all," a new approach to personal finance is ...

Workplace Finance
2025 Paycheck Planning

Monitoring the changes in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines is crucial for successful 2025 paycheck planning ...

Workplace Finance
Understanding Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid time off, or PTO is a benefit offered by an employer to allow an employee to take time off from work for holidays, vacation, sick leave, or personal reasons ...

Workplace Finance
Understanding Payroll Taxes

Payroll taxes are taxes that both employees and employers pay based on employees' wages, tips, commissions, and salaries. The employees' portion is deducted from ...

Small Business
Understanding the Basics of Direct Marketing

Direct marketing is still effective. The hype and effectiveness of online contact get the most buzz ...

Small Business
Branding Your Business

An effective branding strategy makes your business stand out in a competitive marketplace. Online, it helps ...

Small Business
Affordable Marketing Strategies for Startups

Although running a startup business can be exciting, there is much strategic planning involved to get customers without ...