If you’re in the market for a new house, learn all you can about home loans before going too far into the process. Here are some things you may not know about home loans: Rates fluctuateIf you’re looking for a new home, you may be checking mortgage rates as often as some people check their
What to Do with Your First PaycheckAs part of the changes you’re gearing up for in the months after you graduate, you’re poised to enter the working world as a long-term employee, perhaps for the first time in your life. As you prepare for this transition, you might have dollar signs dancing in your head
Quiet. Calm. Clean. And empty. These are just some words that may come to mind when your youngest kiddo leaves the nest. No stray sneakers cluttering up the foyer. No trail of school papers. You may even get the TV remote to yourself! Now that the house has emptied, though, it’s time to sift through
Congratulations! You’re expecting a baby and you’re breathless with excitement — and nerves. A baby means big changes, and a part of those changes is lots of new expenses. How will you pay for it all? We’ve got the tips you need to prepare financially for a new baby. Pay down debtDon’t let your debt
Here’s how to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner without going into debt: Work with a budgetWe know your partner means the world to you, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend the world proving it. Designate a budget for all your Valentine’s Day expenses — and stick to it! Use a sales
Trends and stats in real estate are constantly changing, especially during the unstable economy of COVID-19. Here’s what you need about the real estate market today. Is it a buyer’s market now? Pickings are slim for homebuyers right now, giving sellers the upper hand and driving up prices for buyers. Low supply also means homes are
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FIRST PAYCHECK As part of the changes you’re gearing up for in the months after you graduate, you’re poised to enter the working world as a long-term employee, perhaps for the first time in your life. As you prepare for this transition, you might have dollar signs dancing in your
The holidays will look different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why most people will try harder to make the season brighter. But you don’t have to dip into the kids’ college savings to create a special time! The most important thing to remember is a plan with a set spending amount
Uh oh — you’ve been hacked! Finding out someone has cracked open your accounts and helped themselves to your information can be alarming, but there are ways to mitigate the damage while jump-starting your recovery process. Here are five steps to take after being hacked: Step 1: Assess the damage First, determine the damage. Unfortunately, one
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year; but for many, the holidays can be an expensive time. From gifts to decorations to wrapping paper to special events, it’s easy to overspend and possibly even go into debt paying for all the extras. In 2019, Forbes reported on a Gallop poll showing
It’s turkey season! Here’s how to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020 without compromising the health and safety of you and your guests. PLANNING A THANKSGIVING DINNERIf you’ll be hosting an in-person Thanksgiving dinner this year, take steps to ensure your day is as safe as possible. First, consider hosting it outside. Moving Thanksgiving dinner outdoors reduces spreading
How to safely celebrate Halloween is a question frightening Halloween-lovers all over the globe. But, with some precautions, Halloween can still be a frightfully fun day for the entire family. Here’s how: Should I take my family trick-or-treating this year? According to many medical health professionals, the answer depends on where you live. “In an area
Credit cards and debit cards offer incredible convenience; but, is it a smart idea to pay monthly bills with them? Choosing to pay a bill with a card can have a significant impact on your general financial wellness. It’s important to consider the many variables of this decision before going ahead with it. Let’s inspect
It’s no secret that the IRS excels at making things complicated. And when you’re busy learning the ropes of a new job, trying to fill out a 4-page W-4 form can be a huge hassle. It’s not a good idea to rush through it, though, because a small mistake now can mean withholding too much
This year, back-to-school season is all about getting ready for a school year that promises to be unlike any other. Here’s our guide to helping your child prepare for the new school year in these unconventional times. Talk to your child about what to expectThe more your child knows about the dynamics of the upcoming
Using credit cards responsibly is a great way to boost credit score and financial wellness. Unfortunately, though, credit-card issuers make it challenging to stay ahead of monthly payments and easy to fall into debt with credit-card purchases. No worries, though; DoverPhila Federal Credit Union is here to help! Here is what you need to know
Using emergency funds to survive prolonged unemployment, an unexpected large expense, or a medical emergency is the best way to make it through financial hardship. If your savings are depleted, though, it’s best to start rebuilding as soon as possible. Here’s how: SET A GOAL Before getting started on saving up money, establish a tangible
Most would agree – home ownership is part of the American Dream. According to Bankrate, a recent “Consumer Mortgage Understanding Study” conducted by Fannie Mae showed that 91% of more than 3,600 respondents prefer owning a home to renting, but are still largely unaware when it comes to home-buying basics. Securing a mortgage is often
Your credit score is an indicator of your financial wellness and responsibility. We have outlined how credit scores are calculated, why it matters, and steps to take to improve your score. How is my credit score calculated?The three major credit bureaus in the U.S. collect and share information on a person’s credit usage with potential
If you’re looking to fund a home improvement project, or the economic devastation of COVID-19 has left you in need of cash, consider tapping into your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. WHAT IS A HELOC?A HELOC is a revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow money against the
