It is that time of year again: Time to clean out those closets, polish that furniture, and clear out that clutter! Spring is also the perfect time of year to review your saving habits and spruce up your saving goals. Here is how to spring-clean your savings in five simple steps. Assess your saving habits.
For individuals grappling with financial challenges, the idea of saving money can seem like an unattainable luxury. However, neglecting your savings when the going gets tough can make things even more difficult down the line. Here is why you should continue saving through financially challenging times and practical steps for making it happen. THE WHY
It’s tax refund season! How are you going to be spending the pile of cash that Uncle Sam’s giving back? Before you blow your refund on an expensive weekend, take a step back and try to determine the best approach you can take with this money. To help you get started, we have compiled this
It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of holiday spending. But if you rely on credit to make holiday wishes a reality, the magic often falls flat when your bills come due. Take the time to create a holiday budget and avoid a post-holiday spending hangover. BE REALISTICSetting a realistic but firm budget
Between flip-flops and baseball, beach days and the Fourth of July, there’s much to love about summer! Unfortunately, the warmest season can be expensive. A great way to combat a swollen summer budget is to take a financial fast on a summer weekend—or several of them. Here’s how. Plan ahead. Your spend-free weekend won’t happen
For many, mentioning the word “money” sparks stress and anxiety. At the same time, living a financially responsible life can help one maintain optimal mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to examine the connection between money and mental health. HOW DO FINANCIAL STRUGGLES IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH? There
Despite its bad rap, not all debt is bad debt. Some are actually beneficial for the debtor and considered “good debt.” Here’s a look at the factors defining good debt, the various types of good debt, and how to keep debt from going bad. WHAT IS GOOD DEBT? Good debt helps you build wealth or
You should diversify your savings portfolio just like your investments. Financial experts recommend giving your savings as much chance as growth as possible. Here’s a look at a great choice for diversifying your savings: a certificate account. What is a certificate account?A certificate account is an insured savings account with a fixed dividend rate and
The holidays are in the rearview, but if you’ve gone over budget with your spending, it’s time to deal with the aftermath, which is coming head-on. Here’s how you can get your budget back on track. Review your holiday spendingHow much debt did this season’s spending set you back? Spend some time crunching the numbers,
Congratulations! You’ve reached the 12th and final step of the 12 steps to financial wellness. Here, we’ll review the previous actions and adjust this part of your financial health plan as necessary. Step 1: Track your spendingAre you regularly tracking your spending? Knowing where your money is going will help you make more responsible spending
The world of investing can be confusing, especially for a first-timer. No worries, though; DoverPhila Federal Credit Union can help! Here’s how to invest in five easy steps. Step 1: Define your tolerance for risk If you’re investing, be prepared for potential losses because there are no sure things. But how much loss can you
It’s never too early—or too late—to plan for your retirement. However, the more time you allow for your savings to grow, the bigger the nest egg you’ll have when it’s time to cash in. Here’s how to get started on planning your retirement. Set a Target Number First, determine how much you’ll need to have
Your credit score is vital to your financial health. This number measures your money management skills, credit capacity and fiscal responsibility. An excellent credit score can open the door to large loans and with better interest rates, as well as employment opportunities and more. Let’s explore the best ways to build and maintain an excellent
Living a life of financial wellness means being happy with a lifestyle that’s within your means, but doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re lacking. At the same time, financial wellness means discipline governs money choices and not by emotion. So how do you balance the two? Here’s how to indulge responsibly. Live with a BudgetTo
“Pay yourself first” is a catchphrase that refers to prioritizing your personal savings above other expenses. To achieve it, savings should be a fixed line on your budget that happens every month without fail. Here’s how to pay yourself first. Review Your Spending Take a clear look at your spending. If you already have a budget,
There’s so much good you can do with the money you’ve been blessed to have. There’s also a lot of good you can do with your time, talents, and possessions. Let’s explore some ways you can make the world better by paying it forward. Donate funds to your favorite causeThe classic and simplest way to
Creating and deciding to stick to a budget is easy; actually carrying through on your plan is the hard part. For many people, a big part of the gap between what they want to do and what they actually do is caused by their failure to spend mindfully. When every buy is just a swipe
Communicating openly about how you manage your money is a big part of having an honest and trusting relationship. Here, we’ve compiled six tips to help guide you in this super-important conversation. 1: Plan in advanceBroach the topic with your partner a few days before you want to have the “Big Money Talk” and ask
You’ve tracked your spending, designed a budget for your monthly expenses, and you’re on a path to financial wellness. In this next step, you’ll create a plan for paying down debt. Consumer debt can be one of the biggest challenges to financial wellness. With some intentional action and commitment, reaching true financial wellness is possible.
Now that you’ve tracked your spending and kept a careful record of where your money goes over the course of a month, you’re ready to move onto the next financial wellness step: creating a budget. Budgets play a crucial role in promoting financial awareness, which leads to more responsible money choices. Let’s look at how
