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
GATHER YOUR INFORMATION The first step in prepping for tax season is to gather all the necessary documents. Depending on your personal circumstances, these can include: W-2 forms 1099 forms Receipts and invoices Mortgage and loan documents Investment statements Business income and expenses Other miscellaneous income ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES Store all your documents and receipts
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
Money tips can be helpful, but it’s important to remember that not all advice is created equal. Let’s look at three common money tips that aren’t as great as their claim. 1: The latte factor. The claim: Cutting out your daily latte will solve all your money problems. The truth: Trimming discretionary expenses will only
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
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
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
Credit scores can affect you more than you know. Employers look at credit scores. Landlords look at credit scores. Bill providers look at credit scores, and they might decide to charge you if yours gets too low. With all this pressure, you’ve no doubt started working on some good habits for improving your credit score.
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
As a financially responsible individual, you should be checking your credit on a regular basis. If all goes well, your credit card statements and report hold no surprises. Sometimes, though, you may find a mistake. When this happens, you’ll need to officially dispute the error to fix your score. Credit Report Mistakes Most credit report
