Blogs

Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Higher Education If you’re considering going back to college to boost your credentials, you’re probably on the lookout for money-saving strategies. Here are dollar-stretching tips to keep you at the top of your class. Fill Out FAFSA If you’re looking to continue your education, your first stop should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. FAFSA requires your income, housing and tax information, so be sure to have last year’s tax return ready when you apply. Plus, most colleges and universities require that you complete the FAFSA to become...

Complete the Feeling of Fellowship Have you found yourself with some extra free time? This is a fantastic opportunity to try something new, learn a skill or to make the world a better place for everyone, not just yourself. Here are a few ways you can give back to your community. Donate Your Time There are countless ways to use your free time to help others. Most cities operate homeless shelters and soup kitchens, both of which are almost definitely in need of volunteers. Similarly, post-holidays can be a very lonely time for people whose families are away. Consider spending some time visiting...

Does a Home’s Value Go Up With a Bathroom Renovation? Deciding what home improvement projects to invest in can be tricky. You don’t want to pour money into a renovation or remodel that won’t pay off when you go to sell. If you’re eager to increase your home’s value, consider starting in a small, but essential part of your home — your bathroom. On average, homeowners spend just over $27,000 on a mid-range bathroom renovation project, and over $82,000 on an upscale bathroom renovation project. At resale, mid-range renovations recoup 58.9% of their costs, while upscale renovations recoup 53.5%...

Your Online Profile Got Hacked — Now What? Few things can bring on a sense of panic and confusion quicker than realizing that your financial information is compromised. Whether you find yourself unable to access your online app because the password has changed, notice fraudulent charges made to your card or are suddenly missing money from your checking or savings account, the feeling that your financial security is at risk is a terrifying one. The best reaction to such a situation is a measured one that follows certain steps to recovery. Contact Us Immediately Whether the account in question...

Spending Money Now to Benefit Your Future No matter what your plans are for your life, you don’t want money to get in the way of achieving your goals. As such, you may want to consider investing your money during each stage of your life to make your aspirations are more attainable. Going to School Saving money for your education can be difficult, especially if you intend to continue your schooling right after high school. However, in addition to setting aside spare cash for your post-secondary education, you should set up a 529 college savings plan. While 529 plans are typically set up by...