Healthy Finances
Some people do not have the ability to begin saving for retirement early on. Others may have brushed retirement savings aside for so long that they are now worried that it’s too late to begin socking away money for retirement. While it’s best to start saving for retirement as early…
It’s that time of year again: tax time. You might be tempted to turn the page or put down this article, instead, remember the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz” and know you have everything you need inside you to read on. Looming tax due dates nudge us into…
Do you have an individual retirement account, or IRA? This is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to save toward retirement. The two main types of IRAs are traditional and Roth. You might also be familiar with the term “rollover IRA,” which is a traditional IRA used for…
From various sources, I have heard the myth that “investing green means losing money while feeling good about it.” Perhaps you’ve heard that as well. While it’s true that such sun-to-energy companies as Solar Trust of America, Solyndra, Abound Solar, Fisker Automotive, Record Hill Wind, Solo Power and Abengoa Solar…
Spring is always a popular time for house hunting, and of course, for home loan (mortgage) shopping. Although there are a variety of home financing options available, there are two basic types of primary or first mortgages. The type of mortgage loan that best fits your needs can depend on…
What determines your credit score? What’s the difference between a credit report and a credit score? Why does it all matter, and what can you do about it? If you’re like most people, answering these questions can be a bit difficult and confusing at first. But sorting through the basics…
When you think of the holidays, chances are you think about giving. From gifts and goodies to warm wishes and good deeds, people seem more considerate and willing to help others this time of year. As member-owned, nonprofit cooperatives, credit unions are founded on the premise of “people helping people,”…
What does someone who is just starting their first job have in common with a person who is about to retire? They should both be saving for retirement. It goes without saying that the younger you are when you begin saving for retirement, the more money you’ll have when the…
Have you ever wondered why some people are good at managing money while others just can’t seem to get the hang of it? While in today’s economy, the reasons can have a lot to do with things outside our control (job losses, fluctuating energy expenses, medical emergencies, etc.), it seems…
Chances are, if you’re 18 or older, you either know about credit cards, or you have one or more. They can offer convenience and security when traveling or making online purchases, or at times when you don’t want to worry about carrying cash. While credit cards can be great financial…
Who wants to be a millionaire? Perhaps a more relevant question is: Who doesn’t? While it may seem like it can only happen to lottery winners, becoming a millionaire is a real possibility if one starts saving and investing at a young age. Even if you’re older, you can still…
Summer in Wisconsin: a time filled with sunny days, chirping birds and vacationers hitting the road. Whether you’re at home or on the road this summer, most credit unions and banks offer a variety of convenient ways to do your banking and get the money you need without taking the…
According to CNN Money’s Money 101, “the average American household with at least one credit card has nearly $15,950 in credit card debt.” Rather than racking up interest charges on your credit card, why not save and earn interest on your savings? The power of compounding Compounding or compound interest…
For the average American, buying a home is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. Even with a sizeable down payment, most people finance at least a portion of the cost, usually in the form of a home loan (mortgage). If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage, you’re…
