How much should your small business spend on marketing?
Summary Small business marketing budgets are a percentage of your total revenue The percentage of revenue you spend on marketing depends on the size and growth trajectory of your business How you spend that marketing budget is critical, especially if your budget is small It might be the scariest question ever asked […]
Working on building your savings? Try these 5 tips
The pandemic created a lot of uncertainty for people, especially when it comes to their finances: unemployment was up, spending was down and pretty much everything felt like a roller coaster. One year after much of the world shut down due to the coronavirus, it’s time to rebuild your savings to unlock opportunities for you […]
Still need to file your taxes? We’ve got good news for you—and answers to a lot of your questions
Summary: The federal tax deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021 If you haven’t yet received some of your stimulus checks but believe you qualify, be sure to file for the Recovery Rebate Credit Find out how to get your refund even faster (and keep more of your own money) Tax deadline has been […]
What would you do if you won $10,000?
Imagine you won $10,000. What would you do with it? Would you buy that new TV you’ve been eyeing and have one heck of a shopping spree for a new wardrobe? Or would you pay down your credit card or loan debt? The former seems more fun, but using the money to pay down your […]
Would you fail a test on credit? Here’s what you need to know
Credit education is a key component to making smart money decisions. But many consumers aren’t getting the financial education that will put them on the path to financial wellness. Think of it this way—it’s much easier to win a game when you know the rules you’re playing by. The Credit Education Gap In a recent […]
Maximize Your Coronavirus Stimulus Checks
Summary If you can pause payment on any bills, that will free up more money for groceries, medications and essential household items. Using the money to pay down your debt can help improve your credit score. Put aside some money for emergencies. Consider supporting local businesses and restaurants that are only open for delivery and […]
How to get your stimulus check and tax returns even faster
Get your tax refund and your future stimulus checks even faster The latest on the stimulus checks You could receive another stimulus check for $1400 very soon! We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the new stimulus, including who qualifies and how you can get your checks faster. Want to get your stimulus check […]
Americans Are Suffering From a Financial Hangover
Over half of Americans are experiencing a financial hangover due to their holiday spending, according to new research. The study asked 2,000 census-balanced Americans about how their finances have been impacted by the perfect storm of COVID-19 and the holidays and found it will take them nearly seven weeks to get their finances back on […]
Can working from home can help your credit?
Summary: You can potentially save thousands a year by working from home. Saving money from working from home can help your credit score. 70 percent of employees, as reported in June, were required by their employers to work from home. Are you currently working from home? According to a remote work survey from PwC that […]
Can a loan forbearance really help you save money?
Summary A forbearance agreement does not forgive your payments. Rather, it suspends your payments for a certain amount of time before you will need to pay it all back. If you can afford to make payments, then you should pay what you owe each month. Forbearance should not have a negative impact on your credit […]
FICO vs VantageScore: Which credit score is best?
Summary There are many different credit scoring models that lenders use for different purposes, including FICO and VantageScore. Despite being different models, each of these different credit scores are all based on the same five factors: payment history, credit utilization, credit age, credit mix, and credit inquiries. You can use the VantageScore® 3.0 score shown […]
Student loan forgiveness and what you need to know now
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as financial advice. This article is based on current proposed enactments and is subject to change. Summary What is the difference between private and federal student loans, and which ones qualify for student loan relief from the government? Student loan payment forbearance […]
Travel plans canceled? Make the most of being home for the holidays
Summary If you’re staying home for the holidays, there are a lot of fun things you can do on a budget wherever you live while still staying safe. Driving through a dazzling light show or hiking with your family in a nearby park are just a few of the affordable ideas you can enjoy. Keep […]
Holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank
Summary: Giving handmade or homemade gifts can be very affordable and even more special than a store-bought gift. Donating to a charity in a person’s name or creating an “experience” are other thoughtful gift options. An online Secret Santa program can be a lot of fun and save you money since you only have to […]
Prevent the “Holiday Hangover” with these 5 tips
Summary When you’re in the holiday spirit, it can be easy to get carried away by store sales and the gifts you want to buy; however, it’s important to stick to your budget when purchasing holiday gifts. Frequently monitor your credit score so that you know what’s impacting it. Remember the 30 percent rule when […]
