Education Articles

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards

As you grow older, being able to manage finances becomes more important—and more complicated. Take credit and debit cards, for example. Both cards are commonly used for transactions, but they work in very different ways.

What to Buy and What to Skip in January

Whew, another season of heavy spending is in the books. If you aren’t planning a no-spend month and you have a little room left in your budget to splurge, January is a prime time to pick up a sweet bargain or two on items that may have been on your wish list. Christmas decorations, TVs, fitness gear, and video games are among the products that g...

Building Credit From Scratch

Building credit as a teen can be challenging since most credit-building activities require you to be at least 18 years old. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take now to establish a solid credit foundation to build on.

Common Savings Terms (and What They Really Mean)

When finding the best fit for your savings goals, it helps to know the lingo. You likely know what a savings account is, but how it—and other savings options—works can be confusing. That also goes for common financial terms we often see but aren’t often explained (or explained clearly). So, let’s take a look at a few savings-related terms—both...

Exploring Bank Accounts

Opening a bank account is an important step toward financial independence and responsible money management. It lets you securely store your money, learn about banking services, and develop essential financial skills.  

Realistic (Financial) New Year’s Resolutions

On the search for doable, practical resolutions that could be a major boon to your financial journey? This is the perfect time to add some resolutions to help you save, be informed, and plan ahead.

6 Family-Proof (Financial) Holiday Conversation Starters

Money can be a touchy topic any time of year. But during the holidays, when the whole family has gathered and spending is higher than usual, conversations about finances can become downright polarizing. There has to be a way to keep the Grinches and Scrooges at bay, right? If personal finance talk rears its head at your holiday gathering, try...

6 Savvy Ways to Save at the Pump

As far as conversation topics go, the price of gas has become more popular than the weather. In June 2022, US gas prices reached a record high, soaring to an average of $5.02 per gallon. At one point, a gas station in Mendocino, California, was charging $9.60! Since then, prices have settled down, but they have started to tick back up in 2023....

Buying Your First Car

Buying a car is a big step toward independence. It’s also a lot of responsibility (and potentially a lot of money). Even if you can’t purchase a car just yet, it’s never too early to learn the process. Here’s a simple guide to the steps involved.

What’s a Credit Score? And How Can You Improve Yours?

Thinking about applying for a loan? You’ll want to pay close attention to your credit score. But what is a credit score? And why does it matter? In short, your credit score demonstrates to lenders how likely you are to pay back a loan. The higher the score, the better you look to a lender, which often means better rates and terms on a loan. Read...