Category: Smart Banking

It’s time to get serious about paying off credit card debt.

You just got paid and several large monthly bills are about to come out of your checking account, but luckily you just deposited your check in the nick of time! No worries, right? Wrong. If you’re not familiar with your bank’s funds availability policy, you could be in for a surprise.

Opening a checking account can be confusing for some, but it doesn’t need to be. The key is to be informed and to plan ahead. Here are three easy steps to guide you through the process.

Where you choose to bank is a big decision. You need to have a relationship built on trust with your financial partner, knowing that they have your best interest in mind. That’s why when it comes to whom you bank with, it’s important to jot down a few smart banking characteristics to consider when it comes to your money. Here are a few.

According to CNN Money, many banks are making millions each year off of bank fees. Many of these fees are unnecessary, meaning they could be easily avoided with a little knowledge and planning. Here we provide examples of the most common unnecessary bank fees along with tips for avoiding them.

It’s often said that things improve with age. A lot of people don’t realize that this is also true as it pertains to your credit score. Credit scores don’t take age into consideration, however approximately 50% of a credit score is based on length of credit history and payment history.

We’ve all heard how important our credit score is. But have you really thought about the lasting effects it could have on your future ability to borrow? Have you taken the time to monitor your credit reports and really understand what they mean? We’re here to help break it down for you!

If you’re looking to borrow money, you’re undoubtedly aware that there are many loan options to choose from on the market today.  When shopping for a loan, you will notice that loans typically fall into two categories, secured and unsecured.  Your borrowing need and financial circumstances will ultimately  determine which type is the best fit for you,  but it’s also important to understand  the basic characteristics of the each loan.