After four years of late-night cramming sessions, a grueling class schedule, and too many term papers to count, the big day is finally within sight. Graduation! You can hardly wait to toss your cap into the air and start making your mark in the big wide world. As you count down toward graduation, don’t forget
What makes us overspend? Let’s look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them. 1. To keep up with the JonesesWhen people who seem to be in the same financial bracket as us can afford another pair of designer shoes for each outfit, we should be able to afford them, too, right? Break
Here’s how to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner without going into debt: Work with a budgetWe know your partner means the world to you, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend the world proving it. Designate a budget for all your Valentine’s Day expenses — and stick to it! Use a sales
IDENTITY THEFTThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have been stealing personal information from individuals and then filing and claiming unemployment benefits in that individual’s name. Victims of these unemployment scams are often just now learning about this identity theft, as unemployment agencies are sending tax forms (1099-G) for income tax filing. If you received a 1099-G
America’s most expensive scam is on the rise. Romance scams are all over the internet and can be difficult to spot. Here’s what you need to know about these scams. HOW THE SCAM PLAYS OUT In a romance ruse, a scammer creates a bogus online profile and attempts to connect to singles on dating apps and
While 2020 was challenging in so many ways, it marked considerable community investment and product enhancement for DoverPhila Federal Credit Union as it continued to be a financial leader in Tuscarawas County while giving back to its members. Because of great financial results in 2020, the credit union gave back $1.65 million to its members
Trends and stats in real estate are constantly changing, especially during the unstable economy of COVID-19. Here’s what you need about the real estate market today. Is it a buyer’s market now? Pickings are slim for homebuyers right now, giving sellers the upper hand and driving up prices for buyers. Low supply also means homes are
As vaccine distribution begins across the country, scammers will be tagging right along. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a vaccine-related scam: You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine. You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine. No one from a vaccine distribution site or
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FIRST PAYCHECK As part of the changes you’re gearing up for in the months after you graduate, you’re poised to enter the working world as a long-term employee, perhaps for the first time in your life. As you prepare for this transition, you might have dollar signs dancing in your
How it plays out:The “Secret Sister” gift exchange seems like a fun way to spread cheer within the social media-verse, but it’s actually an illegal pyramid scheme, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Akin to old-timey chain letters, the Secret Sister gift exchange asks participants to buy a gift of at least $10
The holidays will look different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why most people will try harder to make the season brighter. But you don’t have to dip into the kids’ college savings to create a special time! The most important thing to remember is a plan with a set spending amount
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT SCAMS – TEXTScammers are texting taxpayers and trying to trick them into disclosing bank account information or other personal identifying information under the guise of receiving an Economic Impact Payment. The scam text message states: “You have received a direct deposit of $1,200 from COVID-19 TREAS FUND. Further action is required to accept
Uh oh — you’ve been hacked! Finding out someone has cracked open your accounts and helped themselves to your information can be alarming, but there are ways to mitigate the damage while jump-starting your recovery process. Here are five steps to take after being hacked: Step 1: Assess the damage First, determine the damage. Unfortunately, one
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year; but for many, the holidays can be an expensive time. From gifts to decorations to wrapping paper to special events, it’s easy to overspend and possibly even go into debt paying for all the extras. In 2019, Forbes reported on a Gallop poll showing
Don’t be the next victim of a debt-collection scam! Here’s all you need to know about these scams: HOW THE SCAMS PLAY OUT In a debt-collection scam, a caller claiming to represent a debt-collection agency demands immediate payment for an alleged outstanding debt. The caller insists on specific means of payment and may threaten to
It’s turkey season! Here’s how to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020 without compromising the health and safety of you and your guests. PLANNING A THANKSGIVING DINNERIf you’ll be hosting an in-person Thanksgiving dinner this year, take steps to ensure your day is as safe as possible. First, consider hosting it outside. Moving Thanksgiving dinner outdoors reduces spreading
How to safely celebrate Halloween is a question frightening Halloween-lovers all over the globe. But, with some precautions, Halloween can still be a frightfully fun day for the entire family. Here’s how: Should I take my family trick-or-treating this year? According to many medical health professionals, the answer depends on where you live. “In an area
With interest rates falling and home prices rising, it might be a good time to use your home’s equity. A home equity loan, or HEL, can be an ideal way to source extra funds during a falling-rates environment. If approved, you’ll receive the funds in one lump sum within a few days. There are no
Everyone loves a surprise package, and scammers are taking the excitement out of that experience by using bogus packages as a cover for a nefarious scam that tricks victims into sharing personal information. Here’s all you need to know about the pending package scam: How the scam plays outIn the pending package scam, the victim
When trying to trim a monthly budget, most people don’t even consider their fixed expenses; however, with just a bit of effort and research, most of these costs can be reduced. 1. Consider a refinanceTrim your mortgage payments by refinancing at a lower interest rate. It will cost a bit, but you can roll closing
