Retailers and suppliers have encouraged early holiday shopping, but not everyone has followed the advice. If you’ve waited until the last minute, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are five tips to make last-minute shopping both stress-free and budget-friendly. Order Online, Pick Up In-StoreSkip the stress of delayed shipping and long holiday lines by ordering
The holidays are inching closer, but that big shopping frenzy has not started yet. There are no big shopping holidays this month either, but you can still pick up a scary-good deal in October. Here is what to buy, and what to skip this month. BUY: JEANSThe September sales on jeans will get better in
With the right tools and information, building a budget can be quick and easy. Here’s how to create a simple and practical budget for the time-strapped consumer. Review your income and expenses.Most budgeting plans recommend tracking income and expenses for three months. If you’re pressed for time, though, you can choose to look at one
Not every bargain is a bargain. Unfortunately, it can be hard to spot the bogus bargains from genuine finds. Here are five times when a bargain is not one. When you had not planned to buy the item. If you find a new home speaker system marked down from $399 to $249, you just scored
It is that time of year again: Time to clean out those closets, polish that furniture, and clear out that clutter! Spring is also the perfect time of year to review your saving habits and spruce up your saving goals. Here is how to spring-clean your savings in five simple steps. Assess your saving habits.
For individuals grappling with financial challenges, the idea of saving money can seem like an unattainable luxury. However, neglecting your savings when the going gets tough can make things even more difficult down the line. Here is why you should continue saving through financially challenging times and practical steps for making it happen. THE WHY
It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of holiday spending. But if you rely on credit to make holiday wishes a reality, the magic often falls flat when your bills come due. Take the time to create a holiday budget and avoid a post-holiday spending hangover. BE REALISTICSetting a realistic but firm budget
By adequately managing a credit card, you can earn rewards and build your credit score while making regular purchases. GET THE RIGHT CARDThe first step to best using a credit card is to get the right one. That means doing your research. It would help if you considered your spending habits and priorities regarding rewards.
Traveling doesn’t come cheap, and part of keeping your finances intact during vacation includes knowing the best way to pay for your purchases during your getaway. Should you primarily use cash, debit, or credit cards? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each choice so you can make an informed decision during your vacation.
Between flip-flops and baseball, beach days and the Fourth of July, there’s much to love about summer! Unfortunately, the warmest season can be expensive. A great way to combat a swollen summer budget is to take a financial fast on a summer weekend—or several of them. Here’s how. Plan ahead. Your spend-free weekend won’t happen
Money tips can be helpful, but it’s important to remember that not all advice is created equal. Let’s look at three common money tips that aren’t as great as their claim. 1: The latte factor. The claim: Cutting out your daily latte will solve all your money problems. The truth: Trimming discretionary expenses will only
For many, mentioning the word “money” sparks stress and anxiety. At the same time, living a financially responsible life can help one maintain optimal mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to examine the connection between money and mental health. HOW DO FINANCIAL STRUGGLES IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH? There
Despite its bad rap, not all debt is bad debt. Some are actually beneficial for the debtor and considered “good debt.” Here’s a look at the factors defining good debt, the various types of good debt, and how to keep debt from going bad. WHAT IS GOOD DEBT? Good debt helps you build wealth or
The holidays are in the rearview, but if you’ve gone over budget with your spending, it’s time to deal with the aftermath, which is coming head-on. Here’s how you can get your budget back on track. Review your holiday spendingHow much debt did this season’s spending set you back? Spend some time crunching the numbers,
January begins with a bang, but there are no major shopping holidays once the new year begins. Of course, you can still pick up great bargains this month or find that you’ve overpaid for something when its price drops right after you’ve purchased it. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in January. Buy:
Congratulations! You’ve reached the 12th and final step of the 12 steps to financial wellness. Here, we’ll review the previous actions and adjust this part of your financial health plan as necessary. Step 1: Track your spendingAre you regularly tracking your spending? Knowing where your money is going will help you make more responsible spending
The world of investing can be confusing, especially for a first-timer. No worries, though; DoverPhila Federal Credit Union can help! Here’s how to invest in five easy steps. Step 1: Define your tolerance for risk If you’re investing, be prepared for potential losses because there are no sure things. But how much loss can you
The holidays are nipping at your heels and there’s still a lot to do! It probably seems like your stress levels keep rising while the money in your wallet keeps dwindling. It doesn’t have to be this way. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a stress-free and affordable holiday season. Not buying what
Whether you’re finishing up your holiday shopping or looking for year-end bargains in any category this month, here’s what to buy and what to skip in December. Buy: ElectronicsLots of retailers keep the leftovers from November’s sales marked down through December. Look for discounted electronics at big box stores, online retailers, and directly from
Sticking to a budget during times of high inflation is challenging—but not impossible. Here are five ways to help make it happen: Plan Your Grocery PurchasesFirst, shop your pantry and fridge before hitting the store. You may not remember what you have at home, so a quick scan can help you stick to purchasing only
