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
With the advent of online commerce, credit and debit card fraud has exploded. Unfortunately, credit card fraud can go unnoticed until it causes severe damage. Here, we’ve outlined what you need to know about credit and debit card fraud, how to protect yourself, and what to do when you’re targeted. What is credit card fraud?
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
The biggest shopping month of the year is here! Before you charge up a storm, though, remember that not all “Black Friday Deals” are really worthy of the label. Here’s what to buy and what to skip in November. Buy: Headphones & Audio Gear Tune into your favorite holiday jams with a pair of state-of-the-art
It’s never too early—or too late—to plan for your retirement. However, the more time you allow for your savings to grow, the bigger the nest egg you’ll have when it’s time to cash in. Here’s how to get started on planning your retirement. Set a Target Number First, determine how much you’ll need to have
Your credit score is vital to your financial health. This number measures your money management skills, credit capacity and fiscal responsibility. An excellent credit score can open the door to large loans and with better interest rates, as well as employment opportunities and more. Let’s explore the best ways to build and maintain an excellent
You’ve got mail! And the good news keeps coming, because you’ve been pre-approved for a large loan—maybe even a mortgage! Yes, you! It’s a dream come true—until it turns into a living nightmare. Here’s what you need to know about preapproval scams and how to stay safe. How the scams play out In a preapproval
Living a life of financial wellness means being happy with a lifestyle that’s within your means, but doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re lacking. At the same time, financial wellness means discipline governs money choices and not by emotion. So how do you balance the two? Here’s how to indulge responsibly. Live with a BudgetTo
Digital kidnapping happens when a scammer takes control of a victim’s social media profiles and holds it for ransom. It can also involve “kidnapping” photos that are posted on social media pages. Here’s what you need to know about digital kidnapping. How the Scams Play OutIn a digital kidnapping scam, a hacker takes control
Get ready for big savings on big-ticket items this September! Retailers want to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed, and to clear the shelves before the holiday season blows in. All that, plus the Labor Day sales, means big savings in September—but not on everything. Here’s what to buy and
Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but scammers can turn that dream into an absolute nightmare. Here’s all you need to know about fake lottery scams. How the Scams Play Out In a fake lottery scam, a scammer reaches out to a potential target by phone, email, or social media message to inform them they’ve
When paying for everyday and occasional purchases, some purchases should be paid for with cash, some with a credit card, and others with a debit card. Let’s inspect each method and when you should use them. When should you use cash?Some retailers offer discounts for paying in cash, making it the wise go-to. Also, if
Independence Day sales are over and Labor Day is a month away, but you can still find great deals in August. Here’s what to buy and what to skip this month. Buy: Back-to-School Supplies Look for weekly deals on school and office supplies at big-box stores, pharmacies and e-tailers this month. Think beyond school—you can
“Pay yourself first” is a catchphrase that refers to prioritizing your personal savings above other expenses. To achieve it, savings should be a fixed line on your budget that happens every month without fail. Here’s how to pay yourself first. Review Your Spending Take a clear look at your spending. If you already have a budget,
