Your credit score is an indicator of your financial wellness and responsibility. We have outlined how credit scores are calculated, why it matters, and steps to take to improve your score. How is my credit score calculated?The three major credit bureaus in the U.S. collect and share information on a person’s credit usage with potential
If you’re looking to fund a home improvement project, or the economic devastation of COVID-19 has left you in need of cash, consider tapping into your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit, or a HELOC. WHAT IS A HELOC?A HELOC is a revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow money against the
Astronomical medical bills can be devastating to any budget. Here’s how to dispute and pay for large medical bills in five easy steps. Step 1: Review your bills.Typically, you’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company in addition to the actual bill telling you how much you’re responsible for paying. It’s important
The COVID-19 crisis has caused income loss, uncertainties, and an increase in fraudulent attacks throughout Ohio and nationwide. Smart money management is more important than ever, but studies show that Americans are falling behind in financial literacy. While the U.S. is the world’s largest economy, Investment News reported it as ranking only 14th for financial
It’s easy to go overboard for Christmas. Giving extravagant gifts to your family members seems like a great idea … until you’re facing a huge credit card bill in January. However, it happened, approach this problem rationally. Blaming yourself is pointless; the important thing now is to right yourself financially. Fortunately, you’re not facing this
‘Tis the season to be merry-except sometimes, it’s not. If you tend to feel stressed when the holidays roll around, here are eight tips to help turn that frown upside down. 1. Watch the buck Nothing kills the holiday cheer like a mountain of debt. Stick to a budget when doing your holiday shopping and
‘Tis the season to shop until you drop – or until you go broke. But you don’t have to overspend. There’s no need to rack up a huge credit card bill or go into debt just to cover your holiday expenses. Enjoy a stress-free season by keeping your spending in check with these six tips:
Q: I’m trying to increase my credit score ahead of applying for a large loan, so I’m considering signing up for Credit Karma to track my score. How accurate are the credit scores it shares? Is there anything I need to be aware of before signing up for this service? A: Credit Karma is a legitimate company;
Money is one of the most sensitive topics couples face. Disagreement over spending and saving habits is one of the most frequent causes of friction in a relationship. Truthful, frank discussion and mutual financial planning can go a long way to resolve the tension. BUDGET: A DIRTY WORD?Does the mere mention of a budget start
DoverPhila Federal Credit Union is partnering with OhioMeansJobs Tuscarawas County and the United Way of Tuscarawas County, Inc. to host “Master Your Money: Four-Part Series.” “Master Your Money” is a financial workshop that focuses on introducing easy, straightforward methods to help individuals reach their financial goals. The workshop is scheduled for August and September at
It feels like you just packed away the holiday decorations yesterday, but believe it or not, 2019 is already half over. As we sail into the season of barbecues and beaches, take a few minutes to give yourself a mid-year financial checkup. A small investment of time can spur important changes that can affect your
Ohioans may not have a clear grasp of the prevalence of financial exploitation and abuse of elderly adults. According to an Ohio Credit Union League 2019 consumer survey, 67 percent of Ohioans say they’ve never known an elderly person who has been the victim of some kind of elderly abuse. Elder abuse refers to any
Since 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated as an extended weekend away from work and the unofficial start of summer. More recently, Memorial Day has also turned into a second Black Friday for retailers and shoppers. There are loads of sale events in stores and online, and each guarantees to save you heaps of money.
We often look at pictures to remember the past, but what about the future? If you ask your children, they can likely picture a future they would like to live in. Some dream to become doctors and help people, others want to be known for their talents. For children and teenagers, the future brings limitless
If you’re like most Americans, you owe money toward a large loan. Whether that means carrying thousands of dollars in credit card debt, having a hefty mortgage in your name, or making car loan payments each month – loan debt is part of your life. It can all get kind of depressing—but it doesn’t have
You’ve heard it from a million places: Budget your money! Make a firm plan and stick with it. It’s the pathway to prosperity! For many people, though, that advice just doesn’t resonate. They feel constricted by a budget. Keeping cash in separate envelopes makes them feel like they can’t have a life. It takes too much planning and
Ohioans, like most Americans, entered 2019 hoping to better their finances, but many have likely already fallen off track. In an Ohio Credit Union League 2019 consumer survey, 69 percent said their New Year’s resolution was to get on a budget. That statistic isn’t surprising; many Americans looked critically at their financial situations as they
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be great fun – but they can also put you at great risk. Scams abound on the weekend that heralds the holiday shopping season, and you don’t want a phishing scheme or a bogus bargain to turn you into a Grinch. Here are five scams to look out for
Choosing the best credit card for your lifestyle can have a considerable impact on your overall financial health. In an Ohio Credit Union League 2018 consumer survey, 73 percent of respondents stated they use at least one or two credit cards every month. Of those who regularly utilized credit cards, 39 percent carried up to
Between new backpacks, textbooks, a long list of supplies and a fresh autumn wardrobe, most parents are looking at a bill of close to $700 for school-related expenses this season. Be proactive and save big! Read on for our handy list of back-to-school shopping hacks that will help you keep more money in your wallet.
