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Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives that provide traditional (as well as unique) banking services. The difference between a bank and a credit union is straightforward: credit unions are created, owned, and operated by their accountholders, who are usually referred to as members. Unlike banks, which aim to generate profit for their owner or shareholders,…
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Maximizing the financial benefits of marriage involves strategic planning, shared goals, and open communication about finances. It takes some work from both parties, but the effort can pay off by creating several financial advantages, ranging from tax benefits to improved loan qualifications due to combined incomes. Doing it successfully requires teamwork, patience, and ongoing communication.…
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Teaching kids about money is one of the most important things we can do as parents and family members. Money plays a major role in shaping our lives and how we live them, and teaching kids about spending wisely, the importance of saving, and learning money management skills helps set them up to succeed as…
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The start of spring, with everything starting to bloom, is a good time to discuss green banking. Maybe you’re wondering what exactly green banking means? And what is a green bank? There is a bit of confusion about this, which is understandable given the relative recent introduction of these ideas into the financial services sector.…
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Members often ask, “What is simple interest?” or “What is the difference between simple and compound interest?” Ask that question to an accountant – or a banker – and what often follows are examples of math formulas that most of us will struggle to figure out correctly when left to our own devices – especially…
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What do roughly two-thirds of Americans have in common with rich and famous people, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Kurt Cobain, Pablo Picasso, Stieg Larsson, Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, and Howard Hughes? They don’t have a will. Settling the estates of these people took years—some even took decades—and in the…
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Peace of mind. It is something we all want. If the past few years have taught us anything it’s that circumstances can change quickly, and when they do, it’s good to have a plan. It’s even better to have an emergency fund at your disposal, so you can put that plan into action while you…
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A certificate of deposit (CD) and a share certificate are similar financial products that can safely and securely help you achieve your financial goals. Both offer guaranteed returns with minimal risk (and usually without fees). A certificate works like a savings account but there are crucial differences: Deposits are usually a single lump-sum. Deposits are…
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If you’re feeling the hangover that comes from too much holiday spending, you’re not alone. Estimates say nearly one-third of US consumers spend more than they can comfortably afford during the holiday season, and many of those folks spend the next nine months paying off those debts, only to start the cycle all over again…
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