Personal Finances

Are your kids ready to go back to school? With local school start dates less than two weeks away, back to school shopping is at the top of many parents’ minds. Below are some helpful tips to get your kids back to class without breaking the bank.

Before hitting the stores or adding items to your online shopping cart, take note of what you already have on hand. Maybe their P.E. shoes from last year still fit. Perhaps they have folders that... Read More

Saving vs. Investing – Part 1

Written by Nathan Woolard

Part One of a three-part series

Saving and investing tend to be used interchangeably.  While both involve putting money aside for future objectives, there are key differences between the two.  Used separately or together, both can be important strategies to build long-term wealth.

The key differences fall into these categories:  product type,... Read More

Renting vs. Owning a Home

Written by Nathan Woolard

Many people see owning their own home as part of the American Dream, but the decision to buy should not be made in haste.  In some situations, renting might be the smarter option.  You can’t simply compare a monthly mortgage payment to a monthly rent payment.  There are many non-financial aspects to consider: 

Which... Read More

The Monthly Costs of Homeownership

Written by Nathan Woolard

When you think about the costs of homeownership, the most obvious consideration tends to be monthly mortgage payments.  However, there are a number of hidden expenses involved in the process that novice buyers might not see coming.  From property taxes to insurance to utilities of all kinds, it’s important to understand the various costs bound to come your way.  Here’s a list of potential... Read More

How to Pay Off Student Loans Faster

Written by Nathan Woolard

The cost of attending college in America has never been higher, and neither has the growing mountain of student debt.  Paying back loans has become an ever-steeper battle and many people are struggling to keep up.  It’s not a fun subject to dwell on, but it is one that merits some increased effort to push through.  The sooner you pay off your student loans, the sooner you’ll be able to... Read More

COVID-19 Credit Card Management Tips

Written by Nathan Woolard

If you or your family are dealing with loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be struggling to make even the minimum payment due on your credit cards.  To make matters worse, you may also find yourself needing to use your credit cards to pay for daily essentials that normally would have been covered by your paycheck.  However, if you require extra aid, some credit card issuers are being more... Read More

Dealing with the Financial Hardships of COVID-19

Written by Nathan Woolard

It’s impossible to downplay the fact that we are living through an unusual and frightening time.  As businesses have closed to protect against the spread of COVID-19, countless employees have been let go and left to deal with ever-mounting financial woes without income to compensate for it.  However, if you or your family are struggling to make ends meet, there are resources available... Read More

Teaching Kids about Money

Written by Nathan Woolard

Children are by nature curious and observant, so remember that you are always teaching them, whether you intend to or not.  You set an example through your actions and your attitude, and the youngsters may absorb more than you expect.  With that in mind, make sure you’re... Read More

Smart Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Check

Written by Nathan Woolard

So, you’re getting a stimulus check and wonder how you should spend it.  While you may be tempted to burn the money on that big screen TV you’ve been wanting or to make reservations for a future vacation, there are a number of wiser decisions to consider:

The CD Ladder: A Safe Way to Grow Your Money

Written by Nathan Woolard

Looking for a safe, long-term savings option that still gives you access to your money at regular intervals?  CD laddering might be right for you.  A CD (certificate of deposit) allows you to deposit funds into an account for a specific amount of time at a fixed rate.  It’s... Read More