As a parent, preparing your teen to make smart financial decisions can seem daunting, so start early by opening a joint checking or savings account with your child. With your guidance, this can help teach them to use a debit card responsibly and save money. Having a debit card in your teen’s name can help them learn to spend only what they have. When combined[...]

As you look over the past months, or even years, there are likely many achievements to note when it comes to your finances. Perhaps you pared down your debt, or planned for a big purchase. Maybe you started a savings account or a Certificate of Deposit. If so, congratulations! You’re getting it right! Good money habits are a game-changer. It takes tenacity, commitment and a[...]

When buying a home, there are a number of factors that affect whether or not you get a loan, and what your interest rate will be. The most important factor that affects your interest rate is your credit score. Lenders see your credit score as an indicator of how likely it is that you’ll make your loan payments. Low scores are seen as higher risk.[...]