There are so many things to think about when you’re just married, or about to be, and no one would rate finances as the most exciting of them. In fact, studies show that money (not relatives) is the number one reason couples argue. Those financial arguments are one of the top predictors of divorce. So,…
15 Tricks to Sell Your Home Quickly
Summer is in the air! And aside for the hum of lawnmowers, blooming flowers and the chime of the ice cream truck, summer means the chance at a fresh start in a fresh, new home. If you’re looking to sell your home and start over somewhere else, you likely want to see that sale happen…
Mutual Funds for the Beginner Investor
Are you ready to dip your big toe into the deep sea of investing? Mutual funds might be a great place for you to start. With as little as $1,000 to invest and a broad exposure to different stocks, mutual funds are a safe choice for the beginner investor. When you invest in a mutual…
Protecting Yourself Against Card Cracking Scams
In a recent scam targeting cash-strapped millennials, fraudsters are once again cashing in on people’s naivety and goodwill. Only this time they’re using social media to make it happen. What makes the scam especially cruel is that fraudsters specifically look for victims who are short on funds, such as students with large loans hanging over…
Saving on Home Renovations
Is your kitchen in desperate need of a facelift? Bathrooms haven’t been remodeled since the 80’s? With the short Oregon summer finally here (we’ll see if it stays around!), many homeowners are thinking of making minor and major household improvements. And for most, the cost will be prohibitive: The average kitchen remodel tops $60,000 and a…
Debit Card Safety Tips
“And how are you paying for your purchases today?” It’s a question we have to answer almost every day. Will you be using cash, a credit card or a debit card? It may be instinct for you to pull out any piece of plastic without thinking, but your random card of choice might not be…
How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam
Repairing your credit can be an uphill battle. You’re looking at months of hard work, negotiating with creditors, reworking your budget and identifying the factors that are making your credit score lag. In short, it’s a hassle and it takes lots of time. Those two aspects are what makes credit repair scams so successful. They…
6 Ways to Save on Your Summer Vacation
The ocean is calling – and so is the open road. Your dream vacation awaits! But first, you need to work out the financial details. How are you going to pay for your getaway? How much can you realistically spend? Where is the money for your vacation going to come from? Ideally, a plump vacation…
7 Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the most nefarious crimes out there. Here are seven ways to help protect yourself: 1. Secure Your Hard Copies Every sensitive document should be kept in a locked safe. Credit cards and debit cards should be securely placed in your wallet at all times. When you’re out of the house, make sure…
Get the Most Out of Youth Accounts
Managing money is a foundational life skill. There are so many factors involved and so many open-ended questions at play. How much should you be saving? When is it worth spending more? How do you keep spare change from burning a hole in your pocket? It takes years of discipline and training to perfect this…
