Banks and credit unions offer many similar financial products and services. But if you’re looking for the best financial institution to open a new checking or savings account, take out a loan or open a new credit card, there are some key differences between banks and credit unions that you should know. Here’s how to help decide whether a bank or credit union is better for you. Credit Unions vs. Banks The biggest difference between banks and...

FHA loans can help you buy a home when you have low-to-moderate income, a lower credit score or limited funds for a down payment. Compared to other loan types, FHA loans have more lenient requirements that allow first-time homebuyers and less qualified borrowers to attain homeownership more easily. In this blog, we discuss how an FHA loan works and how to know if it’s right for you. What is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan? FHA loans...

What Is a Finance Charge? Finance charges refer to the costs associated with borrowing money or obtaining credit from a lender. It is the fee or interest that a borrower pays for the use of the lender’s funds or the extension of credit. The charges can vary depending on the type of loan or credit arrangement and the terms agreed upon between the lender and borrower. They are typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount or credit...

Getting a new credit card can be exciting, but it’s important not to get carried away. Having too many credit cards can lead to things like multiple card inquiries and falling into debt, which can directly impact your credit score. This is why you need to find the right balance to help you manage your credit wisely to avoid these potential risks. In this article, we explore factors you should consider when determining how often to apply for a...

Credit cards can be a useful financial tool, making it easy to make purchases and help your credit. But, what happens if you don't use your credit card for a long time? In this blog, we explore what can happen if you don’t use your credit card and provide tips to help keep your account active and in good standing. We also discuss how neglecting your credit card can negatively impact your credit score, lead to fees and penalties, and even result...

Cash stuffing is a new trend that is quickly gaining popularity. It is a simple and effective way to save and budget your money. And it can help you to stay on track with your financial goals. What is Cash Stuffing? Cash stuffing is a budgeting method where you physically take cash out of your bank account each month and divide it  into envelopes with each  labeled for a different expense. For example, you might have an envelope for rent, one...

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of "soft saving." This refers to a less restrictive and more flexible method of saving money than traditional methods, such as setting up a savings account or investing in stocks or bonds. There are several reasons why soft saving has become so popular. One reason is that it is more accessible than traditional methods. With soft savings, you can save money without making a large initial savings...