EDUCATION CENTER

Homeownership
Getting the Lowest Mortgage Rate

In the past several years, mortgage rates have risen from record lows to the highest in decades. High rates and high housing prices are a tough combination for potential homebuyers ...

Homeownership
Understanding VA Loans

VA loans are issued by private lenders but guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They are available to active-duty service members, eligible veterans, and ...

Homeownership
What Is a Jumbo Loan?

Jumbo loans, or jumbo mortgages, are designed for financing properties that exceed the loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for conventional mortgages ...

Retirement
The Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) Method

The Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) method is a lifestyle movement designed to help individuals achieve early retirement through disciplined saving ...

Retirement
2024 & 2025 Maximum IRA Contribution Limits

Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are popular tax-deferred, long-term investments that offer financial security during retirement ...

Retirement
2024 & 2025 Maximum 401(k) Contribution Limits

A 401(k) plan is one of the most effective ways to save for retirement. This employer-sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plan allows you to invest a portion of your ...

Family Finances
2025 Child Tax Credits

Child Tax Credits are tax breaks the federal government offers to support U.S. taxpayers with eligible dependent children under 17. These credits aim to reduce ...

Family Finances
What is Financial Therapy?

Money is a sensitive and personal topic for most people, and it can evoke strong emotions and often be a source of stress and anxiety. Struggling to pay bills ...

Family Finances
Avoiding Tax Penalties

Mistakes are common when filing and paying your taxes. In such a case, it's best to know what types of penalties you can incur and how to calculate them ...

Paying for College
The ROI of Education

Committing to higher education, whether through a student loan or directly from your savings to cover tuition, room, and board, represents a significant ...

Paying for College
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Working in government service or for a non-profit organization might qualify you for the public service loan forgiveness program (PSLF). However, to fully qualify ...

Paying for College
Are Online Degrees Worth It?

In the fall of 2018, around 3.26 million students (16.6% of all U.S. higher education students) were enrolled in exclusive online education courses, according to the ...

Credit and Debt
Travel Reward Programs

You can accumulate free travel rewards using your credit card for everyday purchases. It's true! However, it is important to approach travel reward programs ...

Credit and Debt
Fee-Based vs No-Fee Credit Cards

We typically have a natural aversion to additional costs, such as fees. While this approach often proves beneficial, there are circumstances when paying fees may ...

Credit and Debt
Debt Ratios and Debt Loads

Lenders use several factors to determine if they can lend to a person. They are looking at how much risk they take if they lend to someone. The lender's goal is ...

Money Management
The Benefits of Personal Financial Management Tools

An add-on CD is a specific type of certificate of deposit offered by banks and credit unions that allows you to add more money to your account anytime after your initial deposit ...

Money Management
What Is an Add-On CD?

An add-on CD is a specific type of certificate of deposit offered by banks and credit unions that allows you to add more money to your account anytime after your initial deposit ...

Money Management
What Is a Cash Management Account?

Cash management accounts, or CMAs, are cash accounts offered by wealth management, investment, and brokerage companies that provide some of the best features of ...

Workplace Finance
2025 Paycheck Planning

Monitoring the changes in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines is crucial for successful 2025 paycheck planning ...

Workplace Finance
Understanding Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid time off, or PTO is a benefit offered by an employer to allow an employee to take time off from work for holidays, vacation, sick leave, or personal reasons ...

Workplace Finance
Understanding Payroll Taxes

Payroll taxes are taxes that both employees and employers pay based on employees' wages, tips, commissions, and salaries. The employees' portion is deducted from ...

Small Business
Direct Marketing Basics

Direct marketing is still effective. The hype and effectiveness of online contact get the most buzz ...

Small Business
Branding Your Business

An effective branding strategy makes your business stand out in a competitive marketplace. Online, it helps ...

Small Business
Affordable Marketing Strategies for Startups

Although running a startup business can be exciting, there is much strategic planning involved to get customers without ...