EDUCATION CENTER

Homeownership
Understanding a Deed of Trust

A deed of trust, also known as a trust deed, is a legal document sometimes used in place of a mortgage when purchasing real estate with borrowed or ...

Homeownership
Getting the Lowest Mortgage Rate

Mortgage rates have surged in recent years, making affordability a challenge for homebuyers ...

Homeownership
Key Mortgage Terms

Choosing to buy a home is a straightforward decision, but navigating the home loan process can be intricate, with many mortgage terms that might be new to you ...

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
Canceling a Credit Card

Canceling a credit card can make sense when the card ...

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 ...

Money Management
Prioritizing Expenses During High Inflation

Inflation makes your money feel like it doesn't go as far as it used to—and for good reason. That is because your purchasing power declines as prices rise for necessities like ...

Money Management
Tracking Subscriptions: How to Help You Cancel and Save

Subscription services continue to rise in popularity, offering recurring access to everything from streaming content to meal kits. These services deliver ...

Money Management
Understanding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. They allow individuals to invest in real estate assets without ...

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 ...