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Home improvement projects can be sizable undertakings. Whether trying to sell or just looking to spruce things up, the financial commitment can get as steep as the project itself. Have you considered using your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to tackle your next home improvement project? Your HELOC is a revolving loan with an open credit line from which you can make withdrawals. You only pay interest on the funds you borrow, with variable rates typically starting around the prime rate plus 2%. Think of your HELOC as a super-low-interest credit card. HELOC Pros Lower interest rates and...

How to Prepare for the Unexpected (No, Not the Zombie Apocalypse) We can plan as much as we’d like, but life will inevitably throw a wrench (or five) into our plans. Having a safety net to bounce back up after life knocks us down can make a tough situation easier to handle. What if your furnace stopped, your car suddenly broke down or you found yourself with surprising medical bills? Most financial advisors agree that we should have an emergency fund that can withstand three to six months of living expenses. The best way to accomplish this is to develop a rainy-day savings plan. Set a monthly...

Easy Financial Education Exercises For Your Kids Putting your children on the path to making good financial decisions is one of the best ways to set them up for success later in life. It is never too early, or too late, to teach them the value of money and how to save for a rainy day. Below are some suggestions to help get you started. Teach Them to Budget An allowance can be a great first step in showing your kids how to manage money. Practice makes perfect, after all. If they blow their allowance on a new toy and don't have enough left to get ice cream, that can actually a good thing. This...

Simple tips to save money every day Small changes you implement into your daily life can make a big impression on your financial health. If you’re looking for ways to save money every day without committing to a major financial overhaul, consider the following tips. Take a Closer Look Before you start saving, it’s a good idea to get a clear picture of what you’re spending each month. Examine your bills and track everything you’re buying for 30 days, recommends The Balance writer Paula Pant. The month-long review will help you understand your money habits and allow you to set a better budget...

Three Ways to Reduce Risk When Making Online Purchases In these uncertain times, there are lots of fraudsters trying to take advantage of you. One of the areas being targeted is online fraud. Fraudsters are trying to steal your personal information so it’s important you protect yourself. Here are three steps you can take to reduce your risk when purchasing products and services online. Only purchase things from websites that you visit frequently Fraudsters may send you emails or messages telling you to visit a new website for an amazing offer. Often, these offers are too good to be true and...