As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
Guess what? You’re not the only one with debt. Most people are juggling several different payment responsibilities each month: credit cards, car loans, store charge cards, gas credit cards, personal loans and even student loans.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many different bills, different due dates, and balances that don’t seem to be going down quickly. When you hear the words “debt consolidation,” do you picture someone who’s in financial trouble? Actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Debt consolidation is for everyday people who want a smart, strategic plan to manage their debt.
A debt consolidation loan could not only simplify your monthly bill-paying (less checks to write & less payments to schedule), it may also save you some money! Some of your debts could be rolled into one monthly payment, with a lower rate. If you’re currently paying higher interest rates– especially on credit cards– you could end up with a lower payment each month and pay less interest in the long run. Cha-ching!
| TYPE | MONTHLY PAYMENT | APR | REPAYMENT TERM | PRINCIPAL BALANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car loan | $228.42 | 9% | 24 months | $5,000 |
| Store credit card | $99.30 | 22% | 36 months | $2,600 |
| Gas credit card | $111.62 | 18% | 48 months | $3,800 |
| Credit card | $69.33 | 15% | 36 months | $2,000 |
TOTAL PAYMENTS: $508.67
Total amount of interest paid: $3,510.52
| TYPE | MONTHLY PAYMENT | APR | REPAYMENT TERM | PRINCIPAL BALANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidation loan | $419.85 | 7.74% | 36 months | $13,400 |
Total amount of interest paid: $1,714.60
In this example, the family could lower their monthly bills by $88.82 in the short term, and save $1,795.92 in interest over the life of the debts!