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.
By Chris O’Shea
They say money and friends don’t mix, and there’s certainly some truth to that. However, life isn’t always black and white. One day you might find yourself in a situation where you are pondering lending money to a loved one. If that happens, consider the following before going through with the transaction.
If a loved one asks for money, tell them you need time to think about it. You don’t want to lend money under pressure. Telling them you need time gives you the opportunity to either come up with reasons why you’ll do it, or vice versa.
During this “thinking time,” one of the first things you should do is look at your budget. Can you afford to lend this money? What if they never pay you back? Consider all possible outcomes to lending the cash and how those will impact your budget.
Don’t be afraid to say no to the loved one. If lending the money will put you in financial hardship, it’s just not worth it. The loved one might be put off at first, but simply explain why you can’t lend them the money. If they are truly a person who is close to you, they’ll understand.
If you decide to go through with the loan, get everything in writing. As US News suggests, the document should include the date and amount of the loan, payment dates, and any interest rate. Yes, getting your loan in writing might be a bit awkward. But this brief awkwardness will be worth it in the long run. If the details of the transaction are clearly documented, there’s little chance for things to go awry.