As 2020 draws to a close, do you know where you stand financially? Taking the time to create or review a financial plan can help you prepare for a better new year.
Here are some simple tips to help you get there.
finances
Ask the Financial Counselor: Navigating Money Setbacks
By Susana Raya
Susan is a financial expert with GreenPath Financial Wellness, the national nonprofit organization that provides financial counseling, education and products to empower people to lead financially healthy lives. Through their work with GreenPath, Susana has helped people with debt and credit management, homeownership education, and foreclosure prevention.
As the pandemic continues, many Americans are trying to figure out how to juggle expenses, get the most mileage out of unemployment, and keep current with housing and other essentials. And while financial relief programs have helped, whether they’ll be extended to provide further aid is uncertain. Continue reading
5 Saving Moves for Now and the Future
In uncertain times, it’s not uncommon to let fear get the best of you, especially when it comes to making decisions about your finances. Having smart savings strategies in place can help protect your long-term security and weather life’s temporary ups and downs. Here are five saving moves to help you make the most of your money.
3 Ways to Talk to Your Kids About Money
A Quick Tip From Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
In an ideal world, we would all grow up in households where we would learn about finances and money management. In the real world, however, that rarely happens.
3 Tips to Help Mom and Dad With Their Finances
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
As people age, it’s not uncommon for them to require assistance doing routine tasks they once handled with ease—and that includes financial matters. But when your parents get older, they may not want to burden you by asking for financial help. Even if they become forgetful, your senior citizen parent may resist having you (or someone else) fully take over their financial affairs.
How to Turbocharge Your Savings (Even on a Modest Salary)
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
“I can’t afford to save because I have too many bills!”
“Saving money is too hard because I don’t earn a lot of money to begin with.”
“I can never save consistently because something unexpected always comes up.”
Have you ever said or thought something like one of the expressions above?
Managing a Loved One’s Finances After Death
Apart from the pain of a family member or close friend’s passing, settling their financial matters can be time-consuming and difficult. 
You may have to comb through paperwork from bank accounts to life insurance policies. Although not exhaustive, these steps can ease the process of sorting through the deceased’s finances. Continue reading
e are some tips to create lasting security at any age.9 Ways to Master Your Money
Set Specific Goals
Saving tends to be easier when you have a certain purpose in mind: Saving for your first house, retirement at a certain age, a child’s college education, or even a trip around the world. The important thing is to be specific.
Financial Moves for a Great Vacation
No matter where the road may take you, there are ways to plan smart, save money and keep your finances secure while you’re away. Here are some tips to make your future journeys more enjoyable.
Travel Planning: DIY or Travel Agent?
Thanks to the Internet, many consumers have become well-versed in online vacation shopping to snag the best travel deals. However, sometimes you may want to consider using the services of a travel agent, which can be a real time-saver, and in general, costs about the same as a do-it-yourself booking. Getting that expertise may be worth it when you have specific travel dates and destinations in mind for a special getaway, and you can sometimes save a lot on airline and hotel costs. And don’t forget the travel benefits that may come with your credit card. For instance, SchoolsFirst FCU MasterCard® Rewards Card1 offers both the MasterCard Concierge Service, designed to help you plan and book travel, and Priceless Cities, which offer one-of-a-kind deals on hotels, restaurants and shopping. Both are free.