By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
As the New Year unfolds, you may be ready to make some fresh money resolutions to get your financial house in order. Whether you want to save more money in 2019, get your budget on track, or improve your credit score, now is a great time to set some clear goals and start creating a stronger economic future.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
We’ve all been given financial advice tips, but how do you focus on the ones that can really make a difference? Here are some simple money rules of thumb—or guidelines—to consider.
Should you buy, or rent? Pay off debt, or build an emergency fund? The trouble with money questions is the answer usually is, “It depends.” Because personal finance is more personal than finance. Here are three techniques for making good decisions.
Off to school? The first time away from home is an exciting time, but it’s also the first time you’ll be living on your own. Doing a little homework before you go can help make the transition to college life much easier. If you’re a student or the parents of one, here are some tips to help with managing finances, protecting personal belongings and guarding against identity theft.
e are some tips to create lasting security at any age.