Start with a manageable savings milestone and build your emergency fund over time. Use three to six months of essential household expenses as a starting point, then adjust the target to fit your household. Keep emergency savings in a separate, federally insured account that is easy to access.
Read MoreYou know how it goes. You tell yourself this is the month you're finally going to save more. Then life happens the way it always does: the mortgage, utilities, groceries, a dinner out here and there, the everyday little purchases that never feel like a big deal in the moment.
Then the end of the month rolls around, and you look at what's left.
The problem with saving whatever is left is that "whatever's left" can look wildly different from one month to the next. A good month might leave you $500 to save. A rough one might leave $100 — or nothing at all.
One of the simplest ways to build better financial habits is to flip the order: save first, spend what's left. Automate the whole thing, and you stop having to make that decision every single month.
Read MoreFinancial “upsets” rarely materialize out of thin air. They come from expenses we knew were coming, just not exactly when, how much, or all at once — tax bills, spring break trips, and that strange noise the car’s been making.
Spring is the perfect time to regroup, zoom out, and make sure your financial plan can handle the busy months ahead.
Read MoreYou're scrolling through Instagram at 2 AM, and suddenly you're hit with wanderlust so strong you could book a flight to Italy right now. Your finger hovers over that "Book Now" button, and you think, "I work hard, I deserve this."
Hold up there, spontaneous traveler. Before you let your credit card take a vacation it can't afford, let's talk about how smart travelers like you can see the world without your bank account crying tears of regret.
Read MoreWhile New Year’s resolutions are filled with hope and promise, did you know that most are abandoned in the first few weeks?
Research has shown that around 80% of resolutions fail by February! Ditching resolutions is so common that the second Friday in January is known as “Quitter’s Day,” when most people give up on their resolutions.
Why do so many resolutions fail?
Read MoreIt’s a scary thought: common money mistakes can jeopardize your wealth and financial health if left unchecked. But if you can identify and avoid these pitfalls, you can be smart with your money, protect your financial well-being, and work toward building a healthy and secure financial future.
Read MoreA personal emergency fund can act as a savings buffer and help you face the unexpected without taking a significant financial hit. “Saving for a rainy day” and having emergency savings can give you peace of mind and offer financial security through uncertain times.
Just as unforeseen events can disrupt your personal finances, your business can also face unpredictable challenges that threaten its financial stability. It’s crucial to have an emergency fund for your business to help provide a layer of financial security — expecting the unexpected and being financially prepared can help your business survive any challenges that come your way.
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