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Budgeting and Personal Finance Blog

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We know it's only October, and for many of us, the Holiday Season is the furthest thing from our minds. But when you look at the calendar, the holiday season is only a few paychecks away. Planning ahead will help you avoid overspending and the need to use your credit cards or Buy Now Pay Later services to pay for items you can't afford.
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Many parents hesitate to teach their kids about financial literacy because they feel their own lack of financial savvy makes them unqualified. However, we couldn't disagree more. Teaching your kids financial literacy can be a fantastic learning opportunity for you as well.
hundred dollar bills and 1040EZ
6/14/23

What First Time Home Buyers Should Consider

If you're thinking about buying your first home, you might be weighing the pros and cons of buying versus renting. We know that purchasing your first home is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming process. It can be hard to know when is the right time to buy, but here are some factors to consider when you're thinking about buying for the first time.

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Sometimes, life can feel like it's passing us by so quickly that it's easy to get caught up in the present that we forget to plan for the future.
Woman in home looking at tablet while sitting on bench
2/20/2024

Is Buy Now Pay Later Right For You?

In the last five years, buy now, pay later services have exploded in popularity. As a consumer, you may be asking yourself how these buy now, pay later services work. Let's break down the pros and cons of these services. 
hundred dollar bills and 1040EZ
11/16/2023

Mastering the Envelope Budgeting Method

When it's so easy to swipe, tap, or click with your card, it's very easy to overspend your budget. If you're looking for a more tangible, visual way to manage your budget, the envelope method is the way to get started.
hundred dollar bills and 1040EZ
10/19/2023

How to Budget with the 50/30/20 Method

The 50/30/20 method allows your budget to relax a little bit and outline three broad spending categories for your budget, rather than allocating every single penny toward a specific category.
hundred dollar bills and 1040EZ
9/22/2023

Budgeting 101: How to Zero Budget

Budgeting is an essential skill and tool for your financial well-being. It helps you track your expenses, save money, and reach your goals. Zero based budgeting is the most classic form of how to make a budget. 
hundred dollar bills and 1040EZ
3/20/23

Spend Your Refund Wisely

When your refund hits your bank account, do you have a plan for it? When receiving any sum of unexpected cash, we always suggest outlining some sort of plan for those funds to prevent yourself from going on a spending spree. Your money will serve you a lot better when you make a plan for it.
Couple at kitchen table working on laptop together
Whether you're just starting with your budget or you've been at it a while, creating a budget is a key part of your overall financial well-being. 

There are many seasons of life where we find ourselves setting goals for ourselves, whether we call them that or not. If you're hoping to buy a house, go to school, or are simply inspired by the new year, setting goals to accomplish your financial dreams can help you reach success.
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6/8/22

Tips For Your Vacation Budget

The school year is ending and the weather's warming up, so naturally, a fun summer trip is on all of our minds. Here are some tips to help you set a budget for your vacation.
man and woman with computer looking at paper
12/21/21

New Year, New Budget?

The New Year is quickly approaching. Are you ready for the new year? What goals have you set? Whether you're trying to hit the gym more often, buy a home, or take an incredible vacation. We should all have one goal in common, setting up an effective budget. Visit the link below for some helpful tips!
Couple does their holiday shopping.
11/24/21

Tips To Thrive During The Holiday Season

Do you struggle with overspending during the holidays? Whether you do or not, it never hurts to have a little guidance. Check out the link below for some budget-friendly holiday shopping tips.
Frustrated woman looks at smartphone.
10/29/21

5 Things We Will Never Call and Ask You

There have always been scammers hiding on the other end of the phone or behind a keyboard. Let us help protect you against these scams and countless others by clicking the link below.
Happy woman gets advice from another woman.
10/22/21

What's the best financial advice you've received?

We've all gotten countless amounts of financial advice, whether you liked it or not. We're sure some of it was good, and some wasn't. Click the link below for some tips from our team.
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9/22/21

What's better, a Credit Union or Bank?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between traditional banks and credit unions? Or which one is better? We've got a pretty strong opinion, check it out by visiting the link below
Woman smiling in library while holding book
6/22/21

4 Tips To Help You Save For College

Although summer has just begun, especially this weekend in the Pacific Northwest, it's never too early to start saving for college! Visit the link below for our 4 Tips To Help You Save For College. Have a great summer!
Person walking dog
5/26/21

Side Hustle Summer

How does some extra spending money sound this summer? We've heard of so many great ways to make some extra cash for that vacation, new sunglasses, or maybe even a new boat. Find your next side hustle by visiting the link below! 
Person looking confused while sitting in front of piggy bank
1/6/21

Find Financial Success after the Holidays

How did you do on your holiday budget this year? If you exceeded it, we've got some tips to help you! Visit the link below. 
Woman in holiday rob smiling while purchasing items on laptop
11/23/20

Beat the Holiday Financial Stress

Stressed about your finances this holiday season? You're not the only one. We've got some tips on how to give great gifts while also being financially responsible. Learn how by visiting the link below. 
People gardening with children
8/17/20

A Financially Stable Summer

Summer Vacation is the time that kids are eager to waste no time having fun. On the one hand, you're excited to spend more time with them and not have to worry about projects being due.