Vacationing on a Budget

Saving vs. Investing – Part 1

Written by Nathan Woolard

Part One of a three-part series

Saving and investing tend to be used interchangeably.  While both involve putting money aside for future objectives, there are key differences between the two.  Used separately or together, both can be important strategies to build long-term wealth.

The key differences fall into these categories:  product type,...
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Renting vs. Owning a Home

Written by Nathan Woolard

Many people see owning their own home as part of the American Dream, but the decision to buy should not be made in haste.  In some situations, renting might be the smarter option.  You can’t simply compare a monthly mortgage payment to a monthly rent payment.  There are many non-financial aspects to consider: 

Which...
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How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud

Written by Nathan Woolard

            Just as your credit cards are susceptible to potential fraud, so too are your debit cards and their associated accounts.  A would-be thief who gets their hands on your debit card number or bank PIN can use that information to take cash straight from your bank account or to make pricey purchases.  Unfortunately, some methods of debit card fraud...
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Written by Nathan Woolard

            The gift giving season is just around the corner, and the thrill of hunting down the perfect presents is sure to kick in full force.  However, if COVID-19 has you doing some or all of your shopping online, take a little extra time to protect yourself.  If you’re not staying on guard, it can be easy to fall into the traps laid by cybercriminals to steal your personal and financial...
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Written by Nathan Woolard

            According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $1.9 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2019.  Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain confidential information via phone call, text, or email.  Criminals will imitate legitimate businesses, including banks, to trick you into giving them personal information.  October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the American...
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The Monthly Costs of Homeownership

Written by Nathan Woolard

When you think about the costs of homeownership, the most obvious consideration tends to be monthly mortgage payments.  However, there are a number of hidden expenses involved in the process that novice buyers might not see coming.  From property taxes to insurance to utilities of all kinds, it’s important to understand the various costs bound to come your way.  Here’s a list of potential...
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How to Pay Off Student Loans Faster

Written by Nathan Woolard

The cost of attending college in America has never been higher, and neither has the growing mountain of student debt.  Paying back loans has become an ever-steeper battle and many people are struggling to keep up.  It’s not a fun subject to dwell on, but it is one that merits some increased effort to push through.  The sooner you pay off your student loans, the sooner you’ll be able to...
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COVID-19 Credit Card Management Tips

Written by Nathan Woolard

If you or your family are dealing with loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be struggling to make even the minimum payment due on your credit cards.  To make matters worse, you may also find yourself needing to use your credit cards to pay for daily essentials that normally would have been covered by your paycheck.  However, if you require extra aid, some credit card issuers are being more...
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Dealing with the Financial Hardships of COVID-19

Written by Nathan Woolard

It’s impossible to downplay the fact that we are living through an unusual and frightening time.  As businesses have closed to protect against the spread of COVID-19, countless employees have been let go and left to deal with ever-mounting financial woes without income to compensate for it.  However, if you or your family are struggling to make ends meet, there are resources available...
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Teaching Kids about Money

Written by Nathan Woolard

Children are by nature curious and observant, so remember that you are always teaching them, whether you intend to or not.  You set an example through your actions and your attitude, and the youngsters may absorb more than you expect.  With that in mind, make sure you’re...
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