Personal Finances

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... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

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... Read More

Smart Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Check

Written by Nathan Woolard

So, you’re getting a stimulus check and wonder how you should spend it.  While you may be tempted to burn the money on that big screen TV you’ve been wanting or to make reservations for a future vacation, there are a number of wiser decisions to consider:

The CD Ladder: A Safe Way to Grow Your Money

Written by Nathan Woolard

Looking for a safe, long-term savings option that still gives you access to your money at regular intervals?  CD laddering might be right for you.  A CD (certificate of deposit) allows you to deposit funds into an account for a specific amount of time at a fixed rate.  It’s... Read More

How Much Can I Afford to Spend on Housing?

Written by Nathan Woolard

There’s a lot of excitement involved in buying a new home and it can certainly be fun to look around at options that fulfill your more extravagant dreams.  However, when getting caught up in the thrill of your fantasies, you might forget to ask yourself the most... Read More

Budgeting for the New Year

Written by Nathan Woolard

When it comes to mapping out your personal finances, the most important rule is simply that you need a budget.  There are many factors to consider when establishing your spending limits, and it can be difficult to decide where to begin.  No need to worry!  Just follow these tips to get your budget rolling:

·         Track your... Read More

Written by Nathan Woolard

The holiday season is a time to rejoice and celebrate with loved ones, but it can also put a huge strain on an unprepared wallet.  We’ve all suffered our share of cringeworthy “overspend” moments and paid the price for them in more ways than one.  After a long year of watching your spending, the temptation to splurge can be overwhelming, especially in... Read More