​While the financial world is full of acronyms and other terms that can be confusing, it’s important to be well versed. Below is a list of common financial terms that you’ve most likely heard but may not understand their meaning.

​While paying your bills is never fun, paying them online makes it a much easier process. Online bill pay has become much more popular in recent years, mostly due to convenience. While some consumers may be wary of the security risks associated with virtual payments, research has actually shown there is a lower risk of identity theft and other cybercrime using online bill pay rather than sending payments by mail. Plus, there’s the time and money you’ll save over the duration of a year by not writing out checks, filing the paperwork and buying stamps.

​Recent history has shown that natural disasters can strike anywhere, even in places less prone to the major events (hurricanes, wildfires) that typically come to mind.  While we may never know for certain when a natural disaster will strike, you can minimize damage and risk of harm by being prepared. The following tips discuss preparedness for any natural disaster and explore insurance coverage in this unfortunate situation.

​How your credit score is calculated and the impact it can have on your life is a mystery to many. However, credit scores and the ways in which they’re used are actually pretty straightforward. It’s smart to be aware of this information to ensure your credit score remains as high as possible, especially if you plan to make a large purchase in the near future. Below are basic tips and information to give you a better understanding of your credit score.

​April is National Financial Literacy Month. It’s the perfect time to start talking to your kids about financial education and basic money matters. Parents are responsible for setting their children off on the right financial foot. However, research shows that only one-third of parents discuss financial issues with their kids. Additionally, only one out of seven parents believe their children have a solid understanding of financial matters.

​It doesn’t matter what your income is, we all live on a budget. And every person’s budget will change over time. It’s important to realize that living on a budget doesn’t mean deprivation, it means being aware of how and where you spend money—and being realistic about how much money you have to spend. It means making smart decisions more times than not.

​Refinancing your home is a big decision that requires much thought and research, but if done wisely it can lead to substantial savings. When you refinance, you pay off your existing mortgage and create a new one. Questions to consider to determine if this is the right option for you include: Have interest rates fallen since you secured your mortgage? Has your credit score improved? Do you want to switch to a different type or length of mortgage? If you answered yes to any of these, it may be worthwhile to refinance. Below are additional questions to consider and tips to help along the way.

​It’s more important than ever in today’s world to take precautions to protect your personal information and reduce your risk of identity theft. The tips below cover simple offline and online strategies to ensure your confidential information remains safe and secure. Don’t let con artists and thieves take advantage of you—be educated and be prepared.

​As both the holidays and end of year get closer, it always seems that requests for charitable donations increase. Be it the Salvation Army Santa outside of the grocery store or a call from your favorite charity that you give to annually, there is a push for giving in the last few weeks of the year. This is most likely attributed to the fact that we are more inclined to help those less fortunate and causes we care about during the holiday season.

Writing your will isn’t a task anyone looks forward to doing. You’re not only acknowledging your own inevitable demise but actively planning for it. In fact, an AARP survey found that two out of five Americans over the age of 45 don't have a will. However, creating a will is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones.
​
By placing your wishes on paper, you help ensure that your heirs avoid unnecessary hassles and that a life's worth of possessions end up in the right hands. While preparing a will may seem like an overwhelming task, in most cases it is simple and straightforward. Below are tips to help you get started.