Money 101

It's no secret that local businesses are the backbone of many communities across the state and the country, as they provide jobs and help to boost the local economy. If shopping locally and supporting...

In an effort to manage debt, many people rely less on credit cards, and use debit cards more frequently to pay for purchases....

It's a new year, and that means a fresh start for your finances! Beginning the year with a clean slate gives you the opportunity to make positive changes to your financial situation. ...

With a new year, comes a new beginning. Maybe you've already started to think about what you want to accomplish next year and have some New Year’s resolutions like implementing a new workout rou...

As 2024 rapidly approaches, it’s only natural to think about waving goodbye to bad habits and starting fresh. A great way to do this is to prepare for the new year with a general review and upda...

With the end of 2023 near, you are probably looking forward to all of the exciting things a new year brings including a fresh start. Most people probably have managing personal finances at the top of ...

New Jersey is well known for its beaches, boardwalks, amusement parks, seaside resort towns, scenic parks, and so much more. Our great state has so much to offer in the summer, and it has just as much...

Estate planning is an important part of financial planning that many people overlook until it’s needed. Two of the most common estate planning tools are known as wills and trusts and they allow ...

As the chillier temperatures hit the Northeast, many of us begin to look forward to creating fond memories of everything that the winter holiday season brings. It becomes easy to echo the sentiments o...

Turning 18 marks a major milestone in life – you’re now legally an adult! And with adulthood comes a host of new opportunities and responsibilities....

Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated every day. With new scams popping up all the time, it's more important than ever to be vigilant and know how to avoid being scammed. Let’s look at...

It’s that time of year again! As beach days and barbeques come to an end, you can devote more time to tackle home maintenance or improvement projects. A well-maintained home increases the value ...

Planning for what happens after you are no longer living is not a topic many people like to think about, but doing so can reduce emotional and financial stress for the loved ones you leave behind. If ...

Whether you're putting money aside for something big like a down payment on a house, you want to ensure you're prepared in the event of an unexpected emergency, or you’re saving to become a mill...

Maintaining a good credit score is essential in order to achieve financial success and a vital component when financing a home, car, or other major purchase....

We are already more than half way through the year – crazy, right? Your mind is probably already in summer mode – planning trips to the beach, relaxing with friends, and maybe even a bit o...

Congratulations recent college graduates – caps off to you. Here's to your next adventure!...

Summer is the perfect time to start planning some road trips. If you’re a beach lover, there are a myriad of options to dig your toes in the sand, but there’s also a rich choice of other d...

Being proactive is one of the most important things you can do to achieve solid financial health. It’s essential to take the time to manage and understand your money as it provides the most comp...

As the local landscape slowly becomes brighter and more colorful, we’re reminded of just how delicate our world really is. When it comes to caring for our planet – our home – simple ...

It's spring, the season of optimism! Longer days and lighter evenings mark this season of change. Bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming, and our moods are boosted....

Believe it or not, April is right around the corner, which means tax season is upon us again!...

Credit makes the world go round. Today, establishing, building, and maintaining good credit is essential for your financial health....

As another year comes to an end, we have a lot to reflect on as we move forward. As we turn the corner on all of the challenges this year may have presented, we can take what we have learned from the ...

Conversations around side hustles, side jobs, and side gigs have increased over recent years since the introduction of ride-sharing, online food delivery services, and countless DIY ideas....

As 2024 rapidly approaches, it’s a great time to assess your current financial situation and review your overall financial goals. Did you meet the benchmarks you set for yourself this year?...

For many people, this year has been quite a roller coaster ride. With the global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and rise in unemployment, you may have been met with unprecedented uncertainty about yo...

If you have a life insurance policy, you most likely selected the policy for peace of mind – to know you're providing long-lasting protection for your family and loved ones....

A Health Savings Account, also known as an HSA, is like a personal savings account except the funds can only be used for medical expenses. Individuals with a high-deductible health plan can benefit fr...

Making a healthy lunch can take a decent amount of planning and preparing. Doing so for yourself in addition to the whole family may seem like a hassle. Choosing what foods to throw in your grocery ca...

Many of our loved ones, including parents and grandparents, have worked their whole lives to ensure their families are happy, healthy, and well-provided-for. As they age, the roles often reverse, and ...

Expecting a new addition to your family in the upcoming months? In addition to the various emotions that you may be feeling, you may also be hearing that now is the best time to organize your finances...

Whether you recently graduated or you’re graduating soon, you’re at the height of starting an exciting new chapter of your life – your career! It can be an overwhelming thought at fi...

Managing your finances isn’t always simple, and a divorce can make it much more complex. It’s no secret that divorce is heartbreaking – it’s an emotional and stressful time for...

Tax Day 2022 in the United States is just weeks away and this year falls on April 18th - a few days later than normal due to Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C.  The IRS began accepting income t...

Today’s world runs on credit and to achieve most financial milestones, having good credit is essential for financial success....

Before you know it, the most magical time of the year and the season to be jolly will be approaching! Although the holidays mean different things to different people, they are generally a time for att...

Summer vacation is a magical time of year no matter what age you are and is especially so for many students. It's a chance to take a break from homework and studying, and spend a little time relaxing ...

While it's absolutely true that insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use, it's a necessary commodity and a critical way to protect yourself in the event that the unexpected happ...

Can you feel it? Summer is so close! The living is easy and school is out of session – it’s the time of year when most people hit the road and go on a trip....

Generation Zers, otherwise known as those born between 1995 and 2010, are nothing if not fiercely independent. They're competitive, self-service digital natives who want to take their destiny into the...

It may seem like each time you make a purchase in a store the associate asks if you’ve heard about the plethora of benefits that come with having a store credit card... all wrapped up with a pro...

Having a good credit score is important, especially when you are trying to buy a house, rent an apartment, or lease a new car. These big life purchases may not be possible without an above average cre...

It's all too easy to get stuck in a rut while working remotely. And, working from home everyday can lead to the day feeling long and monotonous. One of the biggest struggles is trying to find a way to...

Debt. A word that can quickly stir up negative feelings and anxiety for some people, yet others see it as an opportunity to reach their goals....

Teaching children the value of a dollar is a lesson that can be taught every day, and there is no better time to get started than when you are reviewing your own holiday budget and savings plan....

The holiday season has always been an opportunity for families, friends and loved ones to connect and spend meaningful time with one another. A holiday gathering is more than just another meal....

In the most traditional sense, saving money usually means spending less. However, there are exceptions if what you buy will result in future savings....

For students and parents, the college journey can be an emotional roller coaster ride! Excitement, uncertainty, pride, happiness and anxiety are just some emotions that may be encountered. There will ...

Shifting gears from managing your money alone to handling it as a couple can be a challenge for some new pairs. Your joint financial success will depend on how much each person views money, whether yo...

Due to the pandemic, many of us had to cancel vacations, weddings, graduations and other important life events. That’s definitely been difficult, but now that most stay-at-home orders are lifted...

Moving into a place of your own is a major life milestone that brings newfound freedom and independence. Undoubtedly, this new level of responsibility comes with a price, but by planning ahead before ...

In the first waves of the global pandemic, many workplaces and employees were pushed to rapidly find ways to work remotely. People are now working from home in numbers never before experienced and mor...

As a homeowner, you know that allocating dollars to the continued upkeep of your property is necessary to maintain its value over the long-term. On the other hand, the enhancements, upgrades or renova...

The Economic Impact Payment (EIP) checks are making their way to eligible taxpayers and will continue to be issued in waves over the coming weeks. The one-time EIP check is meant to ease the financial...

The current worldwide health and economic situation is testing our resilience to withstand a significant adverse event. And, among the many lessons we will learn from this historical moment will be th...

With schools closed, employees of many non-essential workplaces going remote and social distancing orders in place, it’s been a challenge to keep everyone happy and occupied while stuck at home....

Telling you not to panic is not a solution! This is not a case of fear related to a sudden episode with no apparent cause— the coronavirus pandemic is real and thousands of people...

Wash your hands, social distance, no handshakes: all great reminders to help reduce the spread of a global virus. But, what else can be done to prepare for a pandemic or any large scale emergency that...

Whether you’re continuing efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle or embarking on a new wellness journey, don’t let the financial component keep you from reaching your goals. A healthier a...

Given the choice, some people say they would rather visit the dentist than file their taxes. Filing taxes can be a bit daunting, but the good news is that there are fewer changes this year than last. ...

Take some time to ensure your financial habits are in tip-top shape. Here are five tasks worth adding to your spring cleaning to-do list....

The New Year brings fresh opportunities to develop better habits and achieve better financial health. Read our top tips to set yourself up for success in 2020....

The start of a new year often offers a clean slate to set some goals and there is no better time to add improving your credit score to the list. The goal is to ensure your credit score is favorable an...

The holiday season is here and that may mean a holiday bonus or cash gift for some of us. While it may be tempting to spend it quickly and maybe even frivolously, take a step back to consider some of ...

Where do your dollars go once they are spent? Well, that might be a loaded question – but it’s important to know that the choices made as a consumer do matter. Your dollars may have a long...

From crawling to driving a car, and much more in-between - it's a privilege to share the knowledge that helps shape a young mind. Although life lessons will look a lot different when children have gro...

It’s no secret the holiday season makes big money for retailers and their marketing push to consumers can leave wallets feeling a lot lighter. In anticipation of higher-than-average spending ove...

Oh, sweet summertime! While summer is a perfect time to unwind, seek adventure and make memories, it might not be so easy on your budget. You probably did a great job budgeting for your vacation, but ...

Unfortunately, the lazy days of summer are slowly coming to an end. Sleeping late, lounging around the house, sitting by the pool and impromptu play dates will soon be a fond memory....

When the time comes to shop for a new vehicle, you will have a fair share of options to consider each step of the way. Aside from the fancy features and safety ratings, it is ultimately about getting ...

Long before vows are spoken and rings are exchanged comes the not-so-romantic task of creating a wedding budget with your soon-to-be spouse. With the average cost of a wedding totaling around $30,000,...

If you’ve ever shopped in the baby aisle, you know just how easy it is to let miniature-sized items fill your cart and get the best of your budget. It’s no secret that raising a baby is ex...

Maintaining a home is an ongoing investment, however all your effort to keep it in tip-top shape can pay dividends over time. Making even small improvements can add value to your home while helping yo...

Life happens, junk accumulates, and storage becomes a free-for-all. When extra clutter becomes overwhelming, it’s time to manage your mess by rethinking your home organization strategy. Follow t...

Check engine lights turn on, last minute trips come up, company layoffs occur, and unanticipated medical bills add up. Life happens, and sometimes that means unexpected expenses. When there isn’...

You can live a healthier lifestyle without busting your budget. Whether you want to lead a more active life or need to make a serious change for your overall well-being, committing to be healthier doe...

‘Tis the season to file your tax return, and maybe even receive some money back. When extra cash comes your way, it can be easy to use it to treat yourself. But what if those dollars could be us...

Whether you plan to make some New Year’s resolutions or not, there’s no better time than the beginning of the year to review your finances. Here are three tips to make sure you have your f...

The first step toward achieving healthy finances is setting goals. Whether you want to save for a vacation or are thinking more long-term—like buying a house--having goals in mind will help you ...

Did you know more than half of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings account?* It’s never too late to start practicing money-saving habits, but thinking of ways to get going can be in...

Cool nights. Beautiful foliage. The return of football and pumpkin lattes. Fall is a great time to be outdoors and the perfect season to make improvements to one of your greatest assets--your home!...

Having a good credit score is important, especially when you are trying to buy a house, rent an apartment, or lease a new car. These big life purchases may not be possible without an above average cre...

The bad news: College tuition is continuing to rise faster than inflation and family income, causing student debt to be a major problem for many new graduates. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of...

Thinking about building your savings may seem overwhelming, especially when you just paid for your car insurance, student loans and rent. Taking more money out of your paycheck, even if it’s to ...

It’s not something you think about every day, but are you protecting some of your most valuable objects and possessions? From jewelry to original important documents, protecting these types of i...

The holiday season is here and it’s your turn to host the annual celebration. Hosting can be stressful, but it’s important to remember you don’t have to blow your budget to put on a ...

With all of the news surrounding the recent Equifax breach, you might be wondering if you should freeze your credit. Freezing your credit limits who can see your credit report information, a...

When used responsibly, credit cards can help boost your credit score and earn awards such as airline miles, reward points or cash back. When credit cards are not used properly, debt can pile up quickl...

According to a new survey conducted for GOBankingRates, 49 percent of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck. And many report having no money set aside to deal with an unexpected expense such as...

Whether you just graduated college, purchased a new car or maybe bought your first home, chances are you have debt. As millennials work to navigate through the financial ups and downs of independent l...

If you recently tied the knot or are getting married soon, it’s time to start talking to your significant other about money and budgeting. Couples often have different spending and savings habit...

Kids can ask some challenging questions when it comes to money and finances. Although these questions might be uncomfortable, your child’s curiosity opens the door for a discussion that can set ...

The College Board estimated that the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2016–2017 school year was $33,480 at private colleges and $24,930 for out-of-state residents attending public univer...

Teaching your children about money is one of the best ways to prepare them for adulthood. Eventually, they’ll need to understand how to balance a budget and use credit cards responsibly while th...

As you celebrate finishing your college education and look to begin your career, it’s important to get started with a strategy to pay down any student loans you may have used to fund your educat...

The holiday season is filled with parties and gift giving, making it very easy to lose track of your spending. It’s important to manage your budget during and after the holidays to avoid comprom...

Have a student starting senior year of high school? Then you probably know about the daily emails they get from colleges encouraging them to apply. This is certainly an exciting time, but often a stre...

Credit cards are about convenience, especially when you want to rent a hotel room or car, or buy anything online. They are also an important credit-building tool. But getting your first credit card ca...

Can too many inquiries into your credit report lower your credit score, and in turn affect your ability to get a loan? The short answer is: possibly. If you’ve applied for several credit cards w...