If you need some extra cash, you may know where to go (to us, of course!), but you may not know what your best option is. Do you take out a personal loan? Apply for a credit card? Or do you need a FlexLine of Credit? We’ll explain these options and talk about the pros and cons that come with each one. Personal Loans A personal loan gives you the cash you need in one lump sum. You lock in your rate and the length of the loan, so there will be no surprises when it comes to paying it…

No one wants to be in a situation where they need a payday loan. These loans are short-term with extraordinarily high interest rates, but have been gaining popularity over the last decade. Unfortunately, so have the scams. Payday loans should NOT involve up-front fees or recurring fees. These are both signs of a scam. We’d like to take some time to share a real-life story and what you can do to protect yourself. Kevin’s Story ABC News posted a payday loan scam story from Kevin Whitney. Kevin needed a payday loan and the company he found asked for a $195…

You may have heard or read about a recent change in money market funds. As an individual, it’s not likely to have an impact on you. However, the changes are substantial for organizations and it helps to understand what’s happening. What Happened? On July 24, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) put the following into effect: Institutional money market mutual funds will have floating share prices instead of the stable $1 share price that has been present. Retail funds (for individuals) and government funds will maintain the $1 share price. If the fund’s liquidity drops below 30% of total…

A survey from Zulily found that 52% of parents feel that back-to-school shopping is the most stressful part of the season. In fact, it’s worse than getting kids ready in the morning, homework and teachers. It’s not that surprising given that the National Retail Federation reports that the average family spent $634.78 on back-to-school gear in 2013. It’s almost like a second holiday season. Careful planning and preparation can make this time easier on you.  We’ve put together some tips to help you out. What Do You Already Have? Now’s the time to take stock. What was leftover from last…

Credit cards are often associated with debt. CreditCards.com reports that the average American household with at least one credit card carries nearly $15,950 in credit card debt. Credit cards don’t have to be a negative part of your life, though. Used responsibly, they can be beneficial and some offer many perks. Credit Card Rewards You’re probably aware of the concept of credit card rewards. You earn points for your purchases and can redeem these points. The rewards aren’t little either; you can use points for: travel, television, 3D Blu-ray players, kitchen appliances, movie tickets and so much more. The World…