Financial Literacy Blog

A credit report is one of the most important financial documents you can access as a consumer. It is a detailed record of your borrowing history, your open and closed accounts, your available credit and how much you use it, your history of on-time payments, and sometimes other account history. Lenders and other institutions use it to determine your credit score, and understanding your credit report can help you make informed financial decisions without feeling confused or lost.

Have you ever heard that nothing says romance like a budget? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice Valentine’s Day with your special someone, even while watching your spending! If you’re looking for ways to make Valentine’s Day special without breaking the bank, there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable without making it less special.

While the holiday season is a time of joy and excitement, it can also be busy and overwhelming. If the busyness of the season has caught up to you and you haven’t had time to get all of your shopping done, that doesn’t mean you have to bust your budget on last-minute gifts. There are plenty of simple ways to track your spending and save money this holiday season.

If you're planning to go to college or technical school next school year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-2027 year will have some important updates. Knowing the changes before starting your application can help you apply correctly, maximize your aid, and avoid surprises.

A staycation is when individuals or families stay home and participate in leisure or vacation activities within driving distance, but often sleep in their own beds at night. This can even include trips spent away from home for the night but are still relatively close. Most people usually choose things that can be done in a day trip to save the cost of lodging. With staycations taking less time than a traditional vacation and being more affordable, it has increased in popularity in recent years. Even though a staycation is close to home, it doesn’t mean it’s any less fun than a vacation farther away!

Children absorb information quickly and are naturally curious about the world around them. Teaching children about money early in life can shape their attitudes towards saving, spending and financial responsibility. Research shows that children who receive financial education by the age of seven develop stronger money habits later in life.

Getting out of or reducing debt is a big goal for many people. A LendingTree survey found that 44% of Americans said their top priority for 2025 is reducing debt, and 84% said reducing their debt would make their lives less stressful. While getting out of debt can be difficult or confusing, there are some basic strategies you can follow to set yourself on the right path.

What You Need to Know About Tax Refund Advances

Filing your federal income tax return can seem daunting, but with proper preparation and understanding, the process becomes manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist in making the 2025 tax season simple and stress-free.