Author: Joel Hilton

Setting a sale price for your vehicle is like fishing. If it's too high, you won't get any bites from prospective buyers. If what you're asking is too low, you won't get the full value of your investment. Here's some advice for when you put your car, truck or SUV on the market. Assess the Value It's important to check how much it's worth online, because you can bet those thinking about taking it off your hands will do the same. Valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book® use an extensive database to evaluate factors such as recent vehicle transactions in…

Horror films aren't just good for scares, they can also teach valuable financial lessons. Here are eight pieces of wisdom you can take from iconic Halloween movies. A Nightmare on Elm Street The Story: Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) stalks the dreams of Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) and other teenagers in a quiet suburban town. The Lesson: Dreaming is fun & healthy, but you need to keep your feet grounded in reality—otherwise you could get hurt. Develop a sense for what you can and can't afford. Don't buy what isn't necessary or max out your credit on impulse items (like cool…

It was a dark and stormy night. A young woman approached the ATM aside a dimly lit sidewalk to withdraw some cash. As she neared the machine, she heard a faint rustling behind a bush. She squinted her eyes and peered through the leaves, where she thought she could make out a large, dark shadow. She felt uneasy, so she walked back to her car and drove to another ATM with better lighting, making a transaction there without a problem. If you want to avoid potentially scary situations at ATMs, here are some tips stay safe. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN…

You can refinance just about any loan, but doing so with a mortgage requires careful consideration. After all, paying off your existing home loan and replacing it could save you thousands. On the other hand, it could lead to foreclosure. Here are some reasons why people make this choice, along their related pros and cons. Lower rates & better terms The most common thinking behind refinancing is to get lower interest rates. However, if it's only a marginal decrease, it's likely not worth the switch. There are several expenses that go along with the process, including appraisals, processing, and application…

Checking Pinterest & Instagram is a great way to find fun ideas for kids' birthday parties, but it's easy to be overwhelmed when you see how much other people are spending. There's no need to take out a loan for your next bash, however. Here are ten tips on how to save while celebrating. Themes - Decide with your child what kind of party is ideal. Picking a theme helps keep you focused on what you need to buy. Find inexpensive treats, decorations, games and party favors that fit. A little creativity can go a long way and make the…

When it comes to banking, the two most common accounts are checking & savings. Some think they're interchangeable, but understanding the differences can help you earn more and ensure funds are available when you need them most. Regarding Spending Savings is the basic building block for financial well-being. As the name suggests, it's a safe place to store your money for a rainy day. Most credit unions, including America First, require a savings account for membership. Because these are funds that should be set aside for later, accessing the account isn't as easy as swiping a card at a gas…

For boat owners, one of the year's saddest days is their last on the water. Proper winterizing, however, can prevent further gloom when the season finally rolls around again. Many watercrafts suffer unnecessary and costly winter damage due to neglectful storage. We can help you protect your nautical investment and save you money with the advice below. Inspect the exterior Once your boat is on land, scrub the hull with soap & water, then scrape off any barnacles or plant life. Keep an eye out for any stress cracks or blisters in the body and repair them. If your hull…

Some people have never gone on a cruise because they think it's too expensive. However, when you consider that the room, the food, and the entertainment are all included with the price of your ticket, the cost is comparable to other vacations. If you want to save some additional money on your nautical voyage, here are some tips. Right place, right time Cruises range from luxury liners to economy trips—and the cost can vary even more depending on the time of year. Decide where and when you'd like to travel, then look for the cruise line that will give you…

Swipe, dip, tap, insert. It can be confusing when you approach the check-out counter, but contactless payments are now a popular way to transmit funds. And if you think making purchases with your phone is something for a far-off future, the ability is probably in your hands right now. The technology behind it To understand how this process works, you first must be familiar with radio-frequency identification, or RFID. This technology uses a memory chip to store data and an antenna to send information to a reader when they are in close proximity. Examples include security tags on clothing in…

Just because breakfast is the most important meal of the day doesn't mean it also needs to be the most expensive. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a horde of children, here are some ways to save some money every morning. Make a Menu Grabbing whatever you can find as you're rushing out the door is not only unhealthy, it can cost you. Create a weekly menu so you're not buying too much at the grocery store. Identify where you can utilize an ingredient in multiple meals, like spinach for a dinner salad as well as your morning smoothie.…