Author: Joel Hilton

The concept of cryptocurrency can be fairly confusing to those who are just hearing about it. After all, words like Bitcoin, blockchain and mining sound like they belong in a video game rather than the financial sector. If you've ever wondered what this world is all about, here's a brief introduction. What is cryptocurrency? In the simplest of terms, cryptocurrency, or crypto, is virtual money. It only exists electronically. Bitcoin is the most popular, but there are thousands of others, with names like Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Feathercoin and TRON. Users can't make their own Bitcoins, but anyone with the know-how…

Credit cards may have an iffy reputation, but the truth is that they're beneficial financial tools if you make wise choices. They can boost your credit score, bring some cash back, and generate rewards. Use them carelessly and you'll pay for it—literally. Here are some best practices. Maintain zero balances Treat your credit cards like personal loans to yourself. Don't spend more than you have. Carrying a balance means you're being charged interest, which is money you don't need to spend. Pay in full and on time every month to avoid this cost. If that's not possible, at least submit…

Individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are a way people can save money specifically for when they leave the workforce. The two primary types of retirement accounts are traditional and Roth. Here's a quick rundown of the differences between these options. Traditional With traditional IRAs, you normally won't pay taxes until you withdraw the money. Some or all of your contributions may be tax deductible, depending on your gross adjusted income, and your earnings can also grow in a tax-deferred environment. Any money you put into a traditional IRA will lower your taxable income that year, which could help you qualify…

You should always take care of your wheels—and we're not just talking about the car itself—because it will save you money in several ways. Properly maintained tires get better mileage, so you'll spend less on gas. Regular checks and rotations will help them last longer and prevent blowouts, which could cause costly damage to your vehicle and potential injury. Here are some tips on how to take care of your ride: Monitor the Pressure Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The PSI number on the sidewall is the maximum amount of pressure, and therefore should…

Living on your own is an essential part of growing up, but it comes with a price and independence isn't cheap. If you're thinking of moving out, here are some costs to consider. This isn't intended to scare you, but rather prepare you for the budget realities you'll face. Housing One of the biggest monthly expenses is your rent or mortgage payment. The average one-bedroom apartment in downtown U.S. cities can range from $600 to over $3,500, depending on where you live. Some places also require security deposits, as well as first & last months' rent. Plus, if it's unfurnished,…

While many criminals are online stealing information, thousands are still affected by phone scams every year. Here are some tips to avoid being victimized. Be Skeptical Getting a call from a number you don't recognize naturally raises skepticism. That's good. Treat any unsolicited call as a potential threat. However, some scammers spoof numbers, so the call appears as if it's coming from someone you know or a business you've worked with before. Stay on guard and spot red flags early. Listen Closely There are a few ways to identify phone scams. If the caller repeatedly tells you to trust him…

Freezer meals are becoming an increasingly popular way to save time. But did you know that they can also save you money? If you've ever thought about freezing your meals, here are some way to get the most out of your efforts. What are freezer meals? When we say freezer meals, we're not talking about store-bought TV dinners that heat up in the microwave. These are home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners that you make and store for later. A surprising variety of foods can be frozen to feed your family, including soups, sandwiches and casseroles. You can also freeze partial…

We learned so much from last year's post, so here's another round of financial wisdom from local dads just in time for Father's Day. Tyler Finances can be scary and intimidating if you don’t take the time to acquaint yourself with them. While sitting down each month and setting your budget doesn’t sound fun or enjoyable, it makes a big difference. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become and the more confident you'll be. Understanding your limitations is important, because it allows you to know your financial flexibility. Make a budget each month and push yourself to stick to…

With today's quick ways to pay, such as credit cards & online transfers, writing personal checks is like a lost art. However, on the rare occasion you need to use a paper check, here are some tips on how to do it correctly. Date Being consistent will help identify check fraud, should it ever arise. When it comes to dates, some people put the month first, while others use the day. To avoid confusion, spell out the month in that field. Also, double-check the year during the first few months of the year, when you're still getting used to the…