Spring has a way of getting us to tidy up our living spaces. Some might be satisfied with traditional cleaning, while others use a home equity line of credit for major renovations. But if you're on a budget and still want to make changes, here’s a list of affordable ways to improve your home. Boost Curb Appeal Add a pop of color to your front door with a bold shade or bright hue, then paint the exterior trim and shutters to match. Modernize your address numbers with a different font, size and color to create personality. Buy a fun new…

We all know reading, writing and arithmetic are three essential building blocks of an education. However, it's also vital to teach your kids financial literacy. Children need to learn how to make informed money decisions to become self-sufficient and contribute to society. Plus, just in case you're hesitant to talk to your kids about money, remember that financial independence will help prevent them from coming back to live with you after they've grown! Promote Active Instruction When children are old enough to say they want something, they're ready to learn about finances. We all form money habits early in life.…

It's easy to purchase a vehicle, but buying a car the sensible way takes a little more effort. Whether you're looking for a new or used auto, at a dealership or from an owner, here are some ideas to make your auto purchase as painless as possible. Set a budget Before you go shopping, figure out exactly how much you can afford. This is the most important part of the process. After all, car payments are a big financial commitment. Consider all your current monthly expenses, including your mortgage, utilities, food, childcare, entertainment, and tuition.  Be realistic and make sure…

Whether you're 16 and just entering the workforce or 66 and can start collecting Social Security, retirement should always be on your mind. Unfortunately, many people don't seriously consider it until later in life. Here are four quick questions you should ask yourself now because retirement is coming later. When should I retire? Just because you could start Social Security at 62, doesn't mean you should retire then. Most people do so between the ages of 61 and 69, but if you apply for benefits before you're 67 -- if you were born after 1960 -- you'll receive a reduced…