Tag: Financially Fit Friday

If you're approaching retirement and find yourself with less cashflow than anticipated, you may want to consider a reverse mortgage. Home equity conversion mortgages have been around since the 80s, but have recently gained popularity as a way for senior citizens to supplement their income. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is essentially the opposite of a traditional home mortgage. Instead of paying principle & interest to a financial institution to gain equity, the bank or credit union gives the homeowner access to their equity without the obligations of a monthly payment. How does it work? A reverse…

Getting friends and family together for a barbecue is a staple of summer. However, trying to feed & entertain large groups can get expensive if you're not careful. Here are some ways to grill up some fun without going broke. Trimming the Bill You don't have to wow guests with fancy Japanese wagyu steaks—simple burgers work just fine. Chicken legs & thighs also have a lot of flavor and are usually less expensive. Additionally, good marinades give cheaper meats tender textures and flavorful character. Even low-priced hot dogs can please a crowd when dressed up with delicious toppings & condiments.…

If you're wanting to go on a senior trip, but you don't have quite enough money for an exotic all-inclusive resort, here are some ways you can save some cash while still celebrating your graduation. Plan it Out Instead of going wherever the summer wind takes you, make a detailed plan of what you would like to do. This will help you create a budget and determine the most affordable vacation option. Additionally, doing research ahead of time will allow you to compare prices and find the best deals—cutting the cost of travel, food and entertainment. Stay with Family If…

Since we enjoyed gathering wisdom imparted by the most important people on earth last year, we decided to do another round. Therefore, in honor of Mother's Day, here is some financial advice & guidance local moms have given or will provide to their kids one day. Renae Watch what you are spending. Don't hamburger-and-French fry your money away. Big spending can happen with lots of little purchases. Know where it's going. Also, save more from each paycheck than you think you need. Some expensive repair or replacement will always come up when you own a home or a car. Aimee…

Han Solo is one of the most iconic characters to come from the Star Wars universe. And while we certainly don't advocate every action of this famous fictional smuggler, here are some financial lessons we can learn from the captain of the Millennium Falcon. Pay Your Debts When we first meet Han in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, he's already in trouble. He has a price on his head because he owes a lot of money to the infamous gangster, Jabba the Hutt. Han is constantly looking over his shoulder, worried that one of Jabba's bounty hunters…

In the Marvel film Avengers: Infinity War, a team of superheroes must try to stop the evil Thanos from finding and collecting the six infinity stones: space, mind, reality, power, time & soul. Each of these gems has a special power that gives the holder certain gifts. And if all the gems are combined on the Infinity Gauntlet, the wearer will be virtually unstoppable. Therefore, in the spirit of comic book lore, here are six financial gems you can wield to gain ultimate power over your money. Space In the comics, the Space stone allows the user to teleport themselves…

If your credit card is stolen, don’t go into a panic. It's normal to feel angry or vulnerable, but keeping a level head and acting quickly will lessen potential financial injury. In fact, America First members have zero fraud liability if you quickly let us know about the situation. Here's what to do if your credit card is missing. See if you can find it First, determine if you’re the victim of theft or you just misplaced your card. Retrace your steps and think of the last place you used it. Log in to your account and look at recent…

If you're expecting a tax refund, it may be tempting to blow it all on hats or a gold-plated gadget, but there is a better use. After all, this isn't a bonus from your company; it's your money that the government borrowed and they're giving it back to you. Using these funds wisely can alleviate stress and increase your sense of well-being. Here are five smart ways to make the most of your refund. Invest This isn't limited to stocks & bonds, although it's not a bad idea to enter the market. Investing in certificate accounts is a safe way…

No matter what your plans are, when you move it will always come with a price. If you do it yourself, it's going to cost a lot more time. When you hire professionals, it means spending more money. It's important to determine what’s of value to you. Regardless of the method you choose, here are some ways to save. Getting Movers Create a budget beforehand. Figure out all the pre-moving expenses and what it will take to get your new place up and running. Check prices online and get quotes from at least three companies. Be sure to clarify if…

Savings accounts are good places to deposit your money, especially if you're with a financial institution that offers competitive dividends. But if you want to take your savings to the next level, consider opening a certificate. These accounts reward long-term planning, and they're one of the easiest & safest investments you can make. How does it work? Certificates are virtually risk free. Funds are insured by the federal government and is held in a similar manner as savings accounts. They are time deposits, meaning you will earn fixed dividends for a pre-determined amount of time, ranging from a couple months…