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Peer-to-peer Payment Scams & Fraud - Ten tips to protect yourself. Many P2P apps allow you to send money with just a single click or swipe. That speed gives online thieves chances to take advantage of users who aren’t paying attention. In the past, many asked to be paid using gift cards. These days, they’re using many of the same tricks—but asking for payment over P2P apps instead. Here are some common scenarios to be aware of: Unauthorized electronic fund transfers:

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Weddings can be beautiful, fun … and costly. So whether you’re planning on spending a few hundred dollars for a simple ceremony or tens of thousands for something elaborate, it’s important to plan ahead, set a spending goal, then cut back if expenses get out of control. After popping the big question, the next step will involve what kind of wedding you want to have - and who’s going to be paying for it. While tradition has the bride’s and groom’s parents

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There are so many benefits to getting your home loan from a local community bank. But if you want to save money on your mortgage you will want to shop for your loan. As consumers, we do our research and compare prices, quality, etc. on most purchases we make daily, so why would it be any different for one of the biggest expenses we have as a consumer? You may have seen in the news lately that there have been changes to mortgage fees starting May 1st. The Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA),

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Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner, making this an ideal time to start thinking about summer vacation plans. Finding a vacation you can afford as well as enjoy can be tricky but, with a little planning, it’s possible to not break your budget on your summer holiday. Stressing about finances is the last thing you want to do while on vacation. That’s why it’s important to take a few steps to make sure you don’t have a financial surprise that breaks

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Applying for a mortgage can be complicated and sometimes tedious, but a little preparation can go a long way, particularly for first-time homebuyers. With a few simple steps, homebuyers can make the process a little easier for both themselves and their lender. Following are six questions you should ask when discussing your mortgage options with your lender. What type of mortgage should I apply for? There are several different types of mortgages. One of the first questions you should ask

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There are subscriptions for everything these days. In addition to typical subscriptions like magazines and newspapers, there are now subscriptions to other types of content, such as movies, books and music as well as services, like yard maintenance. There are even subscriptions to various retail stores and smartphone apps.  With so many subscriptions, it can be easy to sign up for one and lose track of it as you stop using it. That can do some serious damage to your finances. According to

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Although it might be cold outside, winter can be a great time to find a hot deal on a home. Most people begin their house hunt in spring or summer for a variety of reasons: school is out, there is more time to look for a new house, and the warmer weather better accommodates for looking and moving. However... Are you aware that winter can bring lower prices, a better chance of negotiating, fewer bidding wars, and even a faster home-buying process? While there usually are fewer homes for sale

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The new year is an ideal time to set new goals, as many vow to become more physically fit or get organized. The new year is also a great time to asses your finances, gain control and stick to a new budget or saving plan. Taking control of your personal finances will allow you to save and prepare for unexpected expenses. Follow the tips below to get started.   Get Organized  Consider treating yourself to a post-holiday gift of a financial organization system. Alphabetized

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Whether you have your taxes done by a professional or you do them yourself, it’s important to be organized and have all your important documents ready. When working with a tax preparer, be sure to ask about what information you will need, then organize it based on the professional’s advice. Here are some key documents to consider: Have information about your income sources, such as: W-2’s from employers. 1099 forms that show any investment or interest income. Social

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Holiday spending can easily spin out of control, so don't let 'Ho! Ho! Ho!' turn into 'Owe! Owe! Owe!' While it can feel great to give, it’s important to know what you can afford so you’re not stuck paying for this year’s gifts – and the interest charges – well into next year. So how can you keep from overspending? Set a budget and stick to it. Keep all your normal expenses in mind – such as food, utilities, other regular monthly payments

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