News & Updates

Millennials lived through the Great Recession, but now they’re developing some spendy habits, according to some new data from Bankrate. Maybe it’s a form of delayed gratification?

Nearly a quarter of Americans have no emergency savings, according to a new report from Bankrate.com. However, the percentage of those without an emergency fund currently sits at a six year low, down to 24% this year from 28% last year.

Couples have been fighting over money for as long as there has been money. And there’s no end in sight. According to a recent posting from Bankrate blogger TheCashlorette.com, nearly half of Americans (48%) who are married or living with a partner admit to arguing over finances.

Q: Back-to-school shopping kills my budget each year. Is there any way to start the school year off right...without spending a small fortune?

A: Rows of freshly sharpened pencils, an unopened box of crayons and a pair of shiny, new shoes will provide a thrill for any child.

The ocean is calling – and so is the open road. Your dream vacation awaits! But first, you need to work out the financial details. How are you going to pay for your getaway? How much can you realistically spend? Where is the money for your vacation going to come from?

According to a new report by a leading wedding magazine, The Knot, the average American wedding cost has eclipsed $35,000. That's more than half of the yearly median income! Most of that spending isn't on lavish luxuries for bride and groom – it comes from the guest list.

Although it's been said breakfast is the most important meal of the day, there may be a new contender rising. Recent studies are showing that employees who take a designated lunch break are more likely to be productive in the afternoon and avoid long-term burnout.

For planned savings, share certificates (aka "savings certificates" or "certificates") are a great option. They allow you to earn a pretty good return on your money while keeping it accessible enough to use for major expenses. If you're planning on buying a house or a car, keeping your down payment money in a certificate can help it grow toward your goal a little faster.

Everyone has felt the panic that comes when you need to buy something but aren’t sure if you can swing it. For instance, you may not know if paying for a tank of gas or a week of groceries will keep you from paying your electric bill. Making a budget is helpful, but it can be a bulky and time-consuming process.