CREDIT

Of the many definitions of “credit,” one of the most important is “financial trustworthiness.” Your credit record is the most important factor lenders consider when you apply to borrow money – for a car or house – or open a credit card account. Many lenders offer better terms and lower interest rates to consumers with good credit ratings. Building a good credit record is an important step in reaching financial independence and can be established by:

• Applying for and using a credit card for purchases
• Using a student loan for tuition and books
• Making at least the minimum payment due
• Paying all your debts on time

Take charge of your financial future now. The information, tools and resources in our website are designed to help you create and maintain a lifetime of good credit.

BUDGETING

Budgeting lies at the foundation of every financial plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or earning six-figures a year, you need to know where your money is going if you want to have a handle on your finances. Unlike what you might believe, budgeting isn’t all about restricting what you spend money on and cutting out all the fun in your life. It is really about understanding how much money you have, where it goes, and then planning how to best allocate those funds. Here’s everything you need to help you create and maintain a budget.