As Americans continue to struggle with economic difficulties, more and more folks find themselves in real danger of losing their home. It’s natural that people in such a situation would look for information and assistance wherever they can find it. Unfortunately, scammers realize this and are finding new ways to prey on vulnerable homeowners.
According to [...]
No question, getting your denied debit card back from an apologetic cashier can be embarrassing. And in an emergency situation—you’re stranded and need a taxi or a tow, for example—having the funds you need may even help you stay safe. Overdraft protection can ensure you have the money you need when you need it, even [...]
Tax records, old credit card statements, pay stubs: how long should you keep them? It’s important to keep paper records in case of disputes, but unnecessary paper, if stolen, could be used to commit identity fraud. Here are some tips from the Washington State Attorney General’s office on identifying shredables:
Tax records: Keep for seven years, then [...]
For those fully vested in an employer 401(k) program, adding an IRA to the mix may seem like retirement-readiness overkill. But markets are volatile, and many working folks have seen their 401(k)s decrease in value and their employers cut back on contributions. Having multiple savings vehicles can help ensure a more financially stable retirement. Some [...]
With rates for mortgages still dipping into historically low territory, many homeowners are wondering if the time is right for a refinance. Refinancing to a lower rate could potentially save thousands of dollars in interest, shorten the time left on a loan or both. How do you know when a refinance is worth the work?
If [...]
There’s never a bad time to begin or boost your retirement savings, but tax season is a particularly good time to consider your IRA options.
What are the choices?
A traditional IRA allows you to make contributions for immediate tax savings. The earnings of the IRA grow tax-deferred until you begin making withdrawals in retirement. The [...]
For entertainment value, most people rate doing taxes right up there with root canals and organizing the garage. Taxes can be confusing, time-consuming and frustrating. GHCU is happy to present an easier way to do taxes and a great tool for managing your money all year long: TurboTax Online.
TurboTax Online (TTO) is a faster, more [...]
What resolutions will you make this January 1? Year after year, Americans vow to exercise more, eat better, quit smoking—clearly we’re a nation concerned with our physical health. But what about your fiscal health? Here are three things you can do to strengthen your family’s finances and get fiscally fit!
Look over your insurance policies; tell [...]
A lot of people are happy to tell you what to do with your money: save it, spend it, invest it, splurge! But one thing many consultants appear to agree on is the need for an emergency fund. An emergency fund is a supply of cash, immediately available, to handle expenses should something bad happen. [...]
Anyone who’s trying to control or reduce spending can tell you–one of the hardest things about being on a budget is sticking to it.
That first month, we’re brilliant: we squeeze out our money like toothpaste from the tube, and we don’t really mind at all. It feels good to spend less! Saving is fun! We [...]
