Frugal living discussions often talk about pinching pennies or “stretching a dollar.” A penny saved is a penny earned, or so the saying goes, but is that actually the case?
An emergency fund is an essential part of your personal finances. Its importance is stressed in almost every personal finance book and budgeting blog, and yet 26% of Americans currently have no emergency fund in place. Of those who do have an emergency fund, up to two-thirds do not have the often-recommended six months’ worth of expenses saved up.
According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70% of all US households own a pet. That translates into an estimated $86 billion spent on food, supplies, medical care and pet services in 2018. Although the love and companionship our furry (or feathered, or scaly) friends provide is priceless, it’s impossible to ignore the effect that pet ownership has on our wallet.
Auto dealers are expected to sell cars that meet certain consumer protection criteria. This may include providing a warranty that will cover the buyer’s costs if a car turns out to be a lemon. Unfortunately, some unethical dealers may attempt to bypass these laws by curbstoning. Curbstoning is when a dealer poses as a private seller to sell a car. By curbstoning, an unethical dealer can avoid having to comply with the regulations that apply to dealers. To a buyer, this could mean buying a car that has a salvaged title (a car that’s been declared a total loss by an insurance company). It could also mean unknowingly buying a car that has been in a flood and suffered severe water damage.
EmailsStart by checking the sender’s email address; legitimate organizations use official domain names, so be cautious if it appears unusual or contains misspellings. Pay attention to the email’s tone and grammar; scammers often use urgency, fear, or overly formal language to exploit recipients. Be careful with unexpected attachments as they may contain malware. Never send personal or financial information in an email and keep your anti-virus software and operating system up to date.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, an uptick in various scams aiming to take advantage of your festive spirit. Kohler Credit Union is committed to ensuring you remain safe and secure by sharing valuable insights on how to safeguard yourself from scams.
A Guide to Saving Money Effectively: Budgeting is a powerful tool that empowers you to take control of your finances and save money. When done right, budgeting can help you allocate your income wisely, minimize unnecessary expenses, and work towards achieving your financial goals. Here's a step-by-step guide to budgeting properly and maximizing your savings:
It’s scary to find yourself in a situation where you can’t afford your monthly debt payments. Whether that’s due to a sudden life change, like a job loss or illness, or if you’ve simply found yourself unable to keep up, there are steps you can take.