- As student loan debt continues to climb, more and more of the nation's 44 or so million borrowers are looking for manageable ways to pay them back. The student loan refi has become an increasingly popular way to get a handle on this life expense that now looks more like a mortgage than a common monthly bill. What one or two generations ago was considered a nuisance payment has grown in both size…, Membership, Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits , which makes you more than just a number or dollar sign. Unlike banks, profits are reinvested in the membership in the form of lower interest rates on loans and higher dividends on savings. As a member-owner, you have a stake in how you're treated. You'll likely get the fairest shake from your credit union as opposed to a national web-based bank. With a…, Financial Guidance, In addition to its local, physical location, your credit union likely offers personal guidance for all things financial, from how to crush student loan debt to building a monthly budget. This is just one added benefit of membership. Not only can you get the loan you need, but sound financial advice as well., Total Debt Solutions, College debt is more than just student loans. It's not unusual to accumulate some credit card debt when you're on a limited income at school or as you start out in your career. That's where options like the Any Purpose Signature Loan from Visions come in. With the Any Purpose, you can roll your student loans and other debts into a single loan with one interest rate and manageable monthly payments., Community-Based, By virtue of their missions, credit unions are community-focused. In the same way they give back to members, they support the public by sponsoring community events, making donations to worthy organizations, or encouraging employees to volunteer their time. By banking with a credit union, you get personal service while also indirectly impacting the place where you live, work and/or play. Feels…
- There are many ways to pay for your wedding day, but many times family and savings simply aren't enough. No matter the size of your budget, the one constant is where your cash will come from. While it was customary for the bride's parents to foot the bill in the past, most couples finance their own nuptials today. A reasonable, realistic budget is the essential first step. And like any major…, Why use a wedding loan?, Couples with good credit will likely receive an unsecured loan that doesn't require collateral. Keeping one or both spouses' assets out of the equation naturally expands financial breathing room. It's true money issues, namely debt, can cause a lot of stress in a relationship. Some personal finance professionals advise against taking on personal loan debt for that reason. But, as with any loan,…, Your wedding budget must come first., A realistic budget is a critical step in the entire wedding planning process. The Knot suggests this basic breakdown as a starting point: Reception: 48-50 percent Ceremony: 2-3 percent Attire: 8-10 percent Flowers: 8-10 percent Entertainment/Music: 8-10 percent Photography/Videography: 10-12 percent Stationery: 2-3 percent Wedding Rings: 2-3 percent Parking/Transportation: 2-3 percent Gifts: 2-3…, Why not use a credit card?, Credit cards, especially those with short-term 0 percent annual percentage rates can be particularly attractive for newlyweds-to-be. It can also be particularly troublesome when you quickly rack up debt that could take many years to pay off once that promotional APR disappears and a variable rate kicks in. A high-limit credit card may make you more tempted to stray from the budget, opting for…, How should you use your wedding loan?, Once you have your budget laid out, you've estimated how much money you can save, and put a dollar figure on what you need, you're ready to apply for a wedding loan. You might want to use it as quick cash to pay upfront costs like deposits for the church or reception venue that are often due more than a year in advance. You might use the wedding loan to reserve plane tickets and make reservations…, Can you get a wedding loan with bad credit?, While the rate and term will not be as favorable, you can get a wedding loan with bad credit. If your credit score's over 680, you're in good shape. If it's under, your approval process may be a bit more difficult – but not impossible. Peer-to-peer lending sites bring together private lenders who make personal decisions on who and what to fund. Basically, it's a chance to explain yourself. If you…, Where do you get a wedding loan?, Careful budgeting and diligent saving are best for your Big Day. But, if you need quick cash for a key contract or even just an emergency fund, wedding loans are the best alternative. Credit unions work with couples so they can celebrate their marriage as the life-changing milestone it is. Big expenses or bad credit shouldn't get in the way. And you deserve the good rates, flexible terms, and…
- What's Next Now that You've Said 'Yes'?, Planning for a wedding can be very exciting, but can also be extremely overwhelming. A combination of endless details, deadlines, stress, and a big price tag all come with the preparation in making your Big Day something special. The average cost of a wedding is $26,645, not including the honeymoon, according to costofwedding.com. When it costs more than $1,500 just to put the proper clothing on…, Start Saving for Your Wedding, If you haven't already, start setting aside at least a little each week. Now's the time. Open up a special wedding savings account and set up a direct deposit allocation to go into that fund. It will come directly from your paycheck, and you won't even miss it., Take Out a Wedding Loan or Open a Line of Credit (if necessary), Paying with credit is not recommended, but sometimes necessary. A wedding loan can cut into that debt or cover smaller items like entertainment or flowers. If one or both of you have a decent credit score (generally 680 and higher for FICO Scores, or 661 or higher for VantageScore) , you shouldn't have trouble getting 0 percent promotional APR on a credit card . This will give you a good year or…
- Getting married is one of those major stages in life. You find that special person to live with, share your life with, and maybe even start a family with. It's a partnership in every aspect of life, including finances and money management. Too often you hear people utter that infamous phrase, "If I only knew then what I know now." We don't want that to happen to you. That's why we have created a…, 1. Get Your Finances Organized, Getting organized and continuing to be organized can mean the difference between financial success and lots of frustration. When you first get married, sit down with your spouse to work on how you want to organize. Get a clear idea of your financial situation. Then decide how you are going to organize your money management and finances. How will bills be paid? Who will handle which tasks? Where…, 2. Set Your Financial Goals, As newlyweds, it's an exciting time. It's also the perfect time to set goals. Having financial goals is key to achieving those things you want in life. Having financial goals with your spouse also gives you a vision and bond that helps you work together., Financial Plans, As the old saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. It's held up over time because there's truth in it. It's important to make financial plans based on your goals and the kind of life you want. Have a financial plan. Have questions about making a financial plan? Seek a financial planner that can help., Making a Budget (and Sticking to It), Budgets are incredibly helpful. They say money is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. Budgets help ensure money is your faithful servant. Many who consistently live within a budget say this habit provides many benefits, including reduced stress. Budgeting is simply the process of telling your money where to go. Some may find budgets to be confining or intimidating. However, making and…, 3. Combine Your Accounts, When you get married, it's a good idea to combine accounts. Since you and your spouse will be working on your finances together, having your accounts combined can make your money management easier and more effective. Plus, it helps create better communication with each other., 4. Communicate with Your Spouse, In order to stay on track and avoid financial pitfalls and traps, make sure to communicate well with your spouse. Discuss financial matters regularly and be clear, open, honest, and respectful. Doing this often makes a big difference in money management. It also makes money management more enjoyable., 5. Manage Costs and Live within Your Means, This is just common sense. Everyone knows that they should spend less than they earn. In real life, however, this can get tricky. Sometimes people make that impulse purchase. Sometimes life happens and unforeseen expenses pop up. Living within your means is a must for financial health. It's that simple. To live within your means, live on a budget and don't try to keep up with your peers., 6. Be Prepared for Those Important Life Stages, One of the best parts of marriage is knowing you will be experiencing all life has to offer with your spouse. That includes all the big stages in life like buying your first home together, getting the big family vehicle , saving for your children's education, or saving for retirement. It also could include those things you know are going to happen like home repairs and improvements. Know what…, 7. Save Money for Rainy Days, Part of being prepared is saving money. When you get your paycheck, pay yourself first. Put aside money for an emergency fund. Strive to have three to six months' worth of expenses set aside to help in the case of job loss, major home or auto repairs, and other large expenses. Get in the habit of saving money and you'll be glad you did when those rainy days come around., 8. Make Investing a Priority, Like saving money, investing is crucial to your future financial well-being. Take advantage of your company 401k or other retirement plans. However, there are other ways to invest and make the money you set aside grow, like a money market account . It's good if you educate yourself in the area of investment, but don't feel like you have to take everything on yourself. It might be wise to seek…, 9. Create a Will, It may not be a subject people like to talk about much, but you should create a will. It's wise to think about your loved ones. It's just the responsible thing to do., 10. Think Long Term, Money management and personal finance in marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. Play to win for the long haul. Don't let short-term thinking undermine your long-term goals and dreams. Understand your financial position well and make informed decisions that will work for you over the course of your life., 11. Work Together as Partners, This may be the most important advice. Marriage is a partnership. Work together as partners. Not only will this make what you do together more meaningful, you are also far more likely to be successful and happy in managing your money and achieving your financial goals. Plus, working together is a habit that may just help in other areas of your life. And, after all, the purpose of money management…
- Keep your wedding budget and planning on track with this definitive guide to all the things you may need to pay for and do... , The Wedding Essentials, Hire a wedding planner Ceremony location Reception venue Guest list Engagement photos Register on wedding planner website (The Knot, mywedding, WeddingWire) Set a wedding budget Form a spending plan, Wedding Detail, Stationery, Save-the-date cards Invitations Map/direction cards Reply cards Ceremony cards Postage Newspaper announcement Thank you notes Rehearsal dinner invitations Bachelor and Bridal party invitations Wedding programs Address labels, Apparel, Gown, veil, jewelry, accessories Bridal shoes Shoes for reception Bridesmaid dresses Groom's tux Groomsmen tuxes Pocket handkerchief Cufflinks Garters Alterations Children's apparel (flower girl, ring bearer) Gown preservation Dress for Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, Clergy/officiant Location fee Marriage license Marriage certificate Rehearsal arrangements Hairdresser/makeup artist Chair/pew rental Chair/pew decorations Ring bearer pillow Unity candle Ushers Transportation Rice/rose petals/bubbles, Flowers, Brides bouquet Bridesmaids bouquets Corsages Boutonniere Reception centerpieces Pew/chair bows Flower girls' flowers, Reception, Venue Deposit Caterer Musician/DJ/Band Wedding cake Table decorations Other decorations Table linens Chair covers Parking Gratuities Limousine Child-care Guest-lodging, Gifts & Favors, Gift for fiance(e) Guest favors Bridesmaid gifts Groomsmen gifts Hotel Guest Welcome Bags, Photography, Wedding party portraits Reception Ceremony Videography Family portraits, Honeymoon, Airfare Accommodations Rental car Entertainment Spending money, And Don't Forget, Social Security card Driver's license Order new checks, credit, debit and ATM cards Designate beneficiary on bank accounts, retirement accounts, and insurance policies Update name with alumni associations, professional memberships, subscriptions, social media accounts, and place of employment Make financial plans, budgets, and goals Create a will
- With community solar , you still own a panel and get to enjoy low-cost, sustainable energy, although your panel isn't physically on your property. Instead, it's designed and constructed according to your needs, then housed off-site in a suitable, shared location. From there, the power it generates ties right back into the grid, providing you with affordable and reliable renewable energy., So, what does this mean for you?, For starters, you don't need to keep a panel on your property or worry about owning a home at all, meaning renters can reap the benefits of solar power too. Even better, because the power your panel generates goes back into the grid, you can move anywhere within that grid and still maintain your benefits. Moving outside the grid? No problem. Because you still own the panel, you're free to…
- Save money, save the environment. Talk about a win-win., With over five billion years' worth of energy, the sun holds a lot of power that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, enough sunlight hits our planet every hour to power the whole world's energy needs for an entire year! Needless to say, harnessing this energy is basically a no-brainer. Thankfully, solar power has never been more reliable or accessible. These days, solar is tried and true…
