Strength is No Accident

Stay Cool and Save: Easy Ways to Cut Your AC Costs

Summer’s finally here! While those sun-soaked days feel amazing, your energy bill might not. Air conditioning accounts for about 19% of a U.S. household’s electricity usage – that’s nearly one-fifth of your bill going to cooling alone.  Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to trim those costs without sacrificing comfort.

Tariffs, Trade, and Your Finances: Simple Ways to Stay Ahead

From groceries to electronics, you’ve likely noticed prices going up—and staying up. While different factors influence the cost of everyday items, trade tensions and tariffs are part of the picture. But what does that mean for your personal finances, and how can you protect your budget when global markets feel unpredictable?

Moving Soon? Avoid These Common (and Costly) Mistakes

Planning a move soon? You’re in good company. According to Zillow, June is the most popular month to move, with many families and individuals packing up during the summer to take advantage of better weather and school breaks.

Financial Capability Month Challenge: 30 Days to a Better…

April is Financial Capability Month, making it the perfect time to put fresh eyes on your finances. Ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go?  You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and working toward what matters, whether that’s paying down debt, saving for retirement, or (finally) taking a vacation.

Fraud Text Alerts: What Happens If You Don’t Respond?

Fraudulent transactions are becoming more common, and banks are constantly working to protect their customers from unauthorized activity. Text alerts is one of the key tools that can be used in fraud prevention. If we detect suspicious activity on your account, you may receive a fraud alert via text message asking you to confirm whether the transaction was authorized.

Tax Refunds

Wondering when your tax refund will be deposited? The IRS has tools available to help you track the status of your refund and estimate the timing of when you will receive your payment.

Financial Strategies for Dual Caregivers

Did you know that the number of family caregivers supporting older adults increased by nearly one-third between 2011 and 2022? This trend means more individuals are juggling the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and their own children. For dual caregivers, the financial strain is overwhelming: nearly 80% of family caregivers incur out-of-pocket costs averaging $7,200 annually. 

Student Loans – Federal vs. Private: What’s the Difference?

Navigating student loan options can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to balance educational expenses with your existing obligations. What are the key differences between federal loans and private loans? Here is an easy-to-reference guide.

Shopping Online Safely

Shopping online is a convenient way to get the products and services you need. With many people choosing to shop online, modern day thieves have adapted and developed new techniques to scam people. These fraudsters have the ability to hack and scam people through digital devices or the internet. To help protect you while shopping online, we have compiled a list of tips to help make shopping online more secure.

Keep Students Secure While in School

With a new school year starting and the use of technology being more prevalent, it is important to keep in mind ways to stay safe online each semester and even in the summer.