As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
You’ve received your college acceptance letters, graduated from high school, and maybe even had a big party to celebrate. Congratulations! While some students may be hitting the beach and taking time to decompress, you want to make the most of the next few months before going off to college. You’re smart! There are several ways you can maximize the summer break to put yourself in a much better position for your upcoming college career:
1) Secure a summer internship.
Internships are a great way to explore the field you’re interested in and see if it’s a good fit for you. It will also help you make valuable contacts that you can leverage down the road for higher-quality, paying jobs.
2) Try a variety of workshops and classes.
Check out the local library, community college, adult education center, and art or computer centers. Take advantage of opportunities to learn things you may not be able to access at the college you’re attending.
3) Learn while you travel.
Check out programs such as IES Study Abroad. Learn a new language, study a different culture, meet new connections, and gain confidence, all while seeing the world.
4) Read and listen.
Ask your college for a summer reading list or put together a list using recommendations from websites such as Goodreads. Be open to both fiction and nonfiction, and see how many books you can get through before summer break is over. If you have a library card, you can also get free audiobooks and eBooks through Overdrive.
5) Take good care of your health.
Going off to college often means more fast food, less exercise, and little sleep. Your summer break is the perfect time to create a strong foundation and form healthy habits that you can take with you to school.
6) Get a job.
One of the key advantages of being out of school is a flexible schedule. Consider working for a local business during odd hours or doing virtual work. Make a list of your skills along with things you like to do, then put that list to good use!
7) Set a savings goal.
Set an amount of money you’d like to save from a summer job to cover living and entertainment expenses during your first year of college. You will be more likely to keep your cash if you have a specific goal in mind.