USALLIANCE Blog

Paying yourself first is the golden rule of personal finance. What does “paying yourself first” mean? It means making your savings a priority – before you spend your hard-earned money on anything else, you make sure that you allocate money to your savings. When you pause to think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Do you care more about the financial wellness of your local coffee shop – or your own? Paying yourself first means putting your own needs, and your own future, before anything else. That can be a lot easier said than done, especially if money is tight, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small with just $100 each payday, or even a dollar a day, and watch your savings grow!

Taking a vacation is a great way to recharge, but it can also strain your budget if you’re not careful. Fortunately, travel costs aren’t set in stone. With the right timing and approach, you can enjoy a well-deserved break without overspending. Here are the best times of year to vacation and when to plan them.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh not just your home, but your finances too. Whether you’re gearing up for a vacation or enjoying a slower pace, use these warmer months to get a clearer view of your income, expenses, and goals. Here are five actionable steps to help you boost your financial health and set yourself up for a more secure future:

Navigating the rental market can be challenging, and the increasing prevalence of property rental scams only makes it more difficult. These fraudulent schemes can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress for prospective renters. The best way to avoid falling victim to one of these scams is to understand the tactics used by scammers and learn how to protect yourself in case you’re targeted by one. Here’s what you need to know and how to stay safe.

If you want to improve your home but aren’t ready for the cost or commitment of a full renovation, DIY home projects can be a great alternative. In this article, we’ll discuss a number of different projects that you can tackle yourself. Some are simple, some are a little more involved, some can make a major difference to your home, and some are minor updates, so whatever you’re looking to do or however handy you are, there’s a project here for you! With a bit of creativity, the right tools, some instructions, and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work, you can spruce up your living space without spending big. Here are ten home improvement ideas you can do on your own.

With summer right around the corner, road trip season is upon us! Whether you're heading to iconic landmarks, exploring national parks, or just visiting family, there are plenty of ways to save along the way.

Starting your career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. From finding job openings to acing interviews, the process is full of moving parts. But with the right strategies and a little perseverance, landing your first job is absolutely within reach. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach each stage of the journey and stay motivated along the way.

The nightmare scenario: you go to file your taxes, only to discover someone has beaten you to it using your own Social Security number. This is tax identity theft, and the fallout can be significant. From delayed refunds to damaged credit, understanding this crime and how to combat it is essential for every taxpayer.

Talking about money can feel a bit awkward in relationships, but to avoid any mix-ups or hard feelings, clear communication is essential. Being open and honest about finances helps lay a solid foundation for a happy partnership

Let's face it, we all have more passwords than we can keep track of. That's why strong passwords are more important than ever. They're your first line of defense against hackers trying to get into your accounts.