USALLIANCE Blog

As much as everyone should be entitled to a freebie this year, tax season 2020 is here. We still have to file our taxes with the state and federal government—boo!—but there are a few silver linings to the dark, billowing clouds that were 2020, such as stimulus cash and a filing extension.

Opening a USALLIANCE Financial MyLife Checking for Teens account is a simple way to teach financial responsibility and money management skills to your teenager. With a teen account, you can monitor purchases and limit your child’s daily spending—giving them just the right amount of freedom.

Taking out loans can be a convenient way for consumers to make large purchases such as homes, properties or vehicles. Consumers can also use them to pay off credit card debt or to fund higher learning, such as college or graduate school.

When you think of saving money, you may think of simply setting aside your money into a traditional savings account offered by your financial institution. After all, they are called savings accounts.

Establishing good credit is important! Having limited credit history or a poor credit score can hinder consumers, making it difficult for them to rent or buy a home, obtain a loan, or purchase a vehicle. An individual’s lack of credit may also lead to high interest rates when signing up for credit cards — a poor score could result in paying an APR of up to 24 percent.

No one is born with financial knowledge. It can take a lifetime to cultivate fiscally responsible habits, but teaching children how to set a budget, avoid debt, invest wisely, and save cash will help prepare them for financial success in the future.

Whether you're splitting a restaurant bill, paying for online purchases, or receiving payments for freelance work, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms have become indispensable. The P2P space features several platforms you might be familiar with, such as CashApp, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle®. But the landscape is evolving; there are new features, competitors, and even some important changes, like the upcoming transition of the Zelle® standalone app and the way their users can send or receive money within the Zelle® platform. Let's dive into these platforms and see how they stack up in the current digital era.

In years past, the ability to manage one’s own money seemed out of reach for many. The technology, the language, and the pressure to get it right — all contributed to the perception that your wealth management should be left to professionals.

Will that be cash, check, or mobile wallet? As contactless payment is becoming more and more prevalent, mobile wallets are quickly becoming the payment option of choice for many consumers. Are you new to the mobile wallet scene? You're in luck - we've gathered some basic information to explain this new way to pay. And don't forget, your USALLIANCE accounts are compatible with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay®, and VISA® Check out!1

If you’re in the market for a new home, don’t forget to include an inspection contingency in your contract. A professional home inspection can save you a ton of aggravation, and thousands of dollars in the long run. The inspector will carefully examine the entire house, checking its systems, structure, and equipment for functionality and potential problems.