USALLIANCE Blog

"For richer or for poorer."

Of course you’ll mean it when you say these words on your wedding day. But let’s be honest, life would be a lot easier if we were all in the "for richer" column. With careful planning and an open dialogue between you and your partner, you can make sure you don't head into that "for poorer" territory. So, before you say, “I do”, take a read of these dos (and don’ts) for combining your financial lives once you tie the knot.

If you're thinking about making a home renovation, you probably want to make choices that satisfy both your own desires and those of prospective buyers—especially if you're considering selling your home in the next decade. While it's difficult to place a value on the satisfaction that a renovation brings you, we can help to make a decision that will bring you the greatest return on your investment when it comes to resale value. Here are the top five home renovations that will reap the greatest reward when it comes time to sell your home:

Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, a diploma and a job represent the beginning of your personal — and financial — adult life. It’s an exciting, sometimes overwhelming time.

You step off the plane ready to relax on your summer vacation when all of a sudden, your heart is pounding. You’re feeling a bit dizzy like the world is closing in around you. Sweat forms on your forehead as you struggle to remember. Did I turn off the stove before we left???

Yes, it’s almost time once again for that American classic – the summer vacation. 45% of Americans take a summer vacation, and we bet a sizable number of those vacationers will procrastinate their trip prep until the last possible second.  Are you one of them?

To avoid PTA (Pre-Trip Anxiety), here’s a checklist to help you truly leave your cares behind and enjoy your time off to the fullest.

Once you start receiving your first paychecks after graduation, knowing how to spend or save your money wisely can be tough. While you may be able to do your banking with just a few taps on your phone, managing money well is much more complicated. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

College graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. No more shoebox-size dorm rooms, awful part-time jobs, or begging your parents for money (hopefully). Now it’s time for your first full-time job and big-time paycheck.

 What's the one thing you wish you had known before opening your first credit card? It’s likely you're thinking you wish you better understood the way credit works before applying.

If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, congratulations! Your teen just might be ready for the responsibility of a credit card. If you're not so sure, start the discussion about responsible credit today.

For the average American, paying for a home – up-front, in cash – is just not in their financial wheelhouse. Does this mean you are doomed to live in your car, rent forever, or move back home with your parents?