USALLIANCE Blog

There isn't a feeling quite like getting a raise, or a new job that comes with a pay increase.

It’s fiscal validation that your boss or employer is happy with your hard work. It’s a sign of appreciation and approval. More often than not, one of the first things you want to do is shout it out from the rooftops and celebrate with a huge purchase.

But before you do, here are a few quick tips to ensure your new money is working as hard as you are.

We try to fit a lot into our holiday budgets, and travel can account for a pretty big slice of the pie. But even if you’re just beginning to think about the costs of visiting loved ones this holiday season, it’s not too late to save.

Maybe you’ve heard of personal loans. But, what are they? And how can a loan be “personal”?

Rewarding careers don’t always come with a steady paycheck. For people who work in agriculture, construction, tax preparation, entertainment, landscaping or other types of freelance and seasonal businesses, income may vary wildly depending on the time of year. This uneven cash flow makes budgeting especially challenging, but it’s by no means impossible.

Change is coming. And if you’re not careful, you could be paying the price. Federal Regulation D limits the numbers of transfers and withdrawals you can make on certain savings and money market accounts within a calendar month. After six, you’ll be charged $20 for every transaction afterward in that month.

What sort of goals should you be reaching by the time you're 30…40…50? Each age has it's unique markers for financial success, have you reached the money goal for your age range?

So, you’ve decided that it’s time to get serious about paying off your credit cards. Congratulations! Becoming debt free will allow you to have more control over your money and give you greater flexibility as you make big life choices like changing jobs or buying a house. Below, we've outlined a few strategies to pay off your credit cards as quickly as possible. With all of these methods, remember that the more you can pay toward your debt each month, the faster you’ll get those cards down to a zero balance.

Remember when mom and dad helped you open your first bank account? You parted with that $5 opening deposit, ready to see it multiply with the promise of interest. Come to find out, interest is... well, less than interesting and it sure is an awfully slow way to earn money. Sure, with your MyLife Savings Account you get a sweet 3.05% rate on that first $500. But after you reach that threshold, the payout takes a bit longer than you might like.

If you're still using a basic savings account, it may be time for you to upgrade. Here are two options that might just bring back that sense of 'first-savings-account' wonder.

"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: