USALLIANCE Blog

Saving for your retirement can seem overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Like many imposing tasks in life, it's all about taking that first step. Opening an individual retirement account (IRA) can be a great first move.

The article How to Stay Afloat Financially in a Federal Shutdown originally appeared on NerdWallet. When you have a pile of bills and no paycheck, address the essentials first. That means the roof over your head, medicine, food, heat, electricity and — for those who still must report to jobs despite a government shutdown — getting to work. What can wait? Almost everything else. Communicating with creditors is key to surviving a federal government shutdown and recovering afterward. Here’s a guide to navigating the process if a furlough for federal workers has hit your household.

Looking to save more this year? You'll need a budget. Check out these 3 budgeting strategies & watch your savings grow!

Let's talk about asking for a raise. As an employee, it’s probably one of your least favorite things to do. It can be so intimidating and stressful that many of us delay doing it for years – if we do it at all.

With a new year on the horizon, it's time to turn the page and get a fresh start. Drink more water, eat healthier, become more organized, learn a new language - if you’ve got a list of New Year's Resolutions, make sure you don't forget about your finances! Read on for a short list of resolutions you could make to get your finances in check this year.

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.