USALLIANCE Blog

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.

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.