USALLIANCE Blog

There are many reasons to start a home improvement project. You might have some outdated plumbing you need to take care of, or an addition to the family you need more room for, or maybe you’ve had your eye on a particular part of the house since you bought it and you can finally take on the project. Whatever the reason for your home improvement project in the here and now, you should also consider the future. Many home improvement projects can help boost the value of your home when it comes time to sell – often times you can recoup at least part of the cost of the project or even exceed it.

One of the most fundamental and important parts of financial education is learning the language that is commonly used in the financial world. It can be overwhelming to discuss or even think about and research finances on your own without having a basic grasp of the terms that you will come across. Without knowing what APR is, you can’t make an informed decision on which credit card would be the best fit for you. Without knowing what a Certificate of Deposit, or share certificate, is you can’t know all the possible options you have for growing your savings.

For many individuals grappling with financial challenges, the idea of saving money can seem like an unattainable luxury. Especially if your struggles are such that you sometimes find yourself running out of money before the end of the month or making difficult choices in the last week before your next paycheck. However, neglecting your savings when the going gets tough can make things even more difficult down the line. In this article, we will go over why it’s important to continue saving when the going gets tough and discuss some practical ways that you can make it happen.

One of the types of fraud that financial institutions have been dealing with increasingly is spoofing. What is spoofing? It’s a type of scam where the criminal tries to trick their victim into believing that they are interacting with a source they know and trust. By doing so, they can con their victim into giving away sensitive information that leaves them exposed to further attacks. There are a number of different ways that scammers will attempt spoofing. In this infographic, we will review four types of spoofing: email spoofing, caller ID spoofing, website spoofing, and text message spoofing. Download the full infographic to learn what each type of spoofing is, the dangers of it, and how you can protect yourself.

Spring is in the air! It's the season of renewal, and while you're decluttering your home, why not give your finances a refreshingspring clean, too? Just like a good scrub can revitalize your living space, a financial spring cleaning can bring new life to your savings and set you up for a brighter financial future. Our finances can easily become routine. It’s important to set aside time each year to review your savings plans and goals, even if, on the surface, everything seems to be going well. Over time, things change that can impact our finances – the increased cost of items you buy regularly, a change in job or salary, paying off a loan, all of these situations and more can change the amount you’re saving or are able to save. If it’s been a while since you’ve given your savings a good, hard look, then start this spring and make it an annual habit! Not sure how to get started? Here’s how to spring-clean your savings in five easy steps.

For many of us, our pets are one of the most important things in our lives. Nothing melts away the stress of a tough day at work quite like the unconditional love of a pet. However, many feel caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to giving their pets everything they need. On the one hand, they're so adorable and loving, how could you ever refuse them anything? On the other hand, pet supplies can get very expensive, very quickly. We are here to help you get the best of both worlds - read our breakdown below and download the full infographic to discover six ways that you can save on pet costs without depriving your little friend of the things they need.

We all know that budgeting is important. A budget helps build financial stability by keeping spending in check and ensuring you don’t live beyond your means. However, many people do not keep a budget. Some think they don’t need a budget, while others know that they do but are afraid to dive in because it can seem like an intimidating, complex process. With the right tools and information, building a budget can be quick and easy. Here’s how to create a simple and practical budget for the time-strapped consumer.

It’s tax refund season, so you might have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, or you might be eagerly waiting for your refund to hit your account. Having some additional money on hand is always cause for excitement, but it’s important to carefully consider how you’re going to spend it.

It’s tax season, and as if getting your taxes filed on time wasn’t enough to worry about, that means it’s also tax scam season. With sensitive documents and personal information getting passed around, it’s vital that you stay vigilant in protecting yourself. Whether you’re filing your taxes yourself, hiring a professional, or using a tax preparation software, follow these tax security tips to help you stay safe and secure this time of year.