USALLIANCE Blog

It’s that time of year again! Get ready to break out the calculator and pencils, dig out the enormous pile of receipts, tax forms and pay stubs, and get to work.

Now that 2022 is rolling, many people are faced with the fact that they collected a significant amount of debt this past holiday season. If you’re looking at debt right now you are not alone; 1 in 3 Americans racked up more than $1,200 of debt this holiday season according to CNBC.

Are you ready to join us on a journey toward financial wellness?

The holiday season is over and your bank account, may be experiencing a sense of remorse. All of that gift giving comes at a price, one that may have your wallet feeling a bit light.

            Does this sound familiar? Read on for a few tips to get you back on track financially in 2022.  (Bonus: we’ll help you avoid getting into the same spending trap next year with a few simple preparation strategies.)

Ready, set… swipe! The holiday shopping season is here, and between inflated prices, the rising cost of gas, and the urge to splurge this time of year, it can be harder than ever to stick to your budget. Here, we’ve listed eight holiday shopping hacks to help keep your spending under control while still finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

It pays to pay with plastic. When you use a rewards credit card, every time you swipe your card, you earn points. As your points add up, you can redeem them for rewards like travel, merchandise, gift cards, charitable donations, and cash.

Saving money at your credit union or bank doesn't just mean depositing your paycheck into an account twice a week. It can also mean getting the most bang for your buck on financial services. It's hard to save money these days, and many of us are so busy, we overlook some simple steps to make sure we aren't paying any charges or fees we don't have to while also taking advantage of the best promotions and interest rates. Let's take a look at a few ways to save money at your credit union or banking institution.

One way or another, we all learn about financial realities such as service charges, interest fees, and payroll tax withholdings. As parents and guardians, we have an opportunity to not only soften the blow of unexpected changes in our children's money but to help them lead more secure and happy lives by teaching them financial literacy

No one can account for every unforeseen obstacle on the path to homeownership. Still, there are steps you can take to keep your home buying adventure on the rails—one of the most critical steps in getting your mortgage pre-qualification letter.

If you’re in the market for a new car or truck, you’re likely also shopping for an auto loan. Your auto loan will affect your monthly budget for the full term of the loan, so it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision before finalizing it. Here’s everything you need to know about auto loans and how to choose the one that’s best for you.