Financial wellness

Avoid common back-to-school shopping mistakes by creating a budget that works for you. Start by calculating how much available cash you have to spend, then get creative to stick to the plan. One common mistake is to buy supplies you already have. Also remember to take advantage of hand-me-downs and secondhand stores. Starting the school year off on strong financial footing means less stress for you and your kids!

Asking for a higher salary at your current job or when offered a new job can make a big difference in your financial well-being. But don’t let yourself be led by emotion; instead, research market data and leverage new pay transparency laws to justify your value. Also walk in the door with proof of your experience and project outcomes. With the right data and a willingness to negotiate benefits beyond pay, you could end up with a healthy total compensation package that gets better year after year.

Saving money as a wedding guest helps you enjoy the experience instead of worrying about your budget the entire time. The biggest savings come from financially preparing as soon as you hear about upcoming nuptials and being selective about which events you attend. Also consider alternatives to buying a new outfit for every event and splitting costs like lodging and gifts with friends. It’s never worth going into debt to attend a wedding, so stick to what’s realistic for you. True friends (and family) will understand!

You can plan a wedding on a budget by setting a realistic spending limit, capping your guest list, and allocating a 10% buffer for unexpected costs. Cutting guest count provides the fastest savings, as the average cost per guest is roughly $300. Opting for alternative venues like public parks, backyards, or local restaurants can save thousands compared to traditional event halls. Additionally, you can negotiate package deals with vendors, set up non-traditional honeymoon registries, or grow your wedding fund in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) before the big day.

New college graduates can build a strong financial foundation by calculating net pay, creating a monthly budget, building an emergency savings fund, and managing student loan repayment schedules. To start off right, calculate post-tax take-home pay and take advantage of employer benefits like 401(k) matching. Focus on creating a realistic budget while avoiding lifestyle creep, and allocate roughly 20% of your income toward savings goals like a $1,000 starter emergency fund. Keeping track of student loan grace periods and establishing credit early will help you confidently take control of your financial future.

Protect your money while traveling by setting bank travel alerts, making physical and digital copies of financial documents, placing bills on AutoPay, and checking foreign transaction fees. While on your trip, spread cash across multiple secure locations, check your accounts daily, and avoid using public WiFi for banking or financial access. Guarding against common risks—like booking scams, ATM skimmers, and unexpected foreign conversion fees—ensures your trip stays stress-free and on budget.

Teaching kids about money is most effective when started early and tailored to their age, from pretend play for toddlers to opening bank accounts for teens. Toddlers learn core financial concepts through play, elementary schoolers gain hands-on experience by earning money for chores and spending allowance, and teenagers learn real-world skills like budgeting, understanding credit, and managing student loans. Consistent, age-appropriate lessons combined with honest family conversations build the confidence children need to grow into financially healthy adults.

This personal finance glossary defines 30 essential terms including APR, APY, credit score, debt consolidation, amortization, net worth, hard vs. soft inquiry, fixed-rate loan, gross income, net income, diversification, and more. Understanding these terms helps consumers make informed decisions about borrowing, saving, and investing.

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively apply core money management skills, including budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing. Mastering financial literacy helps you make smart borrowing choices, prepare for unexpected life events, and achieve major goals like homeownership. The five main pillars of financial literacy are controlling cash flow with a monthly budget, debt management, maintaining a 3–6 month emergency fund, long-term savings, and setting clear financial milestones.