The Modern Wallet BlogBudgeting for Infrequent ExpensesMany people live in a state of denial about the cost of infrequent expenses. CategoriesDCU NewsFraud ProtectionHome & Auto FinancingInvestingPersonal FinanceSaving MoneyView All4 Signs You Need to Clean Up Your FinancesIt’s easy to see when you house needs cleaning, but it may be a little harder to know when to “tidy up” your finances. 7 Ways to Protect Your Credit ScoreA high score can help you qualify for the lowest interest rates. Does It Make Sense to Consolidate Your Debt?Before jumping at such an offer, ask yourself these crucial questions. Choosing a Private Student LoanThese are the things you should consider. To Pay Down Debt, First You Have to SaveWhen you want to pay off debt fast, that impulse often means depleting your savings. Family Finances: The Importance of Keeping Everyone InformedWho pays all the bills, files the joint taxes, deals with insurance matters, and knows where all the important papers are saved? Bad Money Habits and How to Fix ThemThe peace of mind a healthy financial status brings is priceless. 5 Ways To Pay Off A Loan EarlyIf you’re like most Americans, you owe money on a large loan. How To Talk Money With Your PartnerWhat happens when you and your partner have different approaches toward money? It's a common scenario. CategoriesDCU NewsFraud ProtectionHome & Auto FinancingInvestingPersonal FinanceSaving MoneyView AllSaving Money When There's Not Much to SaveLife is easier if you have a cash cushion or an emergency fund, but how do you save when there is not much fat in your budget? Don't Rely on Luck at Tax TimeAt tax time, there’s no such thing as luck. Plan ahead, be proactive, and prevent surprises on your next tax return. Financial Advice You Should Never FollowThe beauty of the Internet is that anyone can start a blog. The ugly truth about the Internet is that anyone can start a blog. And no, that's no typo. Payday Loans Aren't Worth the CostIt’s a trap that will cost you many times more than you borrow. 5 Reasons We Overspend (and How to Overcome Them)What makes us overspend? Let’s take a look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them. The Benefits of Using Mobile PaymentsWhy fumble for your wallet when checking out when you can pay using your phone? What Are the Advantages of a HELOC?Once approved for a HELOC, borrowers can spend the funds however they choose. The Importance of Being Financially FitBeing financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced, stress-free life. When Does it Make Sense to Pay a Bill with a Credit Card?Credit cards and debit cards offer incredible convenience; but, is it a smart idea to pay monthly bills with them? Using Your Credit Cards ResponsiblyBoost your credit score and financial wellbeing. What's the Best Way to Tackle Debt?Snowball Method vs. Avalanche Method Preparing for an InterviewHere’s how to prepare for an interview that will have you presenting yourself as polished, professional and capable to any potential employer. Don’t Toss That Junk Mail — It Might be Your Stimulus PaymentFour million Americans are receiving their Economic Impact Payment in the form of a prepaid debit card — and many are mistaking it for junk mail. Beware Unemployment ScamsAs the economy reels from the impact of COVID-19, a record number of Americans have filed for unemployment insurance. Getting Ahead on Your Student Loan Before You GraduateBe sure to look at the larger picture before you accept a position. How Should I Spend My Stimulus Check?The $1,200 granted to most middle class adults is a welcome relief during these financially trying times. What Should Be on My Financial To-Do List This Spring?Let's review some ways you can improve your money management this time of year. All You Need to Know About Going CashlessAs our world grows increasingly digitized, many consumers are banishing cash from their wallets and choosing other ways to pay. How to Create a Budget in 6 Easy StepsA budget will help you gain financial awareness, which will help facilitate more responsible decisions. How To Dispute An Error On Your Credit ReportAs a financially responsible individual, you should be checking your credit on a regular basis. Improve Your Finances in 2022Where should you start? 5 Ways To Keep Your Finances Intact This Holiday SeasonYou don’t have to rack up a huge credit card bill or go into debt to cover your holiday expenses. Enjoy a financially stress-free season with these tips. Understanding The Credit Card TrapWhy do most Americans carry so much credit card debt and find themselves stuck in the debt trap? Do My Monthly Bill Payments Affect My Credit Score?Read on for three steps that can help your on-time monthly payments boost your credit score. How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?How much money should we be keeping in these super-convenient accounts? Let's find out. The Ultimate Smart Shoppers Cheat SheetDid you know you should be timing your shopping throughout the week? 7 Ways You Can Use a Personal Loan This SummerWe have outlined several ways to help you responsibly use a personal loan this summer. 12 Things To Do Before Your Summer GetawayHeading out of town for vacation? Whatever your plans, here’s a list of things to take care of before you leave. 7 Money Myths You Need To Stop Believing NowWe all grow up hearing the same financial advice: Spend less, save more and invest early. While most of these words of wisdom ring true, there are lots of widespread money management tips that are actually false. What To Buy And What To Skip On Memorial DayYou might be surprised at the things you should and shouldn’t buy this time of year. 7 Signs You're Living Beyond Your Means And How To Fix ThemLet’s take a look at seven red flags that might mean you’re living beyond your means and the steps you can take to get back on track. Tax Code Changes 2019The annual tax code changes can be confusing. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know for 2019. Do I Need an Emergency Fund and a Rainy Day Fund?Rainy day funds and emergency funds serve different purposes, so it’s important to have both available to tap into as needed. 10 Hacks You Need To Know Before Hitting The MallIs there a way to spend less at the mall this holiday season and to make the experience more pleasant? How Many Credit Cards Should I Own?Is several credit cards and more available credit a good idea? Or, are too many cards a liability to your score? 7 Questions to ask Yourself Before Making a Large PurchaseYou’re convinced: You really want that Coach handbag. Or maybe you just know that gigantic entertainment center will transform your weekends. So you swipe your card and the dream item becomes yours. You’re thrilled! 6 Ways To Turn Your Dream Vacation Into a RealityEveryone has their own version of a dream vacation. But, for most of us, it never becomes a reality. Read on for six ways to make that dream vacation come true. How to Fund an EmergencyQ: I’ve had a financial emergency and I don’t know how to pay for it! What are my options? A: Ideally, you’ll want to have an emergency fund in place. If you don’t, consider these options… 7 Ways To Spring Clean For Extra CashWhen that first delightful spring breeze starts blowing, you know it’s time to get your house in shape. But there’s more than just a neat house awaiting the end of all that hard work. With just a few steps, you can put some extra cash in your wallet. How To Use The Money Envelope SystemIf you’re like many of us, you’ve been trying to stick to a budget for a while, but by the time each month is over, you’ve busted your budget – again. 6 Common Tax Mistakes To AvoidIt’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. The Dos And Don'ts Of Credit RepairLooking for ways to improve an unfavorable credit score? Look no further! Our handy guide will help you get on the road to improving your score. Go to page: 123456