MONEY TIPS FOR EVERY STAGE IN LIFE

If you’re planning to attend college, there’s one common cost that many people overlook – application fees. These fees can range anywhere from around $20 to almost $100. If you’re planning to apply to several colleges, these fees can add up. Here are some steps you can take to avoid these fees and save some […]

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When you’re a full-time student, you usually have a very busy schedule with classes and homework. However, with the rising cost of college and living expenses, many students try to fit in a job to try to help offset these costs. It can be hard to balance a busy schedule filled with both work and […]

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It can be tough to know who to trust these days — fraud is everywhere. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot a scam and what to do if you may have fallen for one. The following list isn’t comprehensive, but it should prepare you for some of the worst types of fraud […]

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Does it ever feel like you’re walking around town with a gigantic mess in your pocket or strapped on your shoulder? A disorganized wallet or purse can be bothersome. You may lose track of important documents or become frustrated when you can’t easily find what you’re looking for. How can you prevent this disorganization? We […]

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After years of hard work, you’ve made it: it’s your senior year of college. Although it can be tempting to let senioritis kick in, your final year of college should be the time that you shift into high gear. Your senior year’s the time to start focusing on the transition from college to work and […]

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Picking a major isn’t just about pursuing what you’d like to study. That plays a part in your decision, of course, but you should also think about other considerations. For instance, do you want to attend graduate school? If so, you should consider what sort of undergraduate prerequisites may be required. Additionally, one of the […]

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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fun date night. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the house. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy a night in just as much as a night out. We’ve compiled several indoor, at-home date night ideas for you to […]

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Have you dreamed of traveling around the world? You don’t need thousands of dollars to go overseas. There are several affordable international places you can visit without a high price tag. Here are a number of tips on how to travel internationally on a budget without sacrificing comfort or feeling deprived. Follow this advice to […]

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Are you ready to hit the road, see the sights, and take a refreshing, much-needed vacation? It might be hard to imagine traveling when you’re strapped for cash, but there are a lot of ways to travel cheap! Check out our infographic below with ideas for spending less on travel, including how to find low-priced […]

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Are you interested in learning more about a Coverdell Education Savings Account? It’s important to think about your child’s future education and how you will pay for it. Whether your child wants to go to a private high school, a technical school, a four-year university, or on to grad school, you need to plan in […]

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You want to spend time with your sweetheart this winter, but you want to do it without going broke. With so many fun things to do in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to worry about finding inexpensive activities to take part in during the season. We compiled winter date ideas below that will keep you within […]

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People make health-related New Year’s resolutions every year, such as losing weight or working out more. This year, consider shifting gears and make improving your financial health one of your resolutions. Increasing your savings, looking ahead to big investments that will pay off down the road, and finally paying off a student loan can all […]

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Football season is underway, and with it comes tailgating season. When you gather with friends and family before the game, you get an experience unlike any other. People catch up, laugh, and of course, eat. Planning the perfect tailgate requires more than a few hot dogs and buns, though. With some preparation, it’s possible to […]

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Fraud can affect anyone, regardless of their age. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common scams categorized by the ages and life stages that are usually targeted and included some tips on how you can spot them. Babies & Children Even the youngest members of our society are not immune to fraud. […]

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Are you tired of too much stuff in your life? Not only is clutter unattractive, but studies suggest it can cause us mental strain and stress. Minimalism is one of the latest trends among consumers that encourages cutting out anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. When applied toward your personal finances and spending habits, this mindset […]

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If you’re looking to dine on a budget in Happy Valley, State College boasts a variety of restaurants for all budget types, and we’ve created this list of some of the top spots for keeping your taste buds and wallet happy. The Corner Room A State College classic, The Corner Room is one of the […]

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Heading to a dorm for the first time? It can be overwhelming to think about the items you need to stock up on for move-in day. Below are some ways to make the process smoother and easier on your budget. Research Your Dorm Most colleges have the dimensions and details of an average dorm room […]

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It’s football season! Are you ready for some party snacks? Saturday and Sunday afternoons filled with hours of gridiron action can fire up quite an appetite in a rabid sports fan. Whether you and your friends or family are rooting for the same team or are on opposite sides of a heated rivalry, everyone can […]

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“Eating healthy is so expensive!”  Many of us have heard or said these words at some point. It’s a common phrase, but if you do a little digging, you’ll find that this assumption is easily discredited. Trendy health food stores seem to be popping up on every corner. They offer great wholesome foods, but often […]

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As a parent, you want the best for your child, and want to make sure they’re fully prepared before heading off to college. When it comes to money management, use the three tips below to help them get ready for financial independence. 1. Make sure they’re educated Arm your student with information to make sure […]

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Scholarships, which are generally monetary awards distributed to students by schools and businesses, are a great way to pay for education. But not all scholarship offers are legitimate. Here is some advice you can follow to avoid falling victim to a scholarship scam. Never Give Financial Account Information A scammer looking to acquire account information […]

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Throughout your time spent in college, there will be several opportunities to apply for credit cards based on your newfound independence. Here are some things to consider when choosing a card. Credit Cards for College Students Companies that advertise credit cards will often target college students because they’re in need of money to cover the […]

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Buying textbooks is a significant educational expense for college students that might sneak up on you. These required materials can be hundreds of dollars each, so it’s important to be educated on your options before jumping into purchasing your textbooks for the semester. Student loans can help cover these costs if you don’t have the […]

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There are several scams that fraudsters use to try and make money illegally. College students are often vulnerable to certain scams based on their situation and perceived understanding of finances. Listed below are popular scams targeting this demographic and ways to avoid becoming a victim. Federal Student Tax Scam Scammers will call students heading back […]

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There’s a variety of meal options for college students; however, it’s important to watch how much of your money is going to get eaten up by those delicious meals. Grocery shopping can be a major expense, but there are several ways to save. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your grocery budget […]

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News flash: College is expensive. Even an in-state student at a public university will pay a pretty penny to earn an undergraduate degree. According to the College Board® Trends in College Pricing 2016 report, an on-campus student at a four-year public college can expect to spend $24,610 in-state and $39,890 out-of-state annually. The cost increases even […]

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If your child is entering their final years of high school, you undoubtedly have begun to think about what college they’ll be attending. You might also be wondering how to pay for it. You know financial aid exists, of course, but you may not know the nitty-gritty details, such as how and when to apply […]

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When you think of State College, you inevitably think of Penn State, the nationally renowned university. State College is a college town through and through, and much of its entertainment runs through the school. Still, there are plenty of things to do off-campus as well. State College sprang up around the school in the late […]

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An important part of any shape-up plan is maintenance. After working hard to attain your goals, you don’t want to slip back into bad habits that can sabotage the effort you put in. It’s true when you’re dieting, and also true when you’re tending to your financial health. In our four-part series on financial health, […]

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You’ve probably given a lot of thought to dealing with inevitabilities in life such as retirement and your kids’ college funds. But what about life’s uncertainties? You’re much less likely to plan for these things, but they’re no less important. Natural disasters are one such uncertainty. While you may feel as though you’re immune to […]

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When it comes to your spending habits, small purchases can add up fast. You may not even realize how much you’re spending until you evaluate your expenses and discover that those daily meals out cost more than your monthly rent. Of course, this works both ways. When you set just a small amount aside each […]

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You may be planning to get your body in shape for summer this time of year, but don’t let that distract you from focusing on your financial health as well. Being fiscally fit is just as important as staying physically fit, and building up your credit score is a vital aspect of financial fitness. Having […]

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Are you ready to sell your car? You’ve enjoyed some good times together, but maybe it’s time for an upgrade or you need more space for a growing family. While you may shed a tear or two, remember that no car stays with you forever. The trick, though, is to make sure when you sell […]

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A well-rounded meal consists of three main things — a meat or other protein, a vegetable, and a grain or starch. How you combine them to tickle your taste buds is the key to creative cooking. The promise of a tasty, healthy meal can help you get through a long day. But the last thing […]

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Getting financially healthy has a lot in common with getting physically healthy. A good bit of that health comes from willpower – the self-control we all use to do the things that aren’t necessarily fun, but will help us in the long run. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you use it, the better […]

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You’re in the market for a new — or perhaps a new-to-you — car, so where do you start? You probably know the best deals go to educated buyers. And whether you’re buying your first car or are a seasoned veteran, there’s always something to learn. To give you a competitive advantage on finding the […]

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What does financial freedom mean for you? For many people, it means making their money work for them so they have resources available on hand when they need them. Whether you live alone or have a family, a money management plan ensures you stay on track financially and use your resources to their fullest. A […]

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Going on vacation is a dream for many people, but saving for this goal can be daunting. However, there are several ways to save money that will have you saying “bon voyage” faster than you may think! Set Up a Dedicated Savings Account Set up a savings account just for your trip. This will keep […]

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You may know the five components of a credit score and how important having good credit is for things such as buying a car, getting a cell phone plan, or getting approved for your own apartment. You may also know that the government allows you to get a free credit report once a year from […]

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Creating a plan to pay off your loans right out of college is critical to significantly cutting down the time it takes to pay off loans and save you money. That’s why we’ve created this infographic to help you learn the best way to pay off your student loans. Find out which strategy is best […]

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You know you should be saving money, but sometimes it’s hard to get started. In the old days, you could start simply by emptying the change in your pockets into a jar or piggy bank at night, but today we pay for just about everything with a card and don’t find ourselves with much loose […]

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For long-term financial goals, you may have the luxury of saving up. When emergencies happen, though, you may need to find quick ways to make money so you can pay for the unexpected. Whether it’s a car repair, medical issue or sudden expense, there may be several reasons why you may need to find a […]

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There’s more to being a college student than studying. It’s a special time to transition from living under your parents’ roof to providing for yourself. It can be a challenge to juggle classes, part-time jobs, and your budget. But many brands and stores make it a little easier by offering discounts and benefits just for […]

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Saving money doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you’re saving for a vacation or an emergency fund, there are many smart ways to do so without feeling deprived. Start by trying these smart money-saving tips and watch the cash pile up in your account. 1. Create a Separate Account for Supplemental Income Start freelancing […]

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Criminals will use creative ways to get your personal and financial data. One technique they use is called “skimming.” Thieves use hidden electronics to steal the information stored on your card and record your PIN number to access all that hard-earned cash in your account. Some skimmers install a phony card reader or keypad. Others […]

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Are you having trouble finding a place to call home that won’t break your budget? For savvy buyers looking for the right combination of budget-friendly cost of living and people-friendly communities, this ranking of the 10 cheapest places to live in PA has the information you’re looking for. Check out Movoto’s original list for a […]

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Looking for things to do in Harrisburg that won’t break your budget? Pennsylvania’s capital city is filled with opportunities to learn, relax and enjoy yourself, no matter the time of year, even if you’re on a budget. If you’re searching for attractions in Harrisburg, PA, here’s a look at some of the most popular options […]

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Wouldn’t it be nice to find easy ways to make money on the side? Whether you’re looking to have extra spending money, working to pay off your debt faster, or saving for a dream vacation, here are a few common ways to earn extra income. Keep in mind, the demands and pay for these jobs […]

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We know it’s tempting – it’s the beginning of a new semester and your student aid “refund” has just been deposited into your checking account. You think of how easy it could be to use that money to splurge on all of the things you’ve been wanting – a nicer cell phone, new clothes, or […]

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We know a lot of things compete for college students’ attention. Finishing assignments, passing exams, seeing friends, looking for jobs or internships… the list goes on and on. While these are all important things to focus on, learning about credit is crucial for your future success, as well. Many potential lenders, employers and landlords will […]

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Do you feel lost when it comes to financial planning? You’re not alone. According to a 2015 national financial capability study by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, two-thirds of Americans lack basic financial literacy. And while there are more tools available than ever before to help you bridge that gap, wading through the trendy, flash-in-the-pan […]

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If a stranger approached you on the street, what would you tell them about yourself? Would you rattle off your full name, date of birth, and phone number? Hand them your phone and let them scroll through all your photos? Give them your home address and then tell them when you won’t be home? Unfortunately, […]

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A car is a major purchase and there’s a lot to consider. Do you go for the stylish ride of your dreams, or a more practical choice that will deliver reliable performance for years to come? The good news is that auto manufacturers are beginning to show that the two don’t need to be mutually […]

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For many of us, college is the first time we’re truly “on our own” – making our own schedules, doing laundry, and managing our own money. It may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve highlighted some of the top tips for each year. Before Freshman Year Have an honest conversation with your […]

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