Breaking the Debt Cycle
What is your interest rate?
Is that the real question a military family needs to ask? Not really. Some of the more important questions that come to mind are ... Read More

Can You Spare This Kid a Dime?
Imagine that you're four years old. You can't read, can hardly count, and your parents are the center of your universe. What you know is only from what you see around you. And whenever Mom needs money, all she has to do is punch some numbers into a machine, and the green stuff spits out. It's that easy. No working, no saving, no budgeting. Whenever you want it, it's there for you.... Read More

Car Buying Tips
Buying a new car can often be a stressful, not to mention expensive, experience. But if you take a few important steps you will not only save yourself some headaches, you can also save yourself thousands of dollars. The following are some basic tips that can make the process easier on your nerves and wallet. ... Read More

Credit Cards: Are You Ready to be Debt Free?
Using credit or charge cards to pay for purchases is a fact of life in today's economy. Credit cards are convenient and easy to use. But when something is too easy, people sometimes abuse it. Knowing when you're over-your-head in credit card debt and when to seek help is key in your quest for financial freedom.... Read More

Defining Terms: Interest Rate and APR
Interest Rate and APR are definitely the most commonly confused terms in lending. Understanding these terms and how they affect your loan will make you a much smarter borrower. ... Read More

Hope for the Best … Plan for the Worst
No one wants to think about being the victim of a natural disaster. But as hurricane Isabel showed everyone in September, prior preparation is the difference between recovering rapidly, and suffering serious consequences. ... Read More

Identity Theft-Protect Yourself
Identity theft is America's fastest growing crime. According to studies by Gartner Research and Harris Interactive, approximately 7 million Americans found themselves victims from July 2002 to July 2003. And as more information about you circulates on the Internet, the more likely you are to fall prey to those who will use your information to ruin your credit.... Read More

Protecting your Family's Finances
Credit life insurance is one of those things most people don't think about until it is too late. Many companies offer credit life policies, but most have "acts-of-war" exclusions, making it less attractive to military service members and their families. Without this coverage, your monthly loan payment obligation will continue, even in the event of your death.... Read More

The War on Finances
Although the war with Iraq has concluded, the war on terrorism has just begun. These wars no doubt have had a drastic effect on both the economy and the markets. And as corporate spending and hiring remains stagnant, Americans everywhere shift uneasily as the value of their personal portfolios continues to decline. ... Read More

Where to Turn in Times of Need
No matter what branch of the service you are in, there is an agency designed to help you with your financial needs. At times it can appear as though there are few places to turn to for help, but these organizations help military service members with everything from finances, to transportation home, to buying food. ... Read More

Your Second Largest Purchase: College
You may not have realized it, but the second largest purchase of your life is probably your child's education. And while you labor over rates, insurance, and lenders for your home mortgage, don't you think it's time to spend that much time on considering saving for your child's education? After all, it's one of the major responsibilities you have as a parent. ... Read More