Smart Money Financial Blog

Owe the IRS? You’re not alone. Seeing a tax bill can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to jump to worse-case scenarios – growing balances, IRS notices, or wage garnishment. The IRS offers structured payment options that allow you to pay over time instead of all at once. The sooner you act, the more flexibility you’ll have.

There is no denying the speed and convenience of peer-to-peer payment apps. But they aren’t risk-free, so make sure you’re aware of potential pitfalls before you hit Send.

Every April, Education First Credit Union celebrates National Credit Union Youth Month, which aims to help kids learn more about finances and saving and prepare them for a bright financial future.

If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, you may already have lots of ideas on how to spend it. Sure, you could go on a shopping spree, but that’s probably not helping you reach your financial goals. Instead, your refund could help boost your emergency fund, pay off debts, contribute to your retirement accounts, invest, or fund college accounts.

Your credit score may seem like a random number, but it tells lenders and other creditors a lot about your financial behavior. It’s calculated from a mix of factors in your credit report and suggests how likely you are to fulfill financial obligations, such as paying back a loan.

Tax refund season is here, and for many people, that extra cash feels like the perfect chance to finally upgrade their vehicle. That surge in activity creates an opportunity for predatory sellers. When you’re excited about getting into a new (or new-to-you) car, it’s easy to overlook the fine print or miss red flags

There are a million different reasons why you may need to cut back on expenses. Regardless of why, looking at your budget can be overwhelming. This list will ...

If you or your child is a senior in high school, you’re probably overwhelmed by all of the college preparation. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing which college you want to commit to. One of the biggest considerations is cost. Continue reading to learn how to research and prepare for the cost of college.

Spring is coming up quickly this year, and it's never too early to start your spring cleaning. But why should spring cleaning be limited to your house? This spring, clean out your finances too! This way, you can get rid of any unwanted expenses and debt to be ready for a fun summer. Keep reading for more tips on how to "spring clean" your finances.

A broken-down car, an unexpected medical bill, a broken appliance, or even a damaged cell phone. No matter how large or small, these unplanned expenses can feel like they happen at the worst times. With an emergency fund, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from losing everything to a financial emergency. By setting aside money for unplanned expenses, you can recover more quickly and get back on track toward your financial goals.