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