Freedom First Advice Center

When you work diligently to pay off a credit card, nothing is more satisfying than seeing the balance hit $0. It’s a eureka moment – filled with accomplishment and freedom. And your next desire may be to shred the credit card and close the account. But is that the right move?

Retirement is an aspiration we all hope to reach – sooner rather than later! However, if you’re just starting your career journey, retirement can seem like a lifetime away. For others, it’s right around the corner, and you may be wondering if you’re genuinely prepared, financially speaking.

So this pay period looks to be a great windfall. You’ll have that extra bit to sock away for a rainy day. When we ask people what they plan to do with the extra money, many of them tell us that they plan to invest it toward their retirement.

One of the most popular questions people ask is whether they should save their money or invest it. The simple answer: both. While investing your money traditionally earns more than a savings account, there are risks and downsides.

Before you jump straight into risk-based investments, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of both options

Everyone deserves a nice vacation. It’s your chance to get away from the daily grind, relax your mind, and create memories with your friends and family. While the destinations to choose from are limitless, your budget is most likely not.

Whether traveling cross-country or across continents, there are many ways to save money while on vacation. Here are 15 tips to help ease your vacation planning and make your hard-earned money go further.

What Not to do With Your IRS Tax Refund

When you receive your tax refund, learning how to spend it wisely is your best bet. But you should also learn some of the ways you shouldn't be using it. Below, we've provided you with ideas on how to use your IRS tax refund and some ways you should avoid.

In a roller-coaster-type fashion, consumer saving and spending have seen their ups and downs during the Covid-19 pandemic. First, when the pandemic started, not only did spending on travel come to a screeching halt, but entertainment rapidly declined, as did in-person shopping. In general, people were spending less of their money, preferring to hold onto their cash partly or fully due to the unknown. Then, as the pandemic continued, government stimulus payments started hitting consumers’ accounts, and many people decided to safeguard these payments too.

This scenario resulted in a rise in consumer savings. However, that shift in consumer saving over spending is starting to reverse course as a result of a few key drivers, making it harder to maintain the savings you built. 

If you’re like most people, you likely start each year with a list of resolutions to help you improve various aspects of your life. The list may include resolutions to help you become more physically fit, further your career growth and improve your personal relationships. Another category of resolutions you may make centers on those that affect your finances.