Small Ways to Save Big!
Your Source for Tips and Inspiration
Time for Back to School Shopping!
It's almost time for kids to head back to school! While many parents welcome the return of structure to their daily lives, they're not always so excited about the expenses that come with this season... school supplies, clothes, and registration can really add up. This month, we're pulling some back-to-school savings tips from our backpacks to keep your wallet out of detention....Read More
Think Before You Prime!
Next Tuesday marks the beginning of the two day consumer holiday known as Prime Day. Chances are you or someone in your family has purchased something during this massive sale. You may have even scored a truly deep discount that left you feeling a rush of satisfaction and pride, having saved so much money. But after that smiling box arrives and your new possession is put away, ask yourself a question: Would I have paid full price for that?...Read More
Debt-Free Love: Last Minute Valentine's Day Plans on a Budget
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! What is meant to be a sweet holiday that provides a time to tell the one you love how much they mean to you can easily become a stress fueled bank-buster. We’re here to remind you that its the thought (and love!) that counts. While romance is great, you don't want to add to your credit card debt or increase your spending. But if you get creative, you can go about saving money while still having a fantastic day you and your partner are sure to remember. Here’s a few ideas to get you started on keeping your budget intact while still showing how much you care....Read More
Unwrapping Savings: 5 Ways to Save Money on Last-Minute Christmas Preparations
Believe it or not, Christmas is just a week away! While this is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most expensive. From gifts and decorations to food and travel expenses, it's easy to rack up a hefty amount of debt in the name of Christmas cheer. However, with some planning and smart choices, you can avoid overspending and save money while still preparing for a memorable holiday season....Read More
Celebrate Thanksgiving Joyfully While Keeping Your Wallet Intact
As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement of reuniting with family and friends fills the air. However, it can also be a time when budgets are stretched to their limits, and debt looms on the horizon as the holiday season swings into full gear. Before you begin to panic, Family Credit Management is here to help you host a memorable Thanksgiving dinner while keeping your finances in check!...Read More
Boo on a Budget: Tips to Save Money this Halloween!
Does the crisp Autumn air make you think of witches' hats, ghoulish decor, and marathon movie nights featuring all things that go bump in the night? Want to have all the Halloween thrills without the spooky bills? Here are our top magical (money-saving) tricks....Read More
What is Inflation and Why Should it Matter to Me
What is it and why should it matter to me? What makes the value of a dollar? What can a dollar buy? To be honest, it depends. While our currency has remained the same for years (dollar bills, nickels, quarters, etc.), the “value” of that currency is constantly changing. It’s why you might hear your grandparents say they remember paying 5¢ to go see a movie, or why a brand new Ford might have only cost $2,000 in the 1950s....Read More
Have a Romantic Valentine's Day Without Breaking Your Piggy Bank's Heart
While Valentine's Day can be the most romantic of holidays, it can also be one of the most expensive. But you don't have to break the bank to celebrate your love. While romance is great, you don't want to add to your credit card debt or increase your spending....Read More
What Can and Can’t Debt Collectors Do?
Being hounded by debt collectors and living in fear of what they can do to you can significantly increase your stress level. Understanding how to protect yourself and what debt collectors can and cannot do can help alleviate some of your stress....Read More
This Valentine's Day, Cut the Cost But Not the Love
When there's someone special in your life, celebrating Valentine's Day can be filled with romance and fun. While many romantic dates can cost a lot to pull off, this is totally unnecessary. The focus should be on you and your significant other enjoying time together. Here's some ideas for cutting costs, but not the love this Monday....Read More
How Your Finances Impact Your Mental Health
Money problems can create a heady mix of stress, anxiety and depression. Here's the ways the finances can affect your mental health and what you can do about it....Read More
The New Year: A Time of Reflection and Change
New Year marks a time of new beginnings. We look back at the past year, take stock of what we’ve accomplished, how we’ve lived and think about what we’d like to do differently going forward. While much of this reflection focuses on our relationships, work, and health (physical and mental), it’s also important to look at how we handled our finances in the past year and determine if we’re meeting our goals or not....Read More
Have a Happy Halloween Without Ghosting Your Budget
Halloween can be fun for the entire family but can really spook your budget! Our Director of Education and Community Outreach, Kim, LOVES Halloween and is here to provide some ideas enjoying the festivities without the scare to your wallet!!...Read More
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Opening New Credit Cards
Are you considering opening a new credit card? For most people, the idea is both enticing and intimidating. On one hand, you can make larger purchases, accrue rewards, and make payments on outstanding debt. On the other hand, you're faced with fine print, interest rates, and fees that are often confusing. What should you do?...Read More
Budget Friendly Valentine's Plans in the Time of Covid
So you want to have a romantic Valentine's Day but due to the current pandemic and restrictions, you may not be able to head out to your favorite restaurant or vacation destination. In addition, you're probably on a tighter budget this year because of changes to your income such as a job loss, reduction of hours, or a pay cut. Even with these new realities, it's not impossible to have a budget-friendly (and fun!) Valentine's Day....Read More
Family Credit Covid-19 Update
We understand everyone is anxious about the COVID-19 crisis and the effects on our everyday lives. While your debt may not be at the top of your mind right now, we want our clients to know we are working hard to make sure you continue to receive the same level of attention you have come to expect from us. Hopefully, we can give you one less thing to worry about....Read More
How Serious Is Your Debt? Read This and Take Our Quiz!
Most American adults have some form of debt, and we're digging ourselves in deeper every year. Per this 2018 CNBC article, the average adult carries around $38,000 in debt, not including their mortgage. That's an increase of about $1,000 over past years. Furthermore, fewer Americans can claim they have no debt at all, compared to the past....Read More
Should I Borrow from My 401(k)?
One of the things I love about a retirement account is that small contributions can add up to a nice amount over time. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t take long for that amount to grow larger than an emergency or other savings account. With that growth, comes the temptation to use that money for other costs. Today we’d like to take a minute or two to provide a couple points for you to consider before you withdraw or borrow money from your retirement account....Read More
It's New Years 2020: Time for Financial Resolutions!
Every year, 32% of Americans make resolutions intended to help improve their financial state. Around 80% of them have failed by February. What can you do to make 2020 the year your finances get on track-for good?...Read More
This Christmas Day, Reflect on Your Goals for the Coming Year
The holiday season is a time for food, family, and fun. It's also a time for deep introspection. Did you accomplish your goals this year? Were you happy? Are you in a better financial position than you were at this time last year? At Family Credit Management, our mission is to help your money work for you. Today, we reveal four questions to ask yourself this year to improve your financial future and ensure your money is working for you....Read More
Christmas... The Most Wonderful Budget Bomb of the Year
It is hard to believe, but Christmas is in one week! And while Christmas brings many good things, time with our family and celebrations, for too many people, it’s also a household budget bomb....Read More
Managing Debt: 3 Free Personal Finance Apps
Managing your personal finances can be overwhelming. Even more overwhelming can be finding the right tools to help. With multiple applications available for almost every need, it is hard to know where to start....Read More
How Can I Build Credit Without a Credit Card?
If you have a bad credit score or no credit score at all, now is the time to start building credit. But, if you don't have a credit card, how are you supposed to build credit?...Read More
Black Friday - To Shop or Not to Shop? That is the Question.
It’s that time of year again! You’re preparing for family and friends to join you and you eat a delicious meal and give thanks for all you have…. Right before racing out in the cold to snag midnight deals. How have we allowed this season of peace and light turn into shopping frenzy forced to buy expensive presents for everyone we know?...Read More
How to Help Your Spouse or Partner Take Control of Their Debt
When romance is in the air practical things, like finances, are usually not foremost in your mind. Unfortunately, if you’re married or your relationship is serious, not talking about finances, or more specifically debt, can create challenges ahead and may even lead to a rocky future....Read More
How to Save Money While Hosting an Amazing Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a great time to reconnect with family and friends. It's also a challenging time to stay on budget and avoid debt as the holiday season launches into full swing. Family Credit Management is here to help!...Read More
Impersonation Scams
You’ve worked hard for the money you’ve earned and saved. Unfortunately, there are people out there who would seek to take all that away from you. Read on for precautions you should take to keep your wallet safe....Read More
What Debts Should I Pay Off First?
Paying down your debt is the first step to financial freedom, but where should you start? What debt should you pay first? The answer to that question depends on several things....Read More
Save Money This Halloween
Halloween is coming up and you know what scares me? How much it now costs. Americans spend almost seven billion dollars on Halloween every year. That's a lot of money! So how can we save a little during this holiday?...Read More
Why You Should Follow Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a crucial number that affects your life now and in the future, in numerous ways. But, how? We'll break down what your credit score consists of, why it matters so much and how you can keep an eye on it....Read More
Using Common Sense to Avoid Scams and Fraud
The Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" wished for a brain. Fortunately, you already have one, and it is the best weapon in your arsenal against those attempting to defraud you! The informed consumer is least likely to become a victim....Read More
Talking to Your Kids About Money
Although it may feel unnecessary and even inappropriate to share your financial details with your kids, this is the time in their lives when they learn how money works: where it comes from, how it gets spent and what happens if it’s used unwisely. Talking to your kids about money is the best way to prepare them for the financial responsibilities they will face as adults....Read More
Am I Spending Too Much Money?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Am I spending too much money?” People always come to us with their rent, cable, car payments, groceries, insurance, all the things we all spend on, wondering “Is it the right amount or am I way off base?” Let's look at ways to determine if you're spending within your means and how it affects your present and your future....Read More
Introduction to Credit Counseling
Through credit counseling our knowledgeable, compassionate, certified credit counselors’ provide general financial advice, assistance with creating and maintaining a spending plan, credit report analysis, resources, and the Debt Management Plan to individuals and families in financial distress throughout the country....Read More
Ready to get started?
Our certified credit counselors are ready to help you take control of your debt and finances. Take the leap with us today.