Most parents assume their children will complete high school and attend a 2- or 4-year college. As higher education costs continue rising, it becomes even more important to plan ahead and determine how your family will pay for it. Ideally, you should start saving as...

When your kids were little, you frequently heard requests such as “Will you read me a story?” or “Can we go for a bike ride?” Now that your offspring have morphed into teenagers, their pleadings often involve asking for money—your money. How can you tame their cash...

Plan your next vacation ahead to ensure that you get the most for your money without sacrificing a good time. Then relax, knowing that you might even have funds left over when you get home. Here's how: Use R1 Cha-Ching powered by BaZing Your Spending account has...

Email Here's the bad news about any unexpected good news you receive in an email from the Internal Revenue Service: It's probably bogus. For example, the IRS will not contact you via email, out of the blue, about a refund you didn't know you had coming. But, people...

Just when everything started to look more positive, February 2021 provided us with record-breaking low temps and snowfall that Texas hasn’t experienced in decades. Sadly, many households didn’t survive the winter freeze unscathed. If the weather has left your family...

Thinking about buying your first house? Even if you’re just curious, some real estate agents require proof of pre-approval before they can show you certain homes. To make the preapproval process seamless, your loan officer might request you provide the following...

Are you looking forward to the summer? Maybe planning a vacation, but not sure how you’ll afford it? Here are a few ways to help you save so you can enjoy some summer fun. Direct Deposit - One way is to automate saving by diverting a portion of your salary into a...

With social media and many websites evolving and integrating, it’s easy for scammers to take advantage of you. By selling things online, scammers will try to use this information to confuse or trick you into giving them the item or service you’re selling online. The...

The Common Cents Lab has created a free COVID-19 Stimulus Check Planning Tool to help you get the most of your stimulus check. For many of the communities we serve are struggling to make ends meet as a result of financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. An...

Tis the season… for fraud. While you’re busy making holiday preparations here, there, and everywhere, fraudsters are working to take your money. This time of the year is what we in the business refer to as “Fraud Season” because scammers have an easier time taking...

Don’t wait until your debt grows to an overwhelming amount before you decide to consult a credit counselor. Talking to a counselor early can help you avoid getting to that stage. Credit counselors can help you make a plan for repaying debt while meeting ongoing needs....

A popular way many celebrities interact with fans or promote their projects is by using Facebook Live. It’s great to see your favorite stars online especially when social distancing would otherwise prevent them from working. While you are enjoying this free...

Has your small business been impacted economically due to COVID-19? If you are located in the Houston area, the City has created a grant program to help businesses survive during this time. Funded by the CARES ACT, the City of Houston is giving out Small Business...

Learning how to drive a car is one of the significant milestones in a teenager's life. Learning how to pay for its upkeep isn't as exciting, but just as necessary. Here are a few simple tricks to help you keep your wallet happy. New or used? Buying used is usually a...

Going to college is expensive, no doubt about it. Between textbooks, tuition, housing, utilities, and maintaining a social life, managing your money can be challenging. So, here are a few habits to avoid if you want to save more of your money. 1. Buy new textbooks...

You might be one of many Americans who could benefit from refinancing your home. About 3 million borrowers could save at least $200 a month by refinancing. By refinancing and locking in a better rate on your loan, you could reduce your monthly payment and save...

When it comes to auto loans, a 0% interest rate is a head turner. But it's not always the best deal. Car dealerships generally advertise 0% offers in the summer when they're looking to make room in the showroom for newer models. The offers come from the financing arms...

In tough times, it's more important than ever to develop and maintain good financial habits. Having a household budget and shedding high-rate credit card debt are two obvious things that could benefit most consumers. But figuring out where to start can be a daunting...

As cities cancel 4th of July celebrations, many Americans have found themselves looking for ways to have fun while also social distancing. With help from modern technology and a bit of compromise, you can get your family's 4th of July experience this year. Virtual...

Have you received a letter for an accepted unemployment claim you haven’t filed? Have you received letters from other states accepting your unemployment claim? Or maybe, you noticed a large deposit in your account you did not expect? If you can say yes to any of these...

Whether the pandemic, distance, or work stand in the way of celebrating Father’s Day, there are a few ways to help celebrate this day with your loved ones. From outdoor activities to virtual parties, you can find the perfect solution to spending time with your dad...

How financially literate are you? Do you have the skills and knowledge to spend money wisely, save for emergencies, use credit cards sensibly, and protect your identity from being stolen? This short quiz will help you test your financial literacy to see where you need...

Earlier this year, a Facebook challenge went around called “10 Bands I’ve Seen, and One Is a Lie.” Posters then listed the names of nine bands they’d seen and one that they hadn’t, and their friends had to guess which was the lie. The person sharing the list often...

The number of natural disasters, particularly weather-related disasters, appears to be rising each year. If you live in a hurricane-, earthquake-, or flood-prone area, you know you may only have seconds to get to safety. Since help may not arrive immediately, it’s...

Wedding season is just around the corner and soon you may see a few wedding invitations in your mailbox. What do you do when it looks like ALL your friends are getting married next year? Can you afford to get gifts for everyone, as well as pay for clothing and...

It's important to check your credit report at least once annually to monitor for signs of identity theft or fraud, as well as check for any errors. Have an R1CU Prime Spending Account? If so, be sure to sign up R1 Cha-Ching. With R1 Cha-Ching your credit reports from...

Are you thinking of buying a car, but want to make sure you get the best price? Here are a few tips to help you find the right car at the best price. Buy “off-season.” Peak demand for cars is in the spring and fall, but if you want to find a bargain, shop for a car in...

Freezer Tips for Smart Savers No one likes throwing away food, especially if you’re trying to save money. But what do you do with those fresh string beans you got on sale that may not get eaten before they go bad? Freeze them. Follow these handy tips and you’ll be...

For so many, the decision to get a Resource One credit card is an easy one. With perks like credit card rewards, points, miles and cash back bonuses — plus the ability to build credit — credit cards can bring a lot of value to your financial life. But once you decide...

There are so many benefits to being a member of Resource One Credit Union. At the top of that list are eAlerts, which allow you to be in full control of all your accounts. eAlerts allow you to monitor your account 24/7 by creating customized text and/or email alerts....

Many people wonder how they can build an emergency fund when they’re trying to pay off my debts. It isn't as hard as you might think. The strategy is to start small, change a few habits, and change your mindset. If you're starting from scratch with your emergency...

Most parents assume their children will complete high school and attend a 2- or 4-year college. As higher education costs continue rising, it becomes even more important to plan ahead and determine how your family will pay for it. Ideally, you should start saving as...