Putting You in Control of Your Financial Life Managing money is a critical life skill that many of us have never really mastered. Good money management skills help you get ahead financially and help prevent others from taking advantage of you. That's where The Money Express comes in. It's Connection's way to provide useful financial information in understandable terms. You see, although some of the concepts can be a little tricky, we have written it to be understandable by all age  More...

Terms of Use IRAs are a great way for you to save for the future. Your IRA can consist of a range of investments from savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit or share certificates. You can contribute up to a certain limit each year into your IRA and if you're over 50, you are allowed an additional catch up contribution. The tax advantages of a Traditional or Roth IRA depend on your annual income and whether you are covered by your company's retirement plan. B  More...

Terms of Use Here are some ideas to help you create a savings plan. Whether you want to go on a dream vacation or save money for any big expenditure, try following these steps. Check out the simple budget worksheet in the Related Content section for help. Step One Of course, you won't be able to dip your toes in the water until you first set your sites on how much your piece of paradise will cost. Tally up your transportation, hotel, dining and entertainment cost estimates, and then divi  More...

Terms of Use Table of Contents 1. Obtain information from several lenders 2. Obtain all important cost information 3. Obtain the best deal that you can 4. Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate 5. Fair lending is required by law 6. Credit problems? 7. Glossary 1. Obtain Information from Several Lenders Home loans are available from several types of lenders-- thrift institutions , commercial banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you shou  More...

Terms of Use You may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverages you request and the kind of car you drive. Listed below are a number of things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs. 1. COMPARISON SHOP Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance de  More...

Terms of Use Fraudulent E-Mails and Phishing There is a rapidly growing Internet fraud called “phishing.” Phishing (pronounced fishing ) is a slang IT term which refers to fishing for personal information such as account numbers, passwords, PINs, credit card account or Social Security numbers online. Phishing is fast becoming one of the most insidious online identity theft scams where fraudulent email messages (spam) are sent to unsuspecting victims' email addresses requesti  More...

Terms of Use Define Your Goals This knowledge article is part of a series of knowledge articles aimed to help you define your roadmap to savings and investing. To review the table of contents for the articles, click here . What are the things you want to save and invest for … A home? A new car? Your education or that of a child? A comfortable retirement? The needs of your parents? All of these goals will cost money. To make sure that you will have enough money when you need it, follo  More...

Terms of Use Every day, consumers are learning new ways to get more value for their money. From different ways to pay-such as credit, debit or smart cards-to home banking and shopping over the Internet, people are realizing that they have more control over their money and more ways to use it. Parents and caregivers are uniquely positioned to teach kids the life skills, values and understanding they need to become smart consumers. The goal of this series of articles is to help parents and careg  More...

Terms of Use How to Deal with Debt When You're Out of Work You've found yourself without a job, not knowing how long you may be unemployed. What can you do now to manage your finances in the short-term and long-term? Here's a six-step plan: Step One: Prioritize your debts Step Two: Talk with your creditors Step Three: Pay what you owe (at least the minimum payment amount) on time Step Four: Cut back on your expenses Step Five: If you have to borrow, find the least expensive sources  More...

Terms of Use Definition: A 401(k) plan is offered by employers to allow you to set aside money for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. You can contribute pre-tax dollars and then invest those dollars in the investment options provided by your employer for the purpose of saving for retirement. The earnings on your investments are tax-deferred until retirement. Your employer may also make matching contributions to your account. 401(k) plan limits: 401(k) Plan Limits 2023 Elective Deferrals $  More...