At some point in your financial journey, you may find yourself with extra money and face a crucial decision: Should you use it to pay off debt or invest for the future? Both choices have benefits and potential drawbacks and the right answer depends on your unique financial situation.
Saving for a down payment is a tall order—especially when rent keeps climbing. For many renters, it feels like just keeping up with monthly bills leaves little room to put money aside. Add in inflation, rising costs of living and existing debt and it’s no wonder so many renters feel stuck between paying rent and building toward homeownership.
Budgeting isn’t just about keeping track of money—it’s about building financial independence and smart decision-making. Unfortunately, many teens head off to college without ever having managed a budget, leading to overspending, debt and long-term financial stress. Teaching your teen how to plan, track and adjust their budget before they leave home can help them develop lifelong financial competency and confidence.
As your teen prepares to leave home for college, they’ll face newfound independence, including managing their own finances. Unfortunately, many young adults head to campus with little to no financial literacy, leading to unnecessary debt, overspending and mounting financial stress. Teaching your teen basic money management skills before they leave home sets them up for financial success, both during college and beyond.
