Tag Archives: financial advice

What are the 5 Foundations of Personal Finance?

Managing money can feel overwhelming, but the truth is that strong financial health is built on a few core habits. When it comes to financial stability, knowledge is power. Understanding the five foundations of personal finance gives you the tools to make smart money decisions, from paying off debt to planning for the future, providing a simple roadmap for achieving lasting financial stability.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your money habits, these five steps can help you build a strong financial foundation.

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Can You Write a Personal Check for a Car?

Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and figuring out how to pay for it can be tricky. Whether you’re putting money down, paying off a financed car, or making monthly lease payments, you might wonder: Can you write a personal check for a car? The answer is usually yes, but there are a few important details to know before you grab your checkbook.

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Can You Deposit an Estate Check into a Personal Account?

When a loved one passes away, it’s common for their financial affairs to take time to settle, and it can be one of the more complicated parts of the process. If you’ve received an estate check,  perhaps as a beneficiary or executor, you may be wondering whether you can deposit it directly into your personal account. While this might seem like a simple solution, doing so can create legal and banking issues if not handled correctly.

Let’s break down what you need to know before making any deposits.

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Can You Cash a Deceased Person’s Check?

Losing a loved one comes with many responsibilities, and handling their financial matters can be one of the most confusing. A common question that arises is: Can you cash a deceased person’s check?

The short answer is no, you cannot legally cash or deposit a check written to someone who has passed away. Whether it’s a tax refund, pension payment, or personal check, understanding the rules around cashing or depositing it is crucial. However, there are proper legal steps you can take to ensure those funds are distributed correctly.

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Checks vs Credit Cards: Which is Better & Why?

In today’s fast-paced world, the way we pay for goods and services has evolved. Credit cards dominate the checkout line, while paper checks may seem like an old-fashioned option. However, both methods of payment have their own advantages, and the best choice often depends on the situation, your spending habits, and your financial goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons of checks versus credit cards, so you can make informed choices about your money.

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How Long Is a Personal Check Good For?

In the world of everyday banking, personal checks still hold a significant role, whether you’re paying rent, gifting money, or handling other personal expenses. But what happens if a check isn’t deposited or cashed right away? Knowing how long a check remains valid can help you avoid the hassle of bounced payments or missed deposits. Let’s break down how long a personal check is good for, what you should do with old checks, and how to avoid issues with stale payments.

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Where Can I Cash a Business Check?

Running a business often means dealing with checks – whether issuing or receiving them. But cashing a business check can sometimes feel like a hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your options. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or contractor, knowing where and how to cash your business checks efficiently is key to keeping your finances running smoothly.

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How to Make Plans for Your Tax Refund in 2025

Federal tax returns aren’t due until April 15th. However, you can start making a plan for your 2025 tax refund today, even if you have yet to file your return. 

You might be excited about getting some cash back; however, it’s easy to blow through the funds quickly if you don’t have a plan in place. Below, we’ll walk you through this process to help you make better choices once the money gets into your hands.

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What are High-Security Checks?

Even as digital payment methods have grown in popularity over recent years, checks remain a standard form of payment for individuals and businesses. From paying bills and employee wages to making gifts or charitable contributions, checks offer a convenient and secure way to complete payments.  

However, even though checks are an analog form of payment, they’re still susceptible to fraud, misuse, and abuse, just like digital methods. In fact, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported receiving 15,417 reports on mail theft-related check fraud last year, accounting for payments of more than $688 million. 

To protect check payments amid the rising incidence of fraud, using high-security checks can be an easy swap for account holders. Continue reading below as we discuss the important features of high-security checks, who should use them, and whether they’re worth the extra cost. 

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New Year, New You: Developing Financial Literacy in 2025

Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans have some type of financial goal for the new year, according to Bankrate. If you’re one of these money-minded individuals, you might be focused on paying down debts, improving your spending habits, or boosting your credit. Whatever your financial goals are for 2025, becoming well-versed and educated on the topic of personal finance is a must in today’s environment. 

Fortunately, there are more outlets than ever to make studying the topic easy (and even enjoyable).

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