Sage Singleton

From telling jokes and checking the weather to turning on the lights and setting the house alarm, Alexa (or your smart home devices of choice) can do a lot of cool things. But can she save you money on your monthly utility bills? Here are 4 ways to save money using home automation.

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Pursuing higher education is one of the smartest and best things you can do for your future. You’ll learn valuable skills that will benefit both your personal and professional life. In addition, college graduates’ starting salaries are higher than they’ve ever been, according to a recent study by Korn Ferry.
Smaller, private schools also avoid the bureaucracy for which larger universities are renowned. "At small colleges you will be spared the endless lines at registration, the h...

A small personal loan is defined as anything between $1,000 and $5,000, according to LendingTree, which owns MagnifyMoney. Because small personal loans usually have low interest rates for those with good credit and can be paid back over a relatively short amount of time (two to three years), they allow borrowers quick access to money that can be used at their discretion, unless otherwise specified.
When used wisely and paid back on time, small personal loans can reduce stress, help solve fina...

When talking about debt, it’s important to understand the two major forms: unsecured debt and secured debt. Knowing what types of debt you owe, and the differences between secured and unsecured debt, is crucial when it comes to personal finance. This article will define each type of debt, discuss the differences, highlight pros and cons and provide ways to manage it in your budget.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Unsecured debt is borrowed money that has no collateral — something pledged as sec...

Life as a young 20-something-year-old is an exciting time. You’ve likely graduated from college, started your first real-world job, and are making decisions on your own. While your adult life has just begun and retirement seems years away, it’s important to start discussing your financial options, managing your money responsibly, and planning for your future now.
This article will walk you through six suggestions on how to manage money in your 20s.
In this article, we’ll cover:
1. Create a bu...

Throughout the years, banks have evolved, grown, and changed. Before there was easy access to the internet, smartphones and their different mobile apps, people had to visit a brick-and-mortar bank to make any financial transactions. It was crucial to choose a bank that was within close proximity to your home or work, and build strong relationships with the teller and bankers. However, as online banking emerged onto the scene, it revolutionized the traditional banking system and now gives cons...

Inflation — or the increase in prices and the decrease in the purchasing power of money — is an economic concept commonly discussed in the news and among most adults as it affects cost of living, finances and savings. Right now, the inflation rate is 2.3% annually and has been over 2% for more than a year, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
In comparison, the average savings account rate is still only 0.26% for nearly 9,000 savings accounts at banks and credit unions across the U.S....

When you hear the term "Coca-Cola," a few images probably come to mind: a cartoon polar bear, a group of people singing about unity, or maybe a jolly Santa Claus. Whatever the imagery, Coca-Cola has a way of getting things to stick—thanks to effective branding.
Good branding leaves a positive and lasting imprint in the customer's mind. It distinguishes your company from the crowd and keeps people coming back for more. On the flip side, ineffective branding leaves a bad taste in consumers' mou...

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. But on social media, a picture is worth 1,000 dollars — at least, that’s what it seemed like for my bank account.
All it took was a post about someone’s new home, fancy car, dreamy vacation or haul from a Nordstrom sale, and suddenly I felt like what I had wasn’t enough.
I wasn’t even close to owning a home and my husband and I considered a weekend “staycation” our summer getaway. As the envy spiral continued, I’d wonder if I was behind in life, and if...

Don’t let advertisements and commercials fool you into thinking online dating websites are only for younger generations.
Read more about how tech has changed dating for older adults and how online dating is now a popular option for single millennials and baby boomers alike.
Facts About Online Dating for Older Adults
According to eHarmony, more than 40 million Americans use online dating websites, and the number of 55 to 64-year-olds who date online has increased 6% from 2013-2015. Additionall...

The tiny home movement has been garnering attention online and captivating the media in recent years. As people seek to minimize their expenses and living space to enjoy other areas of life, tiny houses become a viable option. While purchasing a tiny home may sound appealing, there are many factors to consider before downsizing and joining the movement.
We will walk you through different options on how to finance a tiny house, discuss different types of small dwellings, and talk about the pro...

Life is unpredictable, which is why a rainy day fund is one of the most important components of a sound financial foundation. Even the most prepared, organized people can be caught off guard and put into a difficult financial situation when the unexpected arises. Because of this, it’s essential to have money tucked away in an emergency fund and a rainy day fund. While most people would agree that having easy-to-access cash is important, 29% of households have less than $1,000 in savings, acco...

Slide 5 of 7: The average millennial has $23,064 in debt. Debt — or money owed to a lender — can be crippling to your financial (as well as physical and mental) health.Large amounts of debt can seem daunting, but it’s important to make a plan, start paying it off quickly and include those payments in your budget. If you have more than one debt, how do you know which to pay off first? Green suggests consolidating debt to one payment with a lower interest rate when possible.However, you may be ...

Note: This article is part of our Basic Banking series, designed to provide new savers with the key skills to save smarter.
A routing number is a nine-digit number that is used as identification for banks and credit unions in the U.S. This digital address allows money to be processed and transferred from bank to bank. It also denotes the location where an account was opened. This number is also proof that the bank or credit union has an account with the Federal Reserve.
Routing numbers, also ...