Maintaining a diverse financial portfolio helps reduce investment risk and generate greater returns. Part of that balanced approach involves including assets that can be quickly leveraged. Basically, things such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are akin to having cash on hand. The major difference is they generate better interest rates than passbook savings accounts.

If you are considering adding a money market or CD as part of your portfolio strategy, it’s essential to understand the choice is not necessarily either-or. Money markets and CDs are both valuable assets with slight differences. Those CD vs money market distinctions could be simplified by just saying one provides steady returns while the other offers flexibility. But a deeper understanding could help you better prepare to build an actionable portfolio that achieves your financial and quality of life goals. 

If you want to save money and make some progress paying off the bills and other debt you owe, you should consider accessing the equity in your home for a debt consolidation loan to achieve your goal of being debt free.

The two main ways to access the equity in your home for a debt consolidation loan from your credit union include a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit, better known as a HELOC. Below are some of the details of a home equity loan vs HELOC so you can see the pros and cons of each.

Here's How to Make Sure You Don't Overpay for Your Car and Car Loan

Everyone wants to get the best price on their next car purchase. Finding a car with the right price is the first step, but you'll also need to carefully consider your loan. An auto loan calculator is a helpful tool to use as you analyze car loans. This tool allows you to input the vehicle's price, loan term, and interest rate, as well as other fees and costs, to see both the monthly payment and total cost of the loan over its lifetime. By using it well, you can avoid overpaying not only for the car itself, but also for the loan. If you've never used an auto loan calculator before, these tips will help you make the most out of this tool.

When hard-working people find themselves swimming in high-interest debt, it’s time to look for a lifeline and pull yourself out. Leveraging your home equity to consolidate monthly payments that are crushing your financial health and quality of life can be a game-changing solution.

You should never believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to auto loans. Misinformation about how to get an auto loan has spread and become common misconceptions. These misconceptions can lead people in the wrong direction when pursuing an auto loan.

It’s more important than ever before to know the facts about how to get an auto loan. We’re about to break down the biggest misconceptions that accompany getting an auto loan. It’s time for you to learn the truth.

Eating out is a budget killer, especially if you do it constantly. The best alternative, of course, is to eat at home. However, while this will save you money, cooking every meal can be daunting for some people—unless you make a meal plan.

Securing a debt consolidation loan and paying down your obligation can fast-track you to an improved credit rating and financial stability. But success requires personal vigilance and fiscal responsibility.

An increased number of Americans have embraced the freedom, excitement, and peaceful enjoyment of the boating lifestyle in recent years. As the number of first-time boat buyers rides a wave of enthusiasm, it may be prudent to feather and drift while conducting due diligence. Buying a boat can be a significant investment that provides years of good times and fond memories. But before purchasing your first boat, consider the following tips to make an informed decision.  

American consumer debt reportedly exceeds $14 trillion, and it seems individuals accumulate more — not less — as they get older. Recent data points to a troubling trend that often puts hard-working people in a difficult financial position. Responsible people in these age groups reportedly take on sometimes onerous debt and struggle to get relief.

Approximately 100 million Americans spend time on the water and recreational boating increased by 35 percent since 2018. Buying a boat ranks high on people’s lifestyle lists, as more than 260,000 were purchased last year alone. But some families still have financial and other reservations about buying a boat. In order to make an informed decision about owning a watercraft of your own, consider the following.