Financial Education
Taking control of your financial future starts with education. We've compiled resources to help you understand personal finance concepts, make informed decisions, and develop healthy money habits.
Financial Literacy Matters
Research shows that people with stronger financial knowledge make better decisions about saving, investing, borrowing, and planning for the future. Browse our resources below to strengthen your financial foundation.
Financial Education Resources
Explore our educational content by category. Each resource is marked with a skill level to help you find content that's right for your current knowledge base.
Budgeting & Saving
Creating a Monthly Budget
BeginnerLearn how to track income and expenses, set financial goals, and allocate funds for savings and debt repayment.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule
BeginnerUnderstand how to allocate 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.
Building an Emergency Fund
BeginnerDiscover why you need 3-6 months of expenses saved and strategies to build this financial safety net.
Reducing Monthly Expenses
IntermediatePractical tips to identify unnecessary expenses and reduce monthly spending without sacrificing quality of life.
Credit Management
Understanding Credit Scores
BeginnerLearn what factors influence your credit score and how lenders use this information.
Improving Your Credit Score
IntermediateActionable steps to increase your credit score over time through responsible credit management.
Managing Credit Card Debt
IntermediateStrategies for paying down credit card balances and avoiding the cycle of high-interest debt.
Reading Your Credit Report
IntermediateHow to obtain, read, and understand your credit report, plus steps to dispute errors.
Debt Management
Understanding Different Types of Debt
BeginnerLearn the differences between good debt (mortgage, student loans) and bad debt (high-interest consumer debt).
Debt Repayment Strategies
IntermediateCompare the snowball and avalanche methods for debt repayment and choose the best approach for your situation.
Consolidating Debt
IntermediateWhen and how to consolidate multiple debts into a single, more manageable payment.
Negotiating with Creditors
AdvancedTechniques for working with creditors to reduce interest rates, waive fees, or create payment plans.
Investing Basics
Investment Fundamentals
BeginnerAn introduction to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other basic investment vehicles.
Retirement Accounts
BeginnerUnderstanding 401(k)s, IRAs, and other tax-advantaged retirement savings options.
Risk Tolerance & Asset Allocation
IntermediateHow to determine your risk tolerance and create a diversified investment portfolio.
Dollar-Cost Averaging
IntermediateLearn how regular, consistent investing can reduce risk and build wealth over time.
Financial Planning
Setting Financial Goals
BeginnerHow to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) financial goals.
Creating a Financial Plan
IntermediateDeveloping a comprehensive roadmap for your financial future, from short-term goals to retirement.
Insurance Essentials
IntermediateUnderstanding the types of insurance you need: health, auto, home/rental, life, and disability.
Estate Planning Basics
AdvancedIntroduction to wills, trusts, power of attorney, and other essential estate planning documents.
Financial Principles Everyone Should Know
Pay Yourself First
Before paying bills or discretionary expenses, set aside a portion of your income for savings and investments. Treat saving like a non-negotiable expense.
The Rule of 72
To estimate how long it will take for an investment to double, divide 72 by the annual rate of return. For example, at 8% interest, your money will double in approximately 9 years.
Income vs. Wealth
Income is what you earn, while wealth is what you own minus what you owe. Focus on building assets and reducing liabilities to increase your net worth over time.
Protect Before You Invest
Before focusing on investing, ensure you have adequate emergency savings and appropriate insurance coverage to protect against financial setbacks.
Commonly Used Financial Terms
Understanding these key financial terms will help you navigate conversations about money, loans, and investments with confidence.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The yearly cost of a loan expressed as a percentage, including interest and fees.
Compound Interest
Interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest over time, accelerating growth.
Credit Utilization Ratio
The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using, a significant factor in credit scoring.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts, used by lenders to assess loan eligibility.
Emergency Fund
Money set aside for unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically 3-6 months of living expenses.
FICO Score
A credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation, ranging from 300-850, used by lenders to assess creditworthiness.
Net Worth
The total value of your assets (what you own) minus your liabilities (what you owe).
Principal
The original amount borrowed in a loan or invested, excluding interest or returns.
Why Financial Education Matters When Borrowing
When considering a loan, understanding key financial concepts helps you:
- Compare offers effectively - Know what APR, loan terms, and repayment options mean for your budget
- Determine affordability - Calculate how a loan payment fits into your overall financial picture
- Plan for repayment - Create a strategy to pay off debt efficiently and possibly ahead of schedule
- Avoid predatory lending - Recognize warning signs of unfavorable loan terms
- Build long-term financial health - Make borrowing decisions that support your broader financial goals
Additional Free Financial Resources
In addition to our educational content, these reputable organizations offer free financial education resources:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - Government agency providing free tools and resources for financial decisions
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Information - Free resources on money and credit topics
- MyMoney.gov - Basic financial information and tips from the federal government
- Public libraries - Many offer free financial literacy workshops and resources
- Credit unions - Often provide free financial education to members and sometimes to the general public
Disclaimer: The financial education materials provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial professional regarding your specific situation.
Apply Your Financial Knowledge
Ready to make an informed borrowing decision? Apply now to see loan options tailored to your needs.