Real Clients, Real Success

Every client has a story. Setbacks. Hard work. Success. When you hear their stories you may be surprised at how much of yourself you see in their circumstances. No matter the differences, however, the end result is the same across every story - they decided to make a change and reached their goals as a result. You can do the same.

Financial Tips and Advice

We blog about all kinds of financial topics - from the psychology of spending to the simplest ways to cut costs. Browse our extensive backlog of educational articles.

  • barista wearing a mask and cashing out customer

    A Guide to Tipping in the Age of Social Distancing

    COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we interact with service industry workers. How has social distancing, quarantine, and state-wide lockdowns, where carryout and delivery have now become the norm, changed the etiquette of tipping? We asked some experts to weigh in:
  • woman making an online purchase in front of Christmas tree

    Three Kinds of Holiday Financing You Should Avoid

    Because holiday spending is emotionally charged, it’s easy to get pulled into financial offers that seem helpful, but end up hurting you in the end. If you’re stretching yourself financially this season, keep an eye out for these three particularly worrisome financing options.
  • laptop with a "donate" button

    Best Online Fundraising Platforms

    There are plenty of reasons you may someday need to raise funds, from sudden medical emergencies to an exciting, new career path. Fortunately, there are plenty of platforms out there dedicated to helping you collect cash from a wide set of patrons. Here are our favorites and which are best for your particular needs.
  • opening a paycheck

    What the Payroll Tax Deferral Means for You

    A massive payroll tax deferral went into effect at the end of August, 2020. But did it affect you? Here's what you need to know, including how much your paychecks may have increased, where that money came from, and why you may have a smaller paycheck next year.
  • woman reviewing a loan rejection

    Why Having No Credit is the Same as Having Bad Credit

    Avoiding credit may seem like a smart way to save yourself from future hardships like debt and overspending, but it's much more likely to cause a different sort of hardship when you discover that having no credit is the same as having bad credit. Here's why developing a healthy relationship with credit is a much better goal than never using credit at all.
  • woman holding a candle in a house with no electricity

    How to Avoid a Utility Shutoff

    Just because many state-wide moratoriums have expired, doesn't mean that families are able to go back to making regular payments, which could mean massive shutoffs for electricity, gas, and more. If you’re suffering from a financial setback, what can you do to avoid literally being in the dark? Here are some tips:
  • two mothers having a socially distanced conversation

    Will COVID Change Our Habits Permanently?

    The coronavirus pandemic is creating new habits, traumas, and opportunities. But what changes will stick once things go back to "normal"? Experts weigh in on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on our personal finances and relationship with money.
  • man preparing orders to ship for his online store

    How To Set Up Your First Online Store

    Many people are looking for new ways to supplement or replace their income. While setting up an online store may be easier (and cheaper) than creating a physical retail space, it can still be a time-intensive process filled with potential setbacks. Here, we’ll cover the big decisions you’ll have to make—and common setbacks to watch out for.
  • couple having a discussion

    Ten Money Topics You Should Always Discuss with Your Partner Before Committing

    We all know that communication is crucial in developing a healthy relationship, but when it comes to money, those conversations can be especially hard to start. It's crucial, however, that you understand where the other stands before making a long-term commitment. Here are ten topics to cover and how to start the conversation.
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  • The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is an association of nonprofit consumer organizations that was established in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education. Today, nearly 300 of these groups participate in the federation and govern it through their representatives on the organization's Board of Directors.

  • Since 2007, the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) has served as a trusted, neutral source of information for more than eight million homeowners. They are partnered with, and endorsed by, numerous major government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury.

  • The mission of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD works to strengthen the housing market in order to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; and build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination.

  • The Council on Accreditation (COA) is an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. Their mission is to partner with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards.

  • The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.