Education Articles

7 Visa Card Features That Might Surprise You

‘More than just a piece of plastic’ Credit cards offer a convenient way to make purchases. That much is known. What’s less understood are the benefits credit cards can offer. For those willing to put on their research hats, there are many perks attached to credit cards—many of which you may already have at your disposal without knowing it. To ge...

10 Tips for Fortifying Your Passwords and Usernames

Many of us know not to include sensitive information, like our Social Security number or birthday, in our logins (and if you didn’t know, now you do!). But that’s just the most basic step you can take to keep your information safe from would-be fraudsters. Specific username and password rules can differ from website to website, but these five...

One-Stop Financial Shopping

If you’re like most shoppers, you’d rather make as few trips as possible when checking off the shopping list. Retailers have met this demand by providing a more diverse selection of products than ever before—we’ve long become accustomed to setting dog food, running shoes, and organic produce in the same shopping cart (both the physical and onlin...

Passing On the Story of You

Legacy planning can ensure your wishes (as well as your wealth) live on through your heirs. Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t … things. And that’s where legacy planning comes in. Legacy planning goes well beyond leaving your wealth to loved ones. It incorporates the elements of  estate planning  and then some, allowing you to pass on you...

10 Tips for Finding the Right Contractor

The pool of independent contractors is deep, so do your homework for a good fit. The time has come. You just can’t look at your outdated kitchen with mismatched appliances, countertops, and cabinets any longer. You’ve watched endless YouTube videos on kitchen remodels. Do you  hire a professional or do it yourself ? Will you need a  home equity...

6 Steps to Prepare for Your (Financial) Future

Small steps and helpful tools—like the right savings account (they’re not all made equal)—can help you get ahead. For those closer to the start of their financial journey, planning for the future can seem daunting, or maybe even unnecessary. But wherever you are in life, it's never a bad idea to take stock of your finances with an eye toward...

Demystifying Financial Terms: APR & APY

For better or worse, acronyms and initialisms have become commonplace in normal conversation. When was the last time someone said they watched the game on the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN)? Or was asked for their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code? In financial circles, you’ve likely...

Priced Out of An Upgrade? Elevated Home Values Mean You Have Options

The housing market continues to cool, slowly trending from a white-hot seller's market to a more neutral market. However, home values remain high across the United States, especially in Oregon. On the surface, this is great news for existing homeowners (who can argue with extra equity?). But if you also factor in high mortgage interest rates...

Medicare 101: Your Questions Answered

The world of Medicare is complex and can feel overwhelming. It helps to hear from those who live in it—and to start with the basics. Using a broker can help you navigate the ins and outs of Medicare. So, what exactly is  Medicare ? It’s the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities or...

Understanding VA Loans

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many financial benefits to military veterans. One of the more significant benefits is a VA mortgage loan. How does a VA loan work? And how is it different from a conventional mortgage? At its base level, a VA loan allows veterans and their families to purchase a home at a lower interest rate...