Senate Cents: A Financial Wellness Blog

Refinancing Auto Loans 101

Published: November 17, 2017

If you're paying too much in interest for your car or truck loan, refinancing could be a great way to save some serious dough. Interest rates for vehicle loans may have dropped since you financed your auto. Or maybe you've improved your credit score, which could qualify you for a lower rate. Either way, it could be worth hundreds of dollars in savings to get a new auto loan to replace your current one.

What to Buy (and Skip) from Veterans Day to Black Friday

Published: November 9, 2017

November brings forth a cornucopia of sales: Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But that's just the beginning of what this deal-driven month will produce. Here are the categories from which you should be buying - and a couple you should skip - over the next few weeks to get the most for your money.

Amortization Basics: How Much Home Do You Own?

Published: November 3, 2017

When you buy a home, you usually don't pay the whole price at once. Instead, you finance it with a mortgage and make monthly payments. In this context, amortization is the process of breaking down a mortgage into regular installments. Knowing how it works can help you understand how much of your home you own over time. Here's a guide to amortization during the life of a typical mortgage loan.

What Everyone Should Know About EMV Cards

Published: October 27, 2017

Americans report billions of dollars in credit and debit card fraud each year. A new technology using microprocessors called EMV chips could help curb future losses.The chips are embedded on the front of credit and debit cards and exchange information with chip-card readers. Used together, the two make it harder for fraudsters to copy card information and make bogus in-store purchases.

Ways to Cut Your Car Costs

Published: October 20, 2017

Driving is a necessity for many, but it can also be expensive, with an average annual cost of almost $8,700. Here are three easy ways to reduce your car expenses.

When to Refinance a Mortgage

Published: October 13, 2017

Contrary to what you may think, signing up for a mortgage loan does not mean you're trapped in that rate or term. If rates change or events arise that prevent you from paying as you had planned, refinancing might be an effective way to change your monthly mortgage payment.

Members' Voice Testimonials

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