I was always told a rule of thumb that I highly recommend to everyone when it comes to the use of credit cards, “If you don’t have cash or the funds in your checking account to pay for something, then don’t use your credit card to buy it.” Now, that is great when it comes to personal or material things, but what happens when you’re in a bind and need a new tire and you can’t afford it until next week? Read below to find out the best ways to be a savvy credit card user.

VA loans are specifically for those who serve and have served in the military. The loan typically comes with many advantages and makes home buying easier. Buying a home can be very overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, but you are not alone. Here are a few tips to get you out of the dark!

Have you ever been out and about “window shopping” knowing that you shouldn’t buy that expensive new purse or that tool for the garage, but you HAVE to have it? We’ve all been there.   Although it may bring temporary happiness, impulsive purchases will harm your bank account. Check out these five tips to help you become a smart shopper!

Your credit score is a 3-digit number that plays a big role in your financial life. We all know that when it comes to larger purchases, like a house or a vehicle, you need to have a good credit score. If you are stuck in a rut or simply want to raise your credit score by a few points, read these five simple steps for improving your score.

Military debt is surprisingly common amongst soldiers. Protecting our country often leads to loved ones at home with financial worries.   Deployment is not always to blame for these struggles, military families are vulnerable to the same financial traps that everyone else is exposed to.    No matter who you are, debt is no fun! Here are some basic tips to help relieve the stress of financial debt. 

Money management can be a daunting job, especially when you consider just how busy military families are. Budgeting apps are becoming an increasingly popular option and their features can be quite helpful. 

Here are some of the most popular budgeting apps:

If you are like most military families, bills, money and finances, in general, are fresh in your mind. Most military families have credit card debt, mortgage payments, large grocery bills, auto loans and countless other bills and expenses required to support and raise a family.

Every store we visit right now is bombarded with marketing posters, ads with sales on toys, holiday decorations, the latest electronics to look for and more. With all of the distractions, military families are often enticed by the buzz of holiday shopping. Are you tempted to spend too much this holiday season? Check out these quick tips on how to enjoy the holiday shopping season, while not derailing your future financial health.

It’s an unpleasant thought, but a financial crisis could strike when you least expect it, so you’ll want to be prepared. Protect yourself by setting up a cash reserve so you have funds available in the event you’re confronted with an unexpected expense. Otherwise you may need to use money that you have earmarked for another purpose–such as a down payment on a home–or go into debt.

Access to technology is a major advantage that benefits military families for helping manage finances.

These days, there’s virtually an app or a program for everything, and that includes financial basics. Do your homework and find out which ones could be the most helpful to you. Do you need alerts to remind you to pay bills on time? Do you need help organizing your finances? Are you looking for a program that allows you to examine your bank, credit card, investment, and loan account activities all at once?