Welcome to the Financial Wellness Center

From setting goals to paying off loans, the basics of effective budget management.

• Setting Goals
  Setting financial goals offers the chance to step back from everyday pressures, allowing us to think about how we’d like to be rather than as how we are.
• Debt and the Pressure to Spend
  It’s wonderful to have the freedom to buy so many products, but unless you’re rich, the key to happy spending is planned spending.
• Nudging Yourself Toward Your Goals
  No matter what your financial goal, it's important to have an accountability system in place.
• Introduction to Budgeting
  Why budgeting is important, no matter how much money you earn.
• Income and Expenses
  A big part of budgeting is identifying income and listing expenses.
• Making Sense of Your Budget
  After you've identified your income and tracked your spending, it's time to compare the numbers, gain perspective, set priorities, and make changes.
• Tracking Your Spending
  Tracking your money can be a powerful way to spot unplanned spending.
• How to Improve Cash Flow
  Cash flow is a key indicator of your financial health.
• Money Saving Ideas
  Looking for ideas for ways to save money? Almost everyone can find a way to save using at least one of these tips.

From choosing a make and model to financing a purchase, topics every consumer should understand when buying a car.

• Buying a Car Introduction
  An introduction to the basics of this major purchase and responsibility.
• Choosing a Make and Model
  A look at four important factors to consider when choosing a car: fuel consumption, insurance rates, reliability, and depreciation.
• The Total Cost of Ownership
  Understanding the many costs associated with owning a car - from financing to taxes.
• Buy or Lease?
  Understanding the pros and cons of vehicle leasing.
• Financing a Car Purchase
  How a loan affects the total cost of buying a car.
• Evaluating a Used Car
  How to "do your homework" before buying a used car.
• Setting a Target Price
  How to set a realistic target price for both new and used vehicles.
• Negotiating Price
  Know what to expect when negotiating the best deal.
• Avoiding Surprises
  Think the negotiating is finished when you agree on a price? Here's how to negotiate dealer extras and extended warranty pitches.
• Common Mistakes When Buying a Car
  Twelve common mistakes to keep in mind when shopping for a car.

A money management course that outlines the basics of financial health - from budgeting to insurance.

• Financial Health
  The concept of financial health is the foundation of any financial plan.
• Introduction to Budgeting
  Why budgeting is important, no matter how much money you earn.
• Choosing a Bank or Credit Union
  Key factors to consider when choosing a financial services provider.
• Credit vs. Debit Cards
  Credit and debit cards each have pros and cons. When should you use each?
• Credit Reports and Scores
  Credit reports and scores determine the rates you pay when borrowing and can affect your ability to get certain jobs.
• Managing Accounts
  Account management strategies for checking and savings.
• Building Credit
  Understanding the decisions and behaviors that can lead to improved credit scores.
• Identity Theft
  Understanding ID theft and how to prevent it.
• Financial Goals Exercise
  A goal-setting exercise that includes weekly, monthly, yearly, and long-term goals.

What you need to know to start making a long-term financial plan, from getting married to planning for retirement.

• Medical Care Planning
  How to make sure your wishes are followed in a medical crisis.
• Financial Planning
  Learning the "how" and "why" of short, medium, and long-term financial planning.
• Estate Planning
  Wills, trusts, and other end of life issues.
• Creating a Will
  A will is the cornerstone of the legal framework of an estate plan, and everyone should have one.
• Powers of Attorney
  Everyone faces the possibility of temporary or permanent incapacitation. Make sure your wishes are followed.
• Talking About Money
  A look at some of the financial considerations of getting married.
• Planning for the Unexpected
  Planning for unexpected events, including accidents, death, and even the possibility of divorce, are all part of a responsible marriage.

What to do if you're in financial trouble, from creating a debt reduction plan to your rights when dealing with debt collectors.

• Spotting the Signs of Financial Trouble
  Many Americans find themselves in debt, but for some, debt turns into a serious problem with lasting consequences.
• Dealing with Financial Trouble
  If you ever find yourself experiencing financial trouble, there are steps you can take to get back on track and to minimize the damage to your credit.
• Debt Reduction Plans
  Whether you do it yourself or work with a credit counselor, creating a debt reduction plan is an important first step for those with financial trouble.
• Credit Counseling
  The role of credit counseling organizations and how a debt management plan works to restore credit over time.
• Choosing a Credit Counselor
  The best way to find a good credit counselor is to know what questions to ask.
• Credit Repair Scams
  There's a big difference between a non-profit credit counseling service and a credit repair scam. Learn how to tell the difference.
• Debt Collection
  Your rights and responsibilities when dealing with debt collectors.
• Debt Collection and Legal Actions
  What to expect if you are sued over debt.
• Understanding Bankruptcy
  The types of bankruptcy and why bankruptcy should be used only as a last resort.
• Alternative Financial Services
  Understanding why payday loans, check cashing services, and similar services may be bad deals for consumers.

A look at the financial challenges of raising a child.

• Introduction
  Having a baby is not just a family decision, it's a financial decision too.
• Babies and Budgets
  How to get your finances in shape before a baby arrives, including a budget review, paying down debt, making sure you're getting the best on any long-term debt, and creating an emergency fund.
• Paying for the Baby Years
  The non-childcare costs you can expect when having a baby, from cribs to health insurance.
• Managing Risks
  Life is filled with unexpected events. Learn how to ensure the financial security of your child in the worst case scenario.
• Children and Taxes
  A review of the tax benefits that can help you manage the expenses incurred with children.
• Childcare Choices
  An overview of different childcare choices and the financial implications of each.
• Growing Up - Childhood and Beyond
  A look at the additional costs of raising a child beyond the first few years including the indirect costs.