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 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.

Explore the process of starting a new business from estimating start up costs to hiring employees.

• Is Entrepreneurship For Me?
  Entrepreneurship is the act of starting and running a business, which brings both potential benefits and risks.
• Conducting Market Research for a New Business
  Market conditions play a crucial role in the success of a new business and involve factors such as consumer demand, competition, and economic growth.
• Business Start-up Costs
  Starting a successful new business requires careful planning and budgeting of both one-time and ongoing costs.
• Writing a Business Plan
  Creating a business plan is a crucial step for starting a new business, whether it is a small home-based operation or a venture-backed tech company.
• Choosing a Business Name
  Choosing a business name is a critical step in starting a new company since it affects the company's brand identity, customer recognition, plus more.
• Choosing the Legal Structure for Your Business
  The legal structure of a new business is an important decision with both tax and legal implications, so it's important to choose wisely.
• Registering a New Business
  Starting a new business involves registering with state, federal and sometimes even local governments.
• How to Finance a New Business
  Finding capital for a new business can be challenging, but there are a number of options to consider.
• Business Cash Flow, Profit and Loss
  Understanding a business's financial cash flow and overall profit or loss is critical for ensuring its long-term success and financial stability.
• Establishing Business Credit
  Business credit is a record of a company's financial history used to evaluate its creditworthiness.
• Your Responsibilities as an Employer
  As an employer, there are several responsibilities you must be familiar with in order to avoid potential legal issues.
• Business Taxes
  Understanding and managing taxes are key to every business owner or self-employed individual.
• Buying an Existing Business or Franchise
  Buying an existing business or a franchise are two options for entrepreneurs looking to start a business quickly. Let’s explore the potential pros and cons of each option.

Key topics for those transitioning from school to the workplace.

• From College to the Workplace
  No matter what your financial outlook is after leaving school, the concept of financial health is an important step toward long-term financial success.
• Salary Expectations Versus Reality
  Most young people tend to overestimate their starting salaries.
• Earning a Paycheck
  A brief overview of common paycheck deductions and how to increase earning potential.
• Employer Benefits
  There are four main types of employee benefit programs: health insurance, retirement plans, tax-advantaged savings, and supplemental benefits such as life and vision care insurance.
• Making Decisions About Employee Benefits
  Employee benefits vary between employers, so it’s up to the employee to make the most of whatever benefits are offered.
• Day One of a New Job
  First impressions are important. New employees should take the time to prepare for the first day to ensure that they start off on the right foot.
• Time Management
  To be successful in today’s workplace, you need to know how to manage the limited amount of time you have to accomplish all of your tasks.
• The Concept of Professionalism
  Being a “professional” paves the way for both current and future success, no matter what career you choose. Professionalism requires you to draw upon a set of skills that may seem outside the specific skills required for your job.
• Networking in the Workplace
  Effective networking can lead to success in your career both now and in the future.