Financial Education

Simple tools and guidance to help you make confident financial decisions.

Financial Education Starts Here

Money decisions happen every day, from saving and budgeting to borrowing and building credit. Our Financial Education Center provides practical tips and foundational knowledge to help you build strong financial habits and reach your goals with confidence. 

Saving Money

Savings provide financial security.

Budgeting

Plan for how you use your money.

Building Credit 

Credit affects loan approvals.

Borrowing Smart

Achieve important milestones.

Healthy Financial Habits 

Long-term financial wellness.








Saving Money & Building Emergency Funds

Why this matters:
Savings provide financial security and help prepare for unexpected expenses or future goals.

Saving money creates financial stability and helps prepare you for both planned goals and unexpected expenses. Even small, consistent contributions can grow over time and provide peace of mind.

An emergency fund is often the first step toward financial security. Setting aside funds for unexpected costs like car repairs, medical bills, or home expenses can help you avoid relying on credit when surprises happen.

Financial Basics

  • Aim to save consistently, even if starting small

  • Build an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses over time

  • Separate savings by goals (emergency, vacation, large purchases)

  • Automate transfers to make saving easier

Strong savings habits aren’t about how much you start with, they’re about consistency.

Budgeting & Managing Everyday Expenses

Why this matters:
A budget is simply a plan for how you use your money. It helps you understand where your income goes each month and ensures your spending aligns with your priorities.

Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about awareness and control. When you know your expenses, you can make adjustments that support both your needs and long-term goals.

Key Budgeting Concepts

  • Track income and monthly expenses

  • Separate needs from wants

  • Plan for recurring and seasonal expenses

  • Review and adjust your budget regularly

Many people find success using simple frameworks like the 50/30/20 rule, which allocates income toward needs, wants, and savings.

Simple Starter Framework
Your Income - Fixed Expenses - Variable Expenses - Savings = Remaining Spending Money

Understanding & Building Credit

Why this matters:
Credit plays an important role in many financial decisions, including loan approvals, interest rates, housing opportunities, and even insurance costs. Building and maintaining good credit takes time, consistency, and responsible borrowing habits.

Your credit score reflects how you manage borrowed money and repayment history.

What Impacts Your Credit

  • Making payments on time

  • Keeping balances low compared to limits

  • Maintaining long-standing accounts

  • Limiting frequent credit applications

  • Using a mix of credit responsibly

Healthy credit habits include paying bills on time, monitoring your credit regularly, and using credit as a tool — not a solution for overspending.

Borrowing Smart & Understanding Loans

Why this matters:
Loans can help you achieve important milestones such as purchasing a vehicle, financing education, or buying a home. Understanding how borrowing works allows you to make informed decisions and choose options that fit your budget.

Before borrowing, it’s important to understand the full cost of a loan and how payments fit into your overall financial plan.

Loan Basics to Know

  • Interest rate vs. Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

  • Monthly payment affordability

  • Loan terms and repayment timelines

  • Total cost over the life of the loan

Borrow responsibly by planning ahead and ensuring payments remain manageable alongside your other financial obligations.

Building Healthy Financial Habits

Long-term financial wellness is built through consistent habits, not one-time decisions. Small actions practiced regularly can lead to meaningful progress over time.

Healthy financial habits help reduce stress, improve confidence, and prepare you for future opportunities.

Habits That Support Financial Wellness

  • Save regularly, even in small amounts

  • Pay bills on time

  • Review accounts and transactions frequently

  • Set short- and long-term financial goals

  • Plan ahead before major purchases

Financial success looks different for everyone, but building strong habits today helps create stability for tomorrow.