Welcome to the Financial Wellness Center

Credit reports and scores, credit vs. debit cards, reading your credit report, plus more.

• 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.
• Risks and Benefits of Credit Cards
  Credit cards offer benefits for many consumers, but it's important to understand the risks of unsecured credit.
• Building Credit
  Understanding the decisions and behaviors that can lead to improved credit scores.
• Understanding the Credit Card Act of 2009
  How the new regulations work to protect card holders.
• Reading Your Credit Report
  A detailed description of what to expect and look for when viewing a credit report.

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.

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-term 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.