Tax returns are an essential part of every individual’s financial life. It is the process of submitting information about your income, deductions, and credits to the government to calculate the amount of taxes owed or refund due.

Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, chances are there has been a time where you wanted to get your sweetie a little something sweet. However, flowers can be expensive, and just because something costs a lot of money doesn’t mean it comes from the heart. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 52% of Americans plan to spend upwards of $192 on Valentine’s Day this year. That’s why we’re here with a few ideas on what to get that special someone without spending an arm and a leg.

Isn’t it strange how there are some terms we are just supposed to know? We hear financial jargon thrown around and we nod our heads in agreement but aren’t sure what the heck is going on. Don't you wish you had a financial glossary to help untangle those tricky terms? You're in luck! We've got one right here.

The words “credit score” often come with a headache, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to improve yours. That’s why we’re laying out three of best ways to rebuild or improve your credit score and set yourself up for success.

Are those butterflies in your stomach because of first-date jitters or because debt is calling you up? If it’s the latter, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent survey from Lendingtree noted that “22% of millennials (ages 26 to 41) and 19% of Gen Zers (ages 18 to 25) have gone into debt from what they’ve spent on dating.” Surprised? Let’s examine what makes dating so expensive.

How many times do we set a New Year’s Resolution with the full intention to stick to it only to have it flop a month into the year? This year, we’re starting strong and planning to be financially savvy all of 2023. And one of the first steps to a financially successful year is to create your first budget plan! We promise it’s not as stressful as it sounds, especially with HealthShare Credit Union on your side.

What kind of bells are you hearing this holiday season? If it’s warning bells instead of jingle bells, you’ve come to the right place. We all fall into the trap of impulse buys—new holiday décor, something perfect for a friend who wasn’t originally on your list, or something incredibly on sale—and these, ultimately, only lead to the crippling guilt of overspending. But don’t fret just yet, here are five ways to prevent holiday impulse purchases, and stick with what you want and need this season:

Buy now pay later, also known as BNPL, sounds pretty attractive. This is particularly true with the state of the current inflation rate in the economy. The idea that you, as a consumer, can figuratively have your cake and eat it too when it comes to holiday shopping sounds too good to be true! Until you get to the fine print and find out that it is. Just like the pitfalls of store credit cards we’ve been warned about, BNPL can become a dangerous habit to fall into.

Before you tie the knot, it pays to know a few things. Everybody has a different way of managing their finances, and if you and your partner aren’t on the same page, you might find yourself struggling to navigate financial issues when they arise. In fact, an article in the Wall Street Journal notes, “One in five couples identifies money as their greatest relationship challenge.” It’s best to get ahead of this issue before it even becomes one. So, how can couples set expectations for their financial future? Here are a few tips.

With the leaves changing colors and that nice, cool, crisp feeling back in the air, the autumn season has finally arrived! Are you looking for ways to enjoy the fall without falling into debt? Well, get your pumpkin spice, grab a football, and pick up that rake in the garage, because we’re about to explore some great ways to enjoy the fall traditions on a budget!

As inflation continues to wreak havoc on the middle and lower socioeconomic classes, many will feel the sting of rising costs in different areas of their lives. Those with children can attest to this fact, as the statistics show that raising a child can cost upward of $310,000.00 from infancy to age 17. This does not include any higher education costs and works out to be about $18,000.00 per year. We aren’t going to scare you with this stat and leave you wondering what to do. Here are a few ways you can combat the rising costs of parenthood:

Look out — there’s a new scam in town! “Smishing” is a scam format that has recently encountered a boost in scammer popularity, and it’s surprisingly sneaky. Keep reading to learn more about smishing and how to keep your information safe!

Whether you’re trying to distract a group of restless kids, entertain a few bored teens, or just enjoy yourself, the summer can be a taxing time on your wallet. However, there are so many things you can do that cost little to no money. Don’t worry, just because you’re saving money, doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing fun. There’s still plenty of summer left, which means there’s still plenty of time to save money AND have a great time. Here are five things you can do this summer (and beyond) that won’t break the bank.

Credit reports, budgets, goals, and debt can be frightening words and concepts whether you are hearing them for the first time or the hundredth time. They are chilling because they are important in leading a healthy financial lifestyle, but we may not be well-versed in what they mean. Once you become familiar with the world of finance, you can maneuver more effectively through your own financial history to set up your future. Here are some ways to become more comfortable with the wild world of money.

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a financial solution that, like any financial solution, has pros, cons, and considerations. So, how do you know if a HELOC is right for you? Allow us to give you the breakdown!

Did you know, a recent survey reported that 44% of the 2,500 responders said that being a member of a credit union has had a “very positive” impact on their financial situation? Compare this to the only 29% who said being a part of a big bank has had the same positive impact. These results were reflected across various demographics as 43% of women surveyed and 44% of people of color felt their financial situation was improved by a Credit Union.