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Manage Your Money

Make your money work for you. By setting goals, following a budget, and regularly saving, you can have more control over where your money goes and grows. Money is a tool. Many adults received little or no guidance as they were growing up about how best to use this tool. It's not surprising that within our current complex financial system, you may not have the information you need to make the best decisions on directing your income. National surveys continue to show that more than half of U.S. adults do not use a budget to manage their household expenses and more than fifty percent of adults do not regularly view their credit report. On this page you will find helpful links that will direct you to information you can use to build your money management skills.

More Resources for You

Credit: Managing Your Credit Card Spending
The Office of the State Treasurer has information for you on the cost of credit, how your credit score is calculated, and tips on how to keep personal debt in check.

What is a FICO Score?

Credit scores influence the credit that's available to you. At this link the Fair Isaac Corporation explains how credit scores are calculated.

Budgeting and Spending Plans
Do you ever wonder how to start a budget and begin saving? The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) has online budgeting resources you can use to start managing your money now.  

FDIC Money Smart Adult Education Program

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation offers computer-based instruction for adults. Money Smart is easy to use and includes 11 modules that take between 20-30 minutes to complete per module. The instruction is available for free on-line or on CD-ROM.

Consumer Tips

From avoiding unexpected bank account costs to financial planning tips for young adults--check out the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) consumer education page.

The Wealth Care Kit
The National Endowment for Financial Education has put together these resources to help you evaluate your current financial situation, identify goals and develop a plan to reach them. More resources are available by going to their Smart About Money web site.

Savings Calculator
Watch your savings balance grow! This on-line savings calculator provides a quick way to see how your monthly savings can grow to meet your financial goals. The calculator is provided by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Find a Class or Other Resources Near You
The Treasurer's Office has put together this clearinghouse of financial education resources available in communities around the state. Look up your local county to see what's listed.

Protect Your Online Data
The Federal Trade Commission gives you helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.  Visit the FTC consumer page.

Avoid Identity Theft
Guard your personal financial information. Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft.