Financial Knowledge Center

A collection of our consumer articles:

These are in alphabetical order for you convenience, but you can always use "Search" (upper right hand) to find the things you want.

If you can't find an answer to your financial questions here, try the articles at Northwest Financial Resources.  You'll find advice on retirement, personal finance, insurance, saving for college, investing and many other financial topics.

Avoiding sales lists
Here's how to avoid telemarketers and get your number on the do-not-call lists.

Budgeting 101
Budgeting can help you manage debt and save for your long-term goals.  We hope this article helps you start down the path to financial stability.

Buying a home
Owning a home is the American dream.  Here are some answers to common home buying questions.

Buying big items
If you're interested in buying a big ticket item, such as a jet ski or RV, check out this article for financing options and some shopping tips.

Car buying help
Buying a car doesn't have to be painful.  Here's how to get a good deal on a car you really want and can afford.

Consumer tips
These tips should help you save more and get the most bang for your buck when you make e veryday purchases.

Create your own budget
We've gathered some resources to help you create a budget.  This article also includes a budget worksheet you can print out.

Debt reduction
Debt reduction may seem daunting, but the longer you wait, the more you'll owe.  Here are some simple steps to help reduce your debt.

How to get a raise in your allowance
If your allowance isn't cutting it, ask for a raise.  But before you do, here are ways to help you and your parents make a better deal.

Join the Share Bear Club
This unique program teaches kids about saving and money while having fun and earning prizes.

Last minute college financing
If you haven't planned for your child's college yet, here are some last-minute ways to afford an education.

Making and saving money for kids
Kids appreciate money too.  Here are ways to earn and save.

Planning for your retirement
Savings may be your most valuable source of income when you retire.  But how do you know how much to save?

Retirement tips to rev up your savings
Whether you've started saving for retirement or not, these tips can help your savings plan catch up when it's getting late in the game.

Saving for college
Is college in your child's future?  Find and start a college savings plan that works for you.

Saving and investing tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference.  These descriptions can help newly independent savers start off on the right foot and get their money working for them.

Scams and frauds
There are people who make a living by scamming you out of yours.  Don't be a victim.  Here are some frauds to beware:

• Debit and checking fraud
• New auto sales fraud
• ID theft and credit fraud
• Other scams
• Door to door fraud
• False advertising scams
• Investment fraud
• Used auto sales fraud
• Auto repair fraud
• Telemarketing scams
• Scholarship scams

Scholarships
Why pay for college out of pocket when millions of dollars are given away to students each year. 

Smarter saving and planning
Have you started saving for your future?  The sooner you start, the better your lifestyle may be. 

Spending guidelines
If you spend your money at will, it's easy to slip into some money problems.  Here are general spending guidelines for a healthy financial future.

Stretch your dollars on a fixed income
If you're living on a fixed income, this article can help you stretch your dollars to make the best of your golden years.

Teaching the ABC's of personal finance
Many schools don't teach lessons about money and finance.  It is your responsibility as parents to educate your children so they can become financially successful.  Here are some tips for getting started.

The risks of debt
Many people don't realize the consequences of being in debt.  We've gathered some resources on debt scams and credit repair that we hope will help you free yourself from debt.

Understanding compounding interest
Want to be a millionaire?  This articles breaks it down into bite-size pieces so kids can understand saving and interest.

Understanding Financial Aid
Federal Financial Aid can be confusing.  Here are some resources that can make it easier to understand.

Understanding the 2001 Tax Act
The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 is a tax law that offers good news to anyone who's saving for retirement.  See how it can affect you and your retirement savings.

Understanding your credit history
Learning about credit and your history is an important step to financial stability.