We all have one and no one wants to deal with it…a junk drawer. You know the drawer in your kitchen that’s filled with pens, coupons, mail, and everything else you can imagine. Somehow, sections of our lives become cluttered without us even realizing it’s happening. If your finances feel a bit scattered right now, you’re not alone.
For many in Gen Z, money hasn’t felt simple or predictable. You’ve dealt with changing job markets, prices that keep climbing, and advice coming from every corner of the internet – especially social media. It can often feel like everyone else learned something, and somehow you didn’t get the memo. But, in reality, most people are just trying to figure things out as they go.
Most people understand why an emergency fund is essential, yet the idea of building one can feel intimidating. When you’re balancing everyday expenses, repaying debt, or income shifts monthly, saving even a small amount can feel out of reach. And when financial advice starts with “save three to six months of living expenses,” it’s easy to shut down before you ever get started.
Instead of rushing into big, rigid goals each January, you can build steady routines that fit naturally into daily life. Like a morning cup of coffee, these rituals don't need perfection or intensity. They just need consistency. Over time, they create a sense of stability that resolutions often fail to deliver. You just return to it, and it sets a calm tone for everything that follows.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps have become a routine part of everyday money management. From splitting a dinner bill to paying a babysitter or sending a quick gift, these apps make it easy to move money in just a few taps. But P2P apps aren’t one-size-fits-all financial tools. Understanding where they work well, and where caution is needed, allows you to use them confidently and avoid risk.
When most people think about IRAs, they picture market-based accounts. While those can be excellent tools for long-term growth, don't overlook the value of Savings and Certificate IRAs at the credit union. With guaranteed returns and predictable growth, they are perfect to offset other market-based retirement accounts and they provide ultimate peace of mind.
Most people agree that life insurance is important, but it’s one of those topics that often gets pushed aside. Many think it’s something only older adults or parents with young children need. In reality, life insurance is a form of financial protection that can make sense at nearly every stage of life.
Every year, millions of people discover their personal information has been compromised or stolen. Sometimes, it’s the work of a faceless cybercriminal. Other times, it’s someone much closer than you’d ever expect. Either way, the impact is the same - stress, financial loss, and the uneasy feeling of wondering who has access to your data.
Managing your money can often feel overwhelming. Between juggling bills, unexpected expenses, and trying to save for the future, it may seem like there’s never enough cash left over. But strengthening your finances doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By making small, intentional changes to how you save and spend, you can gradually build better habits and a stronger financial future.
Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes those surprises are wonderful, like a new job or the chance to travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. Other times, the unexpected can throw your finances off track in an instant. That’s why every household should have an emergency fund.
