Brian Avila

  • What to Buy and What to Skip in December

    December blows in at the peak of the holiday shopping frenzy, and then it tiptoes out with the end of the year and post-holiday calm. Black Friday deals are long over, and there are no major shopping holidays this month, but you can still find a fabulous deal before and after the holidays. Whether you’re

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  • Don’t Get Caught in a Non-Delivery Scam

    With the holidays approaching, and online shopping reaching its annual peak, scammers are out in full force to get at your money and your purchases. There are many scams to watch for this time of year, from online “retailers” phishing for information as you shop, to brazen porch thieves who swipe delivered packages from doorsteps,

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  • What to Buy and What to Skip in November

    The biggest shopping month of the year is here! With Black Friday deals running for as long as the entire month of November and Cyber Monday giving the internet a chance at boasting super-low deals, too, ‘tis truly the season to save. Before you start charging up a storm, though, keep in mind that not

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  • All You Need to Know About Cybersecurity

    Cybercrimes are increasing exponentially by the year. Unfortunately, developments like the pandemic, the growth of cryptocurrency and the increase in online working and shopping have created a target-rich environment for cybercriminals. The best way to protect yourself from cybercrimes of any kind is by being aware of common warning signs as well as keeping your

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  • Don’t Get Caught in a College Degree Scam!

    College degree scams can be tough to spot. Unfortunately, getting duped by one can mean losing out on lots of time and money. Here’s what to know about college scams. What’s a college degree scam? A college degree scam can look like a diploma mill, in which an alleged school promises a super-quick degree for

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  • Why You Need to Be Financially Fit

    You give your abs a daily workout, but are you neglecting those money muscles? Here’s why being financially fit is super-important and how you can overcome common barriers to financial wellness.  Financial wellness: a ripple effect Managing money responsibly will affect many aspects of your life: Marriage. According to a recent study by AARP, financial problems are

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  • What to Buy and What to Skip in September

    Get ready for savings on big-ticket items this month! Retailers are looking to bring the crowds back after the big back-to-school storm has passed, and bargain prices are always a great way to attract shoppers. They also need to clear shelves before the holiday season blows in with its shopping frenzy. Add in the Labor

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  • What to Buy and What to Skip in August

    Independence Day sales are long gone and Labor Day is a month away, but you can still pick up great bargains in August. Here’s what to buy and what to skip this month.  Buy: Back-to-school suppliesBack-to-school season is still going strong. Cash in on great deals before the season draws to a close with the

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  • 5 Signs You’re on the Path to Becoming Financially Aware

    As we approach National Financial Awareness Day on August 14, it’s a good opportunity to remember that the way we handle our money is a key part of financial wellness.  With COVID-related mortgage, rent, student loan and other relief programs ending, being financially aware is more important now than ever. Yet being financially aware goes well beyond managing

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  • Financial Literacy for Kids

    Practical money management skills learned at an early age can have a lasting impact on the rest of your child’s life. In fact, this is one of the most important areas where you can truly change the course of their life. Educating your children about financial wellness will help them build healthy spending habits for

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