Financial Education News

June is here! The season of sunshine, road trips and well-earned getaways. But this year, let’s give vacation a smart twist. Instead of coming home to credit card bills and budget regret, imagine returning refreshed and financially confident. June is your chance to explore, unwind and make memories, without losing sight of your goals. With a little planning and a lot of intention, you can enjoy every moment of summer while keeping your wallet happy. Because the best trips aren’t just unforgettable, they’re affordable too. Set a Realistic Vacation Budget Start with a clear number. Review your monthly income, bills ...

May is one of the most celebrated months of the year, filled with commencement ceremonies happening around the country. Students of all ages are awaiting their moment on stage to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication it took to reach this milestone. Oklahoma Money Matters wants you to focus on celebrating your accomplishments, without added stress about financial planning as you move into your next chapter. To financially plan after graduation, focus on establishing a strong foundation by managing your net income, tackling debt and considering long-term investments. Create a Budget Based on Net Pay: Determine your actual ...

Financial literacy is an ongoing initiative of Oklahoma Money Matters, but the month of April is a time to specifically highlight and celebrate the benefits of understanding money and learning how to manage it well. This month, we return to the basics and provide the foundational tenets of financial literacy. Knowing these four principles will guide you regardless of where you are on your journey. Budgeting What it is: Creating a plan for how you earn, spend and save money. Why it matters: Helps you live within your means and avoid financial stress. Key points: Track income and expenses Prioritize ...

Welcome to the March edition of Oklahoma Money Matters’ Financial Friday!  You’ve worked hard all semester, and you want to enjoy your spring break with a getaway. What you don’t want is to return to campus with empty pockets and debt looming over you from treating yourself beyond your means. Here are five practical steps to enjoy some rest and relaxation without financial burden.1. Set a realistic total budget This is your spending guardrail. Think about how much money you can spend after covering essentials like rent, groceries and upcoming bills. Consider what’s coming up after break, too — textbooks, ...

Finding someone that you want to spend your life with is a wonderful feeling. However, the excitement that comes with planning your future can cause you to overlook key lifestyle differences, especially when it comes to how each of you approaches money. OKMM understands this challenge and is here to help. Explore these financial literacy conversation starters to help you connect with your partner. Financial Transparency - Share all financial information openly — income, debts, credit scores, spending habits, even financial anxieties.Why sharing financial information matters: Secrecy around money is one of the top predictors of relationship conflict.What this looks like: Review credit ...

Welcome to the December edition of Financial Friday, Oklahoma Money Matters' online personal finance newsletter. The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress — but nothing sparks anxiety faster than mounting expenses from overspending. Discover practical tips to keep your season merry and bright while maintaining financial peace of mind. While the holiday season can bring joy and fellowship, it can also evoke feelings of doubt, worry and panic when it comes to finances. There is societal pressure to have it all together and to assess how much we care for one another through consumerism this time of ...

First, take a deep breath. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. We all can encounter financial challenges from time to time, and stress can affect every part of our lives. According to data from the National College Health Assessment, 75% of U.S. students have experienced moderate to high financial distress in the past year. While there is no cure-all method to eliminate all financial hardships or the negative feelings that come with them, please consider these tips to reduce stress, and to help take control of your budget. Prioritize what’s within your control: If you’ve completed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), received ...

A new school year, for both parents and students, offers an opportunity to reflect on where you've been and to make plans for your future goals. By identifying that you don't know where to start and seeking help, you've already made progress in improving the situation. Consider these steps to get you closer to your financial goals this year. Evaluate where you are before you do any spending: I know it’s tempting to participate in all the back-to-school shopping sales, but are you really getting a bargain if you’re further in debt after the purchase? If an unexpected expense occurs during the school ...

With proper planning, summertime can mean fun in the sun, family adventures and relaxing getaways. However, the absence of a plan and savings, can mean boredom and no means to decompress. Saving money for future goals can seem daunting and difficult, especially when there are more expenses than income. Please know that you are not alone. A little patience and a lot of discipline can make your summer fun dreams come true. Here are some ways to help you set aside that little bit extra. Prioritize your spending. Only you can decide the non-negotiables in your life, but it’s a common ...

Creating a personal finance calendar can be an excellent tool to help you stay in control of your money and improve your financial well-being. Having a plan can assist you in staying on top of your finances by tracking monthly and yearly monetary tasks. This can include paying bills, reviewing your credit report and saving for retirement. Additionally, a personal finance calendar can help you avoid late payments and other - sometimes costly - financial mistakes. By staying organized and keeping track of your financial deadlines, you can avoid late fees and other penalties that may harm your credit score. ...