Articles on credit, savings, checking and loans

State Farm® offers credit and loan tips to help you plan for the future as well as information on deposit accounts and how to help protect your financial information.

Articles about credit and credit cards

How to find the right credit card

Credit cards often charge fees for late payments, cash advances and transfers. If these apply to you, research cards with low fees and flexible options.

What is a good credit score?

Do you know your credit score? Find out what a good score is, why you should get a copy of your credit report and how to rebuild your credit if needed!

Basic financial terms glossary

Basic terms about credit, retirement and investing that may contribute to your financial knowledge.

Articles about loans

Should you refinance student loans?

Student loan debt isn't uncommon, but there are ways to lighten your load. Here's what to know about student loan consolidation.

Calculate how long to pay off a Home Equity Line of Credit

Use this calculator to help determine the number of months necessary to repay a home equity line of credit in order to meet your financial goals.

What to know about co-signing a loan

Co-signing a loan for a family member or friend has potential risks and consequences. Learn more before making this big financial decision.

Articles about deposit accounts

Types of savings accounts and how to choose one

There are several types of savings accounts, and each one may work better for a different goal. Learn how to match the right account to your short-term and long-term savings needs.

What is a checking account and how to use it

Whether it's your first time or you need a refresher, learn about how to use a checking account including writing and depositing a check.

What is a money market account?

A money market account earns more interest than a standard savings account and gives you easier access to your funds. Here's how it compares.

Articles about online security

Smartphone security and tips to help prevent identity theft

Simple tips, like locking your cell phone or other smart device, help prevent identity theft and your personal info from being stolen.

Pros and cons of automatic payments

Examine the pros and cons of AutoPay before deciding where and how automatic payments might work with your budget strategy.

Credit card, debit card & ATM security tips to help prevent card fraud

Do you know enough about credit card, debit card and ATM security? Here are a few tips to help protect you from debit card fraud, credit card fraud and more.

Articles about budgeting

Budget breakdown

Check out these types of budgeting methods and simple money saving tips to organize your finances to fit your lifestyle & spending habits.

Build an emergency fund

Having extra cash in an emergency fund comes in handy when life throws you something unexpected.

How to get out of debt

Debt can be easier to get in than out of. Check out these tips and strategies to learn more about effective debt reduction.

Banking tips for kids and teens

Teaching kids to save money

How to teach kids about money to help prepare them as financially responsible adults.

Money management for teens

Lessons on money management for teens before they head to college, including how to create a budget, strategies for saving money and ways to use credit responsibly.

School bus safety tips

Safety tips for children and parents as they wait at the bus stop, cross the street, and enter/exit the bus. Plus tips for bus drivers as they transport the kids.

Calculators

To consolidate debt, first calculate the loan you need

It's easier to conquer debt when you streamline multiple payments into one place. Use this calculator to determine if a consolidation loan is right for you.

Calculate your possible line of credit

Enter the value of your home and amount of your mortgage to see what line of credit you might qualify for.

Calculate how long to pay off a Home Equity Line of Credit

Use this calculator to help determine the number of months necessary to repay a home equity line of credit in order to meet your financial goals.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.