Personal Resource Center

There’s been an uptick in spoofing-related fraud. Here’s what you need to know.

Synovus takes the security of its customers very seriously, whether it be online or in person.

Thieves never take a vacation, even when you do. Read these tips to avoid travel scams and protect yourself from fraud while traveling.

Zelle and other peer-to-peer payment apps are convenient to pay or receive funds. But peer-to-peer scams could empty your bank account.

Child identity theft is a surprisingly common occurrence. Find out the red flags to look for and how to protect your child.

Learn more about the most common types of credit card fraud and what steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a fraud victim.

Thieves go into overdrive around the holidays. Learn more about six common holiday scams and how to avoid them.

The best way to protect yourself from scammers is to learn to identify common red flags that a scammer is targeting you — and then take action.

Phishing attacks are on the rise, but you can keep your inbox — and your personal information — safe with a few key tips.

Make a plan to help your loved ones secure your digital accounts and prevent post-mortem identity theft after you die.

Social engineering scams are designed to defraud victims with fake emails and texts. Learn about these scams and ways to protect yourself.

The FBI reports that online fraud is rapidly growing in the U.S. Find out how to protect yourself and what to do if you are a fraud victim.

Smishing scams send you text messages from fake sources in an attempt to trick you into revealing personal or financial information.

Vishing is a type of fraud that blends telephone and email scams. Here's how to identify red flags of vishing and how to report it.

Online shopping is more popular than ever and cyberthieves and hackers have taken note. Here's how to stay one step ahead of the scams.

Phishing attacks are on the rise, but you can keep your inbox — and your personal information — safe with a few key tips.

As more people work from home, home network security becomes increasingly crucial. Here are eight ways to secure your home network.

Scammers use many tricks to get you to divulge your personal information by phone, email, or online. Here are some red flags to look for.

Don't let scammers take advantage of your generosity. Here are ways to check that your donations end up in the right hands.

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, just as working from home becomes more common. Here's how to protect your data from malware.

If you have trouble keeping track of multiple passwords, consider using a password manager. But is it safe for your financial accounts? Consider these points first.

Your credit reports inform your credit score. Be sure that negative entries, errors, or fraudulent activity doesn't drag it down.

Learn how to protect your card data from cyber thieves when you shop, use the ATM, or fuel up your vehicle.

Your smartphone is a lifeline, but losing its data or having it stolen could be a disaster. Here's how to make it more secure.

Learn how to protect yourself from hackers and cyberthieves when shopping online. It is possible to safely shop online.

Hackers steal nearly 250,000 online login credentials each week. Here's how to protect your email and financial data with a strong password.

Your aging parents could be at risk for elder financial abuse. Here's how to spot signs of fraud and protect your parents' assets.

Parents can keep their children safe online with these best practices. Take a look at these tips to teach your kids how to be safe online.

You might be wary about giving out your personal contact information — but it's critical that the bank can reach you. Here's why.

When the Federal Reserve announces a change in interest rates, it tends to make headlines. Here's how it works. 

The Fed has a lot of influence on your day-to-day financial life, especially if you have a credit card, mortgage, or loan. Here's how.

If you have retirement savings, do you need an emergency fund? The answer is yes. Here's why you need one and how you can start saving.

Ready to improve your finances? These tips can help you reduce your debt and make this your best financial year yet.

Getting life insurance often takes many weeks, medical exams, and paperwork. Here's how simplified issue life insurance can help.

The number of credit cards you should own depends on your personal financial situation. Here's how to figure out the right number for you.

Do you have a good credit score? Learn what the two major scoring models consider "good" and how you can get — and keep — your score there.

Being an adult is expensive. Make sure you start off your newfound life of freedom on the right foot by knowing how to manage your money.

As people travel for the holidays, you might be considering travel insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

Fitting student loans into your budget as a new grad can feel overwhelming. Here's how to make a plan and budget that will work for you.

Need a little inspiration to jumpstart your savings? Start with these common and creative goals to discover your own reasons to save.

When a loved one dies, you'll need to settle up their finances. Here are the key steps you need to take to do this.

Debt consolidation could either help or hurt your credit score. Here's how to minimize the downside while maximizing the upside.

Understanding funeral costs ahead of time can alleviate the emotional and financial strain on your family. Here's how to plan and budget.

When your income takes a hit, it can be hard to adjust your budget and avoid extra debt. Here are five ways to make the numbers work.

Estate planning doesn't have to be complicated. Here are the steps you should take to ensure your plans are in order.

Paying taxes can be a major drain on your retirement income. Make sure you're taking advantages of these tax breaks.

No matter your financial goals, a savings plan can help you establish priorities, automate savings, and stay motivated throughout the year.

Unemployment insurance can be a financial lifeline if you find yourself out of work. Here's what you need to know about these benefits.

It's nice to save when you shop, but sometimes spending more money now saves you more in the long run. Here's when to splurge and when to save.

It's possible to have some fun while accomplishing your financial goals, too. Here are 5 smart ways to use your year-end bonus.

Want to rein in your online shopping? Use these tips to save money and resist impulse buying throughout the year.

It's never been easier to switch to paperless bank statements. Here's 5 ways going electronic can save you time and offer you peace of mind.

Contactless payments are a safe, secure way to pay in the COVID-19 environment. Here's how contactless works and why you'd want to use it.

Good credit is key for everyday life, but watch out for these actions that can harm your score

Discover the pros and cons of money market accounts, their potential for growth, and how they differ from money market funds.

Just because your income is unpredictable doesn't mean your budget has to be. Here's how to budget when your income varies.

Responsible financial planning requires preparing for how you'll deal with unanticipated setbacks and worst-case financial scenarios.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) differ from traditional savings accounts, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to invest in one safely.

The average tax refund check is almost $2,500. Learn five ways to get the most value from your refund this year.

Blending families goes more smoothly with a shared bank account for household expenses and separate accounts for each spouse.

With so many different versions available, credit scores can be confusing. Here's what you need to know for your financial health.

The new FICO 10 model for calculating credit scores could have major impacts on some types of borrowers. Here's what you need to know.

You can plan a romantic honeymoon on any budget. Here's our tips to make your vacation dollar stretch even farther.

Ready to make better financial decisions? Check out these 5 simple steps you can take to gain control of your finances.

From debit cards to interest rates, here are the most important money-related terms you need to know as a financially savvy young adult.

Giving kids an allowance helps them learn how to manage money, but only if you're actively teaching them good practices. Here's how.

Closing a bank account when someone passes away isn't difficult, as long as you have the right paperwork for the the teller or banker.

Managing the financial affairs of a deceased loved one can be challenging, but closing their credit cards doesn't have to be. Get started here.

Banking alerts can notify you when your balance gets low or when certain transactions are made.

You don't have to live like a starving student just to stick to your budget. Here are five easy and effective ways to save more money.

Personal loans can be a great alternative to high-interest borrowing options when you have a major expense to cover. Here's how they work.

Trying to get your family's spending under control? This infographic shows you step by step how to create a budget for your family. 

A HELOC is a line of credit that's based on the equity in your home. If you're considering getting a HELOC, consider all the facts first.

Creating a family budget doesn't have to be difficult, especially with this simple template. Here's how to get started — and how to keep your budget on track.

Find out how CDs and MMAs work, how they differ, and how to decide which is best for your situation.

Overdrafting your account is a real pain, especially considering overdraft fees can be as much as $40 each. Know how to prevent overdrafts.

Looking for a credit card that offers rewards? Here's what you need to know about the types of rewards cards available.

You don't have to be a financial pro to help your kids grow into money-savvy adults. Follow these tips to help your kids learn how to budget money.

Going on a family vacation doesn't have to be expensive. Here are five smart tips to help you spend less and still make great memories.

Whether to pay off debt early or save more money for retirement is one of the most common questions people ask financial advisors.

Reward cards come with an astonishing array of choices. Here's what you need to know to choose a credit card that's right for you.

Your credit score will determine whether you qualify for a loan — and what interest rate you'll pay. Here's how to boost your credit score.

Do you know what your credit score is? This infographic breaks down how your credit score is determined and what the different ranges mean.

A prepaid card is a great tool for managing your spending and preventing fraud. Here's what a prepaid card is, and how it works.

Child care expenses eat a big chunk of your household budget, which you may not expect. Here are ways to lessen the financial impact.

Getting credit when you don't have credit can be a frustrating Catch-22. Here's how to build good credit without a credit history.

You don't need to forego your dream wedding to save money. Use these five tips to have a great wedding for one-third of the average cost.

Overdraft fees are some of the most expensive fees charged by banks. Here's how to avoid overdrafts and the fees that come with them.

If you're in the spring cleaning spirit, don't neglect one important area of your life: your finances. Here are some tips to get started.

It's important to understand how to read your paycheck and check it for errors. You could be having too much (or too little) withheld for taxes!

This infographic gives a step-by-step approach to managing your own finances while in college, including how to create and stick to a budget. 

The rise of technology and alternative banking methods is giving banks the chance to serve customers however and wherever they prefer.

Looking for life insurance but don't know where to start? Here's what you need to know to get a life insurance policy that's right for you.

It's easy to want to toss all those credit card offers out with the rest of your junk mail, but they might not be junk at all. Here's why.

With the freedom of college life comes the responsibility of managing your own finances. Here's how to create and stick to a college budget.

Digital wallets (also known as mobile wallets) are increasingly becoming the way people choose to store financial information and make everyday purchases. Here's what you need to know. 

Here's a quick guide to four key banking concepts you need to understand to avoid overdrafting your account.

What better time to take advantage of credit card rewards than the holidays? Here's how to redeem points for gift cards, travel, and more.

The holidays are notorious for overspending. Avoid a debt hangover in the new year by taking these steps to plan your budget now.

The holiday season is known for major shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But the deals might not be as great as you think.

Is getting financially fit one of your New Year's resolutions? If so, here are 5 tips to help make it happen.

Minimizing your tax burden can have a major impact on your finances in the long term, so here are some year-end tax moves to consider.

Learn how to get tax savings, hedge against inflation, and honor the values you and your gift recipients hold dear with your holiday giving.

If you are hoping to retire in the next few years, this list of questions can help you decide if you're ready and what you should do next.

Interested in protecting your assets and your loved ones even after you pass away? Then you need a will — and possibly a trust, too.

Familiarizing yourself with key estate planning terms is an essential step in managing your financial assets.

Here's how you can protect — and grow — your retirement savings throughout the decades.

ETFs are gaining in popularity. Here's what you need to know about them, including pros and cons, before you decide to invest.

Diversification helps protect you from risk by spreading your investments across the entire market rather than keeping money in one place.

A 401(k) is one of the best financial tools available to help you save for retirement. Learn more about this valuable employee benefit.

When it comes to investing, there's no foolproof method for ensuring the highest returns. But you can feel good about where you put your money if your investments align with your personal beliefs.

No matter what your financial situation is, how old you are, or where you're at in life, here are seven steps you can take to make slow and steady progress towards retirement.

Ready to give a financial gift with the potential to keep on giving? Explore how gifting investments can help you spread the wealth.

Choosing between retirement savings and student loan repayment can feel impossible — but this framework can help you make a good decision.

Inherited investments have a few more moving parts than inheriting cash. Learn about transferring ownership and options for your new assets.

These three tips will help you think about how to incorporate healthcare costs into your retirement savings plan.

A 529 plan is a useful tool for saving for a child's education. Here's are tips for choosing the right plan for your family.

529 plans limit how you can use college savings. This investing strategy helps you reap the 529 benefits while avoiding potential drawbacks.

There's no one right answer to what your risk tolerance "should" be. Learn how to balance risk and reward with your investments.

Does your 401(k) have a Roth option? Here's what that means and how to decide if you should fund a traditional or Roth 401(k).

An estate plan isn't just for the wealthy. Learn how an estate plan especially a will can help anyone with assets or children.

Borrowing from your retirement fund allows you to access money in an emergency. Just make sure you're aware of the potential hurdles.

Worried about protecting your wealth in a declining market? Here's how you can use portfolio "airbags" to protect your investments.

Saving and investing are critical actions to build your wealth, but they're not the same thing. Learn the importance of each one here.

Here are four ways to ensure you have a steady stream of income coming in after you retire.

Social Security can help you fund your retirement. But you'll need to draw from other income sources too. Here's how to develop a plan.

If you're behind on saving for your child's college expenses, these savings options can help you catch up and be prepared.

Whatever your personal financial goal, you need a fundamental understanding of these five common investment instruments.

Here are five concrete steps you can take to ensure that you have enough money to retire when the time comes.

Traditional and Roth IRAs offer different tax treatments, and the type you choose can have an impact on your retirement savings balance.

A college degree can be pricey, but a 529 college savings plan can help take the sting out of paying for your child's education.

If you earn an income, it's time to think about putting a financial plan together so you can make the most of the money you have.

When markets move, it can impact the allocation within your portfolio — and that's where rebalancing plays a role in good financial advice.

Is your nest egg at risk? It could be if you don't take these steps to protect your wealth as it grows. Here's what to do to keep it safe.

You might have a new job, but don't forget about your old 401(k). Here's what to do with your retirement plan when you change careers.

An annuity can offer guaranteed income with tax benefits. Find out if one might fit in your investment strategy.

Dreaming of a sports car or lakefront property? Here's how to save for that big purchase.

Earning stock dividends can fast-track your portfolio's growth and supplement investment returns. Learn the basics here.

Investing is an important part of building wealth. But before you begin, it's helpful to understand the basics of how the market works.

The first step in developing a financial plan is finding the right financial advisor to help you. Here's what to look for.

Now is the ideal time to start saving for retirement. Learn which retirement planning milestones could be most important in your 20s and 30s.

Divorce doesn't have to derail your retirement plans. No matter where you're starting from, you can still build a comfortable retirement plan.

Learn how to identify small steps you can take now to help you reach your ultimate retirement savings objectives.

Most home equity lines come with variable interest rates, but a HELOC can be a game changer. Here are 5 reasons to tap into one.

Mortgage scams can be particularly distressing and costly, given their financial implications. Here are four to watch out for.

Preapproved and prequalified sound similar but they mean different things when getting a mortgage. Understand each before making an offer.

Before you start shopping for a home, you need to shop for a real estate agent. Here's how to choose the one that's right for you.

A conventional loan is any home loan that's not guaranteed or insured by the government. You can apply for one through your local bank.

Should you renovate your home or sell it? Consider the pros and cons of both options before you take steps in either direction.

FHA loans are federally-backed loans that help those with lower incomes or limited savings become homeowners. Here's what you need to know.

USDA loans are federally-backed loans that help those with lower incomes or limited savings buy homes in rural communities and small towns.

Applying for a mortgage may seem like a big step to take, but when you separate the process into bite-size pieces, it's less intimidating.

For first-time home buyers, strange terminology and confusing paperwork can be intimidating. Here's what you should know.

Low interest rates are a good reason to refinance, but they're not the only factor. Here's what you need to know.

Find out the differences between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, and when it makes sense to choose one over the other.

Applying for a mortgage may seem like a big step to take, but when you separate the process into bite-size pieces, it's less intimidating.

Learn how a VA home loan can help active service members, veterans, and surviving spouses purchase their new home.

Beneficiaries of a house can move in, sell or rent it, but they need to make decisions with other heirs and professional advice.

Many consumers need a cash infusion to fill the gap in today's challenging economic time. Find out how a cash-out refi and a HELOC compare.

Regular maintenance can help your home retain value and prevent costly emergency repairs or replacements. Here are 9 steps to take.

If disaster strikes, homeowner's insurance can help make you whole. Here's what you should consider as you shop for a policy.

If you're having difficulty paying the mortgage, there are ways to keep your home and avoid foreclosure. Here's how.

Steps to buying your first home include checking your credit report, finding a lender, getting preapproved for a mortgage, examining loan options, and more.

To get prequalified for a mortgage, you'll need to prove to the bank that you're financially prepared to take on a loan payment. Here's how.

How do you know if it makes financial sense for you to own a home? These four questions can help you decide if you should rent or buy.

Find out whether you can afford a mortgage on your budget — even if you've never owned a home or if you've always rented.

Here are six common mistakes that homebuyers make, both first-time and seasoned homebuyers. Here's how to avoid them.

Buying a home is an important milestone, but so is choosing the right type of mortgage. Use this guide to help understand your options.

It's wise to have a home improvement plan that can increase the market value of your home for the least amount of investment.

This infographic outlines 5 common home repairs and how much they typically cost so you can budget for these issues ahead of time.

You can buy a FSBO without the help of a real estate agent—the trick is knowing how. Learn eight steps on how to buy a FSBO home.

Many homeowners underestimate the costs that come with owning a house. Learn 5 common home repairs and how much they typically cost.

There are two types of mortgage points: discount points and origination points. Learn the difference and how mortgage points can help you.

Private mortgage insurance is a type of loan insurance that some buyers are required to pay to protect the lender. Find out more about PMI.

What is a down payment? How much is it? And where does the cash come from? Learn more about how to take this key step toward home ownership.

Escrow can confuse even the most savvy home buyers. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about escrow accounts

What are closing costs? How much are closing costs? And who pays closing costs? We break it down to ensure there are no surprises.