Hawaii is on many travelers’ bucket lists — and for good reason. Gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, and unforgettable views make it a dream destination. But that dream comes with a steep price tag. On a recent family vacation to Oahu, I spent over $5,000 for a weeklong trip for three people — and that was […]
If you’re a foodie who loves dining out on weekends, Citi Nights might just be your new favorite credit card perk. Available exclusively to Citi Strata Elite℠ Card holders, this benefit lets you earn 6x points on restaurant spendingduring specific weekend hours. Let’s break down what Citi Nights is, how it works, and whether it’s […]
Chime has given its credit-building card a serious upgrade. Formerly known as the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, the refreshed Chime Card™ still helps you build credit — but now with added perks like cash-back rewards, higher savings rates, and simplified spending management. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Chime […]
Fees for SMAs typically average up to 1.34% of assets under management (AUM) annually. For example, if you invest $100,000, you might pay $1,340 per year in management fees. That said, fees can vary based on: Your total investment amount (larger accounts may get discounted rates) The asset classes involved (e.g., equity portfolios vs. bond […]
Employee stock options are a popular form of equity compensation that can offer a valuable opportunity to build wealth — if you understand how they work. Stock options give you the right (but not the obligation) to buy company shares at a predetermined price — called the strike price — within a set timeframe. If […]
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and—if you’re not careful—financial stress. Between gift shopping, travel, and festive activities, it’s easy to lose track of spending. But this time of year can also be the perfect opportunity to take charge of your finances and set yourself up for a stronger credit profile in the new year. […]
Consumer confidence has taken a sharp downturn, and the ripple effects are shaping how households borrow, spend, and save. While declining sentiment can create uncertainty in the economy, it also gives individuals the chance to pause, reassess, and strengthen their financial habits. At CreditVana, we believe moments like these are an opportunity—not just a warning. […]
When most people think about credit scores, they picture young adults building credit for the first time—or families trying to rebuild after financial struggles. But new research suggests credit scores may also play a surprising role later in life: as a potential early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. At CreditVana, […]
Financial technology—better known as fintech—is revolutionizing how people spend, save, borrow, and protect their credit. From AI-driven budgeting tools to blockchain-powered transactions, fintech gives consumers more control, convenience, and security than ever before. At CreditVana, we believe that leveraging these innovations wisely can strengthen your credit health and help you make smarter financial choices. Smarter […]
Reaching your 30s used to come with predictable financial steps—steady income, homeownership, manageable debt, increasing savings. But for many today, that roadmap has shifted. Each generation at age 30 has faced different economic forces: job markets, inflation, housing costs, credit rules. For Boomers and Gen X it was easier to hit certain milestones; Millennials and […]
1 International and out-of-network cash withdrawal fees apply. Third-party and cash deposit fees may apply.
2 Vana Cash is a prepaid debit card issued by Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB). Building credit with Vana Cash requires you to also open a virtual secured credit card with CFSB that is reported to the credit bureaus. Use money from your Vana Cash account to create a virtual secured credit card. Your debit card purchases are then added up to create a balance on your virtual secured credit card. As you make these purchases, an amount equal to the balance on your virtual secured credit card is also set aside in your Vana Cash account to ensure you can make timely payments to pay off the balance on your virtual secured credit card at the end of each month, allowing you to build a positive payment history. Credit Vana does not guarantee credit score improvement. Any predicted credit improvement from the use of your virtual secured credit card assumes that you will maintain healthy credit habits, including paying bills on time, keeping credit balances low, avoiding unnecessary inquiries, appropriate financial planning, and more.
3 Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds are subject to payer’s support of the feature and timing of payer’s funding.