Bedel Blog

Get financial clarity, insight, and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe to our weekly blog.

Image for Personal Finance Hacks 101

Aug 1, 2023

Personal Finance Hacks 101

Automation isn’t just for short-term needs. Many retirement plans allow you to automatically increase your retirement savings by 1% each calendar year. This small adjustment can often go unnoticed, but before long, you will have significantly increased your retirement account without lifting a finger!

Image for Is Your Car Dealer Ripping You Off?

Feb 1, 2022

Is Your Car Dealer Ripping You Off?

Purchasing a car shouldn't be stressful, but unfortunately, it often is. But you can take back control of the car buying experience by taking the time to research your financing options and being smart about extended warranties/service plans.

Image for Who’s Got Your Personal Information?

Aug 2, 2021

Who’s Got Your Personal Information?

You’ve likely seen ads and commercials for several different credit monitoring companies offering their version of monitoring. But what else can you do to protect your personal information? Should you pay for a credit monitoring service, or should you do it yourself?

Image for Family Issues: It’s about the Money!

May 16, 2021

Family Issues: It’s about the Money!

Having conversations and making money decisions can be tough when it involves loved ones. Being proactive can save both your money and relationships.

Image for Parents: 4 Tips to Help Your Student Ace Finances

Aug 6, 2019

Parents: 4 Tips to Help Your Student Ace Finances

High school graduations are just around the corner and in the past year you’ve likely spent a lot of time helping your child determine their field of study as well as the right college.

Image for What’s Your College Student’s Financial Intelligence?

Jul 30, 2019

What’s Your College Student’s Financial Intelligence?

Your child is heading to college…The car is packed, and you’re ready to move her in. But aren’t you forgetting something? Have you talked with her about finances and making good financial decisions while she’s away? Now’s the perfect time to have that chat and make sure she’s ready to face all the financial intelligence “tests” she’ll encounter in college.

Image for The Race for a Winning Credit Score

May 20, 2019

The Race for a Winning Credit Score

It’s May in Indy, the race car engines are revving and everyone is gearing up for the big race – but be aware of overspending on credit cards during the festivities or you could be on a collision course with bad credit. We break down the details on avoiding credit score dents to help you win your race for financial security!

Image for Credit Card Balance Transfers:  Worth the Hassle?

Mar 4, 2019

Credit Card Balance Transfers: Worth the Hassle?

Credit card balance transfers can be a useful tool in paying down credit card debt more quickly and with less money owed. But there’s more to it than just that. It’s important to understand if a balance transfer works with your unique financial plan. We’ve explored the details to help you make a smart decision.

Image for 20 Percent Down Payment - Debunked or Not?

Jan 14, 2019

20 Percent Down Payment - Debunked or Not?

A 20% down payment used to be the rule of thumb when purchasing a home. Avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI) and lowering the interest rate on your loan were some of the benefits. But times have changed! If you’re unable to afford a 20% down payment, you have options - but be sure you understand the pros and cons first!

Image for Child Identity Theft: Are Your Children at Risk?

Sep 24, 2018

Child Identity Theft: Are Your Children at Risk?

Is your child’s identity at risk? That might sound like a crazy question, but young children are prime targets for identity theft. We’ve outlined how children’s identities can be stolen, warning signs to look for, and what you should do if you find out your child has become a victim.

Image for Spring Cleaning? Add Your Finances to the List

Apr 23, 2018

Spring Cleaning? Add Your Finances to the List

It’s time for spring cleaning, and that means tidying up your personal finances! While most think of spring cleaning as straightening up the house and yard, your finances need a regular once-over as well. Our four-point checklist should get you well on your way to spic-and-span finances!

Image for Keep Fraudsters at Bay by Freezing Your Credit

Nov 15, 2017

Keep Fraudsters at Bay by Freezing Your Credit

Keeping your credit secure is more difficult than ever. Perhaps the safest course of action is to freeze your credit. Here’s what you need to know.

Image for Lock Down Your Credit Reports

Nov 30, 2016

Lock Down Your Credit Reports

You can now prevent unauthorized access to your consumer credit reports. This is one way to limit the fraudulent activities resulting from identity ...

Image for Avoiding Credit Score “Dings”

Dec 17, 2014

Avoiding Credit Score “Dings”

With the sound of holiday bells in the air, don’t turn a pleasant ring into a dreadful ding! Overspending on credit cards for all that shopping and merriment could turn that nice ring into a credit score “ding” in January.

AUTHORS