The Verve Blog

Security + Fraud

Holiday Shopping Scams: Watch Out for Fake Package Messages

‘Tis the season for… unwanted and fraudulent package delivery messages? When online shopping increases, so too, do the opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of…

Mindy PetrackDecember 8, 2021

Travel Tips

6 Budget Travel Tips for Your Upcoming Vacation

Limited travel during the pandemic has amplified our wanderlust and travel dreams for destinations both near and far. While building upon your travel dreams, it…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Managing Debt

Top Causes of Debt: Why do People go into Debt?

There are many things people dream of. For some that’s going to college, buying a nice car, owning a home, starting a business and improving…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Home Life

4 Tips for Storing Holiday Decorations

While there are many debates throughout the year, one we hear frequently this time of the year is how soon is too soon to put…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Family Finances

Completing the FAFSA: How to navigate the first step of college financial aid

Understanding college financial aid options can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time exploring financial aid. Maybe you are a student facing the…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Creating a Budget

How to Plan a Holiday Budget

'Tis the season… for getting sticker shock every time you get an invite to another holiday event or stand in the checkout at the store.…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Money Etiquette

Holiday Hostess Gifts: When and How to Give Gifts

Another year is coming to a close and that means it’s gift-giving season. It’s not an official season, there’s no special date marked on your…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Improving Your Credit

Does holiday spending impact my credit score?

The holiday season is upon us! If you’ve made your list and checked it twice, and are ready to start shopping online or in stores,…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Building Your Savings

What is a holiday savings account and how do I get one?

A holiday savings account is designed to help you set aside funds for a specific goal, such as buying Christmas gifts, hosting the big holiday…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Creating a Budget

Comparison Shopping: 6 Factors to Consider and 3 Tips for Making your Budget go the Distance

Do I want the 6-piece or the 8-piece set? Does the warranty that’s included with this one make it worth the extra money? I know…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Travel Tips

Tips for less stressful holiday travel during an unpredictable year

'Tis the season for the busiest travel season of the year. While the holidays are already stressful, adding in layers for travel—either by airplane or…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Home Life

Home Maintenance: 10 Repairs to Add to Your List

It’s that time of year again...that time when the air is cooler, you’re spending more time indoors and noticing lots of little things...small home repairs...that…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Managing Debt

6 Common Mistakes People Make When Paying Off Debt

One of the most accurate—and also most unhelpful when you are trying to get out of debt—is this tip: avoid debt in the first place.…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Family Finances

How to manage money as a stay-at-home parent

Whether you are deep in the trenches of parenting with years of experience under your belt, you just welcomed a new family member into your…

Mindy PetrackNovember 23, 2021

Money Etiquette

How to Politely Turn Down Money for Good Deeds

We’ve all had that friend (or maybe we ARE that friend) who’s insistent on giving you money for something you did—like pick them up when…

Mindy PetrackOctober 21, 2021

Building Your Savings

What are the Differences Between Savings Accounts and How Do I Pick?

Saving money, or having some funds set aside for the future is an important piece of your financial picture. It can also be a little…

Mindy PetrackOctober 21, 2021

Improving Your Credit

What is a financial coach and how do I get one?

While they (typically) don’t wear whistles around their necks or make you run extra laps, like athletic coaches, financial coaches are in it to WIN.…

Mindy PetrackOctober 21, 2021

Managing Debt

How to be Debt-Free

Getting into debt can happen quickly. First, it’s an auto loan to help you get to and from work, then maybe it’s student loans or…

Mindy PetrackOctober 21, 2021