This Financial Planning Month, plan to use your credit cards to your advantage. No matter how much you try to avoid them, we all use credit cards sometimes. Having money set aside for unplanned expenses is one way to avoid overspending on your card. Here are some credit card tips and tricks from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits so when you do use your card, you can earn cash back and receive rewards on some of your transactions.

As of September 21, 2018, you can freeze and unfreeze your credit with Experian, Transunion and Equifax for free. A credit freeze, prohibits lenders from accessing your credit report, making it more difficult for anyone to steal your identity or access your financial assets without your permission. Previously, only residents of certain states had access to such freezes free of charge. Here’s why you should take advantage of this freebie.

By Shay Cook, MS, AFC^®, FINRA Investor Education Foundation

September is National Preparedness Month, and it is a great time to prepare for a potential natural or financial disaster. You never know when a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or volcanic eruption may disrupt your life. Disruptions can also occur in the form of an unexpected financial torpedo.

By Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Extreme weather and natural disasters can occur with little warning. This year’s floods and wildfires are proof of that. Are you ready to leave your home at a moment’s notice? You can reduce your anxiety about these scary events by making sure you are prepared if and when they happen. September is National Preparedness Month and a good time to get your family, pets, and property ready. You can, for example:

It’s National Payroll Week - a time to celebrate employees. It’s also the perfect time to take a look at your or your spouse’s Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to make sure you understand the fine print.

Here are some things to review the next time you get paid: