Personal Resource Center

Maximize your eligibility for financial aid by making smart money moves before filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Many Americans find themselves in their 50s without enough saved for a comfortable retirement.

Natural disasters can strike at any time. Even if you don't own your home, being prepared helps protect your property and family.

Interest rates are higher than they've been in decades after a run of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) to calm inflation.

Graduating from college is an exciting accomplishment, but it can also feel a little scary.

The holiday season often leaves us with more than just happy memories — it also brings the all-too-common post-holiday money blues.

Reducing your tax liability can literally save you thousands of dollars

Navigating employer benefits can be a daunting task — particularly when it comes to health insurance.

Interest rates are the highest they've been in decades. Learn about how interest-bearing accounts work and when they may make sense for you.

It's important to have enough cash saved up for a financial emergency, but how much should you sock away? Here's what the experts say.

An emergency fund can help you stay afloat when money is tight. Here are a few ideas for coming up with the savings.

To be a good executor of a will, you need to understand the rules and pitfalls of taking this complex responsibility.

Learn how the FDIC steps in to protect account holders when a bank fails and understand whether your account balances are protected.

Holiday airfare is among the most expensive of the year. Here's how to get the best deal on year-end plane tickets.

Synovus has partnered with Carefull, a financial safety service, to provide education on protecting you and your money. With so many variables affecting financial means, the latest article on wills and not having one could have complicated effects after you’re gone.

Even if you don't want to borrow money, having a credit card can help you do things like rent a car, book a hotel, buy a plane ticket, and more.

Before you leave on a trip, be sure to tackle these 10 items to protect your finances — and your security — while you're away.

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

When catastrophe strikes, your top priority pivots to ensuring loved ones are safe. Once you've made it through, though, thoughts inevitably turn to dealing with the financial aftermath.

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.

Your home has just been through a natural disaster involving water or wind, or both. Now what?

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

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.

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

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.

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 five 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 use a secure technology, similar to your chip card. Each transaction uses a one-time code that protects your payment information.

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.

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

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.

Through 2022, the average tax refund check was $2,753. Learn five ways to get the most value from your refund this year.

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.

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.

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.

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

Here's how to redeem points for gift cards, travel and more.

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.

This holiday season, consider giving that aligns with your wealth goals and values while also benefitting from tax breaks.

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

A bear market sounds scary — but long-term investors don't need to fear. Here are some ideas for how to deal with a bear.

Rethinking your retirement plans in the face of a market downturn? You may still be able to retire on time. Here's what you need to know.

New technology has made it easier than ever for novices to get involved in stock trading. But is it wise to go it alone? We explain the risks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For a smooth and efficient mortgage application process, you'll have to gather some key documents lenders use to assess your financial situation and determine your eligibility.

Are you ready to sell your home? These six tips can help you get ready to list your home to sell it quickly and at the price you want.

The mortgage process is full of confusing acronyms. Learn how to speak the home-buying language to ensure a smoother process.

Natural disasters can strike at any time. Being prepared helps ensure that your family — and your home — are protected as much as possible.

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.

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, homeowners insurance can help make you whole. Here's what you should consider as you shop for a policy.

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.

Whether you're buying a home for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, there are a handful of common mistakes to look out for when purchasing a home.

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.

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.