Netspend Blog

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2023. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

You want to start a new business! Before you make your first sale, use these tips to ensure your financial matters are in order.

High fuel prices are caused by many things, but you can take these steps to save money as costs continue to rise.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2023. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Whether you’re facing potential job loss or are looking for your next career move, here are some must read tips to land your next job.

A high-yield savings account pays more interest than traditional savings accounts. Is it a good fit for your financial plans?

Ready to start house hunting? Read these key tips on how to save for a home down payment and make the house-buying process more affordable.

The Inflation Reduction Act creates change for green energy, taxes, and more, but which parts affect you? Here's what you need to know.

If you’re tired of taxes coming out of your hard-earned money, these nine states currently have no income tax requirements.

Learn how to follow a budget by getting to know your personality type. Take this quiz to learn more about the best budgeting style for you.

Want to improve your financial health next year? Start with these financial New Year's resolutions to help you reach your goals.

Could you be overlooking these unexpected tax deductible items? See if you can save money on your tax bill with these deductions.

Whether your tax refund is big or small, you can get it more quickly with these filing tips and direct deposit methods.

Direct deposits are one of the most popular ways to receive money from your employer, tax refunds, benefits and more. Find out how they work and how to set one up.

Christmas can be a very expensive time of year - but it doesn’t always have to be. Check out our ideas for the best Christmas gifts on a budget.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Building credit can be difficult without a credit card, but there are several things you can do instead. Here are six ideas to try.

If you’re considering student loan consolidation, there are a few things to know first. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

The gig economy has been going strong for the past few years, signaling a shift in the way people work. Learn everything you need to know.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Have you lost your job through no fault of your own? Learn how to apply for and get unemployment benefits to help you get by until the next job comes along.

Paying off credit card debt take time and patience. With these effective strategies, you'll be on your way to living debt-free.

What's the deal with NFTs? Learn more about the NFT buzz, why it's happening, and if it's a good place for you to put your money.

Ready to get a helping hand with your budget? Narrowing down the choice of budgeting apps is tough, but we’ve broken down our top picks of the best budgeting apps.

Working from home doesn’t always require a college degree or even experience. Here are some of the top work-from-home roles that don’t require a degree.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Get the facts about the Bitcoin cryptocurrency and understand how it affects the larger economy.

Weighing your next payment card options? We break down the differences between and pros and cons of prepaid, debit, and credit cards.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Adding money to your Netspend prepaid card account can be simple and fast. You can transfer money via one of these six methods.

Want to try a simple budget method? The 50/30/20 budget rule is an easy and effective way to take control of your finances.

In an emergency, you can turn to cash advances to access the cash you need. Here's everything you need to know about cash advances.

Modern banking apps let you cash checks from the comfort of your home. Follow these simple steps to learn how to use mobile check deposits.

Unhappy with your current financial situation? Achieving a good credit score can open doors to better credit and offers from lenders.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Want to save money while back-to-school shopping? Good news! There are plenty of ways you can save. Here are seven tips to get you started.

Whether you have a checking or savings account, learn how to close your bank account at some of the biggest banks.

Sending money online is easier than ever, but with so many options, which is right for you? Here are the best ways to send money online.

Want to improve your credit score? Check out these pro tips on how to improve your credit score over time.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

You can learn a lot from Reddit's personal finance subreddit. We picked some of our favorite financial tips from Reddit to share.

Learn what ACH payments are, how they work, the various benefits of using them, and when to avoid using ACH payments.

Money orders may not be the go-to way to make payments these days, but they still have their place. Get answers to some FAQs to learn more.

With no student loan repayments due until September 1, 2022, for some borrowers, here are tips for making those savings work for you.

If you want to send your child to summer camp this year but are worried about the costs, check out these handy cost-cutting tips.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Looking to spoil dad this Father's Day but want to stick to a budget? Try these tips to save money while still showing your appreciation.

Need to increase your monthly income fast? Earn some extra cash with these in-demand side hustles to boost your monthly earnings and savings.

On a budget this summer? Here are some free summer activities and ideas to stave off boredom, enjoy the sunshine, and also save money.

"Want to save money while shopping online? Before you hit the checkout, make sure you use a coupon app to save money on your purchases."

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Looking for ways to cut down on your grocery bill? Try these well-tested tips to help you save money on groceries today.

Want to shop for Mother’s Day gifts on a budget? Try these free or cheap alternatives instead to show your love and appreciation this Mother’s Day.

Curious how much money you should be saving monthly? These tips for meeting savings goals can make a difference with any income.

Learn why monitoring your credit score can help you save money and give you insight into your long-term financial health.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Spring is a great time to clean up your finances to make sure you're making progress toward meeting your short- and long-term financial goals.

This spring, take some time to clean up your digital clutter and get and stay organized. Your financial security depends on it!

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

If you depend on your tax refund to pay bills or save for expenses, you may be wondering where it is this year. Here's what you should know. 

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2022. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

It's never too soon to get started with your annual tax preparations. Here are some ideas that you can do now to make tax time less stressful this year.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Interest and payments have been paused for federal student loan borrowers since March 2020, but repayment begins in 2022. Here's what you need to know.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Holiday shopping doesn’t need to break the bank. Try these simple money-saving tips to keep your holiday spending on a budget.

Keep a close eye on your Netspend balance to avoid overspending and make better purchase decisions. Follow these simple steps to check your balance.

Advanced child tax credit payments are hitting bank accounts. Here's how to track down a missing payment and get your money in hand.

The holidays will be here before you know it. Use these money-saving tips to give the best gifts ever -- without blowing your budget. The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, which means now is a great time to start planning how you'll finance all those extra details that make the season extra special. From food to gifts to travel expenses, here are some tips for funding your upcoming holiday purchases to avoid going deep into debt.

Wondering where to save your money? From savings accounts to CDs, see how people save their cash to help them meet their financial goals.

Graduating from college is an exciting time. To set yourself up for future success, it's important to establish good money habits right away.

Want better control over your money? You don't need to hire a financial planner. Instead, follow these DIY financial planning steps.

New to financial planning? There's no need to hire a financial planner to get started. Follow these simple steps to get your finances in order.

How can you get ahead when paying down large amounts of debt? These expert tips can put you in the driver's seat for a debt-free future.

Want to save money while back-to-school shopping? Good news! There are plenty of ways you can save. Here are seven tips to get you started.

Start saving and make your homeownership dreams a reality.

Identity theft is more common than you might think. Learn how to protect yourself by following our simple identity theft prevention tips. Identity theft is a common problem that a lot of people aren't prepared for. No one ever expects it to happen to them. To protect yourself, the two best things you can do are educate yourself and put some of our identity theft prevention tips into practice. Below, we cover what you need to know about identity theft, including how to check for identity theft on your credit report and how to report it.

Make your long-term and short-term financial planning goals and put these money methods into practice to save for whatever your future holds.

Performing a financial health check is a great way to start off the new year on the right foot. Here are five great ways to get your finances in order.

Have your financial New Year's resolutions been forgotten? It's never too late to revisit and get your money goals back on track.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Being scammed can feel like having your home invaded. Your sense of trust is broken, and you become determined not to let it happen again. If you've been a victim of a scam, you may not be able to turn back time, but you can use it as an opportunity to learn some valuable lessons. Here are a few examples of what you can do to prevent being scammed in the future.

Do you qualify for the advance child tax credit payments for 2021? Here's everything you need to know, including answers to some common FAQs.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Getting a college degree can be expensive, but with some creative strategies and the right plan in place, you can make college more affordable.

There are more and more threats to your identity each day. Learn what the results of our quiz tell us about consumer knowledge of fraud and scams.

Unemployment benefits can help get you through tough times. Here's what you need to know about this special type of income in 2021.

Scams tend to increase in times of crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Now, scammers are targeting vulnerable populations with scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consumers are reporting a variety of vaccine-related scams, mostly around scheduling and paying for the vaccine.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Scams tend to increase in times of crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Now, scammers are targeting vulnerable populations with scams related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Consumers are reporting a variety of vaccine-related scams, mostly around scheduling and paying for the vaccine.

Not all card issuers offer virtual card numbers, but a few of them do, including Capital One, Citi, and Netspend.1To get a virtual card number for your Netspend Account, sign in to your Online Account Center to create your temporary number. You'll select which prepaid card you want to link to the virtual card number.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2021. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

It's always a great time to learn how to master your money and take control of your finances. With these seven simple steps, we'll show you how to save and invest more while reducing your expenses so you can work toward achieving your short- and long-term financial goals in 2021. Some of them only take a few minutes to set up.

2020 was a challenging financial year for many people, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act offered many Americans relief from some of the money stressors caused by the COVID pandemic. With two stimulus checks behind us, there's now a third stimulus payment on the horizon.

We've all heard horror stories about IRS tax audits, but is it really as scary as it seems? The fact is that most audits are automated and less intrusive than you realize, with most of them rectified by simply verifying some basic info. While audits shouldn't be ignored, they don't have to rule your life.

Note: Netspend is not a tax advisor or CPA. The knowledge in this post is general information and should not replace the advice of a tax professional. For more information, please reach out to a tax professional in your area.

Note: Netspend is not a tax advisor or CPA. The knowledge in this post is general information and should not replace the advice of a tax professional. For more information, please reach out to a tax professional in your area.

Each year, the IRS releases a list of the biggest IRS scams to watch out for, called the Dirty Dozen. This year's IRS Dirty Dozen list contains some familiar scams, including phishing and ransomware attacks, which have also been featured on previous lists. Fraudsters have designed increasingly complex scams over the years, so it's important to keep up with the IRS's latest guidance at tax time.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Even if you have a professional do your taxes, it's a smart move to become familiar with all of the paperwork needed to file a proper tax return. One of the forms that may be new to you this year is a 1099-MISC. A common tax form for self-employed workers, a 1099-MISC is an essential measure of your income for the year. Here's what you should know about the 1099-MISC tax form before you file your tax returns.

A new report released by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed fraud cases are on the rise. In “November 2020, 79% of respondents said they saw an increase in the overall level of fraud”, which steadily rose throughout 2020. This is thought to be in part due to COVID-19 and the resulting financial hardships that people are facing.

It's no secret that the holiday period can be one of the most stressful times of the year. If you are shopping for a lot of gifts, food, and holiday décor, all the holiday spending can sometimes even make it feel more stressful than fun.

Note: Netspend is not a tax advisor or CPA. The knowledge in this post is general information and should not replace the advice of a tax professional. For more information, please reach out to a tax professional in your area.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Filing your taxes on your own comes with plenty of benefits. Online tax filing programs are affordable and accessible, and can walk you through the filing process.

No one wants to schlep to work on their day off to pick up a paycheck or wait for it to arrive in the mail, especially when you've got bills to pay. But there's another way to get paid that's better and faster1 than an old-fashioned paper check — direct deposit.

The IRS started sending out the second round of stimulus payments at the end of December, but some are still waiting to receive theirs. Here’s what you need to know:

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

We’re giving away $25,000 in total prizes to 25 winners. Add $250 or more to your Netspend Visa Prepaid or Netspend Prepaid Mastercard before April 15, 2021 for a chance to win1 up to $5,000!

Congress has finally reached an agreement on sending out a second round of government stimulus checks. The $900 billion stimulus deal was signed by President Trump on the evening of Sunday, December 27. Continue reading to learn how much you will receive, when it might arrive, and how you will get it.

There are several ways your credit score could become damaged during COVID-19. In recent months, many individuals have had to file for unemployment and take on additional debt. They may have even missed payments, or become a victim of identity theft or an unemployment scam. This is why focusing on credit protection is especially important right now.

The holiday season is just around the corner. Holidays are a special opportunity to spend time with loved ones while exchanging gifts and creating lasting memories. However, for some people, the holidays are stressful. The financial burdens of traveling to see family and shopping for presents can put an unwelcome strain on their budget. These smart holiday shopping tips will show you how to buy holiday gifts without going over your budget.

It's not news that travel can be very costly, no matter what time of year it is. When you add up the price of gas, plane tickets, hotels, car rental, and baggage charges, it always ends up costing more than you might think.

We are proud to announce a new partnership between Netspend and Austin FC, the 27th club in Major League Soccer.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

If you've shopped your favorite store lately, you may have noticed signs letting you know that you can now pay with your phone. With this method of payment growing in popularity, even smaller shops are getting in on the trend. What should you know about using your phone or digital wallet to pay? Here are the basics, along with the perks you can get when you make the switch.

Black Friday 2020 is just around the corner, and many of us are gearing up to take full advantage of the savings. This year, holiday shopping is likely to look a bit different due to COVID-19. Meaning, fewer people lining up for midnight doorbuster deals on Thanksgiving night, and more people opting to take advantage of their favorite retailers' online offers instead.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unemployment rates to soar as businesses make cutbacks to try and stay afloat. With so many people looking for work, it is all the more difficult to find a new job. However, there are still some businesses that are hiring and finding a job is still possible in the current climate.

While social distancing keeps us apart, Netspend’s customers and communities have never been closer to our hearts. With the end of 2020 approaching and as we continue adjusting to a “new normal” that feels anything but, Netspend has taken stock of the impacts COVID-19 has had on our customers and communities. The global pandemic has magnified challenges faced by those with limited access to traditional banking systems, highlighted a lack of fairness in digital banking, and accelerated the need forbanking alternatives.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Over the past few months, millions of people have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many Americans are applying for unemployment benefits and are struggling to find work. Sadly, with so many people applying for benefits, unemployment scams are rife and hard to avoid.

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

When you lose your job or have your hours reduced, it can create a great deal of stress in an already difficult time. Even if you're not making any money, your monthly bills still need to get paid. While you're looking for a new job, unemployment benefits provide temporary income to help cover your monthly expenses. This unemployment benefits guide will help you understand what they are, who is eligible, and how to easily set up direct deposit to receive your benefits each month. Also, we cover the recent changes to unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19.

Our Tax Time Sweepstakes has ended and here’s the list of our winners:

As you probably know, we typically receive direct deposits from the Social Security Administration prior to the payment date shown on the Schedule of Social Security Benefits Payments 2020. We post your benefits to your card account as soon as we receive it so you can get paid.

Can’t get a checking or savings account? You might be in the ChexSystems or Early Warning Services databases which are used by banks to determine whether to let you open a savings or checking account. These are two of the primary Bank Account Screening Consumer Reporting Agencies.

The Treasury Department and IRS have announced more information around the distribution of the government stimulus package/checks, or, as they’re calling it, economic impact payments (EIP). For the most up-to-date information go here.

We understand these are tough times as we adjust to staying home more and social distancing from each other. It can be even tougher for those without bank accounts, but Netspend can help.

The end of the year is truly the best time to evaluate your financial situation. This is when credit card companies and banks send end-of-year statements to their customers. Employers will soon send the necessary forms for filing 2019 taxes.

January is the month almost everyone says, “Oops.” That’s when the bills from your holiday spending arrive.

Each year, the IRS releases the Dirty Dozen – a list of the largest tax scams they saw for that year's taxes. The IRS scams list reads like a playbook from the past, with phishing, identity theft, and fake charities making the top 12. These common scams are increasing in complexity, so they require a careful look. In addition to expected appearances, the list is dominated by private, white-collar fraud, including abusive tax shelters, partially-fraudulent business credit applications, and falsified credit claims.

Over the years, both prepaid cards and gift cards have evolved to be more consumer friendly. They now come with a variety of features that are designed to make them a great payment method for the consumer. However, before you decide to load money onto either of these payment options, it's important to know the difference between these two cards.

Going digital has certainly changed the way we listen to music and watch TV, so it should come as no surprise that it’s changed the way we pay for things too. Now you can make purchases using what’s called your digital wallet. And don’t worry, if you’re not really sure what a digital wallet is or how to use it, we’ll get to all that and more.

Going digital has certainly changed the way we listen to music and watch TV, so it should come as no surprise that it’s changed the way we pay for things too. Now you can make purchases using what’s called your digital wallet. And don’t worry, if you’re not really sure what a digital wallet is or how to use it, we’ll get to all that and more.

Identity theft is common. So common, in fact, that according to a poll, 60 million Americans were affected in 2018. To fraudsters, data is a valuable commodity, and your risk of exposure happens every time you connect. In addition to more victims having to pay out of pocket for their losses, a significant number of people do not yet use a more secure internet connection. For example, according to VPN Mentor, only 16% of Americans used VPNs (Virtual Privacy Networks) when connected to the internet, and that’s giving identity thieves precisely the breach they need to access lucrative information. To state it simply, VPNs can keep you safer when connected to networks that aren't your own, like public Wi-Fi.

With the holiday season upon us, most U.S. consumers are creating gift lists and hitting the store aisles. However, this time of year proves more financially challenging than cheerful for a significant portion of the population. Despite economic growth and the availability of online financial services, nearly 27% of U.S. households remain unbanked or underbanked, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Additionally, even though the poverty rate in the U.S. is slowly improving, the general cost of living it is still a problem in many areas of the country – including Georgia and Texas, home to two of Netspend’s national offices.

Using a virtual bank account adds a level of protection against fraud risks. Learn how virtual banks can prevent fraud.

Phishing, Nigerian letter fraud, and ransomware are scamming tactics that have been used for years, but they’re capturing new victims through an ever-increasing degree of sophistication. This year, phishing – an attempt to get your sensitive information through seemingly trustworthy electronic communications – accounted for 90% of all data breaches, having grown by 65% in just 12 months.

If you've decided that it's time to work on setting goals that will help you achieve more financial balance and financial security, you deserve a hearty pat on the back. It's time to take more control of your finances and start dictating more of your future, but before you're off to the races, take the time to understand what constitutes a reasonable goal that will yield the results you want. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when setting financial goals.

Here are the 5 principles of debt management that will get you started on the right path and keep you there. Debt management plans will help you take control of your debt and work toward a better financial future.

Here are the 5 principles of debt management that will get you started on the right path and keep you there. Debt management plans will help you take control of your debt and work toward a better financial future.

Eliminating your debt is one of the best things you can do to experience financial security and build wealth. It’s a lot said than done though. Just because it can be challenging to get out of debt, doesn't mean that you can't do it. Follow the steps listed below to help you get started on the right track.

There are plenty of tips out there for saving money, but few of them produce the same kind of immediate savings that you can find with couponing. Coupons instantly reduce the amount you pay at checkout so you spend less on the items you use most. Investing a little time in couponing can produce significant savings. If it has been a while since you clipped coupons in the Sunday paper, here are some tips for saving money that will get you up to speed and help you make the most of couponing.

May 29, 2019 -- More Americans are grappling with unpredictable incomes. What’s more, they’re doing so without additional support from employers or the financial services industry at large. In surveying more than 2,700 Americans, Netspend found approximately one in five individuals dealt with monthly income fluctuations. However, only 6% of respondents said their employers provide tools to help mitigate financial instability.

Purchasing a home provides a range of both financial and personal benefits. However, buying a house is a major investment that may require a substantial down payment along with other moving costs. With that in mind, here are some tips for saving money that could help you save so that you could one day buy your own home.

Purchasing a home provides a range of both financial and personal benefits. However, buying a house is a major investment that may require a substantial down payment along with other moving costs. With that in mind, here are some tips for saving money that could help you save so that you could one day buy your own home.

To Our Customers:

Traveling can feel like a luxury that is beyond your budget, but there are some travel hacks that will help you get out of town without spending too much. If you are willing to do some research and be flexible with your plans, then you may be able to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating trip. Keep reading for tips on how to travel cheap.

As you begin to put together your personal budget and begin the journey toward better financial stability, there will be plenty of advice on where to begin and how to proceed. Sometimes too much information can be a bad thing, especially when you're already feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of finally confronting your spending and savings habits. With all the "rules" out there about the best ways to create a personal budget, there is really only one you need to follow: keep it simple.

What exactly is a personal budget? What goals should you include in them? Read on to find simple steps in how you make a personal budget that fits your life.

Saving money doesn't always require massive changes to your lifestyle. Sometimes all you need to do is implement some simple tweaks to your spending.

Sometimes it can feel like debt sneaked up on you, and now you have to deal with what feels like an overwhelming burden. No one wants to stay in debt, but it can be difficult to know where to start so you can take that first step and start building positive momentum. Taking control of your finances so that you can get out of debt will require some behavioral changes and a new perspective on what you value, but it can be done. Here is how you can get started.

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to stay at home. It can be possible to see new sights and experience different places even if you have a small travel budget. There are plenty of great, money-saving packages that allow you to enjoy steep discounts that will put traveling well within your reach.

If you’ve decided to improve your debt management skills and want to take the first steps to eliminating debt, there’s always some room for improvement. It's never too late to learn from your mistakes and avoid them going forward. Better yet, you can learn from others' mistakes and avoid making them altogether. Here are a few debt management mistakes people make and solutions to get back on track.

Grocery shopping is one of those necessary expenses that can eat (pun intended) away at your monthly budget. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to save money at the grocery store. With a little research and planning, you can learn where to shop and what to shop for to master your grocery list. To help you get started, here are 5 easy ways to save money when grocery shopping.

Creating a budget is a vital part of managing your money and meeting your financial goals. If you have a history of not tracking your spending habits, even the idea of creating a budget can be intimidating. The good news is that outlining a budget for yourself can be a straightforward process that will make a big difference in your life. Follow these simple steps to get started.

No matter how many times people are told to never share their personal information, scammers still manage to find new ways to elicit prepaid, debit, and credit card numbers from unsuspecting consumers. It is also easy to assume that you would never fall for one of these scams, but you might be surprised, especially when you are dealing with sophisticated criminals who appeal to your sense of politeness and other social norms. Your best defense is to be aware of what scams are out there and know how to avoid them.

Credit and debit card scams can be painful and devastating. Let Netspend show you how to avoid these card scams today!

You may not be able to double your income overnight, but you can stretch your budget and work to get the most out of your money. Instead of being a passive consumer, you can advocate for yourself and start to be more conscious about how and where you spend your money. Following these 4 essential tips can help you stretch your budget without feeling like you have to sacrifice every little thing.

We’ve put together the answers to the most common tax questions we receive from Netspend Prepaid Cardholders, so you’ll be prepared when you file your taxes this year. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, check our main FAQs or contact customer service at 1-866-387-7363.

Andrew is a United States Veteran and has a goal of becoming a specialized scuba diving instructor one day. The initial step towards his career goal was to obtain a Rebreather Instructor Certification. In 2016, Andrew was selected as one of Netspend’s scholarship recipients, and he went on to pursue his certification.

Gretarshii worked towards accomplishing her MBA longer than she expected. She had to put off pursuing any kind of higher education to take care of her family. “I was a single mother of three that was stuck working dead end jobs, trying to make a living and provide for my family."

“Small business” means different things to different people. It may be a side business or side hustle that grew out of a passion or hobby. Some people make crafts or do consulting work for extra income, but also have a full-time job.

This is a preview of a post from the Liberty Tax blog. The views expressed within the blog are those of Liberty Tax and do not necessarily represent or reflect the view of Netspend®, MetaBank®, or Association. For the entire post, please click here.Most people wish to be done with their taxes as quickly and easily as possible, but filling out your forms too quickly increases the chances of you making a mistake. Making an error on your forms could mean the difference between receiving a tax refund and owing additional taxes. That’s why the folks over at Liberty Tax have put together the top 10 most common mistakes people make when filing their taxes.

The upcoming holiday season is the busiest time of the year for many people. While we finalize our gift lists, cyber criminals plan their attacks. In 2017, more shoppers are expected to purchase presents online than ever before. Follow the tips below to stay safe while shopping online.

Often when people think of prepaid card holders, the unbanked and underbanked of America, they think of lower income households. It’s a long-held belief that to save you have to rely on traditional banking, but millennials are looking to disrupt the system. In fact, according to Business Insider, the two youngest adult generations in the US accounted for 80% of prepaid card owners in August 2013. This has led to an increase in prepaid card issuers in recent years offering consumers more choices, meaning it’s easier to find the best prepaid card for your lifestyle.

You never really know someone until you walk around in their shoes. That’s why every December, instead of throwing a holiday party for ourselves, we ask every employee to go out and walk in the shoes of our customers. Its part scavenger hunt, part pay it forward, all teamwork and empathy. We call it Community Connect.

Everybody wants to pay less taxes, and with good planning throughout the year, you can make it happen. You can reduce your taxable income, help yourself, and help others. It’s easier than you may think.

So you’ve made it through the holidays, set (and hopefully not broken) your new year’s resolutions, and got a jump-start on the new year by filing your taxes.

The views expressed within the blog do not represent or reflect the view of MetaBank® , National Association, or Association.

Chances are you know someone who has been a victim of cybercrime or you’ve been one yourself. Almost half of American adults had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals in 2015, according to the Ponemon Institute.

Chances are you know someone who has been a victim of cybercrime or you’ve been one yourself. Almost half of American adults had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals in 2015, according to the Ponemon Institute.

Unfortunately, identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States with millions of victims a year according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, then you know how frustrating it can be to resolve and reclaim your money.

Phishing is how criminals access sensitive information. By learning more about phishing, you can help protect yourself from being a victim of identity theft.

Let's say one morning you get up, you get ready for work, and stop for gas along the way. You use your Netspend card to pay at the pump, fill up your tank, and you're on your way. Later in the day you check your balance and notice that your balance is almost $100 dollars less than where you left it!

Learn more about these tips to minimize the impact of authorization holds, or avoid them all together.

With all the "rules" out there on the best ways to create a personal budget, there is really only one budgeting rule that you need to follow: keep it simple.

The views expressed within the blog do not represent or reflect the view of MetaBank® or Association.

The views expressed within the blog do not represent or reflect the view of MetaBank®, National Association, or Association.

There are often fees associated with withdrawing money out of ATMs. That's why these simple tips can help you get the cash you need while saving on ATM fees.

It's hard to believe that it's been five years. I've learned a lot in my time here. The most important thing that I have learned is that it's all about you, our customers. I ask my team every day, “What customer problem are we solving?” We stay focused on you, your needs, and your goals because it's your money and your life. We're just here to make it a little easier.