Centris Blog
Protect Yourself From Credential Stuffing
If you are reusing the same username and password for multiple apps and websitesāyou may be at risk of a potential cyber threat called credential stuffing. What is credential stuffing? Credential stuffing occurs when hackers use stolen information, such as usernames...
5 Ways to Boost Your Financial Health Amidst COVID-19
Financial decisions can feel complex and hard even under normal circumstances. If the current market volatility has you questioning what are the ārightā actions you should take now, you are not alone. Here are five concrete ways for you to jumpstart your financial...
How does the Fed lowering the rate affect your mortgage rate?
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. In shortāit really doesnāt.Ā Not directly that is. In an emergency meeting on Sunday, March 15, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) decided to cut rates to 0.Ā But what rate exactly did they cut and what does that mean for you and for your mortgage?...
How to Qualify for a Car Loan
Car Buying Options A car is a big purchase, and you have multiple payment options. You can lease it by making monthly payments but never own the car. You can buy it with cash and not have to worry about making monthly car payments. You can also get an auto loan...
The Power of Compound Interest
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. Understanding Compound Interest When I talk about investing to young people, I tell them how powerful compound interest is and that itās even more powerful because of their age. But, I donāt really think they fully understand the concept. In...
Future Vacation Planning
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. Summertime Planning For me, July Fourth has always felt like the summer hump. Once youāve reached this holiday, itās all downhill from there even though thereās still so much summer left! If youāre like many people I talk to they feel the same...
Top 10 Summer Travel Budgeting Tips
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. How to Travel on a Budget Summer is upon us. The days are getting longer, and everyone seems to have an itch to go on some kind of an adventure. I love to travel and my husband and I even have a growing āadventure wallā in our house where we put...
DTI: Demystifying Debt to Income Ratio
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. What is Debt to Income Ratio (DTI)? Debt to income ratio (DTI) is the ratio of the amount of debt you owe compared to your gross income. Or, to put it in slightly different terms, the ratio is a comparison of all of the debt you have compared to...
Economic and Financial Literacy Initiatives in Nebraska
By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. Economic Fall April is Financial Literacy Month, and it's important to take a look at what our state is doing to educate youth. Ever since the financial crisis between 2007 and 2009, more and more focus has shifted to financial literacy...