Trinity Debt Management

07/27/2026

Save on School Supplies: Sales Tax Holidays
A sales tax holiday waives sales tax on specific items. Five states (Alaska, Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware) have no statewide sales tax at all. Local taxes may apply in some areas, so savings depend on your location. But the month of August has many opportunities to save on getting the kids back to school. Save on items such as clothing, books, and school supplies. Many states offer sales tax holidays to help families with essential purchases: use the guide to find your state and save money this year on back-to-school supplies.

A sales tax holiday is a limited-time period where a state allows sales tax to be waived or reduced on categories of items.

07/22/2026

Back-To-School Shopping Report: How to Save on Expenses
Back-to-school season is nearly here, and NerdWallet’s annual back-to-school shopping survey found an unexpected shift in a year where costs keep going up: on average, back-to-school shoppers of K-12 or college students intend to spend less than they did last year. Back-to-school shoppers estimate they’ll spend $611, on average, on back-to-school expenses such as clothing, supplies and books, according to the NerdWallet survey. As you prepare for the upcoming school year, there are strategies that can help you save money on back-to-school needs. Learn more about how to save on back-to-school expenses and stay within your budget to avoid long-term debt.

Anticipated back-to-school spending has decreased by $130, on average, since last year, but school year costs and pressure add up, according to NerdWallet’s annual survey.

07/13/2026

10 First-Time Homebuyer Tips: How to Get that House
If you’re still renting your place, the thought of buying a home can feel overwhelming. A recent survey of first-time homebuyers found that 64 percent of people who have never owned a home are concerned about affordability due to high mortgage rates. Despite those worries, nearly half are working to save up for a down payment. If you’re one of them, read more for some money-smart moves that can put you on the path to successfully buying a home.

These 10 tips for first-time homebuyers can smooth the path, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises and secure the best deal possible.

06/30/2026

Student Loan Changes begin July 1: What you need to know.
The Education Department is phasing out the SAVE plan for student loans. Borrowers will begin receiving 90-day notices on July 1, instructing them to switch to a new plan. If they don’t switch within 90 days, borrowers are automatically assigned a plan. But according to the Department, the earliest a borrower will be moved off SAVE is September 29, 2026. So, there’s time to learn about plan changes and find a solution that works for you. Failure to choose a new plan will result in automatic enrollment in a Standard repayment plan, which could lead to higher payments and lost progress toward loan forgiveness—here is what you need to know about the changes.

The SAVE plan was created in 2023 and was the most affordable student loan repayment option, but it was challenged in court and is now being eliminated by the Department …

06/16/2026

5-Step Summer Savings Challenge to Get Ahead by Fall
Summer often brings higher discretionary spending. A weekend trip to the beach or extra outings with friends can quickly stretch your budget. But summer can also be a time to build savings without making major lifestyle changes. Because the holiday season is still months away, small weekly contributions can add up through time. Whether you're building a holiday fund, boosting your emergency savings or paying down debt, setting aside money each week can make a difference. Building your savings doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these five steps to make the most of the summer months and put yourself in a stronger financial position by fall.

A simple summer savings challenge can help you save more money and get ahead before Thanksgiving.

06/02/2026

How to Establish Credit as a Young Person
For recent high school graduates, establishing credit may not be at the top of your list. But the sooner you start, the more opportunities you’ll have and the more money you can save. As you transition into adulthood, you can establish credit by getting a credit card or loan, using special credit-building products or by becoming an authorized user on your parents' credit card. There are many ways to build credit, and all involve actions that result in creditors reporting your payment information to the major consumer credit bureaus. Here are strategies to begin with credit-building.
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-establish-credit-as-a-young-person/

05/11/2026

Challenges of Maintaining Good Credit at Every Age
Good credit can make your financial life easier, but challenges to credit can exist at every age. If you haven't applied for much credit, you may have a thin credit file, meaning your credit reports lack accounts needed for lenders to make a loan. Seniors are vulnerable to overextended credit, which can damage a credit score. From thin credit in your 20s to the approach of retirement in your 60s, here’s how to overcome credit challenges and maintain good credit at every stage of life.

Learn about the biggest challenges to maintaining good credit from your 20s to your 60s, including having a thin credit file to managing debt in retirement.

05/05/2026

Money Smart Basics for Kids
According to a recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, students who take personal finance courses in high school are more likely to avoid high-cost financial services, invest, and build stronger credit. Early exposure to financial education doesn’t just build knowledge, it shapes confidence, encourages engagement with the banking system, and helps set young people on a more secure financial path. Take time to engage your kids in conversations about money. Here are resources that can help you teach kids about money.

MSN for Kids introduces basic banking terms to children, who are beginning to learn about finances

04/27/2026

Get Money Smart: 25 Tips to Improve your Financial Well-being
Often, we equate how well we’re doing financially with how much money we make, our credit score, or overall net worth. In reality, your financial well-being is determined by factors that tell a larger story about your relationship to money. This includes how well you’re able to stay on top of your financial obligations, how secure you feel about your financial future, and ultimately whether you have the freedom to make financial choices that allow you to enjoy your life. We’ve pulled together 25 easy-to-follow tips for getting a handle on your money and improving your overall financial well-being. It starts with getting a realistic picture of where your money is coming from and where it’s going. Then, we walk you through how to stay on top of your finances so you can plan and save for the future.

Your financial well-being tells the story of how you manage your money. For Financial Planning Month, we have 25 tips to improve your finances and overall financial well-being.