Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

  Have you ever heard the phrase “jack-of-all-trades?” Have you ever been interested in what trade jobs are? Are you not sure where to get started? Well, you came to the right place. Trade jobs are occupations that require a specialized skill or skill sets that you don’t usually find training for in a traditional high school or college settings. Those occupations range from electrical, carpentry, and medical assisting, to culinary arts, automotive, and even cosmetology. You can acquire the proper skills and required training for these trades through vocational studies, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.  

We all know that summers in Vermont are fleeting and that foliage season is passing quickly. If you blinked, you may have missed peak foliage season in some areas, but Vermont still has a great deal to offer—particularly if one is willing to go off the beaten path a bit. In that spirit, let’s explore some of the lesser-known gems that our state has to offer.

Decorating and renovating might seem intimidating and expensive, and indeed they can be, but you don’t need to hire a decorator or a contractor and spend tens of thousands of dollars to give your home a fresh new look. With some thoughtful choices, creativity and a bit of work, you can give your home a makeover and increase its value for relatively minimal cost.

Is your credit score stopping you from being approved for a vehicle loan, mortgage, or credit card? Are you wondering what mistakes you may be making that are damaging your credit? Have you moved this question to the bottom of your to-do list because it is simply too stressful? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. Millions of people struggle with building or fixing their credit. Using a credit card correctly is essential to increase your credit score and stay out of debt. By avoiding the following mistakes, you can maintain your credit and save money in the long run.

The pandemic has created waves in the auto industry that may make it difficult to find and purchase cars for a while. The biggest issues car buyers are facing now are low inventory and the high prices that result from increased demand for the few cars that are out there.

In a variety of ways, large and small, co-ops of all kinds work hard every day, around the world, making the lives of their members a little easier and more sustainable. With October being National Co-op Month, it’s a great time to recognize and celebrate all the ways in which co-ops are cooperating here in Vermont!

Individual stocks or equities are an advanced way to build wealth. Most investors begin with a mutual fund in a retirement plan at work, or by contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA). Mutual funds are generally made up of individual holdings in stocks and/or bonds. These funds are usually managed by professional money managers who select how much of a stock or bond the investor should hold in the fund. These options are often a solid basis for beginners and less experienced investors as they take the guesswork out of investing.

Have you ever bought lots of fresh veggies, only to forget about them and have them die in the back of the fridge? Food waste is an avoidable problem that we all deal with, but it’s manageable with a plan and proper food storage.