Budgeting

How to Use AI as a Smart Tool for Your Financial Planning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in our daily lives—from personalized playlists to voice assistants. But did you know it can also help you take control of your financial future?

At CSE, we believe in giving you the tools to make informed, empowered decisions. That’s why we’re breaking down how AI can support your financial planning—without the tech jargon.

What...

Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Services

What You Need to Know Before You Click “Pay Later”

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are popping up everywhere — from online shopping carts to your favorite clothing apps. They promise a simple solution: break up your purchase into smaller payments, often with “no interest” or “no fees.” It sounds like a great deal, right?

But like many things that sound too good...

A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Finances to Gen Alpha

As parents, we want to equip our children with the skills they need to succeed in life, and financial education is one of the most important lessons we can pass down. But for Gen Alpha — kids born between 2010 and 2025 — the way they learn is already drastically different from previous generations. With rapid advancements in technology, digital banking, and a shift toward a cashless society, teaching...

How-to-Guide on How Money Management Accounts Works

1. What Is a Money Management Account?

A money management account (MMA) is a type of bank account that lets you save money while earning a bit more interest (or dividends) than a regular savings account. It’s a good place to put money you want to keep safe and grow, but still have available when you need it. Generally, a MMA savings rate isn’t as high as a Term Share Certificate or a Certificate...

The True Cost of Holiday Spending

The holiday season is a magical time, but along with the festivities comes a lot of pressure to buy gifts, host parties, and splurge on holiday traditions. For many, this means pulling out the credit card and racking up debt, or even applying for a holiday loan all in the name of showing love to family and friends.

While we’re here to provide for all of your financial needs at CSE, we also believe that...

How to Avoid Impulse & Emotional Shopping

Impulse and emotional shopping can wreak havoc on your finances, leaving you with regret and unnecessary expenses. CSE is dedicated to helping you make smarter financial choices, and in this article we’re focusing on how to control those impulses that might lead to overspending. Shopping can be fun and even therapeutic, but it’s important to stay in control and avoid those purchases that can hurt your financial health.

Here...

Helping Your Elderly Parents Manage Their Money

As our parents age, there may become a time when managing their money becomes a difficult task for them. If you’re the designated helper when it comes to their money, here are ten tips on how you can help ensure they remain secure and comfortable.

#1 OPEN COMMUNICATION

Starting off with an open and honest conversation about their financial situation can help alleviate high emotions. Many aging...

How to Create a Financial Wellness Checklist

If you’re in a place where you aren’t happy with your current finances, making a financial checklist might be a good next step to get out of your money slump. Struggling financially can lead to anxiety, stress, and overall health issues (mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical). That’s why it’s time for you to empower yourself to make good financial decisions for yourself to take charge...

Meal Prepping for the Back-to-School Season: Save Time and Keep More Money in Your Pocket

The back-to-school season always approaches quicker than we think. The hustle and bustle of getting back into the routine of earlier mornings, after-school events, and homework can make meal planning seem like the last thing you want to do.

However, meal prepping can be a game-changer when it comes to time and your budget. Sources have said that meal prepping could save...

Taming Your Bills and Subscriptions

In a world filled with bills and subscriptions, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in expenses. But what if there was a way to regain control over your finances? 

By mastering the art of negotiation and being vigilant about your subscriptions, you can free up and save back more money each month.

Let’s look at ways you can keep more money in your pocket.

Negotiating...