You know how important it is to plan for retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact...
It can be burdensome to wonder what will happen to your estate upon your passing. However, there are plans you can put in place, with the help of professionals, to alleviate some of that weight. Estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve...
Having a place to put money that you don’t need to spend on bills or necessities can help curb unnecessary spending. A savings account can hold your money for emergencies and be a good way to set aside money for a future purchase. To help you start your savings off in...
If you own or manage a business, your mailbox and inbox are probably full of offers to give you a loan. Why? Because making loans for businesses is easy. But at the end of the day, a loan is just a transaction – you get money and you’re obligated to repay that money...
Did you know that business bank accounts don’t have the same protections that federal law affords consumers when it comes to recovering from fraudulent transactions? With experts predicting an increase in financial crimes, it’s critical for businesses of all sizes to...
When it’s time to choose or change the bank for your business, the selection process can and should be very similar to how you go about choosing the right job candidate to add to your team. As with a job candidate, you want the bank with the right mix of services and...
Planning on traveling this summer? Traveling and vacations are all about relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Here are some tips on using your credit card while traveling to keep your vacation chill: Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling: Before you...
Loans can help you buy something today that you would normally only be able to purchase after years of saving. There are several reasons to take out a loan, the most common is for a specific purpose like renovating your house or buying a new vehicle. The Two Main...
Today in our credit series, we’re focusing on building or rebuilding your credit. Pay on time. Whether building, maintaining, or rebuilding, payment history is the single biggest factor impacting credit scores according to myfico.com. Try not to use too much of your...
Today let’s focus on what exactly a credit score is and discuss ranges. First, let’s define “credit score”. It’s a number that tells lenders how likely a consumer is to repay borrowed money based on their credit history. The higher the number, the more likely...
“New year, new you,” doesn’t just apply to your wellness goals. You can also work on your financial fitness. In our last video we talked about the factors used to determine your credit score. Today, we’re sharing tips for caring for your credit score. First, paying...
Understanding your credit can be difficult, so we’re starting a series to break it down for you. First up, we’ll look at the five main factors that affect your credit score. Payment history affects your score the most, taking into account on-time payments,...
Nothing beats the warm smell from baking cookies during the cold weather, especially since so many recipes have such aromatic ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg! To help make your treats look as terrific as they taste chill your dough. This makes it easier...
As you begin checking names off your list, it’s also a great time to make sure you’re using your credit card as effectively as possible this holiday season. You may find yourself swiping your card or using it for online shopping more than usual this time of year. By...
The holiday season is upon us and folks are scrambling to fit shopping into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We may not be able to help you pick the perfect gifts for your family and friends, but we can help speed up the process with our contactless debit...
Identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. When it does, it can be hard to recover. The crime can leave accounts drained, credit damaged and can even jeopardize employment. Protect your documents that have personal information and ask questions before giving...
Halloween is right around the corner and we all know what that means – kids young and old have two things on their minds: costumes and candy! This year consider keeping all of the candy you buy and use it to teach financial literacy tips to your family. If you are...
Before any winter weather hits, complete a home check list this fall to make sure you’re prepared for winter and all that comes with it! Schedule a professional inspection to make sure your heating unit is ready for the cold. Check the seal around windows and doors to...
Moving is an exciting process! If you’re moving into a new apartment, there are a few things you should do to make the experience positive. Before you move in, be sure to take a walk-through of the apartment. Check the locks and the water pressure, note your cell...
Camping is a family favorite, and an ideal trip for price-conscious parents and adventure seekers. Many online guides will recommend you spend money on the best equipment, and that can get pricey. Instead, borrow or rent your tents, chairs, stoves and sleeping bags,...