When it comes to financial planning resolutions, creating an action-oriented plan includes figuring out where you are, what you want, and what you need to get there. These may seem like big, overarching questions, but they can be broken down into a few smaller...
As the holiday season approaches, so does the desire to give gifts to those around us. These gifts are not just for people we know. Americans are some of the most charitable people on the planet, and that trend even grew over the last two years as people came together...
Impersonation scams are one of the most successful ways fraudsters steal money from their victims. This type of scam has proven to be exponentially successful as both business employees and individuals are scammed into sending billions of dollars every year. Here are...
It is Halloween and we all know what that means – kids young and old have two things on their minds: costumes and candy! This year, consider using the candy collected as an opportunity to teach financial literacy and saving strategies. Start a candy bank While it may...
Selling items online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites attract a lot of buyers — some of which are fake. Protect yourself by watching out for the following: Fake payments These payments involve the “buyer”...
Gift cards are popular for birthday gifts, holidays, and many other occasions, and providing a gift card option could elevate your business by increasing customer spending, expanding your customer base, and building brand loyalty! If you are not yet issuing gift cards...
In twenty-two countries around the world, a special day is designated to recognize and to celebrate grandparents. In America that day is the first Sunday after Labor Day. Creating a family and a lasting legacy is a tremendous achievement, and every grandparent should...
Pet scams are big business these days, with scammers posing as breeders and raking in money from many people in the United States. The Better Business Bureau estimates that pet scam reports have increased nearly five times since 2017, when the trend first came to...
While preparing for back-to-school, cybersecurity should be a top priority. When everyone from a toddler to a teacher has access to smart devices, it’s critical that parents watch over and protect their children’s cyber security. Since children’s...
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, you have a lot to check off your list. Whether you are shopping online or taking advantage of a department store sale, it is important to keep your financial information secure. According to Mastercard SpendingPulseTM,...
Don’t take the bait! Smishing is the most common mobile-based phishing. Slow down and think before you click! Smishing has become a big problem; according to the FBI, it is only getting worse. The average person gets over 19 spam texts per month. While not all...
Summer traveling is all about relaxation, family time, or just getting away from your everyday routine. It is a time to leave your worries at home. Here are some helpful tips to put your mind at ease this summer while traveling. Leave work at the office It can be easy...
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...
You have moved out, and you are living on your own for the first time. You have your own source of income and freedom. Now what? You don’t have to wait until you have graduated college to learn how to manage your money. Here are 5 simple steps to start budgeting as a...
As the summer months approach, many young adults will seek job opportunities. For some, it may be their first time to earn a paycheck and they may not know where they need to keep the newly earned income. For others, it may be the start of being out on their own....
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...
Cool temperatures and short daylight hours can lead to depressed moods. Beat the winter blues while looking forward to spring with these 4 mood-boosting tips. Exercise. Improve your physique while boosting your mood through regular exercise. A walk, bike ride or...