Getting out of debt can be painful—but the payoff is empowering! It takes a committed and consistent plan to get out of debt and stay out. Paying off debt has a variety of benefits—less stress, increased financial security, an improved credit score, etc. It also helps you reach your important financial goals by freeing your …
Earth Month is celebrated in April every year. It is a time to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect the planet. It serves as a global reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainability. This time presents a valuable opportunity for businesses and organizations to reflect on their environmental impact …
Scammers work year-round, often targeting banking customers and credit or debit card users. Scammers send text messages or make phone calls claiming to be from an individual’s bank, creating a sense of urgency by citing alleged credit or debit card transactions. While scammers have a variety of techniques, it’s important to stay cognizant of common …
Scammers are becoming increasingly creative with thefts and scams—targeting checks or images of checks to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Although postal workers across the country do their best to keep your mail safe, the United States Postal Inspection Service recovers more than $1 Billion in fraudulent checks and money orders each year, according to …
The excitement of the holiday season is building as stores prepare for one of the biggest commercial seasons of the year—but with this celebration of over-the-top decorations and holiday gatherings comes the fear of overspending and financial strain. According to PwC’s Annual Holiday Outlook, holiday spending is projected to rise by 7%, reflecting both an …
January is Financial Wellness Awareness month—serving as a reminder to prioritize our financial well-being and to make informed financial decisions. Observed each year right after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Financial Wellness Awareness month helps us slow down, stop, think and prepare our finances for the new year. Financial wellness is about …
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, many Americans are gearing up for the rush of post-Thanksgiving deals. While the excitement is palpable, it’s important to remember that this time of year also brings an increased risk of cybercrime. Scammers are out in full force, targeting shoppers with tactics like credit card fraud, …
Elder financial abuse robs older Americans of billions of dollars in money, property and other assets every year. As those safeguarding their customers’ finances, community bankers are key watchdogs for monitoring and preventing this abuse. As relationship lenders and financial first responders, community banks are in a unique position to help shield our elderly customers …
January is Financial Wellness Month! Financial wellness is the ability to meet one’s basic needs and manage money for the short and long term. If last year was not the best year for you financially, you can take some steps now to improve your financial wellness. Think about what you really want in life and …
The holiday season is here and there is no better year than this one to shop local and eat local. Whether you have a huge family to buy for or plan to purchase presents for just a few friends, the money you spend will make a real difference. Businesses in our local community have had …