Going on vacation is not an inexpensive proposition, so it is important to keep your traveling money safe. It is easy to let your guard down when on vacation, but doing so could open you up to theft, hacking and other crimes. If you want to stay safe and enjoy your favorite destination, just follow …
The famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta once said that traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Unfortunately, many people find that traveling not only leaves them speechless but broke. Most of us would love to see more of the world, but the prohibitive cost of flying can quickly dampen even the most …
Insights & Inspiration by George Celentano, SVP of Retail Banking This month we celebrate Financial Literacy Month and I believe it is so important to teach children about finances. At home, it’s what I’ve done with my own daughter since she was a young child. Today, she is 18 years old, has no debt and …
No matter who you are or where you live, chances are the roof over your head is the most expensive thing you own. According to Zillow, the median home value in New Jersey is $326,300. New Jersey home values have gone up 5.0% over the past year. It is no wonder this asset is the …
Spring is officially here and with that comes the start of the home buying season! Buying a new home is an exciting experience, but it can be a nightmare if you make common first-time buyer mistakes. Not being informed on how a home purchase is conducted can lead to costly mistakes. The first error, many …
There are so many things college students need to learn and one of the most important topics, actually used every day, is financial management. A big part of our adult lives revolves around finances and with that comes learning to handle credit responsibly. So much of our life is affected by credit. While some parents …
With tax season in full swing, there has never been a better time to get a head start on your finances. If you are one of the lucky taxpayers who will be getting a refund this year, you have two choices – you could waste the money on a one-time purchase, or you could put …
America is currently facing the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and it is definitely highlighting the importance of emergency funds. As Americans across the nation watch the news coverage on television and hear the dire stories of federal workers struggling, one thing is clear – many federal employees do not have enough money saved …
We’re off to the start of a brand new year! Make 2019 the year you finally get all your finances in order. Setting some time aside to plan how to increase your credit score will help greatly, especially if you are planning a major purchase of a car or a home this year. If you’re …
The holidays are here – a time where more money is spent, more travel and time off is taken and more festive events attended. Retail sales, this year, are projected to top last years at an estimated $682 billion. That’s a lot of money circulating, and unfortunately scammers will be out looking for opportunities to …