Financial Education

Whether you have your taxes done by a professional or you do them yourself, it’s important to be organized and have all your important documents ready. When working with a tax preparer, be sure to ask about what information you will need, then organize it based on the professional’s advice. Here are some key documents to consider. Have information about your income sources, such as: W-2’s from employers. 1099 forms that show any investment or interest income. Social...

Watch out for suspicious text messages, emails, and phone calls claiming to be from your bank. These messages or calls may claim that there is an issue with your account needing immediate attention. Or, it may claim that you need to update your account, information, or password. What should you do? Start by being skeptical. It could very well be a scam to steal your money or your personal information. These scams are designed to trick you into divulging important information that...

‘Security’ is a strong word. And it’s at the core of our simple-to-download and easy-to-use mobile banking app. We want you to know that your accounts are protected behind multiple layers of security whenever and wherever you log in with our app. This powerful protection guards you against online fraud so you get safe, secure access to your accounts day or night. And while our mobile app is specially designed with your banking security in mind, experts advise that you...

Scammers are always looking for new victims, and older adults are on their list. These crooks use many ways to target your money or personal information. Here are some things to look for and some suggestions about what to do if you think you might be a victim. Don’t rush into financial decisions. If you’re unsure about anything, ask for an explanation or say you need more time to think about it. Don’t feel pressured to make snap decisions. Don’t give out personal...

If you’ve ever overdrawn your checking account, you’re aware it can be a costly hassle. That’s why it’s important to always keep track of how much you spend, whether it’s shopping with your debit card, using an ATM, or writing checks. An overdrawn account happens when you spend more money than you have, which can result in potentially costly overdraft or transaction fees. Here are a few tips to help you avoid overspending: Always keep track of your spending. With online...

As the threat of a cyberattack continues to be a growing concern for many business owners, now more than ever it’s important to have a plan in place to mitigate the risks of an attack and protect your business and customers. Here are 6 tips to help cyber secure your business: Educate your employees Create security practices for your employees, such as requiring strong passwords and 2-factor authentication. To protect your customers, establish rules on how you and your...

As a small business owner, enhancing your culture could be vital to retaining your employees. When a company has a strong culutre, it leads to happier employees who are more likely to enjoy work and be more engaged with your customers and business. So what is company culture? A company’s culture is a combination of multiple factors including work environment, values, behaviors, attitudes, company mission, leadership styles, communication, expectations, goals, and ethics. Here are 7...

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. However, it's also a time when overspending can easily creep in, leaving your bank account less jolly. To make sure you have a festive season without financial stress, it's essential to set a holiday shopping budget. In this article, we'll share seven practical tips to help you create a budget that keeps your spending in check. Start Early: One of the most effective ways to manage your holiday shopping budget is to start...

As a small business owner, it's essential to be prepared for emergencies that could disrupt your operations. Disasters, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, and even pandemics, can happen at any time and can have significant impacts on your business's revenue and reputation. That's why it's essential to have an effective business emergency plan in place. Here are 7 considerations when creating your business emergency plan: Identify potential risks and threats The...

As a business owner or manager, one of your primary responsibilities is to manage your company's cash flow. Accounts receivable (AR) management is a critical part of this process. AR refers to the money that your customers owe you for the goods or services that you have provided to them. Effective management of your AR is essential to ensuring that your business has a healthy cash flow. Here are 6 tips for effectively managing your accounts receivable: Establish clear payment terms...

It’s Important To Learn About Managing Your Money While In College It might not be a class you take, but one of the most important things you can learn in college is how to manage money. That’s because many students don’t earn a lot while in school and they have to live off their student loans and money they might make with a job. It’s not easy to do but it’s a lesson you can fall back on the rest of your life. Think about the costs: Tuition, books, a place to live,...

In today's fast-paced world, it is crucial for businesses to offer multiple payment options to their customers. With various payment acceptance options, businesses can provide a seamless and convenient experience for their customers, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, with so many payment acceptance options available, choosing the best ones for your business can be challenging. In this article, we will discuss some factors to consider when selecting the...