Online Security
If you use online banking, you’ve probably received numerous notifications, warnings, and advice on how to keep your online account information safe. Security is fundamental for any bank or financial institution, and you can never have too much information to help safeguard your personal and financial data.
Use Trusted Computers Always access your online banking via a trusted computer. You can control and monitor your own computer’s security by keeping your operating system, browsers, and antivirus software up to date, but you can’t be sure if a public computer is free of malware, spyware, or keystroke loggers.
Use Strong Continue Reading »
Personal Finance
Spring arrived early this year for much of the country. In addition to the standard spring cleaning around the house and yard, this is a good time to consider spring cleaning your finances.
Declutter During the first half of the year your bills got thrown into piles, your pay stubs were shoved into a desk drawer, and your tax paperwork was strewn across your desk. Start by collecting everything so it’s all in one place. Then walk away. Why? Because that’s step one, and this task is often too overwhelming to tackle all at once. After some time has Continue Reading »
Home Ownership
With interest rates still low, you may be wondering if now is the right time to refinance your existing mortgage. And if it is, who can you talk with and what can you expect as you go through the refinancing process?
Start by understanding your current situation. Determine how many years you have left on your existing mortgage and the current interest rate you are paying. Review your credit report, and fix any errors you come across. You also should know your credit score.
After you have a clear picture of your current mortgage situation, ask yourself what Continue Reading »
Personal Finance
As free checking accounts become scarce, low interest rates persist and negative headlines about banks remain in the news, now more than ever choosing the right bank is important. A good bank is a necessity and sits at the center of most of your financial accounts. With a little research and insight, you can find the bank that best fits your personal needs. Here’s how:
Think about your banking behavior. It sounds obvious, but consider how you use your bank account. Do you visit the ATM every other day? If so, you might want a bank that refunds ATM Continue Reading »
Personal Finance
Graduating from college is a huge moment in a young adult’s life. It often represents that final leap from semi-independence to being a real-life grown up.
It may not be the most exhilarating topic, but post-graduation finances need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Here are some financial tips for those newly-minted college graduates who are about to step into the real world.
Take advantage of employer 401(k) matching program. Some employers have an incentive program to help you save for retirement. They will match a certain percentage of the amount you have taken out of each paycheck Continue Reading »
Personal Finance
We all have a few loved ones who are horrible at managing their money. You know who they are: a relative who blows through a paycheck in a day, or a family member who has no money set aside for retirement.
Talking about financial matters can be a sensitive topic for some families, and it’s understandable that you may wish to keep a few personal cards close to your chest. But not talking about money can be detrimental in more ways than one, both to you and your loved ones. Here are some tips to consider when talking about Continue Reading »
