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Learn about important financial topics

Child using debit card to buy ice cream
Banking Trends
2026-05-18

At What Age Is My Child Ready for a Debit Card?

Read time: 4 Minutes
There comes a point in every child’s life when they start craving independence, and...
150-year anniversary web image
Community Banking
2026-04-29

150 Years of Banking: A Legacy of Trust

Read time: 3 Minutes
Reaching a 150-year milestone is no small achievement, especially in the world of b...
APR versus APY
Financial Literacy
2026-04-20

APR vs. APY: What's the Difference

Read time: 5 Minutes
When comparing financial products such as credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, ...
A couple meeting with a banker
Community Banking
2026-03-31

How to Find the Best Bank Near You

Read time: 5 Minutes
Choosing the right bank is an important financial decision that can affect everythi...
A couple sitting on the couch together
Banking advice
2026-03-16

Money Management for Couples: To Combine Finances or Keep Accounts Separate

Read time: 5 Minutes
Getting married or taking commitment to the next level many times means merging – h...
A family grieving at a funeral
Banking Advice
2026-02-24

Preparing Finances for End of Life

Read time: 5 Minutes
Talking about end-of-life planning is never a comfortable conversation. So often, w...
A caregiver tending to an elderly woman
Uncategorized
2026-02-09

Banking Considerations for Individuals with Caregivers

Read time: 4 Minutes
For individuals who rely on caregivers, whether due to aging, disability, illness, ...
woman looking concerned viewing her cellphone
Fraud
2026-01-27

How to Spot a Scam Before it's Too Late

Read time: 4 minutes
Financial Scams are getting smarter, faster, and more convincing – especially with n...
Credit card frozen in ice
Fraud
2026-01-13

What it Means to Freeze Your Credit

Read time: 3 Minutes
Data breaches and identity theft have been on the rise with the increase in digital...
Cash gift
Holidays
2025-12-29

Smart Money Moves for Financial Success in the New Year

Read time: 2 Minutes
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take control of your financi...
Father and daughter looking at gifts beside a Christmas tree
Holidays
2025-12-08

Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids that Help Teach the Value of Money

Read time: 3 Minutes
The holidays are a joyous time of celebration and giving, and at a time when many f...
Scam alert icon on cellphone
Fraud
2025-11-24

Frequent Fraudulent Messages to Lookout For

Read time: 4 Minutes
Cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever, using AI-driven tactics and psychol...
United states Capital building
Banking News
2025-11-07

Banking During a Government Shutdown

Read time: 4 Minutes
A government shutdown isn’t just a headline; it can create real financial challenge...
A woman shopping during the holidays
Holidays
2025-10-28

Holiday Spending Made Simple

Read time: 3 Minutes
The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also b...
piggy bank placed in leaves
Budgeting
2025-10-15

Fall Financial Check Up

Read time: 3 Minutes
As the leaves change color and the weather cools, fall is the perfect time to give ...
penny
Banking News
2025-10-06

Are Pennies Being Phased Out? Here's What You Need to Know

The U.S. Mint has officially stopped producing pennies. This marks a nationwide shif...
a person relaxing with feet up while watching tv
Savings
2025-09-16

A Subscription to Better Savings

Read time: 3 Minutes
In a world where monthly subscription services are second nature—from streaming pla...
A woman looking out a window
Loans
2025-09-02

What Happens When You Miss a Loan Payment

Read time: 4 Minutes
Missing a loan payment can feel overwhelming, especially if you're already juggling...
A couple doing home renovations
Loans
2025-08-25

Thinking About a Personal Loan?

Read time: 4 Minutes
A personal loan can be a great financial tool—whether you're consolidating debt, co...
An elderly couple viewing a laptop
Loans
2025-08-20

Loans vs. Lines of Credit

Read time: 4 Minutes
When you need access to money—whether it's for a home renovation, starting a busine...
a mother carrying her son
Banking Trends
2025-08-11

Banking Minimalism

Read time: 3 Minutes
In an age of information overload and endless subscription services, many individua...
A man shrugging his shoulders
Financial Literacy
2025-07-29

Why Do Banks Close Accounts

Read time: 3 Minutes
When a bank closes your account—whether you saw it coming or not—it can be frustrat...
A family sitting on their front porch together
Mortgages
2025-07-22

Top Things to Consider When Buying a House

Read time: 5 Minutes
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their l...
A wallet with cash inside
Budgeting
2025-07-14

Which Unnecessary Expenses are Hurting Your Wallet?

Read time: 4 Minutes
We hear the term “unnecessary expenses” often when talking about how to save money ...
stressed man looking at his laptop
Banking Advice
2025-07-08

Understanding Bank Fees

Read time: 4 Minutes
Bank accounts are a convenient and secure way to manage your money, but many custom...
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Community Banking
2025-06-23

The Power of Positive Reviews

Read time: 3 Minutes
In today’s digital age, word of mouth has gone virtual—and it’s more influential th...
A family packing their car for a vacation
Saving
2025-06-09

How to Spend Less Money During Vacation & Still Have a Great Time

Read time: 4 Minutes
Vacation is a time to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. But too often, ...
A couple remodeling their kitchen
Loans
2025-06-02

7 Projects that Can Boost the Value of Your Home

Read time: 3 Minutes
Home is where the heart is – but it can also be one of your most valuable assets. Wh...
 A woman supporting her friend
Debt Management
2025-05-12

Helping Loved Ones with Debt: Good Move or Costly Mistake?

Read time: 5 Minutes
When a loved one is struggling, it’s natural to want to help. However, when it comes...
A woman thinking about her finances with a piggy bank on the table
Banking Advice
2025-04-29

The Most Important Questions to Ask Before Taking on Debt

Read time: 4 Minutes
Whether you’re considering a mortgage, student loan, credit card, or personal loan,...
Two children playing in a pile of shredded paper
Fraud
2025-04-21

The Importance of Shredding Documents: Is It Really Necessary?

Read time: 3 Minutes
In a time where digital security dominates conversations about privacy protection, ...
A couple viewing a set of loan documents
Loans
2025-04-14

The Risks of Cosigning a Loan

Read time: 3 Minutes
Cosigning a loan can be a generous way to help a friend or family member secure fin...
A couple discussing their finances
Saving
2025-04-08

How to Talk to Your Spouse About Saving & Finances

Read time: 3 Minutes
Money can be a tricky topic in any relationship but having open and honest discussi...
Two factor authentication on laptop and cellphone
Fraud
2025-03-31

10 Cybersecurity Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

Read time: 5 Minutes
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. With hackers con...
A woman talking on her cellphone
Fraud
2025-03-12

Wire and ACH Fraud: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

Read time: 7 Minutes
Wire transfers and Automated Clearing House (ACH) origination are vital components ...
Glass jar filled with coins
Saving
2025-02-25

Saving Change and Why It Matters

Read time: 3 Minutes
As digital banking is gaining popularity with a lot of consumers, the value of spar...
A piggy bank and stack of coins labeled retirement
Retirement Saving
2025-02-18

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: What’s the Difference?

Read time: 3 Minutes
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are powerful tools to help you save for retir...
A frustrated woman viewing her cell phone
Uncategorized
2025-02-12

Interruptions to Banking Processes During Mergers

Read time: 4 Minutes
If you’ve ever experienced disruptions in your bank’s services—like online banking ...
A person holding a stack of credit cards
Credit Cards
2025-02-03

How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many?

Read time: 3 Minutes
Credit cards can be a beneficial financial tool when used responsibly, but having t...
A package labeled Made in USA
Budgeting
2025-01-27

Buying American-Made Products Pays Off – But Maybe Not at First

Read time: 6 minutes
American-made. There are two things that often come to consumers’ minds when contemp...
A roll of cash inside a coffee cup
Retirement Saving
2025-01-21

5 Money Habits of Young Adults That Can Hurt Their Retirement Savings

Read time: 3 Minutes
Saving for retirement might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re juggling...
A couple shaking hands with a business professional
Community Banking
2025-01-13

Factors to Consider When Switching Banks

Read time: 4 minutes
Whether you're looking for better rates, better service, or simply a fresh start, ch...
Smartphone login screen with security lock icon
Fraud
2025-01-07

How Fraudsters Use Current Events to Carry-Out Scams

Read time: 5 Minutes
Where there are current events, there are scammers scheming over ways to target new ...
Two business professionals shaking hands
Mergers & Acquisitions
2024-12-02

Bank Mergers vs. Acquisitions: What’s the Difference?

Read time: 4 Minutes
In banking, mergers and acquisitions are strategies banks use to increase revenue an...
Two business professional shaking hands
Mergers & Acquisitions
2024-12-02

Why Do Banks Merge?

Read time: 3 Minutes
If you’ve ever noticed that your bank changed its name or logo or heard about two ba...
A daughter hugging a father at the dining room table
Financial Literacy
2024-11-18

How Parents Can Play a Vital Role in Their Children’s Financial Literacy

Read time: 6 Minutes
Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that can empower children to make sound f...
Image of monopoly Pass and Go board game
Financial Literacy
2024-11-12

Activities that Teach Children Financial Responsibility

Read time: 5 Minutes
Teaching children financial literacy from a young age can be extremely beneficial i...
A group of business professionals
Banking Compliance
2024-11-04

Understanding Basel III & Basel III Compliance for Banks

Read time: 5 Minutes
The global financial system was severely tested during the 2007-2008 financial crisi...
Two co-workers high fiving
Business Banking
2024-10-21

Developing a Financial Plan for a Small Business

Read time: 3 Minutes
Developing a financial plan for a small business is a critical step to ensure stabil...
a jar filled with cash labeled emergency funds
Savings
2024-10-11

Emergency Fund Essentials: How Much Do You Need and Where Should You Keep It?

Read time: 4 Minutes
Life is full of surprises—both pleasant and unexpected. While it's great when the su...
Image showing home refinancing with keys and financial documents
Mortgage Loans
2024-10-07

Refinancing Your Mortgage Loan: Is Now the Right Time?

Read time: 4 Minutes
Refinancing a home is a common financial strategy that homeowners use for various r...
A stressed woman working on a laptop
Saving
2024-09-16

The Best Strategies for Paying Off Debt Quickly & Efficiently

Read time: 5 Minutes
Debt can be a heavy burden, impacting your financial stability and peace of mind. Wh...
A woman holding a piggybank
Saving
2024-09-16

Maximizing Your Savings: How Much Should You Really Set Aside Each Month?

Read time: 3 Minutes
When it comes to financial security, one of the most important habits you can develo...
A stressed man viewing a laptop
Fraud
2024-09-16

What Should I Do If There Is Unauthorized Activity on My Online Accounts?

Read time: 4 Minutes
Discovering unauthorized activity on any of your online accounts can be alarming and...
A man holding a cell phone
Financial Literacy
2024-09-03

How to Calculate Your Net Worth

Read time: 5 minutes
Understanding your financial health starts with knowing your net worth. Your net wo...
smiling couple lying on the floor
Loans
2024-08-26

Understanding Home Equity Loans: How Do They Work?

Read time: 3 minutes
Home equity loans are a popular financial tool that homeowners use to leverage the ...
A man using a laptop to manage his finances
Financial Literacy
2024-08-19

How to Assess Your Financial Health

Read time: 4 Minutes
Just as you regularly check your physical health to ensure you're in good shape, ass...
A woman holding cash
Bank Products
2024-07-29

Understanding Money Market Accounts

Read time: 4 Minutes
When managing finances, understanding which type of account we need most can be conf...
A couple shaking hands with a banking professional
Business Banking
2024-07-23

How Businesses Can Switch Banks Without Disrupting Their Finances

Read time: 5 minutes
Switching banks as a business customer can seem like a daunting task, especially whe...
A family planning a vacation on a laptop
Fraud
2024-07-15

Beware of Travel Scams: A Guide to Safe and Secure Vacationing

Read time: 4 Minutes
Traveling is an exciting adventure, whether you're exploring a new country, relaxing...
A couple shaking hands with real estate agent outside a home
Mortgage Loans
2024-06-27

How Do I Know How Much I Can Afford When Buying a House?

Read time: 4 minutes
Purchasing a house is one of the most significant financial commitments you'll make...
A small business owner using a laptop
Business Banking
2024-06-17

Small Businesses & Tax Time: How to Prepare Yourself Ahead of Time

Read time: 4 Minutes
Running a small business involves juggling multiple responsibilities, from managing ...
Small business owner using a laptop while on the phone
Business Banking
2024-06-04

Smart Financial Strategies for Small Business Owners

Read time: 4 minutes
Running a small business is a thrilling journey filled with opportunities and challe...
Financial growth image labeled compound interest
Saving
2024-05-27

The Power of Compound Interest: Letting Your Money Grow

Read time: 5 Minutes
Wouldn’t it be nice to put your money aside and just watch it grow? If you said yes...
A woman holding a debit card while using her laptop
Financial Literacy
2024-05-20

Building Credit from Scratch

Read time: 4 minutes
Establishing a solid credit history is an essential step toward financial independen...
A man holding a debit card while smiling
Checking
2024-05-13

10 Essential Features of Checking Accounts

Read time: 3 Minutes
Choosing the right checking account is a crucial step in managing your finances eff...
A couple using a laptop
Financial Literacy
2024-05-06

Better Budgeting: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Financial Success

Read time: 3 Minutes
Budgeting is a fundamental aspect of personal finance management, yet many people s...
A cell phone displaying a security lock icon
Fraud
2024-04-29

Safeguarding Your Mobile Banking: Tips to Protect Your Financial Information from Cybercriminals

Read time: 3 Minutes
In today's digital age, mobile banking has become an indispensable part of our live...
Checkmark icons next to a model home
Mortgage Loans
2024-04-22

Your First Mortgage: A Comprehensive Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Read time: 4 minutes
Securing a mortgage for the first time is crucial but can be seen as a complex step ...
A couple getting married
Saving
2024-04-15

Navigating Finances Together

Read time: 5 Minutes
Congratulations, newlyweds! You’ve just embarked on a journey of love, partnership, ...
A business professional raising her hand in a meeting
Business Banking
2024-04-08

Business Banking: Answers to Your Top 10 Questions

Read time: 4 Minutes
Business banking is a vital aspect of managing any enterprise, whether you're a seas...
Image of piggy bank sleeping
Saving
2024-04-01

Avoiding the Dormant Account Dilemma

Read time: 4 Minutes
In the world of personal finance, there's a term that you may or may not be familiar...
A couple discussing mortgage options with a lender
Mortgage Loans
2024-03-20

Essential Questions Home Buyers Should Ask Their Mortgage Banker

Read time: 5 Minutes
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many of us will mak...
A person surrounded by banking symbols
Uncategorized
2024-03-11

Empowering Banking Knowledge: Your Questions Answered

Read time: 6 minutes
Have you ever had banking questions pop up that you think you should probably know t...
Credit score indicator on cell phone
Loans
2024-03-04

Building Your Credit Score: A Pathway to Financial Freedom

In today's world, having a good credit score is essential for various aspects of fin...
Person handing over model home, to show home loan transaction
Mortgage Loans
2024-02-26

Unlocking the Secrets to Securing Better Rates on Home Loans

Read time: 5 Minutes
Securing a home loan is a significant financial decision that requires careful consi...
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Mortgage Loans
2024-02-20

Understanding Mortgage Jargon

Read time: 4 minutes
Embarking on the journey of homeownership is both thrilling and complex, especially ...
Two business professionals discussing banking
Community Banking
2024-02-10

The Strength in Community

Read time: 4 minutes
In the vast financial landscape, small businesses often find themselves at a crossr...
A young man holding a checking card, while viewing a laptop
Bank Products
2024-02-06

Life Events that Signal it's Time to Open a Checking Account

Read time: 5 Minutes
Life is a series of transitions, and each change brings with it new challenges and ...
Woman drinking coffee while browsing her tablet
Saving
2024-01-27

Using a Savings Account to Build A Winter Cushion

Read time: 3 Minutes
As we navigate the winter lull with budgeting strategies, it's crucial to look ahea...
A couple wrapped in a blanket staying warm during winter
Uncategorized
2024-01-21

A Practical Guide to Seasonal Budgeting

As winter sets in and the temperatures drop, many people experience a natural slow-...
Folded cash next to savings jar
Saving
2024-01-12

New Year, New Financial Goals

Read time: 6 minutes
As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, the dawn of a new year brings wi...
Woman viewing her banking information on cell phone
Online Banking
2024-01-03

Using Online Banking For Your Benefit

Read time: 3 Minutes
In an era where technology continues to reshape the way we live, it's no surprise th...
Child putting coins into piggy bank
Saving
2023-12-18

Planting Seeds of Prosperity

Read time: 3 Minutes
In the fast-paced world we live in, where financial independence is a key goal, ins...
A Woman walking through a street with luggage while browsing her cell phone
Online Banking
2023-12-07

Smooth Sailing: Managing Your Finances Abroad

Read time: 5 Minutes
Stepping into another country brings excitement and adventure, but it also requires...
A man wearing a Santa outfit with a ski mask, while holding a computer
Holidays
2023-11-27

Guarding Against Holiday Fraud and Social Media Scams

Read time: 3 Minutes
As the holiday season approaches, our focus on joy, festivities, and giving should ...
A group of five professionals standing together in a workplace
Community Banking
2023-11-21

Embracing Cultural Diversity for a Customer-Focused Experience

Read time: 3 Minutes
The term “diversity & inclusion” has been getting more attention lately, but what ex...
A mother and son sitting on a swing at the beach
Saving
2023-11-14

Saving Strategies for your Dream Vacation

Read time: 3 Minutes
One thing many people have in common is trying to juggle a balance of financial stab...
A jar labeled College, filled with cash
Saving
2023-10-30

Secure Your Child's Future

Read time: 5 minutes
As a parent, you undoubtedly want the best for your child, and that includes providi...
seeds sprouting from folded cash
Bank Products
2023-10-12

Understanding the Differences Between CDs and Savings Accounts

Read time: 5 minutes
In the world of personal finance, there are numerous options available to help indiv...
A woman shaking hands with a customer
Community Banking
2023-10-03

Why Building Strong Customer Relationships Matters

Read time: 5 Minutes
When it comes to managing your finances, community banking isn't just about transact...
A little girl smiling while holding a soccer ball
Community Banking
2023-09-08

Myth: Bigger Banks Mean Better Benefits

Read time: 4 Minutes
Turn on the TV and chances are there’s a commercial discussing all the benefits cons...
Happy couple surrounded by moving boxes in their new home
Mortgages
2023-08-28

Is now the right time for you to buy a home?

Read time: 4 Minutes
Lately, so many people in this country have been feeling the effects of inflation an...
A model home
Community Banking
2023-08-24

Putting the Community into Community Banking

Read time: 5 Minutes
How often do you hear the term “community” when it comes to banking? If we would hav...
Laptop showing cybersecurity icons
Fraud
2023-06-30

What are the Most Common Methods of Cyber Fraud?

Read time: 5 Minutes
In the days of frequent technological advances, the risk of cyber fraud is higher t...
An older lady receiving assistance
Fraud
2023-06-30

How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Elder Financial Exploitation

Read time: 4 Minutes
We have all heard the unfortunate story before. That an elderly person has had hundr...
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Fraud
2023-05-04

Protecting Yourself from Fraud & Scams

Identity Theft – What to Know & How to Respond Identity theft is when thieves use yo...
Gothic architectural bank
Financial Literacy
2023-05-04

Bank Account Basics

Why should I open a bank account? One of the best ways to establish a strong finan...
Person sitting with coffee while viewing their tablet
Financial Literacy
2023-05-04

Establishing and Managing Credit

What is a credit report? A credit report is a document from a credit reporting compa...
Phone, computer, pen, paper and coffee sitting on a desk
Financial Literacy
2023-05-04

Career Development

Sometimes finding career opportunities and securing a position to generate a steady...
Person sitting at their computer budgeting
Financial Literacy
2023-05-04

Budgeting

Developing a Budget A budget is a plan that guides how you spend your money each mo...