Check out these tips to help you support small businesses in your community May is National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the significant impact small businesses have on our lives and well-being. By supporting them, you strengthen the local economy and foster a thriving, connected community. Supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be complicated, since there are many easy ways to make a difference. Here are some simple tips to help you champion small businesses this May and throughout the year! 1. Shop Local When you’re ready to make a purchase, whether online or in person, consider the small businesses in your area. Supporting local shops, restaurants, and… read more »

This article was written by Jean Chatzky and our friends at Credit Score. Learn more aboutCredit Score here or in your Money Manager app. Check out these ideas for helping children learn to set money aside When it comes to teaching children about money—including the importance of saving forthe future—it’s smart to start early. And it’s really up to us, the parents, family members,and mentors of the next generation, to drive these points home. While it may seem a little daunting, building a strong financial foundation for youngsterscan start with just a few simple steps. Here are some real-life examples of how you canteach children good money habits. That way,… read more »

Juggling a busy schedule and finding time to visit your local credit union can be a real headache. You might find yourself rushing to deposit checks during your lunch break or frantically squeezing in a bank visit before closing time. It’s a common challenge that many people face in today’s fast-paced world. Mobile banking offers a convenient solution to this time-consuming problem. With just a regular smartphone and a few finger taps, you can manage your finances from the comfort of your home or while on the go. Read on to learn how to mobile deposit a check and enjoy a hassle-free banking experience. What is Mobile Deposit? Mobile Deposit… read more »

Opening a money market account (MMA) might seem a bit daunting, especially when headlines warn of market instability. But even in the face of economic unpredictability, these specialized accounts offer a secure option to park your cash while earning interest. Read on to learn how money market accounts work and why they make sense for Pennsylvania residents looking to grow their savings. What Is a Money Market Account?  An MMA is a type of deposit account that often requires a higher minimum balance to maintain compared to regular savings accounts. It offers the dual benefit of better interest rates while providing easy access to your funds. You’ll enjoy the ideal… read more »

Certificate accounts offer a safe and dependable way to save money while earning interest over a fixed period. These investment accounts are an excellent refuge for funds that need a temporary home with the promise of a guaranteed return. Read on to learn more about certificate account advantages and disadvantages and whether opening one is right for your portfolio. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is an investment product whereby you deposit money in an account for a fixed period and earn interest. The rate is usually higher than what you’d make in a regular savings account. When the term ends, you get your initial deposit back along… read more »

Traditional savings accounts are the bedrock of personal finance, providing a safe haven for our hard-earned money. However, in the quest for higher interest earnings and greater flexibility, many people opt to open a money market account (MMA) instead. MMAs combine the best of both worlds and can be an attractive alternative for those seeking stability and potentially higher-yielding interest rates. Read on to learn more about how money market accounts work and if opening one might be right for you. What Is a Money Market Account? A money market account is a type of deposit account that often offers higher interest rates than a traditional savings account. However, MMAs… read more »

Money markets and certificate accounts both offer safe places to stash your excess cash while earning interest, but which is the right choice for you? We take a look at how money market vs. certificate accounts work and which is best for different kinds of savers. Smart Saving Choices: Money Market vs. Certificate If you’re looking to start putting money aside from your monthly budget, then both money market accounts and certificate accounts offer safe places to start building a nest egg for retirement, college, a wedding, or a down payment on a car. While both offer great launchpads for your savings, there are important differences in how they work…. read more »

Certificate accounts are popular investments that many use to grow their savings. Setting up an account is very easy to do. It can be done in just a few minutes in six simple steps. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is a type of investment that is offered by credit unions. Certificate accounts can be used for both short-term and long-term savings goals. A short-term certificate could be used to help you save for new appliances or furniture, for example. You could also open a 60-month certificate to help you save for a down payment on a house. An important benefit of certificate accounts is that the money… read more »

You and debt are so over. You’ve just about had it with those endless piles of credit card bills and those hideous numbers that never seem to get any lower. It’s time to kiss that debt goodbye! Getting rid of high debt will take hard work, willpower and the determination to see it through until the end, but it is doable. Here, we’ve outlined six steps to help you start crushing debt today. Step 1: Choose your debt-crushing method There are two approaches toward getting rid of debt: The snowball method, popularized by financial guru Dave Ramsey, involves paying off your debt with the smallest balance first and then moving to the… read more »

For many people, the hardest part of the home-buying process isn’t finding the perfect home. It’s the process of knowing how to shop for a mortgage. If you’re unsure where to start or have no idea how to get one, we’re here to help!  Our homebuyer’s guide will take you through every step so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the moment you start house-hunting through closing day. Prepare First During the application process, our Mortgage Lending Team will review your financial history. Get a head start by eliminating as much debt as you can before you apply. Plan to pay off any loans of high amounts such as… read more »