Start Early, Save Big with a Smart Choice College Savings Account Keeping up with the rising cost of higher education may seem daunting, but a CollegeInvest Smart Choice College Savings Account (CSA) can help make saving for college easier. FirstBank and CollegeInvest are offering several added incentives to make the most of your college savings. What is a CollegeInvest Smart Choice CSA? Also known as a… Read More
10 Budget Improvements to Sell Your Home Faster With the prime homebuying and selling season approaching, an analysis by property data provider ATTOM found homes sold in May net 13.1% more above a home’s market value. If you plan on selling this Spring, here are 10 budget-friendly ways to help sell your home faster and for more money. 1. Stage your home. Staging a… Read More
6 Ways to Protect Yourself from Check Washing Have you ever lost a check in the mail or sent one that was never received? It’s possible the check was stolen and used for check washing. Check washing is when fraudsters use chemicals to wash the ink off a check and alter the payee’s name or dollar amount. The United States Postal Service reported postal inspectors recover… Read More
5 Affordable Housing Resources You Should Know About Did you know 22.4 million renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, meaning half of all U.S. renters are burdened by housing costs? As housing costs have increased substantially, options to aid families and communities are more important than ever. Here are five resources to help you better navigate affordable… Read More
8 Ways to Save Money on Groceries While inflation has become a household name due to its frequency in the news, food prices have long been affected by drastic events, including weather, disease, war, and supply chain disruptions. To help keep your pantry stocked in the face of inflation, here are some tips to spend less and save more. 1. Know which… Read More
Unlock Tax Savings: How a 1031 Exchange Can Transform Your Real Estate Strategy According to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, an estimated $100 billion worth of real estate assets were exchanged through 1031 Exchanges in 2019. While this figure can vary each year depending on the economy, it’s apparent why so many real estate investors and businesses are taking advantage of this tax incentive. Here’s what you need… Read More
College is a Financial Investment: Here Are 5 Ways to Save There are many factors to consider when making the decision to pursue higher education. From tuition prices, available scholarships or financing to finding the right school; there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By being realistic about your goals and planning ahead, you can make a decision that is both affordable and can help further your desired… Read More
6 Tips for Protecting Your Accounts Online Accessing personal information online, especially your bank account, can be risky. According to a Statista report, the estimated annual cost of U.S. cybercrime in 2024 was $452.3 billion. That’s why using as many security features and fraud prevention resources as possible is important. Here are six ways you can protect your personal information and accounts online.… Read More
6 Tips for Building an Emergency Fund We’ve all experienced some sort of financial emergency, whether it’s car trouble or an unexpected vet bill. But having extra funds set aside makes all the difference. Did you know that 68% of people believe they would be unable to cover their essential living expenses for a month if they were to lose their primary… Read More
4 Things You Should Consider When Setting New Year Goals The beginning of each year is a blank canvas to paint new career goals or personal resolutions, whether it’s purchasing your first home, booking international trips, or taming an online shopping addiction. According to Forbes Health/One Poll, 38% of New Year’s resolutions are focused on improving finances. Here are some trends anticipated to make a… Read More