Let’s Break it Down
It’s time to use your financial knowledge to finalize your goals. Whether it’s additional ways to save, paying off debts, or managing your credit score we’ve got you covered. Understanding your finances takes time, but reaching the finish line with all your ducks in a row can be a great feeling!
Use our resources as stepping stones to continue building confidence in your financial future.
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Savings Accounts:
Build your savings with competitive rates and great returns. Check out our certificates and money markets.Learn More -
Maintaining Better Credit:
Explore ways to manage your credit score and ensure that it stays in proper standing.Learn More -
Refinancing or Downsizing:
Ready to refinance or downsize? Discuss your options with one of our experienced loan officers.Learn More -
Budgeting and Debts:
Find a budget that works for you and prevent a future headache with proper debt planning.Learn More
Using Credit Cards Wisely
A credit card is a great tool to have for your financial needs. They can be used to build your credit score, for travel benefits and more. Just be cautious if you are using one for all your expenses.
It’s easy to create a pile of debt with credit card purchases, interest and fees. Learning to use your credit card responsibly is an important skill so you don’t end up with debt you can’t afford to pay back. Lookout for the following pitfalls when using your credit cards.
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If you use your card for everyday spending, you can use features like auto pay to make sure you never miss a payment. When you pay your balance in full each month you can maximize the benefits and protections that come along with your credit card. Keep in mind, missing payments can negatively affect your credit score.
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Live within your means and purchase what you can afford. Be smart about your spending habits, and never spend up to your limit. Just because you have access to more money, does not mean you should use all of it. If you have trouble overspending, you can add spending limits using our card management tool in Digital Banking.
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Experts suggest that you should use less than 30% of your credit. Going over that limit can incur higher fees and quickly prevent you from paying down debts.
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Set up alerts to monitor fraud. Always keep an eye on your transactions for phony purchases. If you notice charges like these, notify your card company and put a hold on your account. You can easily monitor transactions like these or put your card on hold by using Digital Banking.
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Understand fees and how interest will be charged to your card. Annual fees and late payment fees can add up without you realizing. Get ahead of this by managing your monthly payments.
What Does Your Savings Look Like?
Diversify your savings options for the long haul and complement your goals. Don’t keep your money under the mattress, put it into a savings account that grows over time! Take advantage of one or more of our savings options and make your money work for you.
Further Your Financial Knowledge
Introducing our new learning center! Add another building block to your financial brain power with helpful concepts, tips and tricks.
We’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of educational articles, courses and guides all in one convenient place tailored for you. These guides can help you deal with healthcare costs, investment risks, taking control of lingering debts and so much more. Exercise your mind with our free courses now!
Stay on Top of Your Credit Score
Do you know your credit score? If it’s not where you hoped it would be or if you want to make sure it doesn’t change, use Credit Hub to stay on track. Sign up in Digital Banking to check your score for free, set up alerts, set credit goals and learn how to maintain your score.1
5 Tips to Maintain Better Credit
- Pay your bills on time each month: Remember, late payments can affect your score.
- Pay down debt as soon as possible: Avoid using more than 30% of the credit available to you.
- Hang onto old card accounts: The longer a credit line stays open, the more positive it looks.
- Don’t over-apply for new credit: Every application for a card or loan requires a credit check that can ding your score.
- Spread your debts around: Having a mix of credit in your file like a mortgage, car loans or a credit card shows that you can handle multiple debts.
Want an in-depth breakdown of your credit score? Check out our helpful article on all the categories that make up your score.
Prepping to Downsize?
Not only are we here to help with your home buying needs, we’re also ready to help you move into your next home. We can’t pack up the pots and pans, but we can start you in the right direction! If you’re thinking about downsizing, there are steps you can take to know what you can and cannot afford. Additionally, there are ways you can prepare your home to appeal to potential buyers. Here are some great steps to take if you are ready to downsize to your ideal space.
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Changing your living situation can also mean a potential increase to your mortgage costs. Even if you’re downsizing, the cost could be more. As an example, you could be going from a $200,000 home to a $300,000 condo. Before making the move, review your finances and make sure you’re comfortable with a new monthly mortgage cost.
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Chat with a real estate agent before starting a home improvement project. You may think a particular project will add a lot of value, but it may not be what people in the market are looking for. Sometimes simple aesthetic updates are the most worthwhile investments when you're preparing to sell your home. Your real estate agent can help you determine what looks most appealing to a buyer, to get you the best bang for your buck.
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Declutter your home before you put it on the market. Make it as simple as possible so buyers can imagine themselves in the home. Removing clutter can also make rooms appear larger and more appealing.
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The best first step in this process is to talk with an experienced loan officer. Set up a meeting so they can walk you through the process and create a comfortable timeline. Establish what you need to do with your home beforehand, and what actions you can take to feel financially stable going forward.
A loan officer will break down where you are financially and make recommendations on what you can afford and what you should avoid purchasing. For example, if you’re planning on buying a new car while you plan to move, they may recommend pushing off the purchase of a new vehicle until the following year. Our loan officers can help you get a holistic look at the entire process before taking the next steps.
Refinancing or Downsizing?
Whether you’re downsizing your living situation or moving someplace warmer, it’s important to be prepared. If 2025 is your year to move, we have the resources to get you ready. Attend a seminar or talk with a mortgage loan officer to get information on today’s homebuying process.
Don’t Let Debts Linger
Between a mortgage, medical expenses and other bills, it’s normal to feel like the finish line is far away. Give yourself a second wind by crafting a budget and assuring your monthly expenses are covered.
How to Stay on Budget
- Do Your Research: Read articles, watch videos or see what family and friends have done.
- Find a Plan: Choose a budget style that works best for you like the envelope system or 50-30-20.
- Talk to a Pro: Chat with a financial expert about different ways to tackle debts.
- Stay Aware: Always reevaluate when necessary and make a habit of keeping your goals on hand.
Master Your 2025 Budget
While you may have used a budget plan before, there are plenty of new ones to try out. A budget is never a bad route to take when attempting to pay off remaining debts. Try out one of the popular methods below.