Let’s Break it Down
Understanding your finances can seem like a daunting task, but with the proper stepping stones you can be your own financial pro! Whether it’s questions about homebuying, budgeting, or managing your credit, we’re ready to lend a hand.
Find the perfect place to start with our resources below.
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Budgeting and Saving:
Budgeting and saving can be easier than you think. We can show you how to plan for your financial goals in a way that works for you.Learn More -
Learning Center:
Expand your financial smarts with our free online courses. Knowledge is power after all, start learning today.Learn More -
Boost Credit Scores:
Understand how your credit score is calculated and explore ways to raise it over time.Learn More
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Savings Accounts:
Build your savings with competitive rates and great returns. Start on the right track with a Landmark savings account.Learn More -
Keys to Homebuying:
Ready to buy a new home? Learn the step-by-step homebuying process from our experienced loan officers.Learn More
Your Financial Starting Point
Have you ever been in a funk thinking about your finances? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Mastering your finances can be tough, and it may take a moment to land on a starting point. That’s where our learning center comes in handy.
We’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of educational articles, courses and guides all in one convenient place. Use these guides to help you understand banking basics, homeownership, budgeting and planning, career preparation and so much more!
Don’t let a negative financial headspace stop you from learning. Launch one of our free courses and build confidence in your money today!
Improve Your Chances with Improved Credit
Do you know your credit score? If you’re thinking about purchasing a new car or buying your first home, having a good credit score may be a key difference maker. If you don’t know your score or if it’s not where you hoped it would be, use Credit Hub in Digital Banking to set you on the right track. Check your score for free regularly, setup alerts, set credit goals and learn how you can enhance 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.
Learn to Budget for Your Lifestyle
Learning the ins and outs of crafting a budget is an important skill. Like anything in life, taking the first step is the most important! When you sit down and lay out a plan to keep your debts in line and savings on track, your future self will thank you.
How to Create and Stay on Budget
- Do Your Research: If budgeting is new to you, read articles, watch videos or listen to financial podcasts.
- Find a Plan: Choose a budget style that works best for you like Loud Budgeting or the 50-30-20 plan.
- Be Positive: Always keep a good outlook on your journey and don’t compare yourself to others. We all have different financial circumstances.
- Stay Aware: Always reevaluate when necessary and make a habit of keeping your goals on hand.
Why is Budgeting Important?
Between bills, unexpected emergencies, starting a family, going out with friends, student debt and many other common expenses, the costs start to add up.
Creating a budget and sticking to it can help you understand:
- What income you have
- Where your income is going
- Your total expenses
- How you can adjust spending habits to reach savings goals
If learning how to budget is a part of your New Year’s resolution, check out some of our budget friendly articles to help you choose a starting point.
What Does Your Savings Look Like?
What’s better than spending your hard-earned money? Putting it into a savings account that grows with you. Opening a savings account takes no time at all and can be a valuable resource. Without a proper savings, you may find it hard to afford travel expenses, a down payment for your first home, a new car or unexpected emergencies.
A savings account keeps your money secure and provides guaranteed growth over time. Take advantage of our savings options and make your money work for you.
Buying Your First Home?
There are a lot of pieces to the homebuying puzzle, and it can get confusing at times. Let’s begin with an ideal starting point for anyone new to the process. If you have these three things, you’re already on the right path for a mortgage pre-approval.
Mortgage Pre-approval Checklist
- 2-years of Income History: This can be shown through your employment history on W-2s.
- Asset Documents: Provide your most recent bank statements to show personal assets.
- Credit History: Pull your credit report for free to monitor your score and history. A good history assures lenders of your ability to make on-time payments.
If you’re planning on swapping rent with a mortgage this year, our experts can help. Attend a seminar in person or online to prepare yourself for the homebuying journey.
Utilize Mortgage Calculators
Not sure if you can afford a new home? Determine your budget or see if renting or owning is better for you with one of our mortgage calculators.