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
Top Ways to Start Saving
Want to see your favorite band or go on vacation without worrying about your bank account? Take advantage of these three savings tips to reach your goals or eliminate debt faster. Let us help you raise to the challenge of adding money to your savings with consistency. While there are plenty of simple ways to save daily, these three steps can provide that initial boost to your new savings mindset.
Set up accounts for specific saving buckets like rent, fun or a new car. Creating a separate account for a specific savings goal helps keep a constant eye on your progress. Learning how to move your money around with separate accounts creates a positive financial habit and can keep your goal top of mind.
Use our budgeting systems to help eliminate credit debt or student loans. Eliminating debt is one of the best ways to increase the amount you save every month. The best part is, there are plenty of unique budgeting strategies available for you to try out! Check out some of the suggested budgeting strategies below, and find the one that works the best for you.
Schedule recurring transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. When you automate your cashflow, you can pull money from your paychecks without having to even think about it. Create an “out of sight out of mind” style of saving for your goals.
Simple Ways to Save Every Day
It’s time to shift your mindset from spending to saving! You don’t always need a specific account type to provide a significant boost to your savings. You can save a lot more than you think by making simple adjustments to your everyday life. To start, try creating a basic savings account in Digital Banking specifically for you vacation or emergency fund goal. Next, use tips like these to save you money on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
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Start Setting Goals
Keep things simple, smart and effective. Try making daily or long-term savings goals to keep your mind on a savings track.
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Make Coffee at Home
Buying coffee is a luxury that we all fall into. Did you know that you can save hundreds a year by making coffee at home? Try reducing the amount of coffee you buy in the morning, and the amount you go out to lunch or dinner.
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Learn To Say No
Practice standing your ground to stop unnecessary spending habits. Normalize living within your means and establish “wants” versus “needs.”
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Be A Budget Hero
Research, find a plan that works for you and stay on track with a budget. Without a budget, most of your saved funds could end up being accidentally spent.
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Stop Subscription Creep
We often sign up for free trials and forget to cancel before the charges happen. Make sure you’re only paying for subscriptions that you use.
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.
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 looking to upgrade your old vehicle to a stylish new car or give yourself an advantage when applying for a home loan, your credit score can play a key role in that process. If your score is not where you hoped, become a Landmark member and use Credit Hub powered by Savvy Money to set you on the right track. Check your score for free, setup alerts, set credit goals and learn how you can enhance your score1.
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.
Quick Tips Before Buying a Home
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Align Your Credit
Stability is the name of the game here. Lenders want to know that your income is steady and that you can make payments on time. Learn ways to improve your credit score in our article How To Improve Your Credit Score. -
Calculate What You Can Afford
Before you get pre-approved, use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment. Double check that it aligns with your budget and works with your annual income. -
Get Pre-approved
A pre-approval is a free estimate of how much you will be approved for a home loan. Not only will this provide you with a baseline during your search, but it also gives you an edge when putting in an offer. -
Save For a Down Payment
Determine the percentage that you’re comfortable putting down and save! Keep in mind, putting a higher down payment can help lower your monthly mortgage payment.
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.