Blogs

Learn More About Direct Deposit It’s easy to take conveniences like direct deposit for granted without fully understanding how it works or why you should use it. You may have questions concerning direct deposit, so we want to make sure you fully understand the system. How Does Direct Deposit Work? Direct deposit forgoes the physical printing of payment checks by transferring money online through software like payroll programs. An electronic file is transmitted to or from your financial institution, which lets the recipient know which account should receive payment/deduction and how much...

Make the Home Improvements You Want With The Equity In Your Home You found your dream home and settled down, so now what? Ready to tackle some of those honey-do wish list improvement projects? Why not use the equity you have built in your home to check some of those items off your list and potentially increase your home's overall value. It is a win-win. Fund Your next project with a heloc A Home Equity Line of Credit is a great way to finance your next home project – and one of the most affordable. Take advantage of low interest rates to make your payment as low as possible. Learn More

Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Higher Education If you’re considering going back to college to boost your credentials, you’re probably on the lookout for money-saving strategies. Here are dollar-stretching tips to keep you at the top of your class. Fill Out FAFSA If you’re looking to continue your education, your first stop should be the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. FAFSA requires your income, housing and tax information, so be sure to have last year’s tax return ready when you apply. Plus, most colleges and universities require that you complete the FAFSA to become...

Complete the Feeling of Fellowship Have you found yourself with some extra free time? This is a fantastic opportunity to try something new, learn a skill or to make the world a better place for everyone, not just yourself. Here are a few ways you can give back to your community. Donate Your Time There are countless ways to use your free time to help others. Most cities operate homeless shelters and soup kitchens, both of which are almost definitely in need of volunteers. Similarly, post-holidays can be a very lonely time for people whose families are away. Consider spending some time visiting...

Does a Home’s Value Go Up With a Bathroom Renovation? Deciding what home improvement projects to invest in can be tricky. You don’t want to pour money into a renovation or remodel that won’t pay off when you go to sell. If you’re eager to increase your home’s value, consider starting in a small, but essential part of your home — your bathroom. On average, homeowners spend just over $27,000 on a mid-range bathroom renovation project, and over $82,000 on an upscale bathroom renovation project. At resale, mid-range renovations recoup 58.9% of their costs, while upscale renovations recoup 53.5%...