Learning Center

Articles   /  Finance and Money Matters

What can a business leader to do when the cost of goods is headed up with no end in sight? First recognize that you're not going through it alone. These are times when relationships, transparency, cooperation and agility rule the day.

Personal Finance   /  Managing Your Money

Whether it’s a mistake balancing your checkbook or an unexpected expense, an overdraft incident happens to almost everyone. There are mixed views on overdraft privilege services. Let us help clarify so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Fraud and Security   /  Safe Online Practices for Consumers

Mobile payment apps like Venmo, Cash App and Zelle make it easy to send money virtually between friends and family. Just download the app, set up a free account, connect it to your bank account or debit card, and voila! You can pay your babysitter, reimburse a friend for picking up groceries or chip in for a group birthday gift. Easy, right? Yes, as long as you treat it like cash, because there are no strings attached. "Cash" sent through a mobile payment app can’t easily be retrieved or refunded if you send it to the wrong person or don’t receive what you paid for.

Fraud and Security   /  Safe Practices for Businesses

Are you prepared for a cyberattack? You may have tech protection, but what about the losses and expenses caused by an attack? Most policies lack the coverage you would need to cover damages to yourself and your customers, not to mention the ransom you might have to pay for data recovery. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for coverage against cyberattacks.

Articles   /  Managing Your Business

No matter what business you’re in, equipment is likely one of your major capital expenses. Planning for a purchase takes careful planning and strategy, as do any maintenance and upgrades it needs. To get started, this is what to talk over with a trusted equipment finance advisor.

Personal Finance   /  Investing

The low interest rate environment we’ve enjoyed since the Federal Reserve’s last rate increase in 2018 will begin to shift in 2022. On March 16, the Fed increased rates by 25 basis points (0.25 percent), bringing it to .50 percent. While the Fed is forecasting seven rate hikes this year, some pundits still believe we will only see four or five, depending on future inflation readings. What does this mean for you and your investments?

Personal Finance   /  Managing Your Money

It doesn’t matter where your money comes from: hourly wages, salary, commission, pension, Social Security or trust fund. If you don’t have a plan for your money, you won’t get the maximum benefit. And you’ll spend too much time and energy worrying about it. A good financial plan puts structure and intention into your financial life. It helps you pace your spending, saving and borrowing through the tight years as well as the prosperous ones to avoid the chaos of a feast-or-famine existence.