Florida’s fast-growing cities offer plenty of places to snap up a new home, but that does not mean the Gulf State’s real estate market isn’t competitive. Increased demand for housing and rapid interest rate increases in recent years have seen the monthly cost of a new mortgage more than double in many areas. ...Read More
In today's fluctuating economic climate, making savvy decisions about your savings is more crucial than ever. One strategy that stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness is Share Certificate laddering. This method not only maximizes your returns but also ensures you have access to funds periodically, without locking away your money for long stretches. Let's break down the benefits and provide a straightforward guide to creating your own Share Certificate ladder. ...Read More
After years of market whiplash, many hoped 2024 would bring relief for homebuyers. But now that we’ve closed the books on the year, we can finally answer the big question: Did housing prices actually drop in 2024? ...Read More
Welcome to 2024, where we're not just making resolutions, we're making revolutions – in our finances! Think of this as your personal finance boot camp, minus the push-ups. It’s time to put on your savvy shopper hat and start comparing those interest rates. Remember, last year’s ‘Wow!’ might be this year’s ‘Meh.’ Let’s jazz up those numbers! ...Read More
Welcome back to our "Resolve in 2024" series! This time, we're focusing on how embracing digital banking can help you define your financial future. We're here to guide you through the fantastic capabilities of our eBanking services. Let's discover how these tools can streamline your financial tasks and empower you in the new year! ...Read More
Facing Credit Challenges in the New Year As we step into 2024, addressing and improving our credit situation is a common resolution for many. Dealing with bad credit or a less-than-ideal credit history can be daunting, but it's important to remember that there are effective strategies to turn things around. In this post, we’ll explore two viable options for building credit: credit builder loans and share secured loans, both offering unique advantages depending on your circumstances. ...Read More
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) provides a ready source of borrowing at a rate lower than many other forms of debt. While a HELOC is great for covering ongoing day-to-day expenses, when used wisely it can also be a powerful tool that can help you build long-term wealth. ...Read More
Your home is your biggest asset — it’s an investment that you live in! That means any upgrades or remodeling you do to make your home a more comfortable, practical, and attractive place to live is usually a good idea, but some projects add more to your property’s value than others. ...Read More
Every parent dreams about having a child attend college. However, soaring tuition costs and rising inflation are making it harder for many families to afford the full cost of higher education. It’s never too early to start saving for college, but putting money aside effectively takes planning and discipline. While there are many options open for parents interested in saving for their kids’ further education, the choices you make today can have big implications down the line. So, let's look at some important questions – like when you should start saving for college and how much you should look to save. We also consider the pros and cons of several of the best ways to save money for college. ...Read More
As real estate markets flourish across the country, current mortgage rates may make it seem like the perfect time to be a first-time homebuyer. ...Read More