Education Center

For most of us, buying a first home is a dream come true. However, it can also be a lengthy process where potential — and sometimes very costly — pitfalls trap the unprepared buyer. This guide will help you get prepared. +

From building equity to giving you a chance to settle down and plant roots, homeownership comes with potential benefits that renting simply doesn't offer. Among them are several tax advantages worth knowing about. +

So you graduated! You got a high school diploma, cap & gown—and a long list of new responsibilities. Now you can look forward to juggling food costs, school supplies, and social life. To ensure everything goes smoothly, you should open a checking account if you don’t already have one. +

Everyone can agree that having emergency savings is ideal, right? Personal finance experts have preached the importance of having three to six months of living expenses put aside for emergencies or a “rainy day.” +

Creating a budget is one of the most effective ways to take control of your finances. A well-structured budget helps you track your income and expenses, build savings, and make informed financial decisions. +

In today’s financial landscape, convenience and efficiency are key. Managing your finances doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you can streamline your banking by keeping your checking and loan accounts at the same institution. +

With the shortage of homes on the market, chances are you're considering building your next home. Embarking on the journey to build a new home is incredibly exciting, but we know it can also feel a bit daunting. +

Hey, grads! Congratulations on crossing one of the significant milestones in your life – high school graduation. The world is your oyster, and whether you’re heading off to college, starting a job, or taking a gap year to explore your passions, there's one thing you can’t avoid: financial responsibilities. +

The easiest and most effective way to save is automatically. Think about it: Saving automatically is the exact same way that millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. +

With their smaller size and localized focus, community banks foster a sense of belonging and community. Unlike larger financial institutions, the money you deposit with a community bank stays within your community, reinforcing the bond and shared prosperity. +

As we approach the bustling season of planting and cultivation, farmers gear up for more than just sowing seeds and tending to their crops. Amidst the agricultural rush, tax preparation and planning are pivotal tasks that require attention and strategic foresight. +

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, the importance of educating our children about financial literacy cannot be overstated. Adopting good habits early can positively impact how children handle money. +

In the complex and ever-changing landscape of personal finance, one thing remains constant: the importance of building and maintaining good credit. Your credit score plays a pivotal role in your financial life, impacting everything from securing a mortgage to getting a favorable interest rate on a car loan. +

Managing personal finances can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to avoiding overdraft fees. These fees can quickly accumulate, putting unnecessary strain on your wallet. +

Retirement is one endeavor that falls into the “someday” category. So what are the steps to take when you’re ready to jumpstart your retirement journey? Glad you asked! +

Where you choose to bank matters. Consumers can make change happen at the community level by aligning with their community bank and putting their money to work in the neighborhood they call home. +

Refinancing can be an opportunity to lower your monthly payments, pay off your loan quicker, reduce your overall interest expense or even get cash out. But be sure to weigh the costs and benefits first. +