FINANCIAL WELLNESS CENTER

Checking Accounts

A checking account is a financial tool that offers everyday access to your funds and provides an effective way to track your budget. You will explore how to choose, open, and use your checking account.

LEARN MORE

Car Loans

Buying a car is a big decision that may feel intimidating or confusing. Let’s take a look at some resources, options, and steps to help guide you through the process of selecting and buying a car.

LEARN MORE

Preventing Overdraft Fees

What happens when you look at your account and you see a negative balance? Don’t worry—over 39 million American adults reported paying at least one overdraft fee within a 12-month period. Let’s learn more about why these fees occur and how to prevent them.

LEARN MORE

Credit Cards

According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 83% of adults in the United States currently have at least one credit card. Although they may be costly if mismanaged, credit cards are also a valuable financial tool that may build or improve your credit when used responsibly. The key is understanding whether a credit card is the right decision for you.

LEARN MORE

Mobile and Online Banking

Using your phone or your computer is probably part of your daily life, but are you using these devices to manage money? People are increasingly using online and mobile banking for monitoring account activity, paying bills, or even for making purchases like a morning coffee or daily lunch. Explore how to use online and mobile banking securely to improve your financial habits and simplify daily financial tasks.

LEARN MORE

Prepaid Cards

Many purchases require a credit or debit card. Unfortunately, not all of us have one. Prepaid cards may be a convenient alternative to these forms of payment and to cash. Learn more about prepaid cards to see if they’re right for you.

LEARN MORE

Why You Should Pay More Than the Minimum Balance on Your Credit Card

Credit cards offer convenience and flexibility, and some even offer rewards like cash back. They make it possible to afford large purchases when you don’t necessarily have the cash on hand. 

LEARN MORE

Healthy Financial Habits

If you ever feel overwhelmed by your financial situation, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck—struggling to pay their bills or save for the future. But by adopting some important financial habits, you can feel more confident about your financial well-being.

LEARN MORE

Budgeting During a Crisis (Financial or Otherwise)

Getting through a crisis takes strength. Whether it’s losing a job or coping with the loss of a loved one, you’re dealing with emotional upheaval and a change in your finances. The best way to cope with financial changes is to face them by developing and sticking to a budget. With a budget, you may find steps to take to lower your expenses and prioritize your spending.

LEARN MORE

How to Save for an Emergency, During an Emergency

Sticking to a routine savings plan has never been easy. It’s even more difficult when something unexpected happens, like an accident or a natural disaster. Many consumers use credit cards or loans as a quick solution during emergency situations. Unfortunately, high-interest debts can be hard to pay off. If you don’t pay off those balances regularly, you can pay more in the long run through accrued interest. If you fall behind on your payments, expect to cover late fees as well. Financial emergencies happen, but starting or continuing to set aside money for an emergency, even during an emergency, is still the safer and more affordable option.

LEARN MORE

Debt Management

One survey shows that approximately 80% of Americans are currently in debt. Whether it be from a credit card, student loan, or mortgage, understanding how debt works, knowing where to go for help, and making a plan are the keys to help you better manage your debt.

LEARN MORE

Manage Your Loans During Difficult Times

If you are having difficulty keeping up with your monthly loan payments, you are not alone. Millions of Americans just like you are struggling to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy. Choosing to not make a loan payment due to hardship should not be an option.

LEARN MORE

Paying for College

College costs are rising, but with strategic planning and saving, paying for education can be within your reach. Regardless of your financial situation, there are smart ways to plan and pay for college. Let’s explore the many options that may be available to you and your family.

LEARN MORE

Building Emergency Savings

No one wants to think about car breakdowns or job loss. But as much as we’d like to avoid thinking about them, emergencies do happen. Building an emergency savings account that is dedicated to handling the unexpected is important.

LEARN MORE

Shopping for Insurance

Some insurance is required and some is for your own peace of mind. Explore what things to consider when shopping for insurance and how to avoid bad deals.

LEARN MORE

Savings Account

Savings is money that you put aside for safekeeping. You may be saving for a specific purpose, or you could be building up an emergency fund. Understanding the various types of accounts available to you and the way these accounts earn interest is one great way to increase savings even further. Let’s explore how you can make savings work for you.

LEARN MORE

529 Plans

Did you know that having a plan to save for your child’s college education actually increases the chances that they will attend? Whether you are just starting to save for college for yourself or you’re thinking about saving for someone else, 529 plans are an option that is worth considering. Although more than 75% of undergraduate students use financial aid such as scholarships, grants, or loans to pay for college, more than half of students surveyed have never even heard of 529 plans.

LEARN MORE

Certificate of Deposit

Certificates of Deposit, or CDs, are a type of financial account that is designed to hold a fixed amount of money for a fixed amount of time. In return, the financial institution that issues your CD will pay you interest.

LEARN MORE

Sustainable Investing

The myth that investing is only for the privileged or wealthy is just that—a myth. Not only is investing becoming more common, investors are increasingly choosing to put their money toward causes that are aligned with their personal values. Sustainable investing is a great way for new or experienced investors to gain a voice and get involved in issues that are important to them, all while building a portfolio that may help them reach their financial goals.

LEARN MORE

Mindful Living

Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone. In our daily lives, we experience many ups and downs. We may welcome a new family member, lose out on a dream job, travel to an exciting new location, or receive bad news about our health, all in one year. The roller coaster of emotions we experience has a real effect on our bodies and on our minds. Don’t let stress get the best of you.

LEARN MORE

Managing Volatile Income

In the 20th century, many people could count on a stable job—one that came with a steady paycheck, health benefits, a pension, and maybe even a yearly bonus. The 21st-century employment landscape looks a lot different. There’s the growing “gig economy,” where workers are paid for doing certain projects or tasks (known as “gigs”). Since they aren’t employees, these workers lose out on benefits and a stable paycheck.

LEARN MORE

Identity Protection

Your identity is a valuable piece of information and identity theft and identity fraud are fast-growing crimes. They can involve someone impersonating you, using your personal information to open bank accounts, withdrawing money from your accounts, or even taking out loans in your name. Let’s explore how you can protect your identity and how to spot signs of fraud.

LEARN MORE

Creating a Budget

Have you ever run out of money before the end of the month? Determine your monthly income and expenses to create a budget so you know where your money is going instead of wondering where it went.

LEARN MORE

Credit Scores and Reports

Your credit can have a big impact on your financial life. Credit scores and reports provide a snapshot of the financial habits that financial institutions, cell phone companies, credit card companies, and others use to get a sense of your creditworthiness. Understanding how credit scores and reports work can help you achieve financial goals such as buying a home, leasing a car, or paying off debt.

LEARN MORE

Debt Management

One survey shows that approximately 80% of Americans are currently in debt. Whether it be from a credit card, student loan, or mortgage, understanding how debt works, knowing where to go for help, and making a plan are the keys to help you better manage your debt.

LEARN MORE

Family Conversations about Money

According to a recent study people are more comfortable talking with friends and family about marital discord, mental health, addiction, race, sex, and politics than money. Although money concerns may put a strain on relationships and conversations about money can be stressful, having family conversations proactively may help.

LEARN MORE

Taxes: The Basics

Every year, Americans prepare for Tax Day — the day when all U.S. workers are expected to have submitted their annual income tax forms. Despite all of the clichés about how the period of time leading up to Tax Day is stressful, this process does not have to be complicated or make you nervous. By understanding why taxes are important, how to stay on top of your taxes, and the steps for filing, you can avoid the stress of tax season.

LEARN MORE

Healthy Financial Habits

If you ever feel overwhelmed by your financial situation, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck—struggling to pay their bills or save for the future. But by adopting some important financial habits, you can feel more confident about your financial well-being.

LEARN MORE

Budgeting for Families

Does the idea of setting a household budget sound intimidating? You’re not alone—in fact, one report shows that only 2 out of every 5 families use a household budget to take control of their finances. Budgeting and planning family finances are key to controlling spending and planning for a healthy financial future. If you know where your money is going each month, you can start achieving your financial goals and put your whole family on the path to financial success.

LEARN MORE

Considering Homeownership

More than 70% of Americans consider homeownership to be an important part of the American Dream but buying a home can be one of the most expensive, albeit rewarding, decisions you’ll ever make.

LEARN MORE

Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages were created in the 1960s with the intent of helping older homeowners access all or some of a home’s equity while allowing them to keep living in the home. This type of mortgage has been a beneficial option for some seniors. However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of.

LEARN MORE

Buying a Home

Congratulations! You’ve decided to purchase a home. Now it's time to prepare yourself to make the right decisions by learning about the process, the people who can assist you, and the associated costs.

LEARN MORE

Mortgages

For a majority of people in the U.S., buying a home is a big part of the American Dream. But how many years would it take to save up the lump sum you’d need to pay for a house in full? That’s where a mortgage comes in. A mortgage is a loan that can allow you to buy a home, and you pay it back over many years with interest.

LEARN MORE

Mortgage Relief

Seventy-eight percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, including 10% of people earning $100,000 or more per year. If you are having trouble making mortgage payments or are worried that your payment will be late in the future, you are not alone.

LEARN MORE

Investment Property

Property investment, such as house flipping, is a hot topic right now among investors and especially on TV. Purchasing property with the intent of earning a return on the investment from the future resale or rental income has many pros and cons.

LEARN MORE

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

Your financial situation, and economic conditions, can change a lot in 15 or 30 years. Because of this, it’s highly likely that the mortgage you took out when you first bought your home won’t remain the best deal for you. Thankfully, you don’t have to stick to the same mortgage if better options come along. Refinancing allows you to make changes to your mortgage that will allow you to lower your monthly payment, pay down the loan more quickly, or switch to a different type of mortgage entirely.

LEARN MORE

Planning for Retirement

Most people plan to save for—or want to save for—retirement. But research shows that many people, including those approaching retirement age, do not have enough savings set aside for retirement. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start or what your options are. Let’s explore savings options, how to set goals, and other important considerations.

LEARN MORE

401(k) Plans

Saving money for retirement is one of the major financial milestones that everyone should carefully plan for in their lifetime. 401(k) plans are one type of savings plan that may help you to achieve your goals through saving, investing, and earning interest.

LEARN MORE

When to Collect Social Security

As you save for retirement over the course of your career, you will probably wonder how Social Security benefits will help to supplement your retirement income. Knowing the consequences of collecting Social Security at different moments throughout your life can help you plan your finances and ensure that you save enough for the retirement lifestyle you imagine.

LEARN MORE

FIRE Lifestyle

Living a FIRE lifestyle means maximizing your savings and planning a lifestyle that allows you to use your income for early retirement instead of just paying bills. Let’s explore how you can spend mindfully, save regularly, protect your assets, and ask for help so that you may be able to be financially independent and ready for early retirement.

LEARN MORE

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, and there are lots of great resources available to help you achieve your financial goals. One option to consider is an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA.

LEARN MORE

Estate Planning

Estate planning isn’t only for the extremely wealthy. Anyone who has assets, dependents, or an interest in how they are cared for when they age should consider a form of estate planning. More than half of the population leaves no formal plan in place for their loved ones when they pass. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of estate planning can save you and your loved ones unnecessary grief during an already difficult time.

LEARN MORE

Wealth Transfer

The largest generational wealth transfer in U.S. history is expected to happen over the next 25 years. If you think you’ll be joining in what some are calling the “Great Wealth Transfer,” it’s important to be prepared. Take a moment to learn some of the strategies to possibly minimize fees and maximize earnings and the regulations involved in this key financial transaction.

LEARN MORE

5 Things You Can Do When Your Retirement Savings Just Isn’t Enough

Experts tell us that our retirement goal should be a savings that totals 80% of our annual income for 30 years. For some of us, that’s over a million dollars! Many issues get in the way of our ability to save that much. Sometimes we’re paying back student loans well into middle age, or we have unforeseen emergencies, or our employment isn’t consistent.   

LEARN MORE

Roadmap to Financial Strength

Take a short quiz on your financial goals to get a personalized playlist!

LEARN MORE

Developing a Business Plan

Congratulations on taking a proactive approach to your company’s growth by developing your own business plan! One study showed that companies with a business plan grow 30% faster than companies that don’t have one. By learning how to create a business plan, you’re getting a start on the path to success.

LEARN MORE

Small Business Banking Services

Businesses have evolving banking needs at every stage of development, and financial institutions offer many types of services and support to new, growing, and mature businesses. Learn how to set your business up for success by building a relationship with a financial institution that offers the banking services your company needs.

LEARN MORE

Small Business Financial Statements

Have you ever heard the statistic that 50% of all businesses fail? Well, it’s not true. In fact, the majority of businesses survive the first year. But after this first year, success rates start to drop. It helps to understand your business’ finances.
A business’ greatest tools in money management are the three main financial statements.

LEARN MORE

How Businesses Use Credit

No matter where your business is in its journey, there’s a chance that you may need to take out a loan or find other sources of financing to help your business grow. Having an understanding of how to use credit and the types of credit available to businesses may help you be an informed borrower.

LEARN MORE

How Businesses Obtain Credit

LEARN MORE

Financial Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs

LEARN MORE

How Businesses Obtain Credit

Learn how a small business can build and maintain good credit and apply for business loans. 

This module will cover:

LEARN MORE

Business Financial Statements

Understand the importance of balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash position reports. 

This module will cover:

LEARN MORE

How Businesses Use Credit

Learn the types of financing options available to small businesses. 

This module will cover the following topics:

LEARN MORE

Developing a Business Plan

Learn how to create a business plan tat conveys your business business' financial future and health. 

This module will cover:

LEARN MORE

Business Banking Services

Learn how financial institutions' products and services can help grow and expand a business. 

In this module, you'll learn about:

LEARN MORE

Preventing Elder Financial Abuse

LEARN MORE

Reporting Elder Financial Abuse

LEARN MORE

Planning for a Financial Caregiver

Over half of the people currently receiving assistance with financial care are not aware of having any financial plan in place beforehand. Planning ahead may reduce some of the stress of financial caregiving and ensure that the recipient’s wishes are honored. Learn about the benefits of planning for financial caregiving and what you need to get started.

LEARN MORE

Expectations of a Financial Caregiver

Nearly 44 million Americans act as a caregiver to a loved one or friend each year. It’s important that financial caregivers understand the expectations, duties, and demands of the position, so that they can provide the best care for their loved ones. Learn about the responsibilities of a financial caregiver.

LEARN MORE

Becoming a Financial Caregiver

LEARN MORE

Managing Finances Through the Loss of a Loved One

LEARN MORE