The excitement of the holiday season is building as stores prepare for one of the biggest commercial seasons of the year—but with this celebration of over-the-top decorations and holiday gatherings comes the fear of overspending and financial strain. According to PwC’s Annual Holiday Outlook, holiday spending is projected to rise by 7%, reflecting both an …
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, many Americans are gearing up for the rush of post-Thanksgiving deals. While the excitement is palpable, it’s important to remember that this time of year also brings an increased risk of cybercrime. Scammers are out in full force, targeting shoppers with tactics like credit card fraud, …
Elder financial abuse robs older Americans of billions of dollars in money, property and other assets every year. As those safeguarding their customers’ finances, community bankers are key watchdogs for monitoring and preventing this abuse. As relationship lenders and financial first responders, community banks are in a unique position to help shield our elderly customers …
January is Financial Wellness Month! Financial wellness is the ability to meet one’s basic needs and manage money for the short and long term. If last year was not the best year for you financially, you can take some steps now to improve your financial wellness. Think about what you really want in life and …
The holiday season is here and there is no better year than this one to shop local and eat local. Whether you have a huge family to buy for or plan to purchase presents for just a few friends, the money you spend will make a real difference. Businesses in our local community have had …
Spencer Savings Bank has joined the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation to promote an industry-wide campaign educating consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams. The FTC estimates that consumers lost $5.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2021, an increase of more than 70% compared to 2020. To combat phishing, …
The holidays are here and some of you may still be wondering what to buy for the grandkids or special little people in your life. There is nothing like getting them a financial gift that will keep on giving – their adult selves will thank you! And remember, it does not have to be an …
The holidays are a joyous time for many, but it can also be a stressful one, particularly if you’re concerned about your finances. Gifts, dinners out and special events can get expensive, and the dollars add up quickly if you’re not careful. With a little planning and foresight, however, it’s possible to keep yourself from …
Americans lost $3.3 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2020, a 2x increase from 2019. We’re kicking off cybersecurity month by participating in the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, an industry-wide campaign created to educate consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams. Follow us on social media where we will be sharing …
One of the biggest lessons businesses learned during the 2020 pandemic was how fragile their supply chains really were. Many businesses folded, not because customers did not have access to a company’s offering, but because companies could not sell their products. Fortunately, there is much you can do to prevent the same from happening to …