Financial planning can seem like a complicated, and sometimes intimidating subject. Many people think that financial planning is just for the wealthy, or that financial planners are reluctant to work with those of lesser means. While this is true of some financial planners, it is far from the norm. The fact is that financial planning …
If you longed to get away this summer but simply couldn’t afford it, you are not alone. The price of travel has risen sharply in recent years with higher airfares, more expensive hotel rooms and increased prices for fuel and ground transportation. However, there are still plenty of ways to save money no matter what …
August is National Back To School month. A time when summer starts to wind down and parents, teachers, schools and students get ready for a season of education. Many parents will be sending their children off to college. As you know, college students often live on a tight budget. Take these last few weeks to …
If you feel like you are struggling with debt, you’re not alone. You have likely heard that you should try to consolidate your debt. Debt consolidation is a financial strategy that merges multiple bills into a single debt to reduce interest payments and save you money. The option that best suits your needs will depend …
In July we celebrate our nation’s independence. Independence is a great thing to celebrate and fight for. This month, we examine how financial independence can be something you declare! The secret to financial freedom is sound wealth creation strategies: maximizing your assets, decreasing your liabilities, and making your main priority to get debt free. Your …
As a real estate investor, a vacant property means you’re losing money. But the downtime between tenants can serve a valuable purpose. If you use it to keep your property in top condition, you’ll find new tenants more quickly and therefore keep your vacancy losses to a minimum. Here are seven things that should be …
Going on vacation is not an inexpensive proposition, so it is important to keep your traveling money safe. It is easy to let your guard down when on vacation, but doing so could open you up to theft, hacking and other crimes. If you want to stay safe and enjoy your favorite destination, just follow …
The famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta once said that traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Unfortunately, many people find that traveling not only leaves them speechless but broke. Most of us would love to see more of the world, but the prohibitive cost of flying can quickly dampen even the most …
Insights & Inspiration by George Celentano, SVP of Retail Banking This month we celebrate Financial Literacy Month and I believe it is so important to teach children about finances. At home, it’s what I’ve done with my own daughter since she was a young child. Today, she is 18 years old, has no debt and …
No matter who you are or where you live, chances are the roof over your head is the most expensive thing you own. According to Zillow, the median home value in New Jersey is $326,300. New Jersey home values have gone up 5.0% over the past year. It is no wonder this asset is the …