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Protecting Your Kids from Identity Theft

Believe it or not, child identity theft is a big deal. According to a study, from 2021 to 2022, 900,000 children were the victims of identity fraud, with kids under seven the most likely targets. Let’s take a look at this issue and find ways to prevent it from ever happening.

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Inflation-Proof Grocery Plan

The effects of inflation are felt each time you fill your car with gas, go out to eat, and pay your insurance premiums. With wage rates relatively flat, the only thing to do is cut back on other areas of your budget. One way to create some room in your budget is to reduce your grocery bill. There are several ways you can save on the food you bring home. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.

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What is Financial Wellness?

Enter financial wellness or financial well-being, terms that can mean having a good handle on how we manage our finances today – including meeting all of our obligations with enough left over to save for a secure future.

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Ways to Give Thanks This Holiday Season

Running a business isn’t always easy. It involves hard work, long hours, and so many responsibilities. But business ownership is also a tremendous gift that allows you the freedom to write your paycheck, carve out your professional path, and impact the lives of others.

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Why Telehealth May Be the Future of Medicine

Visiting healthcare professionals via video or phone—a practice commonly known as telehealth—spiked during the pandemic, but it is clearly here to stay. In fact, a recent report found that telehealth can save people money and time and benefit the Earth.

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Managing Healthcare Costs in Retirement

According to a recent report, the average retiree may need about $165,000 just for healthcare costs in retirement. That’s a lot of money. For those in or near retirement age, here are some tips to keep those costs in check.

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How to Manage Your Veterinarian Costs

Pets are amazing, there’s no doubt about that. However, there’s also little doubt that caring for them can be expensive. According to one report, the cost of veterinarian services jumped 6 percent year over year. Thankfully, there are ways to keep pet-related medical costs down. Here are some things to try.

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10 Elements of a Successful Business Website

It's your online storefront – a vital point of contact that allows you to showcase your products or services to consumers and businesses around the world. It's your website and very often the first impression your customers and prospects will have of you and your business. That's why it's imperative to maximize your website's potential.

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8 Holiday Budget Busters to Avoid

The holiday season is a special time of year to give to others. There is, however, one precious gift you can give to yourself: the gift of financial security and peace of mind.

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12 Ways to Protect Holiday Sales from Fraud

The holidays will be here before you know it. For many businesses, the holiday season is a great opportunity to build sales, customer relationships, and revenue. Unfortunately, the busy retail holiday season is also a great time for cyberthieves. Here are some ways to safeguard your business and your customers from fraud.

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7 Easy Ways to Put Your Business Credit Card to Work for You

Running a successful business requires you to maximize all your available resources. If you own a business credit card, you have a powerful one at your fingertips. A business credit card can be a smart tool to help you grow your business and manage your cash flow. Consider these 7 easy ways to put your business credit card to work for you:

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Auto Pay Your Credit Card Bills

Paying your bills on time, every time is a great way to improve your credit score. Another way? Paying down your credit card debt. One way you can combine both is to set your credit card payments to autopay. Here’s everything you need to know.

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What to Do With Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a vital part of a healthy financial life. Your goal should be to have enough saved to cover at least six months of household expenses. How much you have saved is important, but so is where you keep those funds. Here is where you want to keep your emergency fund, and where you don’t.

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Fall into Great Ways to Grow Your Business

For many businesses, summer is a hot season to sell. But just because fall is approaching, and temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean your company has to slow down. Fall is actually a great time to prepare for the holiday selling season. Here are some steps you can take this fall to help your business grow stronger in the coming months:

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Banking in Public

Whether you’re on vacation or taking a trip to the grocery store, the convenience of mobile banking is undeniable. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can check your balance, transfer funds, pay bills, deposit checks, and more. However, this convenience can come with security risks, especially when banking in public places or using public Wi-Fi networks.

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9 Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

It’s back! Or more specifically, it’s back-to-school time! That annual time of year when parents and students must gear up for purchasing back-to-school necessities. From backpacks and binders to calculators and clothes, those back-to-school expenses can add up fast. In fact, the National Retail Federation reports that families with kids in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year. What’s a budget-conscious parent to do?

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Watch for Employment Scams

According to a recent report, hunting for a job just got a lot harder. That’s because the study, from the Identity Theft Resource Center, found that job scams are rising at historic rates.

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The Independence of Running Your Own Business

July is the time to celebrate Independence Day. But if you join the 33+ million small business owners in the United States, every day could be a day of independence. Sure, having your own business is a huge commitment and takes hard work, but it does come with some incredible freedoms, including:

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5 Signs You're Ready to Buy a Home

You don’t have to be looking at mansions to know that buying a home is a HUGE move. It’s a decision that will not only impact your financial life but also your lifestyle and some of the freedom you now have. You may even be wondering: Am I even ready for homeownership? It’s an important question to ask yourself, because the decision to buy a home may likely be one of the biggest choices you’ll make in your lifetime.

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How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

Thinking about trading up to a bigger home? Or simplifying your life and downsizing to a smaller one? Either way, you may be wondering how to coordinate selling your current home and buying a new one, especially in today’s competitive housing market. Well, the process is not always easy, but it can be done. Here are some tips to help you:

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Finding the Perfect Hire for the Job

Any human resources professional can tell you; hiring employees takes time. That makes it especially difficult for business owners who are often too busy with the day-to-day aspects of running a business to sort through hundreds of resumes and set up interviews. But as most business owners know, finding the right candidate is extremely important, especially since hiring the wrong one can cost thousands of dollars.

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Get Paid Sooner

Your cash flow is a key indicator of the financial health of your business. One of the most important ways to ensure good health is to manage your accounts receivable more efficiently. Here are seven ways to keep cash flowing in – and your business moving forward:

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7 Financial Tips for Business Owners

Personnel director...sales manager...head of operations...customer service manager...The list of roles and responsibilities can go on and on if you're running your own business today. Though all these key roles are important, there is one that's particularly critical to the short- and long-term success of your business — chief financial officer.

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5 Steps to Refinance Your Car Loan

Refinancing a car loan can be a budget-boosting maneuver. If your credit has improved since you took out the loan, you could save money by refinancing. If the original loan has a high-interest rate, you can save some cash by getting a new loan with a better rate.

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Ideas for Summer Car Buying

If you’re shopping for a car this summer, there are ways to save some cash. As long as you take your time, shop around, and consider every option available, you’ll make the transaction as affordable as possible.

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7 Smart Decisions That Successful Self-Employed People Make

Freedom. It's one of the most attractive benefits of self-employment. You have the freedom to make your own hours, write your own paycheck, and make your own decisions. But it's that freedom to make your own decisions, however, that can be the difference between business and personal success and failure. Here are seven common decisions that savvy self-employed business owners make:

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Credit Pulls: Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

We're giving you the 411 on credit inquires, because knowing how they affect you is a big part of being financially healthy. When you apply for credit or a loan a creditor will "pull" your credit. this check is called a hard inquiry - but there are also soft inquiries, too. Here's what makes them different:

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4 Things To Do Before You Meet with a Business Lender

You’ve got a great idea for a new business. Or maybe you already have a business and have plans to branch out in a new direction or space. That’s exciting. What may not seem as thrilling is the prospect of meeting with a lender to help you get the money you need to carry out those plans.

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How Does Your Business Revenue Grow?

It's springtime – the season of growth. And in addition to planting flowers and tending to gardens, spring is also a great time for business owners to tend to one of the most important indicators of business success – revenue. Here are five ways you can give your revenue a boost:

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Get a Fresh Perspective on Your Business This Spring

Business is constantly evolving and offering new products/services, markets, and ideas. But for business owners struggling with juggling never-ending day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, it’s hard to recognize these opportunities. That’s a clear sign that it’s time to stop and get a fresh perspective. Here are some ways you can accomplish that with your business this spring, the season of growth:

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Pay Late or Miss a Payment?

Late credit card payments and missed credit card payments sound similar, but they are different in many ways. In the end, neither is a good option. However, one has more dire consequences than the other. Let’s discuss them.

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Common Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

There’s a saying you’ve probably heard before about the few absolutes there are in life: None of us will live forever and taxes are practically unavoidable. We should add one more: Almost everyone needs a budget, even if they don’t know it yet.

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How to Understand the Difference Between Needs and Wants

When creating a budget, it’s critical to think of needs vs wants. Needs are things that are necessary for survival — think food and shelter. Wants are things you decide to buy, but don’t actually need — think subscription services and new clothes. Here’s a helpful guide for understanding the difference between needs and wants.

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Adding a Mix to Your Credit Accounts

One great way to help boost your credit score is to have a solid credit mix or credit diversity. This refers to the different kinds of credit accounts that are listed on your credit report. Here’s what you should know.

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Creating a Business Plan

Whether you are just thinking about starting a business, or are already up and running, your business plan is an essential ingredient to your success. The business plan is where you lay out everything that you know about your business and why you believe your business will succeed.

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How Much Emergency Savings Do I Need?

Despite what you may think, emergency funds are for everyone, not just high earners. So often, we build them up with the best of intentions. Or we think about starting one, but can’t seem to take the leap and open a separate account and move money there on a regular basis.

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Learn More About Credit Utilization and Your Credit Score

Your credit utilization ratio is a vital part of your credit score. It is the total amount of debt on your revolving credit accounts compared to your total available credit, expressed as a percentage. Here’s what you should know about credit utilization and how to keep it from hurting your score.

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Abuse in Another Form

Financial abuse is not as well known as other types of abuse, but it is no less devastating. Financial abuse occurs when an abuser gains power by restricting a victim’s access to money. Here’s everything you should know about this issue.

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Your Tax Document Checklist

Ready to get your taxes done? It’s a good time to start thinking about it. If you’re thinking about taxes, here’s a paperwork checklist to get you set for filing.

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Take the Pulse of Your Financial Health

Your personal and mental health is extremely important. Right below those two, we’d have your financial health. It matters a lot. How do you know if you’re financially healthy? Here’s a checklist.

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Holiday Budgeting

As the shortest days of the year approach, we have the inevitable diversion of the holiday season to distract us until the days begin to gradually lengthen. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or the general holiday season chances are you'll be spending money on things that are outside your regular budget. Here are some tips for spending smart.

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'Tis the Season for Wrapping

The holiday season isn't just the season of giving; it's the season for wrapping. If done well, gift-wrapping can show your friends and loved ones how much you care for them. And, beautifully wrapped presents can add flair to your home holiday decorating.

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The Do's and Don'ts of Managing Business Finances

Running a business is never dull. There's always something to do – whether it's serving your customers, managing your employees, or troubleshooting technology. And that doesn't even take into account one of the biggest responsibilities and most important tasks for business owners – managing your finances.

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Financial Lessons for the End of the Year

It's hard to believe the end of another year is here. Sure, it's a bustling time with the holidays, but it's actually a great time to slow down and reflect on something very important in your life – your money.

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10 Ways to Make the Most of the Holiday Selling Season

As the early decorations in retail stores have indicated, the holiday season is coming. There's a lot to like about that. It's a great opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and spread goodwill and cheer. And, if you happen to own a retail business, it's a great time to ring in the sales.

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6 Ways To Do Good Business This Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a merry and very lucrative time for many businesses. It's also an ideal time to enjoy the true spirit and warmth of the season by giving back and helping others. Here are some ways you can do "good" business this holiday season:

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Talking Turkey Safety

That time of year is once again upon us. When Americans gather around the table with friends and family members to feast and give gratitude for the annual tradition that is Thanksgiving. But before you come to the table with your turkey platter and gravy, take a moment to read these turkey preparation and safety tips from the United States Department of Agriculture:

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Save and Invest

Saving is a key principle. People who make a habit of saving regularly, even saving small amounts, are well on their way to success. It's important to open a bank account so it will be simple and easy for you to save regularly. Then, use your savings to plan for life events and to be ready for unplanned or emergency needs.

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PCB Testimonial Commercial - Whispering Pines Tree Farm

Wisconsin communities are built upon the hard work of local businesses. We value your business dreams and want to help you grow and develop in the communities you love. Premier’s business bankers can help you make every step a confident one as you invest in your business. Take a listen to Caroline & Megan Yeska, owners of Whispering Pines Tree Farm, then give us a call and see how we can help you.

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7 ways to manage finances with Mobile Banking

In business, cash flow is critical. Strong cash flow can help ensure you meet your payroll and bills, build reserves, and invest back in your business. But managing cash flow requires time, which is a scarce resource for most business owners. Fortunately, you have a convenient tool to make it easier right at your fingertips – mobile banking.

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Fun at Work

How can you attract and retain great employees today? You certainly could lure them in with a highly competitive salary. Or win them over with a robust and generous benefits package. Or you could do something that's a little easier — and a whole lot less expensive.

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Resources to Help Your Small Business Succeed

Small businesses have always been a vital part of our economy and local communities. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are 30.7 million businesses that make up a staggering 99.9% of all United States businesses. But as we learned in 2020, running a business can be extraordinarily challenging --- from obtaining financing to managing growth to dealing with unforeseen circumstances like a global pandemic. Fortunately, there are a number of free resources that can

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Lessons in Voting

The signs have been placed firmly in lawns, over bridges, and in the hands of politicians and their supporters across America. Voting season is in full swing. And while not everyone can agree on the same parties, candidates, or issues, most can agree on one thing: voting season is a great opportunity to educate young children on the democratic process.

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20 Terms to Boost Your Financial Literacy

Successfully managing money takes hard work, discipline, and of course, knowledge. To help build your financial literacy, we've put together these definitions of some common personal finance terms you should know.

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What's a credit score, and how does it work?

Credit Score 101: Understanding the Basics In today's world, having a credit score is essential. It impacts our finances in many ways, like getting loans, credit cards, renting an apartment, or finding a job. Yet, many young adults are not aware of what a credit score is and how it works. This blog post will explain the basics of credit scores. It will also provide information on what you should know to maintain a good financial future.

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What is a budget and how do you budget?

Budgeting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Financial Success Money management is an essential skill every young adult should learn. Budgeting helps you save money for future purchases. It also helps you develop good financial habits. This makes it a great way to achieve your financial goals. But what exactly is a budget, and how do you create one?

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How do you avoid mountains of debt?

The Ultimate Guide on How to Avoid Mountains of Debt Debt is a scary word that can make anyone anxious. Nobody wants to be in debt, but unfortunately, it's a reality for most people. In fact, according to a recent study, about 80% of Americans are in debt. However, it doesn't have to be that way. In this blog post, we will go over some tips and tricks to help you avoid mountains of debt.

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What's an emergency savings fund, and do I need one?

The Importance of Having an Emergency Savings Fund As a young adult, you may be focused on managing your expenses, paying off debts, and saving for future goals. However, have you considered the possibility of unplanned expenses, such as medical emergencies, car repairs, or job loss? These situations can quickly drain your finances and leave you struggling to pay for essential expenses. That's where an emergency savings fund comes in. In this blog post, we'll explain what an emergency saving

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The Small Business Credit Card

Small business plays a vital role in today's economy. It is now easier than ever to establish a new business. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses pay over 45% of the US private payroll. Small businesses also employ over half of all private sector employees and have provided 60-80% of new jobs over the past 10 years. With about 28.5 million small businesses in the US alone, virtually all financial institutions now offer small business loans to qualified businesses.

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Dog Days of Summer

Summertime. It's the season for picnics, vacations, and other family fun. It's also an important time of year to care for a very special and loyal member of your family — your family dog. While dogs love the opportunity to spend time outside, higher temperatures and other summer dangers can put them at risk. Here are some tips to ensure your dog stays healthy and present for all your family fun this summer:

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Going Back to School as an Adult

It's become a growing trend among day-time workers, stay-at-home mothers, even laid off employees. An increasing number of Americans are dusting off their backpacks and heading back to school.

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5 Ways to Protect Your Business

Whether you're a new entrepreneur or the owner of an established business, it took hard work, commitment, and financial investment to get where you are today. That's why, it's important to make sure you protect what you've worked so hard to build.

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Building Loyalty One Customer at a Time

Who are your best customers? It's one of the most important questions for business owners to answer in today's uber-competitive business marketplace. The answer, though, isn't all that difficult.

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Vacation Packing Made Easy

It's no secret that the key to having a successful and budget-friendly vacation is all in the details — from finding the best airfare prices to selecting the accommodations with the amenities that best meet your needs. However, there is another, often overlooked part of vacation planning that's just as critical to the success and affordability of your vacation — how to pack.

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Exercise to Build a Strong Team

There are many different kinds of office team building exercises that can be used to help improve your company's internal communications, morale, trust, and cohesiveness. Team building exercises are undertaken in a spirit of fun, but also play an important role in strengthening your ability to function as a unit.

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You Deserve a Break

How to plan a vacation from your business. Running a business is not a 9-to-5 job, five days a week. For many business owners, it's more like a 7-to-7 job, seven days a week. It's why business owners need to take an important step for themselves and their businesses: plan an actual vacation away from work. A vacation can actually be a good business move, too, since research has shown that it can lead to increased productivity.

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Get off to a Great Summer Start

There's just something about summer. Maybe it's the longer days. Warm temperatures. Or tasty barbecue treats. Or maybe it's the break in routine from meeting morning school buses or haggling over evening homework. One thing no one can dispute is that summer is a short season, so it's important to make the most of it.

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15 Cool Ways to Save Money this Summer

Summer is here! You know, that brief and refreshing time to enjoy warm weather, longer days, and some much-deserved time off from work. It doesn't, however, have to be a time to spend more money.

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7 Ways to Build Business Credit

It’s one of the most important resources for small businesses today; it helps them manage seasonal cash flow, purchase inventory, obtain equipment and technology, and build and plan for the future. It’s business credit. But as many business owners have found, obtaining business financing, especially for a newly established business, isn’t always easy.

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Mortgage Loan: How Much Can I Afford?

Are you thinking about buying a home but unsure of how much mortgage you can afford? You're not alone! Buying your first home can be a daunting process - there are so many factors to consider, and understanding your own financial situation is key. Let's explore the different aspects of mortgages that will influence the amount of money you'll be able to get approved for – from understanding credit scores and debt-to-income ratios to calculating closing costs.

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Build Your Business with Social Media

There's a lot of chatter today about the growth in social media. With well over two billion users worldwide, it's easy to understand why. What's not as easy to understand for some business owners is how to put social media to work for their companies. Here are some ways you can use social media to help your business:

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Get Your Business Blooming This Spring

Spring, the season of growth and revitalization, is in the air! And what better way to celebrate than to take a fresh perspective on ways to grow your business? Here are some simple steps you can take to get your business blooming:

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6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Credit

Spring is a great time for a fresh start and cleanup but not just for your home or yard. It's also a great time to clean up something very important in your financial house – your credit. Whether you're looking to establish credit, give some TLC to one that could use some improvement, or already have great credit, there are some important steps you can take to ensure your credit is the best it can be.

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Spring Clean Your Life

Tips to help you grow this spring- It's spring, the time to get out your cleaners and yard tools, and start cleaning up your home. It's also a great time to polish up something that's even more valuable than your home – your life. Here are some small chores that can go a long way in helping you grow this spring:

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Tips for Early Spring Gardening

It happens every year. One day it's blustery, bleak, and cold, and the next it's warm and sunny. It's time to plan and prepare your lawn and garden. Gardening can be a fun and relaxing activity for most of the year, but it is important to get an early start to help your yard to recover from its recent hibernation.

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Go Green and Save Your Business Money

Earning the attention and respect of your customers and prospects. Saving money. Making a difference. They are all effective ways to build a successful business – and a stronger bottom line. One way to accomplish all those goals is to go green. Here are some easy ways you can save on energy expenses – and do your part to save the planet:

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5 Ways to Keep Your Money Safe

Life is unpredictable. Our financial lives can be, too. From soaring inflation to rising interest rates to volatile markets, it can sometimes feel like we don't have control of our money, especially your hard-earned savings. Rest assured, though, there are some steps you can take to safeguard it.

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What Kind of Interest Rate Can I Get

Interest rates are changing every day. Borrowers can consider several mortgage products and choose the one that fits their budget, with expert advice from a qualified mortgage lender.

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Spring Break: It's Not Just for Kids

Plan a spring getaway to one of America's top vacation destinations... It's another sure sign that spring is coming. It's not longer days, warmer temperatures, or even the sweet sounds of birds singing. It's Spring Break, the time of year when college kids leave behind the demands of schoolwork to go have some fun in the sun.

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5 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Return

What's not to love about receiving money? It's why millions and millions of people play the lottery each year. And while most won't be lucky enough to win the jackpot, they may very well receive money in a far more common way — getting a tax refund.

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6 Ways to Safeguard Your Business from Risk

Running your own business comes with its share of rewards. But as experienced business owners know, with reward comes risk. From data breaches to competitive pressures, every business must contend with a variety of threats and challenges. The most successful businesses, however, understand the importance of planning for and managing them. Here are some ways to manage risks in your business: Business planning. When you started your business, you may have developed a business plan. Your business

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Inexpensive Ways to Market Your Business

Whether you're looking to get a new business off the ground or take an established one to the next level, marketing can bring you where you need to go. It can help you reach new prospects, stay top-of-mind with your customers, and differentiate your business from your competitors. And most importantly, it can help you accomplish something that every business owner sets out to do — make money.

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Secrets of Successful Savers

Why save? It may be to realize the plans we have for our lives — to own a home or pay for our child's education in the future. Or maybe it's to gain greater control of the unplanned things of today, such as emergency medical expenses or car or home repairs.

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Health Savings Accounts: One Way Some Consumers Can Prepare for Medical Bills

You know about tax-preferred IRAs for your retirement savings, but what about a similar account to help pay for certain medical expenses? It's called a Health Savings Account (HSA). Whether you already have an HSA or you're interested in learning more, here are some basic points. If you are enrolled in only one health insurance plan and it has a high deductible, you probably are eligible to open an HSA. The deductible is the dollar amount you have to pay before the insurance starts picking up c

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Cold Hard Tips for Warm Winter Dressing

Baby, it's cold outside. And while hibernating inside by a warm fireplace or hot stove may sound like the perfect way to avoid the cold, it's simply not practical. The reality is we all have to venture out at some point. Rest assured, though, that with some winter wardrobe basics, you can stay warm and toasty, and even enjoy the many outdoor activities of the season.

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Make Every Dollar Count — Tips for Smart Shoppers

Who doesn't want to get the best deal for their dollar — especially during these tough economic times? There's no shortage of sale ads from merchants who want your business: they're using preferred customer specials, early bird sales, midnight madness events, coupon savings days, and pre- AND post-holiday sales. Just how do you decide if their deals are real?

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Tips for the New Year

It's that time of year — the time to ring out the old and ring in the new, to ditch bad habits and replace them with good ones. We can't guarantee you'll lose weight, or become a better human being, but we can give you some suggestions to help you whip your finances into shape. Here are some tips for the New Year.

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Keeping New Year's Resolutions

The New Year is an ideal time to make positive changes in your life. Set yourself up for success by following these proven tips for keeping your resolutions.

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To Temp or Not to Temp?

It's an all-too-familiar scenario in today's competitive job market. You've scoured the employment websites, participated in endless job interviews, and reached out to your professional and personal networks. Yet despite all your hard work, you've been unable to find work.

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Why Workplace Mentoring Works

There's a special feeling of pride and fulfillment that comes with helping others. And while most of us would love the opportunity to volunteer our time, busy work schedules and family responsibilities can make finding the time to give back difficult. There is, however, a unique way for you to give back while you're at work; you could become a workplace mentor.

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7 Ways to Refresh Your Business

Time flies when you're running a business. One moment, you're wrapping up your books and planning for the holiday season, and the next you're in a fresh new year with new possibilities and challenges. The start of a year is actually a great time to reflect on your plans and goals for your business and lay the groundwork to achieve them. Here are some tips to help you pave the way for success.

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Holiday Cards Make Good Business Sense

The holiday season is upon us, which means that it's a good time for businesses to think about Christmas cards. If you've never sent business holiday cards, or don't make a point of sending them out every year, here are five reasons why you should start:

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Celebrate Small Businesses This Holiday Season and All Year Long

It's the annual season of giving and thanks. It's also time to celebrate another annual tradition – Small Business Saturday. Created by American Express® during the recession of 2010 and held every Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to support local businesses during the holiday season.

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7 Things to Do By Year End

The year 2022 is almost in the books. Many of us use this time to take stock of the past year and make our resolutions to be our best for the New Year. To help get 2023 off to a great start, there are some important things you may want to do this year, including:

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Little Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season

You don't have to be a great detective to figure out that the holiday season is the time for giving. Retailers, from jewelry stores to auto manufacturers, have made that painfully clear as they flood the airwaves and cyberspace with images of beautiful diamond bracelets and luxury cars with giant red bows. And while many of us would love to indulge and shower those we love with beautiful and expensive gifts, it's simply not financially possible.

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Avoiding Holiday Blues

The holiday season is in full frenzy. And while television commercials, magazines, and greeting cards like to highlight the joy and peace of this time of year, the holidays can be a very difficult and stressful time for some. With the financial pressures of gift giving and the loss of loved ones, it's not uncommon to feel sadness, depression, and stress.

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Bring Customers Right to You During the Holiday Season

Ready, set, start your shopping carts! The holiday shopping season has begun. If you own a business, it's a great opportunity to bring customers to your physical or even virtual door, especially with Small Business Saturday. This annual event, celebrated the Saturday following Thanksgiving, is designed to encourage consumers to support small businesses and recognize all they do for their local communities.

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10 Habits of Successful People

How do you define success? Some will say it's having the love of a good family. Others will say it's making money. And still others might say it's following your passion in life. The truth is, you could ask 100 different people and get 100 different answers. You can, however, find common qualities that successful people share. Here are ten:

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The Importance of a Job Description

Employees deserve to know what is expected of them and how they will be evaluated. A clear and up-to-date job description addresses this expectation while providing a basis for employee performance reviews, salary increases and career development. A job description also forces management to define goals and expectations that are company wide, and determine how to implement them through the employee channel. Using job descriptions is part of good management. Read on to learn about

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5 Ways to Alleviate Financial Stress

It's a funny thing about money; we don't really talk about it, even though it's frequently on our minds. It's especially true when we experience financial difficulties, like a job loss or an unexpected expense. When such things happen, money is at the forefront of our minds, but we keep the worry inside, which leads to financial stress. And that like any other type of stress, can keep you up at night and take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

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Tips for Overcoming Common Financial Fears

Worried about money? If so, you're not alone. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), 87% of Americans reported feeling stressed about the rising cost of food, energy, groceries, and more since the pandemic.

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5 Creative Ways to Attract Talent to Your Company

Looking to find the right talent for your business? You're in good company. Today, companies of all sizes – from a range of industries – are grappling with a pressing business challenge: the labor shortage. Yes, with employment low, it's become increasingly difficult for companies to attract, hire, and retain the talent they need to carry out their business objectives.

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Fall Into Home Improvement

Cool nights. Beautiful foliage. The return of football. The fall season sure is a great time to be outdoors. It's also a great time to make improvements to one of your greatest assets — your home.

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Halloween Safety

Halloween can bring joy and excitement to children, it can bring worries to parents about their children's safety. Here are some simple tips to ensure your child enjoys the treats of the season — and stays safe.

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5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Paycheck

Let's face it, it's expensive out there. The cost of groceries, gas, utilities, rent and so many other things has risen sharply over the past year. And now more than ever before, you may be thinking that it's time for a big raise.

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Managing Money Together

In relationships, communication is key. That's especially true when it comes to one of the biggest challenges for couples – managing money. For many, money is a taboo subject, which is probably why it's among the leading causes of divorce.

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The Business of Blogging

Finding cost-effective ways to reach customers and prospects is critical to growing your business. An increasingly popular way business owners are accomplishing that today is by blogging. A blog can help you —

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Wanna Get Away- with Less Expensive Airfare?

Planning to take off this winter season? Whether you're thinking about visiting loved ones, relaxing on a tropical island, or hitting the mountains for skiing, it's important to shop around for the best travel deals, especially airfare.

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Helping Students Prepare for College Life

The time has finally come — the day when your child will leave home for college. It's the culmination of all your years of sacrifice, hard work, and preparation. And while it's exciting to think about this new phase in your child's life, it's not uncommon to become emotional and worried about the prospect of your child living without you. Here are some easy ways to prepare your child (and you) for the big moment:

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Healthy Ways to Get Kids Moving

There's no question, technology has changed the way we live. It's allowed us to streamline activities and gain more time. But for many children today, it's given them more time for unhealthy habits, such as sitting in front of the television or computer for hours on end when they should be exercising. Not a healthy habit since it may take them away from the 60 minutes of exercise experts say kids need each day.

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4 Myths About Mortgages

From the list of terms to the array of loan choices, the mortgage process can seem overwhelming and complicated. It also doesn't help that there are a lot of misconceptions about mortgages. Here are four of the most common ones:

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National Anti-Boredom Month

"I'm bored; there's nothing to do." It's that dreaded phrase that every parent will hear at one point or another during summer vacation. The painful truth is, with the structure of the school day gone, many kids and parents can struggle with how to fill the extra time. In the spirit of National Anti-Boredom Month in July, here are some tips to brighten summer days and turn family boredom into family bonding:

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Hot Tips for a Great Day at the Beach

Warm sand. Cool breezes. Refreshing water. With so much to offer, it's no wonder why folks love to spend summer days relaxing at the beach. A day at the beach is a great way to connect with your family and friends, take in the wonders of nature, and unplug from your electronics. But before you put your toes in the sand, be sure to prepare with these helpful tips to help you make the most of your beach getaway.

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5 Smart Ways to Leave Work on Vacation

Vacation. It's one of the most coveted and valuable employee benefits. Even the happiest and most satisfied worker can appreciate the importance of taking some time away from pressing deadlines and early alarm clock warnings. And while technology has made it easier to learn more about great summer vacation getaways and values, it's also made leaving work behind even harder.

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Taking Care of Your Medical Debt

From unexpected illnesses or injuries to regular trips to the doctor, medical bills and copays happen. And depending on the care you require or the type of insurance you have, they can really add up – and put a drain on your budget.

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5 Important Questions to Ask When Selling Your Business

Building a business is hard work. So, it's natural that there may come a time when you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor by selling your business. Unfortunately, selling a business isn't easy, either. But like anything that's hard in life, planning can help make things a lot easier.

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Get on the Road to Safer Cycling

With opportunities to get great cardiovascular exercise, spend time in the outdoors, and enjoy quality time with friends and loved ones, there's a lot to love about bicycling. In fact, it has become so popular in America that you can pretty much spot all kinds of cyclists wherever you go — from parents pulling toddlers in bike carriages, to couples taking romantic rides in parks on tandem bicycles, to packs of enthusiasts riding on country roads.

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fixed-rate-mortgage

Premier Community Bank offers fixed-rate home mortgage loans to help you buy the home of your dreams. We have a variety of loan programs to choose from, and our experienced lenders will work with you to find the best loan for your needs.

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Disposing of Old Computers

Getting rid of your old computer? You can ensure its hard drive doesn't become a treasure chest for identity thieves. Use a program that overwrites or wipes the hard drive many times. Or remove the hard drive, and physically destroy it.

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7 Ways to Manage Rising Fuel Costs

Managing costs is critical to managing your company's cash flow and longevity. But with today's soaring costs, including rising energy costs, that's become increasingly challenging.

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Tips for Starting a Business in 2022

Thinking about turning a talent or idea you have into a business? There's actually never been a better time to start a business than right now. Yes, now, even with COVID-19 still looming. In fact, according to the Census Bureau, the number of businesses created has been higher than ever since the pandemic.

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Resolve to Fulfill Those Resolutions

They are an end-of-year tradition. We arrive at them when we look back and take stock of our accomplishments and challenges of the past year and look ahead to the coming new year with a sense of hope, renewal, and promise. They are our New Year's resolutions.

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7 Steps to Prepare Your Finances for the Unexpected

The road of life is filled with many unexpected twists and turns. And though it would be great to know exactly when you might encounter a road bump like a market downturn, unexpected job loss, or health issue. it's not always possible. What is possible, though, is financially preparing for the unexpected. Here are seven steps that can help you:

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Holiday Budget for Your Business

The holiday season can be a glorious time of the year. A time to spend time with our loved ones, take some time off, and give back to others. But as all of us know, it can be an expensive time of year, especially for businesses that seek to show customer and employee appreciation and capitalize on selling opportunities. So how can you prepare for the added costs without draining your business finances?

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Get the Skinny on Healthy Holiday Eating

Eat, drink, and be merry. It's what so many of us do during the holiday season. Unfortunately, many of us suffer a consequence of doing so — weight gain. Even the healthiest and most disciplined of people can find themselves eating unhealthy foods and putting on a few extra pounds during the holiday season. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to ensure that doesn't happen to you.

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Shed Business Debt

business owners know all too well, there's often no way around having debt. Fortunately, though, there are some healthy ways you can shed that excess debt for your business and pump up that bottom line: These methods include: Talking to your lender

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Loans and Credit Scores: How they Work Together

Loans and Credit Scores: How they Work Together For better or for worse, loans and credit scores always go hand in hand. Negative connotations are most often associated with this pair, but there are several positives to understand as well. Let’s take a look at this relationship to learn why it always endures.

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How to Pay for College on Your Own

How to Pay for College on Your Own - But there's one very important thing you might not know yet: How the heck you will pay for it.Let's face it, college isn't cheap. According to U.S. News and World Report, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2020-2021 school year was $11,171 for state public colleges and $41,411 for private institutions.

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7 Cost-effective Ways to Keep Your Employees on the Job

7 Cost-effective Ways to Keep Your Employees on the Job Finding and retaining quality employees has always been a challenge for small business owners. In the COVID-19 world, however, the challenge is greater than ever before. With expanded unemployment benefits that allow some to make more money staying at home than working and many working parents opting to stay at home with their children, there's a serious labor shortage. And those that have managed to get help must answer a pressing question: How can they retain the employees they do have on limited budgets?

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Appraisals and Home Equity Loans

Appraisals and Home Equity Loans Yes, you can get a home equity loan without an appraisal—but there are several things you should consider. First, the amount of the loan needs to be under $50,000. Next, expect a third party to conduct a drive-by look-see of your property.

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Difference Between Loan and Mortgage

What’s the Difference between a Loan and a Mortgage? There are several different types of loans available today. Customers sometimes ask us to explain the difference between each type, and we are always happy to help them find the right product for their unique situation.

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