Everyday Money

While many will splurge this Valentine’s Day (According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2025, with an average expenditure of $188.81 per person) why not look for simple and affordable ways to show your appreciation for your loved ones and celebrate in a way that doesn’t break the bank? Read on for 14 budget friendly (Wisconsin focused!) Valentine’s Day ideas to try this February 14th. Remember, in

While things may look and feel a bit different this year due to social distancing and spending more time at home, there are still plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day special that show your appreciation for your loved ones. Although we may be limited to where we can go out, we learned in 2020 how to create fun ideas and special moments in our own way. Read on for ‘10 Budget Friendly (at home themed) Valentine’s Day Ideas to

As you get older, hopes and dreams for the future begin to expand – buying a car or house, starting a family, and eventually retiring. These dreams are exciting and are something to look forward to, but they also require saving money. A financial plan helps decide what your goals are and how to effectively save for them. This includes a budget, tracking expenses, and bills, and planning for your financial life stages. Stage One – Build a Financial Foundation This

Good financial habits may take years to develop but being responsible in your spending is worth the effort. Protect your financial future by saving early, living within your means, and following some of these tips we’ve compiled for you. Live Within Or Beneath Your Means This is the foundation of all good financial habits. When you spend less than you take in, you are going to retain more money and build up your savings faster. This will help with budgeting

The holiday season is right around the corner, a time for festivities, cheer, and reunions with family and friends. But as we deck the halls or spin the dreidel, many of us will have something else on our mind: money. In fact, more than three in four Americans overspend during the holiday season, with the average household adding nearly $1,000 in debt. While it may seem like a fact of life, going into gift-purchase debt is not inevitable. In this blog, we’ll offer

Read on for our budget friendly winter date night ideas to try during this chilly season with a friend or significant other.

What do you do if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen? This is a question that usually is not asked until it happens. Keep reading to learn the steps you should take. According to bigskinny.net, no official surveys have been done to determine how many wallets get stolen each year, but it’s believed that: Your wallet or purse has been lost or stolen, what do you do?? DON’T PANIC!! Keep your cool and follow these steps from LifeLock:

Little things that cost a lot. Everybody has those things we spend little amounts on regularly, maybe it’s lunch, coffee, manicures, golf, pizza, music, or movies. It’s hard to imagine how it all might add up. And the reality is that each dollar spent today isn’t available for something else tomorrow. These little purchases may have a way of robbing us of the things we really want. Most people haven’t stopped to consider whether that daily coffee is truly precious

Groceries. Some people love going grocery shopping, others absolutely despise it. For most, it’s just a necessary part of our weekly routine. But how much we actually spend on groceries varies dramatically from one household to the next. According to a USDA report released in July of 2018, Americans spent between 12.4% and 33% of their household income on groceries per month. For a household that brings in $2,000 per month, that’s up to $660 just on groceries! Interestingly, GO Banking

Whether your travels take you across the globe or across state lines, Bank Five Nine and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) want to remind consumers to plan carefully to keep their money safe and summer vacations on track!  Most financial experts advise limiting the use of cash and paying with a debit or credit card for major purchases. That’s because credit and debit cards come with additional protections, such as zero-liability for fraud-related charges, which can offer greater peace