Need to open a bank account but confused on what type of “bank” is best for you? Big Bank vs. Online Bank vs. Credit Union – what’s the difference?  Learn the pros and cons of each type of lending institution and how to choose the best one based on YOUR wants, needs and goals from the information in this post! Traditional Banks When people hear the term traditional bank, they typically think of one that has a brick and mortar presence. They also tend to think of the big four players in the industry, which are Bank of America, Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Now while these are the largest players in this category, it’s worth noting that the category is very broad and includes regional banks such as Regions Financial and BB&T as well as smaller local, community and neighborhood banks. The biggest reasons to choose a traditional bank are technology and convenience. The biggest drawbacks to them tend to be an impersonal feeling when it comes to the customer experience, fees being on the higher end when compared to other types of banks and interest rates on deposit accounts being on the low end. Now let

Saving money on a tight budget or low income can seem impossible.  Especially when you do not necessarily make tons of money; but it all comes down to priorities. It can be hard to set yourself up for success when it feels like you are living check by check but organizing yourself and being consistent can improve a lot. Considering the holidays when there are decorations, gift buying, dinner parties, and many more activities which require spending. In this post we’ll discuss a few tips to help put some money on the side even when it seems like there isn’t any. Sacrifice or Investment? Putting money on the side can seem like it is causing you to deprive yourself from your wants. If you are anything like most people, we often catch ourselves thinking “Well I do put in the work. I deserve it.” The question becomes, is it worth it to go to a fast-food place and then catch yourself stressing over living check by check? Start looking at the money you put away as an investment for you in the future.  Your savings is exactly that, an investment. You are putting money on the side in case of

With everything being so accessible online, it may feel odd to have to write a check. Something that used to be so necessary is now almost unknown knowledge to today’s generation.  So, if you’re wondering how to write a check with dollars and cents correctly, then check out these six quick steps. Date You can write out the date in word or numerical format listing the Month/Day/Year.  Some will typically use the numerical format. Why? Because it’s faster to write! Payee Write the name of who you’re paying.  Make sure you make it out to the proper person or company AND spell their name correctly. For example, S-H-A-W-N versus S-H-A-U-N.  If you’re not sure who to make it out to or the correct spelling – just ask. Because if you write it wrong, the person can’t deposit it at their bank. Numerical Amount Write the amount to be paid numerically.  Just make sure that you use commas and decimals in the correct place. Written Amount Write out each number position in expanded form like you would in math class. So for example for $1,900.06 we would write One Thousand, Nine Hundred and 06/100 cents versus  Nineteen Hundred and 06/100 cents.

Welcome to our little space on the net.  Just like when you move into a new neighborhood or house, we’re still setting up shop and getting our bearings.  But we’re happy that you’ve found us and we hope that you’ll come back and visit us often. Our mission is to help individuals and small business owners be financially responsible in a rapidly changing world. Our vision is for you to have the knowledge, resources and confidence to reach your full financial potential.  In order to do that, one needs access to education, knowledge and resources.   Here you will not only find those things, but like minded people who want you to succeed.  This blog will give us a way to share good tidbits of info with you surrounding both business and personal finances.  Many people have financial questions that they are dying to ask us in our alternate work over at Wilson Rogers & Company.  When we answer one, it tends to spark another and another…well, you get the jist of it.  Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time in the day for us to answer everyone’s questions individually, so why not do it en-mass? So let this be the place where