Category: General

5 Things to Teach Your Teens About Financial Literacy

teens

With your babies growing up, it’s never too soon to start teaching them the art of being fiscally responsible – but where do you start? According to the Council for Economic Education, only 17 U.S. states require high school students to take a personal finance class in order to graduate. Milledgeville State Bank offers some great ideas on how you can begin teaching your child about financial literacy before they leave the nest.

How does credit work?

A lot of kids don’t know what credit actually means. It’s important to teach your child that credit means to borrow, but at a cost. You will need to explain the importance of a credit card and how keeping balances low are a good plan of action. You can also begin to discuss interest rates, annual fees and how they can check their credit report.

Everyone has to pay taxes.

Starting a lawn mowing business or babysitting will not be the same pay as when your child gets an actual job. If your daughter gets paid $12 an hour to babysit, she gets to take all of that home. Emphasize that she will have to pay taxes and talk about how some of that would be taken out to fix roads. This will prepare them for the future, so they can budget responsibly when waiting on that first paycheck. Since 2016, no state has added a personal finance course to their K – 12 grades. It is up to you to advocate for your child and make sure they understand all things financial.

What is a want vs. a need?

We all want the next cute pair of shoes or cool car, but we need to be realistic with our spending. Start making your child pay for gas, a portion of groceries and other little expenses. This will help show them what types of things they need money for, what portion should be put into savings and what is left can be spent on what they want – after their needs are secured.

You must budget to buy.

Start by having your child put aside 30% of their money for short-term savings and 30% for long-term. Another 30% can be cash they spend on whatever they need, and 10% could be put towards charity or another good cause to teach them giving back. Explaining to your kid what to do with money once it’s earned is commonly a missed step, so this will help you implement good habits.

How do I plan for college?

Begin going over different loan options such as federal and private loans. Explain how they can have an auto-pay set up to pay their bills on time. Seeking out scholarships is also an important point to place in their head. The average student loan balance is $34,144 as of 2017, so they can save a lot of money by getting a scholarship.

Preparing your child for the future is quite the undertaking – especially when it deals with covering topics such as finance. However, your child will thank you when they have fantastic budgeting and savings skills down the road! If your child is interested in opening up a savings account or applying for a loan, give us a call! We’d love to help teach them other financial literacy topics.

Back to School Savings Tips

school

Back to school shopping can be dreadful. Trying to buy new school supplies for your kids or yourself can be crazy expensive. Luckily, these 5 saving tips might just be the key to school supply shopping success.

Do a Closet and Supply Sweep

Don’t be alarmed, but there may be school supplies lying around your house! Before rushing to the store to buy brand new school supplies, you may want to check in between your couch cushions and in desk drawers. By doing this, you may find school supplies that were bought years prior that have not been used. Finding previous school supplies that are on that list will help you save money by not having to buy brand new products. You may have most supplies already!

To avoid forgetting that you may have school supplies lying somewhere around the house, start collecting the items that you already have and put them in a central location. This will allow you to keep track of what you already have, so you don’t end up wasting time or money!

Hit up the Dollar/Thrift Store

You don’t have to buy everything here, but for items such as: loose leaf paper, staplers, erasers, pencils, rulers and clothes, you sure could get a deal. Buying such items at the Dollar Store or Thrift Store will help save you money before going straight to the major department stores. Shop at these places first for basic supplies and then go to the main stores to find the rest of what you need! This may take some planning ahead, but you can score some amazing bargains.

Use Coupons

When school starts approaching, you may want to look at your Sunday paper or online for coupons! Sites like RetailMeNot have a special section on their site for school supplies. Also, keep in mind that stores, like Walmart, offer price matching. Check ads every week, and keep an eye out for sales! Doing these things should help maximize your savings.

Start Early!

You can start early, but not too early. As soon as you see school supplies go on sale, begin shopping. If you wait too long, you might miss out on those bargain deals or the opportunity to have the best notebook and pencils! Getting a jump-start gives you time to shop around and compare deals. With shopping early, you have the option to buy in bulk. That way during the school year, you’ll have back-ups at home when it’s time to re-stock.

Hold off on buying the ‘popular’ gear

The only good thing about going back to school might be the new clothes, gear and school supplies, but that does not mean you have to spend hundreds every year. Most of the time the ‘popular items’ will be very expensive and then become not so ‘popular’ after the first month of school, so hold off on buying those and try to invest in the quality of items. You want to be able to get the best bang for your buck!

We hope these 5 tips will grant you success when shopping for school supplies! We wish you and your family the best for this school year!

Best Practices for Protecting Your Data

data

Over the years, cyber hacking has been on the rise – nearly doubling from 2016 to 2017. Out of all of those attacks, 93% of all breaches in 2017 could have been avoided with simple cyber hygiene practices according to Online Trust Alliance. That’s why we’ve decided to give you some updates on the latest cyber security practices!

Don’t Click It

Hackers are getting more sneaky as to where they place their bugs. You may know not to trust a strange email from someone you don’t know, but what happens when you get an email from your university or a trusted place of business? Hackers have the ability to make their emails look more like something you could trust from a local business compared to the strange phishing emails you may be used to looking out for. Be extra cautious when reading through emails – and don’t click any links or download files if you weren’t expecting that in an email.

Turn On Two-Factor

Two-factor authentication gives you a second layer of protection if your data does get hacked. Many programs and devices offer this authentication choice, so use it whenever possible. This significantly increases your chances of staying safe from a cyber security hack.

Restrict Oversharing

By putting to much information on your sites, a hacker can use that data to hack into an account through your security questions. If you post about your adorable dog, Fido, chances are that dog’s name is in your password or security question. Also try to avoid posting your address, phone number, full name and so forth, as all of that can be used against you.

Generate Multiple Emails

We’ve all heard not to have the same password for everything – and we know many of you are still guilty of that. However, you may have not heard about having different emails for separate reasons. A good rule of thumb is to create three separate emails: one for strictly banking, another for emails to friends and family and one for all your stores and shopping coupons. This will help block hackers from getting into all your different accounts and finding personal data.

Install Ad Blockers

On any web browsers you use, be sure to install ad blockers or turn on your pop-up blockers. This will help save you from trying to X out of something and getting a virus that came up when you were searching online. Having any potential ads blocked will help keep your computer clean and your data safe!

We hope these new practices help protect your data from potential hackers. If you have any questions about your information being safe with us – no need to worry! We’re proud of our security practices and hope you will be able to say the same after making a few improvements.

Cyber Security for College Students

secure

So you think you’re all set for your first day of classes. Backpack, books, IPad and smartphone in hand – you think you have everything you need for success this semester. However, learning proper cybersecurity habits are just as important to your college success as the friends you make or the assignments you accomplish.

You’re well acquainted with technology and internet scams, and think you are far off from being duped or scammed online. However, technology is ever changing which means the tactics hackers use to access your personal information can be even sneakier. In 2014, there were 13,500 burglaries reported in on campus crimes across the US. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind while on campus or use as a refresher, you smarty pants!

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Devices Closer

You’re constantly sharing a workspace with your peers. From the dorm room to the library, you’re devices are always accessible to others. Never leave your devices unattended. Always have a passlock on each screen, and make sure no one is lurking over you when you enter the pin. Look into purchasing a laptop lock to secure the physical safety of your device.

The Value of a Number

If you’re like most college students, you’re eating ramen and shopping at the nearest thrift store. This might be why you haven’t been worried about cyber security in the past. You can barely afford proper nutrition, so you don’t have anything worth stealing. WRONG. Your social security number is incredibly valuable to a hacker who can sell it on the dark web. They can use this to open various credit accounts in your name or hold other precious online information like family photos hostage until you pay their ransom.

Back, Back, Back it Up

We know you have a million other things on your plate right now, but be sure you are backing up your data on a secure cloud system or an external hard drive. Consistently setting a time to backup all of your important documents will help protect you against ransomware and file corruptions.

PDA: Public Displays of Access

Who doesn’t like free stuff? One of the perks of college is that you are probably going to have a lot of freebies thrown at you. This means free WiFi that you can gulp down without having to dry out your data usage while catching up with friends back home. However, even your dorm WiFi can be infiltrated by hackers who access the network’s router, create fake login pages to steal your information or take data from your device. You can protect yourself by not using public WiFi, or purchasing a VPN.

Shhh, Mums the Word

Although it might be easy and sweet to use fido in your password, make sure to keep your password on each account different and complex. You don’t want to allow a hacker to open Pandora’s box after they figure out your one password. Keep your password private and unique. We recommend incorporating special characters, acronyms or even sentences at random.

We hope that these tips will be helpful in keeping your identity safe in your college adventure!

4 Standard Safety Tips for Social Networking

“Technology and social media have brought power back to the people,” Mark McKinnon. Whether or not you fully agree with this statement, social media has become ubiquitous to all ages on multiple platforms. It’s not only the pre-teens who are at risk of becoming victimized by hackers, as even corporations are finding themselves in costly predicaments. Because of this, Milledgeville State Bank has gathered basic standards that everyone should adopt into their social media safety.

The Big No-No’s

With much of social media, the purpose is to share the highlights of your life with others. However, there are certain facets of your identity that you should never, under any circumstances, share. You may not even know you are outright sharing this information, as it can manifest in basic profile information or slight comments on a friends post. It may seem obvious, but never share your:

-Social Security Number

-Birthdate

-Passwords

-Home Address

-Cell Phone Number

-The State Where You Were Born

Review Your Privacy Settings Frequently

Social Networking sites can change their privacy options, so it is good to check in to ensure that you are only sharing the information you want shared. There are multiple ways to manage who sees what posts and even who your other friends are. While you are reviewing these settings, be sure to change your passwords to ward off hackers seeking access to your most privileged information. A great option would be to have your password in sentence form. It’s been recommended to have a positive sentence that’s easy to remember like, “I love my puppies!”

Only “Friend” Those You Know

Although there is a social praise towards those who have a lot of followers, or friends, it is a better standard practice to ensure you are only allowing those you know into your web life. Keep in mind that if you’re posting about your friends, others who you have friended are seeing it, too. It isn’t only your identity that is at risk, so friend responsibly.

Avoid Oversharing

We all have that one friend that shares EVERYTHING on social media, even down to the smallest detail like what flavor of coffee creamer they had this morning. We don’t want to be this person, but we may be doing similar dangerous behaviors without even thinking.

For example, if you are going on a great vacation, wait to share those photos until you are home. The last thing you want to be doing is advertising that your home is empty for the week. Even miniscule details here and there can be pieced together by predators for a large picture of your life. Review your professional sites like LinkedIn, and be sure you are not sharing your entire work history. This data can be gathered by hackers to fill out applications for things on your behalf.

Don’t make yourself an easy target! Stick to these standards to provide yourself with a digital wall of protection.

Habits of People Who Live Debt-Free

If you’re an adult living in America, chances are you’re living with debt. According to Pew Charitable Trusts, roughly 80% of American adults are in financial debt. You can see how it happens, between student loan payments, mortgage payments, car payments and credit card use, it’s easy to get yourself into debt and it can be tough to climb out.

But, how can you help yourself live debt-free? It is possible, and Milledgeville Bank has some tips that you can use. Some are tips that you can right away, while others will require a dedicated approach over an extended period of time.

Create a Plan for the Future

It’s easier to implement money saving strategies when you have a goal in mind. Whether you’re looking to save for a purchase or to pay down debt, you need to set a budget to follow every month, and then stick to it. It’s also crucial for you to closely monitor your finances by checking your statements and reviewing your account balances so you can note any abnormalities from the budget you’ve set.

Trim the Fat

The best way to make sure you can keep yourself out of debt is to limit your spending. This is easier said than done. Whether it’s limiting your credit card use to emergencies or saying no to a friend who wants to go out for a night on the town, cutting back on spending is the best way to keep yourself out of debt. If you choose to live on less than you make, you’ll save long-term.

Cash is Your Friend

While your credit and debit card make it incredibly easy to make purchases, carrying cash can actually help you spend less in the long run. If you limit yourself to carrying cash, you know exactly how much money you have (or don’t have). This allows you to be more careful with your money and more diligent about your purchase decisions.

Living debt-free takes hard work and dedication. But, just like anything that requires patience, the payoff once you’ve reached your goal is worth all the work. Let Milledgeville Bank help you develop the habits to live debt-free so you can live with less stress.

Generational Financial Habits: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Spending

When it comes to your spending habits, your age may influence your decisions more than you think! Depending on your generation, there may be some key patterns that differentiate you from your older and younger counterparts. Discover your key financial traits with this helpful guide courtesy of Milledgeville State Bank.

Baby Boomers

Typically classified as the savers of the modern age, many of those age 51-70 are known for tucking away funds as quickly as they can accumulate them. Many baby boomers were affected by both the Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. assassinations and hold strong sense of mistrust of the system. There are many in this generation who choose savings options outside of financial institutions. This large generation of approximately 70 million people, is currently in the process leaving the workforce and entering retirement. The most important item on their financial agenda is to save and secure funds for the decades of life they will enjoy outside nine to five.

Generation X

Often overshadowed by the large baby boomers ahead of them, generation X’ers tend to be strong willed and decisive, fighting for their share of the financial pie. Having been one of the first generations to experience divorce as a normal occurrence, many of those adults age 40-50 continue to look out for their individual financial wellbeing through strictly defensive tactics. Boasting on the highest education rates, this group makes strategic savings plans, constantly preparing for the ball to drop. They are best known for their cautious optimism and lofty financial goals.

Millennials

The current generation of twenty and thirtysomethings, were shaped by a highly digital world. Growing up in the age of computers and terrorism, these young adults believe that the typical American dream, may be slightly skewed. In many areas, home and car ownership is on the decline as more and more millennials strive to gain experiences over material possessions. Influenced by their parental counterparts, it is common to see this generation shying away from long term debt after seeing their parents succumb to missed payments and foreclosures during the 2008 economic crash. Couple that cautious initiative with crippling student loans and added inflation, where now today many college graduates are working multiple jobs to simply make ends meet.

Generation Z

The up-and-coming generation of the century, this group is the first age demographic to grow up completely immersed in digital technology. The days of cell phones and computers encompassed their childhood, and many of those age 0-20 have never known life without the digital realm. Still relatively young, these Gen Z’s take diversification to the next level, not trusting too much in any one entity. With advancing diagnostic systems this generation takes time and consideration into account before making any major life decision. As this generation ages, more experiences and choices will continue to shape their financial style.

No matter what generation you are a part of, there are a variety of ways you can improve your financial habits. Speak with one of our experienced personal bankers today, and we’ll show you how to get started!

Home Renovations with a HELOC

Home Renovations

With warm weather approaching spring is the ideal time to shake off the dust and get your house back into shape! Get started on your next home renovation with a strategic Home Equity Line of Credit from Milledgeville State Bank. Our custom financing allows you withdraw only the funds you need along the course of your future project. Inspiration can be found everywhere when updating common areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, or outdoor living area. See what these average home renovations cost with this handy guide courtesy of Milledgeville State Bank.

Kitchen Remodel: Creating your ideal culinary environment is more than just choosing cabinets and granite. With all the updates and finishing work, a typical Midwestern kitchen remodel can cost around $15,000 to complete. Carefully crafting the heart of your home takes concentrated decision making and long term planning. Consider updating your kitchen appliances to save you time and energy while preparing future meals. You may want to refinish or replace worn out flooring to match the new feel of your fresh remodel.

Bathroom Remodel: Giving your common space a much needed facelift can help you add value to your home. With updates as simple as new hardware and a tasteful backsplash you can bring some timeless style to a functional space. When undertaking a full renovation, features like a walk-in shower or a double vanity can bring a bold statement to the room. The average bathroom remodel in Illinois typically runs under $12,000 for a completely revamped space.

New Deck: Building a fun outdoor patio or deck can open up the area for countless fun family activities. Costing around $6000 for the average Midwestern deck, you can complete this exciting renovation in time and under budget. Spice up your new construction with added rails to hold beverages or food during grill outs and get-togethers.

Finishing a Basement: Depending on your foundation and other structural issues, most basement renovations center on adding dry wall, placing new flooring, and waterproofing the entirety of the room. Typically costing under $25,000, a finished basement can serve as additional space for an office or play room, increasing the livable square footage of your home.

There are endless projects to begin your spring to-do list this season. Let Milledgeville State Bank help you get started on your next home renovation with a tailored Home Equity Line of Credit. Speak with one of our helpful lenders to get started today!

10 Random Acts of Kindness

Random Acts Kindness

There are so many small and valuable things we can do to impact the life of another. While some of them are financially bound, others can be simple tasks, such as opening the door for someone. This year challenge yourself to more acts of kindness, random or not.

Pay for the person’s food or beverage behind you in line.
Write a letter to a soldier.
Donate new and used toys to daycares or children’s hospitals.
Cook a meal for a family who may be without.
Give a good server the largest tip you can afford.
Scoop snow or do other yard work for your neighbor.
Pick up trash at an area park.
Offer assistance to a charitable organization with your time and skills.
Bake treats for your area school’s teachers.
Visit a nursing home and spend time with the residents.

In addition to being kinder in 2016 you may find yourself becoming happier as well! With so many opportunities to make a difference, this list will help you get started! Add your own acts of kindness and see what you can do to better the lives of others this year.

If you’d like to contribute to others in a financial avenue let us know, we’d love to help! Milledgeville State Bank can assist you in remaining anonymous in donations, arranging monthly transfers, dispensing cash for personal giving, and more!

52-Week Savings Challenge

Savings Challenge

Whether it’s a house, a new vehicle, or other lending options, having a down payment is always a great first step. In this 52-week challenge you will begin saving a little at a time to accumulate $5000 this year! Here’s how it works, every week you deposit a different amount into your savings account. As the weeks go on you begin to build a steady base little by little. At the end of the year you will have saved $5000 if done correctly. You can also add to the numbers shown below if you’d like to save more than $5000. Simply take the additional amount you would like to save, and divide it by 52. Now add that number to each of the deposit amounts for the year and you have your game plan.

Savings Challenge

$5000 is a substantial sum of money that offers endless potential, so here are some ideas to get you started!

Vacation: Take a break and enjoy an exciting new destination with your family! Cruises start at less than $700/person, and a week in Florida typically runs $4000+ for a family of four.

New Vehicle: You can either purchase a used vehicle with the $5000 (or less), or you can use the $5000 to put a down payments on a more expensive vehicle you’ve had your eye on.

Down Payment on a Home: For first time home buyers using FHA loans, a down payment as little as 3.5% may be accepted. With lower closing costs, easier credit qualifications, and gifts allowed towards the home down payment, this $5000 potentially enables you to purchase a $140,000 home.

Wedding: A little creativity may be involved but the celebration can go on! With the largest event expenses being the venue, food, and photographer, finding inventive shortcuts can turn $5000 into the wedding of your dreams!

Start your savings challenge today with a savings account from Milledgeville State Bank! We’re here for all of your financial and lending needs!