Category: Personal Finance

How to Help Build Your Teenager’s Credit Score: 4 Tips

Mother and teen son check the teenager's credit score

When your teen finally reaches high school graduation, they’re going to need a solid credit score for their next steps in life: renting an apartment, getting a loan or finding a good deal on insurance. For that reason, it’s important that teens build up their credit scores before they move out. There are a few… Read more »

What is a Co-signer – and Do You Need One?

First-time car buyer cosigns for an auto loan

If it’s your first time buying a car, you likely won’t have enough funds to pay for it in cash. And if you’re a young driver, you likely also won’t have the necessary credit history to get a loan. In these situations, or in situations where you may not be approved for a loan due… Read more »

5 Factors That Influence Your Car Insurance Rates

Man looks over his car insurance contract

Car insurance is essential for drivers today. Not only is it forbidden to drive without insurance in all 50 states, but that car insurance can also help you cover any costs if you get into an accident. Many drivers want the least expensive insurance rates they can find while still receiving good coverage. But what… Read more »

5 Simple Changes to Be More Active at Work (Even When Working From Home)

Man stretches at his office desk during the work day

These days, many Americans have jobs that require sitting for extended periods of time. But sitting for prolonged periods is linked to a higher risk of disease and premature death, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, getting exercise doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym or pounding on the treadmill. Making a few simple… Read more »

3 Big Ways You Can Save More Money This Year

Two children put coins in a piggy bank to learn about saving more money

We’ve all been there – the feeling of invincibility when your direct deposit hits your bank account and the sinking feeling a few days later –  when you realize you’ve spent most of it. According to a recent CNBC report, nearly 58 percent of full-time workers live paycheck to paycheck. And earning six figures isn’t… Read more »

When Should You Set Up Your Child’s Savings Account?

Mom and daughter save money together

It’s never too early to start saving money, which is why a growing number of parents are opening savings accounts for their children early on. Doing so can help establish a brighter financial future for your child. Dave Sieminski of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes a study that found children from low-income families were… Read more »

Success Story: Why the Trzaska Family Loves Minster Bank

Minster bank customers and siblings Joe and Jenny Trzaska at the University of Notre Dame

Some people stick with one bank for a long time. But have you had your savings account there since second grade? Siblings Joe and Jenny Trzaska of Minster have. “The week after our first communion, to help handle the slight influx of cash, our mom would bring each of us to the bank to open… Read more »