Monthly Archives: December 2020

money-jar

Why is Having an Emergency Fund a Necessity?

With the recent events taking place causing widely experienced job loss, it’s been a clear reminder of how important an emergency fund is. When layoff or other unexpected circumstances take place, having a fund to use for the time being will be what keeps the rest of your financial life going in a positive direction. 

What’s an emergency fund? 

An emergency fund is money you’ve set aside for unexpected expenses. This stash of money allows you to be prepared for the circumstances life throws at you rather than hoping nothing happens. The average recommended amount to save is 3-6 months’ worth of your normal living expenses, but the more, the better. 

What circumstances would I need one? 

You might be wondering what kind of situations an emergency fund would come in handy. While the possibilities are endless and always unforeseen, here are some examples: 

  • Job loss 
  • Medical emergency 
  • Car issues or accident 
  • Major home repair 

What’s not considered an emergency? 

Don’t go through the process of saving for months just to spend it on non-emergent things. Here are a few examples of things you should budget for rather than spend your emergency fund on: 

  • Vacations 
  • Elective medical expenses (e.g. plastic surgery) 
  • Non-essential home upgrades 

How can I start building one? 

The first step to building an emergency fund is figuring out your goal amount. After finding out what your monthly expenses are, it’s time to develop a plan for your saving. Put your fund into a safe place, like a savings account, and stick to your plan, going beyond your goal once you reach it. 

The year is coming to an end and 2021 will be here before we know it. This year, make it a priority to be prepared for the unexpected with an emergency fund. To get started, open a savings account with us today! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

money-jar

Money Mistakes to Avoid Around the Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner which means it’s time to start crossing items off the gift list. Whether you’ve fallen victim to these mistakes before or are trying to avoid them this year, this list will tell you exactly what not to do when holiday shopping. 

Not saving in advance 

The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on customers, leading to lots of last minute shopping. We all are aware of when these gifts need to be bought, so why not set money aside to prepare? You can start this a few months in advance, or even better yet, save small amounts all year. Simply add a portion of your income to a savings account each month or set up automatic transfer so the funds are ready to go when it’s time to shop. 

Being enticed by all of the deals 

It’s no question that items on sale are automatically more appealing, even if the item is unnecessary. Making a list and knowing exactly what you need before you visit the store can help avoid the tempting discounted items. This is also tricky while online shopping since holiday ads pop up just about everywhere. Steer clear of the enticing deals and stick to what you really need. 

Avoiding a budget 

Having and sticking to a budget is simple with today’s technology. By downloading a budgeting app, you can figure out exactly how much you want to spend and keep track of your spending while you shop. Not setting a budget before holiday shopping often leads to overspending, buying unnecessary items and letting your finances get out of hand. 

Dipping into your savings account 

Whatever you do, do not rely on your emergency fund or any other type of savings besides what you’ve saved specifically for holiday shopping. This is another reason why saving separately for Christmas gifts is so beneficial – you won’t be as tempted to access your savings for the future if you already have money set aside. 

Procrastinating 

By the time the holidays come around, items have been picked through, the sales are over and what you need is out of stock. Getting your shopping done early will help you avoid those issues and save money while you’re at it. It may sound crazy, but the best deals are usually happening between Christmas and New Year’s, which means you can get a head start on next year while maximizing your savings! 

This is the year to have control over your finances and not let the holidays take a toll on your bank account. Rather than dreading the financial burden that often comes with holiday shopping, plan ahead and save yourself the stress. Enjoy this holiday season and avoid making these mistakes at all costs! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

man-online

Stay Safe Online While Holiday Shopping

‘Tis the season for spending time with family, making hot chocolate, building snowmen and, of course, buying presents! With the wonderful power of technology, we can surround the Christmas tree with gifts in just a few clicks. Keep reading to learn all about cyber safety while you shop this holiday season. 

Watch out for enticing ads. 

It’s common to come across pop-up ads or tempting deals while you’re browsing. While they’re sometimes legitimate, it’s smarter to go to the website itself rather than clicking on the advertisement to avoid scams or viruses. 

Beware of public Wi-Fi. 

There’s nothing wrong with checking out your favorite store’s catalog while out in public, but making purchases is where it gets risky. Never enter your personal information to make a purchase while connected to a public Wi-Fi network – instead, use a VPN or your personal hotspot. 

Keep your device updated. 

If you haven’t already enabled auto-update on your device, now’s a great time to do so. Keeping your device and applications up to date will help you avoid malware infections or other cyber issues. 

Look for the “https.” 

Check for the lock symbol or the “https” in the address bar to make sure the website is secure. Secure websites make it safe for you to enter your information without the fear of the site storing it without your approval. 

Check in on your account post-purchase. 

Keep tabs on your account activity to make sure the transaction went through and there weren’t any mistakes. You can also set up alerts that automatically email or text you once your credit card was used. 

Always do your research. 

It’s a risky game to make a purchase from a site you’ve never heard of. Research the company you’re thinking of buying from and make sure they have a form of contact for you to use if a payment problem occurs. The smartest choice is to always avoid making online purchases from an unfamiliar website. 

Online shopping is a great way to get what you need without facing the cold, but there are always risks that come with making purchases on the Internet. Be smart, do your research and have a happy holiday season full of love! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

snowman

Special, Yet Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas

As joyful and exciting as the holiday season is, getting memorable gifts for your loved ones can bring about some financial stress. It’s always good to remind yourself that the price doesn’t always determine the quality of the gift you give. Rather than spending a fortune on big gifts that your loved ones might not even use, try one of these special gifts which are cheap and meaningful at the same time. 

Memory Book 

Whether you decide to make a homemade scrap book or simply buy a photo album at the store, you can’t go wrong with a trip down memory lane. The holidays are the perfect time to reminisce on the past, and creating a book of old pictures, letters, collectables and other meaningful things will definitely warm the heart of any loved one. 

Meaningful CD or Playlist 

One great way to tell someone how much they mean to you is by telling them through music. Put music that reminds you of them or memorable songs you’ve listened to together on a CD or into a playlist. For an additional, heart-felt touch, you can write a letter to go with the CD explaining the meaning behind each song you chose. 

Flowers and Plants 

Giving your loved one flowers is a clear way to make them feel special and cherished. Purchase a few succulents, flowers or other plants along with a cute pot and some soil, pot the plants and you have yourself a special present that doesn’t break the bank! 

Pamper Package 

A fun gift idea for both the gift giver and the receiver is a care package filled with all of their favorite things. This can contain snacks, drinks, a movie, a book and other meaningful self-care items. 

Homemade Coupon Book 

This isn’t an average coupon book – this one contains acts of service you’ll do for your loved one when they decide to use their coupons. This one is especially great for someone to make for their significant other since you can add a romantic twist. Create cards that say if they redeem the coupon, they’ll receive things such as breakfast in bed, a surprise date night, a free back massage, etc. 

Nothing compares to gifts that are hand-made, meaningful and full of love. This holiday season, focus on giving memorable gifts that will leave your loved ones feeling special and will also keep your bank account in a good place. Happy holidays and happy gift-giving! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender