Category: Personal Finances

How to Budget Rising Food Prices

How to Budget Rising Food Prices  

It is no secret food prices have risen in the past few months. Food is generally at the top of the list for basic human needs, so how do we go about combating these rising food costs? Keep reading for top tips to fight rising food prices this winter.  

1. Eat Out Less 

Dining out is an extremely expensive option if you opt for it too often, especially if you are already budgeting for a full list of groceries as well.  Many meals you purchase out can be made for a fraction of the cost at home. And while fast food can be a cheaper dining out option, it may be a cost to your overall health – high-calorie and low-quality food is not as nutritional as food you can make at home.  

2. Don’t Shop on An Empty Stomach 

We’ve all been grocery shopping on an empty stomach and can agree that shopping while hungry will only fill your cart with unnecessary purchases. When grocery shopping on an empty stomach there is a likelihood of overspending and veering from your list. Stick to your necessities by grabbing a bite to eat or a small snack before you begin your shopping trip.  

3. Stick to Your List  

If shop without creating or sticking to a list, you may experience sticker shock when you check out your next grocery haul. If you fill your cart with everything that catches your eye, be prepared to spend a lot more than you planned. By creating a list in advance, you have the opportunity to plan out your meals and ingredient list to cohesively put together a plan for the week. This also allows you to plan around any sales the store may have or you may choose to shop elsewhere because there may be a better deal. Avoiding impulse buys is key to fighting these rising food costs. If you stick solely to your list, you won’t be tempted to go down every aisle. Many say all the products you need are on the edge of the store, so avoiding a couple of isles is a win! 

4. Fresh Over Prepared 

In a world that is already a fast-paced society, it is easy to opt for prepared items when shopping at the grocery store. Whether it’s convenience or to simply have on hand, these pre-ready meals are at a premium price tag compared to simply buying the fresh ingredients to make yourself. This same concept also goes for frozen items you may be grabbing. Yes, they absolutely are convenient and last longer, but they often are priced significantly higher than buying fresh ingredients to prepare yourself.  

5. Bulk May Be the Best  

Buying in bulk can save you time and money. It is important to pay attention to prices of family-sized options – if the price per unit is lower it is well worth your money to buy more if you have a place to store it and will use it before it expires. If you have items you go through consistently, it may be well worth the cost to purchase those at a big box bulk retailer such as Costco or Sam’s Club.  

6. Bulk Isn’t Always the Best 

If you find you are not utilizing a membership at a big-box retailer as often as you had thought, consider canceling. Chances are you don’t need nearly as much on hand and are paying for the  bulk items along with the membership price. It is very important to pay attention to your spending habits at these stores as well as your overall consumption. The prices at the big boxes aren’t always a bargain compared to discounts at other stores. In addition, the family-size packaging at these stores could mean you buy more than you need, driving up your grocery bill. 

7. Sign Up for Rewards 

If you are visiting the same stores consistently, it is well worth it to sign up for their rewards program. Some stores may raise their prices when they offer rewards so without the card your bill could be higher. Look into the rewards offered, they may have benefits such as a ham on the holidays or a discount on gas. Take advantage of the benefits at places you are already going to! 

8. Prices Are High, Look Low 

They strategically set up grocery stores to tempt you to spend money. As mentioned earlier, stick to the outsides of the stores. You also can avoid higher priced items by not shopping the end caps or checkout areas. The highest-priced items are placed where it is easy for you to look, such as the middle of the shelf at eye level. If you look down, chances are you’ll find generic and cheaper alternatives.  

9. Substitute the Expensive Items  

If you notice an item you use frequently has a price that is consistently climbing, look into finding a lower-priced alternative. For example, you could swap apple sauce for vegetable oil in recipes to cut the cost nearly in half.  

10. Maintain a Well-Stocked Kitchen 

Shopping infrequently or only when you need to is key to not overspending. If you shop when the best deals are available, you have the ability to stock up and put yourself in the position of only shopping when you need to or when the item is back on sale. 

Food is one of those purchases we simply cannot avoid. Be a careful and well-prepared shopper to minimize the amount you spend at the grocery store.  

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.    

Member FDIC    

Equal Housing Lender    

Financial Resolutions in Check

How to Get Your Financial Resolutions in Check for the New Year

If part of your new year’s resolutions was to reshape your finances and consolidate debt, this is the blog for you. Make your resolutions a reality with these top tips for the year 2023!

Preparing Your Financial Resolutions

If you have created new year’s resolutions, you know it can be extremely hard to stick to them if you don’t implement steps to adequately meet them. When you are identifying areas of your finances you want to improve, it is important to identify goals within your goals to help you stay accountable and committed to them throughout the year and on. 

Resolution 1: Analyze Your Financial Situation and Budget

Before you decide what financial resolutions, you may have that will actually improve your financial habits and situation, it is crucial to do a deep dive into your current financial situation and comb through your budget. Doing this may bring up some areas that you didn’t realize may be affecting your finances negatively as well as find areas you can improve. Tracking your current spending and saving habits are incredibly important for everyone to do, let your financial resolutions be clear and concise by identifying your money moves and behaviors. 

Resolution 2: Define Your Debt

Debt is a tool that depending on how you use and are managing it can inherently be a good or a bad thing. If you have found your debt to be more of a financial burden than a tool, chances are your debt need to be addressed and controlled. Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you address your current debt:

  1. Eliminate any debt that you can. Yes, this can be difficult to do – pay off credit card debt and avoid borrowing depreciating assets as it can add up quickly if you carry a balance. 
  2. Keep your total debt amount manageable. Just because you can borrow it, doesn’t mean you should borrow it. The rule of thumb is to keep your monthly costs below 28% of your pre-tax income and your total monthly debt payments. 
  3. Align your payments with your lifestyle and timing. When you are looking into taking out a loan, be honest with yourself about your time horizons, such as if you don’t plan to dig your roots somewhere consider a shorter maturity loan or an adjustable-rate mortgage over a longer-term loan

Resolution 3: Optimize Your Budget Financial Goals

Once you’ve addressed areas that need to be implemented or improved, you can begin re-working and refreshing your budget as well as carefully molding your plan to meet your financial goals. Tracking your spending and saving can be a useful tool with set guidelines to keep you on track, identify areas of improvement, help you safe more, and point out areas where you could cut back. Here are a few things to factor in when crafting your budget:

  • Fixed expenses
  • Rent/mortgage payments
  • Cell phone 
  • Monthly subscriptions
  • Groceries
  • Eating out 
  • Clothing
  • Entertainment
  • Daycare
  • Holidays 
  • Vacation 

Resolution 4: Create Your Financial Goals 

As you build this list here are a few financial resolutions to consider implementing: 

  • Save more money this year than you did last
  • Better your credit score
  • Better your budget – regardless of how you think your budget, this can always be looked over and changed to fit your lifestyle and goals as they evolve
  • Pay your credit card balance in full each month
  • Check your credit score more frequently
  • Implement a financial checkup as often as you see fit 
  • Improve your debt
  • Check your credit report more often
  • Find a way to build your credit that aligns with your goals
  • Start an emergency fund
  • Analyze your retirement savings
  • Open a savings account
  • Consider a Certificate of Deposit
  • Make a meeting with a financial advisor
  • Discuss your financial situation with your bank

Meeting and sticking to your resolutions can be extremely difficult. Building a strong financial foundation will carry you well now and, in the future, so the best time to put in the hard work is as soon as you can and continue to implement new goals and areas to work through as you become more and more financially literate. If you have questions, we are happy to help! Contact us here.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.  

Member FDIC  

Equal Housing Lender  

Benefits of Online Bill Pay

Why You Should Be Utilizing Online Bill Pay

The week of February 5th is National Pay Your Bills Week! In honor of this holiday, we wanted to dive deeper into why you should be utilizing Online Bill Pay at Peoples Bank & Trust! Using Online Bill Pay is SIMPLE; keep reading for five reasons you should be using Online Bill Pay. 

1.    Safe and Secure Payment 

Some may be skeptical about paying their bills online. We are here to give you peace of mind that Online bill pay allows you to keep better track of your financial matters as you can set up safe and secure automatic payments from your bank account. 

2.    Save Money Using Bill Pay 

Using online bill pay not only saves you time but saves you money too. All the time and money spent on both postage and late fees can add up quickly.  By enrolling in online bill pay you are utilizing a tool that simplifies paying your bills all from the convenience of your computer. 

3.    Promptly Paid Bills 

If you think about it, mailing in your bills can take significantly longer than setting up automatic online bill pay. Doing so is faster and easier, and eliminates forgetting or procrastinating. Simply set up your monthly payments through online bill pay to make your automatic payments on time each month.

4.    Organized Bill Payment 

Using online bill pay allows you to declutter those bills and financial records in one swoop. Online bill pay is great for those who love organization or could use some tools to become more organized. When you use online bill pay you automatically pay out of the accounts you select on the date you designate. You can set up an online bill calendar to automate your payments and receive alerts once the bill is paid. A great feature in online bill pay is all your charges are kept in your online records, so you can go back and review them at any time. 

5.    Online Bill Pay at PB&T

At PB&T Online Bill Pay is simple and makes paying your bills hassle-free. Automate your payments and enjoy the convenience Online Bill Pay gives you: 

  • Pay monthly bills
  • Make one-time payments
  • Set up recurring payments
  • Make same-day payments to select payees (fees may apply)

If you want more control over your money, our Online Services allow you to not only pay your bills online but access your accounts from anywhere. Enroll today in our Online Banking to:

  • View account balances for checking and savings accounts, as well as loan and CD accounts
  • Make one-time or recurring transfers between your PB&T accounts
  • See images of checks
  • Keep an eye on your transactions
  • Download your account information easily into the financial management software you use
  • Pay bills using Online Bill Pay
  • Make Person to Person Payments using Zelle
  • Receive E-Statements
  • Take your financial management with you wherever you go with Mobile Banking

Learn more about Online Banking at PB&T! If you have any questions regarding Online or Mobile Banking or run into issues with enrollment, please contact Peoples Bank & Trust’s E-Banking Department for help.

The Ultimate Guide to a Roth IRA

The Ultimate Guide to a Roth IRA 

If you’re looking to supplement your 401k offered by your employer or you currently do not have an option for a retirement savings account, a Roth IRA could be the savings option for you. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of a Roth IRAs so you can decide if Roth IRA is the right option for you! 

What is a Roth IRA?  

Planning for retirement is super important. Whether you’re looking to get started or wanting to incorporate another savings option, a Roth IRA can be a fantastic option for retirement savings. What is a Roth IRA? It is important to understand when it comes to IRA accounts your options are Traditional or Roth. A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account where your money invested has already been taxed. A Traditional or Roth IRA are accounts you open on your own and are not affiliated with an employer.  

The most unique feature of a Roth IRA is how the government taxes it. Unlike a traditional 401(k) or a Traditional IRA, your contributions going in is taxed at that time rather than your earnings when you choose to withdraw them. 

Top Benefits of a Roth IRA 

  1. Tax-Free Income When You Retire 

As we have mentioned, you are paying taxes upfront with a Roth IRA. There could be a chance you are taxed at a lower tax bracket during that time so when you are a retiree you will essentially be avoiding taxes as you take out those funds. 

  1. Great Option If You Don’t Have a 401(k) 

If you don’t have a 401(k) through your employer, as long as you have earned income, you can contribute to a Roth IRA as your saving plan for retirement. 

  1. You Do Not Have to Take Money Out of a Roth IRA 

With a 401(k) or a Traditional IRA, you are required to take out a certain amount once you reach age 72 – this is known as a required minimum distribution (RMD). With a Roth IRA you will not run into this as it has not RMDs, though when you die your account beneficiary may have to take them. 

  1. Roth IRA Contributions Can Be Withdrawn at Any Time 

Since you’ve already paid taxes on your Roth IRA you can withdraw the funds you contributed at any time tax-free as long as you have had a Roth IRA for 5 years. Keep in mind if you withdraw earnings before age 59 ½, you may be penalized by the IRS. 

  1. You May Use a Roth IRA for Certain Life Expenses 

With a Roth IRA you are able to use your contributions for a first-time home purchase. You can withdraw up to $10,000 ($20,000 for married couples) from your Roth IRA penalty free to pay for your first-home purchase. Another life expense you can use your Roth IRA contributions on is to pay for college or higher education for yourself, a child, or even a spouse. You will be able to withdraw penalty free though you will still owe income taxes if earnings are included. 

  1. There Are No Age Limits to a Roth IRA 

With a Traditional IRA you can’t make contributions until age 72, with a Roth IRA there is no age limit for contributing. In 2023, with a Roth IRA you can only contribute $6,500 under the age of 50. The limit goes up to $7,500 once you are 50 or older.  

If you’ve decided a Roth IRA is the option for you or have further questions, we would be happy to help! Contact us today to learn more about our retirement savings options to get you started! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.  

Member FDIC  

Equal Housing Lender  

Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit

Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit 

A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are both loans that use your home as collateral. Though they are very similar, they are different loans. Keep reading to learn what a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are, their differences, and their benefits!

What Are They?

A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as a HELOC, are both loans which use your home as collateral. Both are fantastic options for borrowing money if you’ve paid down a significant portion of your mortgage. 

Home Equity Line of Credit: A HELOC is a line of credit in which the lender will agree to lend a maximum amount within an agreed-upon period and variable interest rate. Essentially, a HELOC uses a percentage of your home’s equity to provide a revolving line of credit, much like a credit card. Your monthly payments with a home equity line of credit will change over time. With a HELOC, disbursement of funds is made on an as-needed basis and repayment is interest-only during the draw period; you repay all the principal and any remaining interest afterward. 

Home Equity Loan: A home equity loan is very similar; however, a home equity loan is a lump sum that is disbursed upfront and paid back in fixed installments. Your monthly payments will be the same each month. With a home equity loan, disbursement of funds is an upfront lump sum and repayment starts as soon as the loan is disbursed. 

The Main Difference

HELOC: A home equity line of credit’s interest rate may vary and therefore your monthly payments on a home equity line of credit may change over time. With a HELOC, disbursement of funds is made as you need them, and repayment is interest-only during the draw period; you repay the principal and any remaining interest afterward.

Home Equity Loan: With a home equity loan your interest rate is fixed and therefore your monthly payments will be the same each month. With a home equity loan, disbursement of funds is an upfront lump sum and repayment starts as soon as the loan is disbursed. 

Pros and Cons

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

Pros:

  • You only borrow as much money as you need
  • Flexible repayment
  • Tax deduction
  • May come with little to no fees

Cons:

  • Variable interest rates (changes based on market fluctuation)
  • Not a set repayment plan (can be a pro for some)
  • Maybe more debt to repay as it is a long-term credit option
  • Could lose your home if you default on the HELOC

Home Equity Loan

Pros:

  • Fixed interest rate
  • You borrow a lump sum to use for nearly anything
  • Little to no fees
  • Tax deductible
  • Set repayment plan (could be a con for some)

Cons:

  • Best terms go to those with a good credit score
  • Need a lot of home equity 
  • If property values decline, you owe more than your home is worth
  • Could lose your home if you default on the loan

As you can see, a home equity loan and home equity line of credit are fantastic options for homeowners. Now that you know the benefits and main differences, which is best for you? These loans are a great source of value to access cash for renovations, large purchases, home remodel projects, college tuition, a new vehicle, or nearly any other need. Visit our website to learn more or stop in to talk with a lender!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

Why is Financial Literacy So Important

Why is Financial Literacy So Important? 

Lacking financial knowledge can result in bad money habits such as saving and investing. In this blog, we will outline what financial literacy is, why it is so important, as well as some tips to actively become more financially literate. How we spend and manage our money is crucial to our financial stability throughout every stage of our lives! 

What is Financial Literacy and Why is it So Important?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills to better personal finance, budgeting, and investing. Essentially, financial literacy is a strong foundation you build on your relationship with money and money habits. This is an ongoing process as you continue to learn through different points in your life. The earlier you start betting on your financial education, the better you will be later in life and when you retire. 

Stop waiting to prioritize your finances and start working on better habits to gain knowledge and improve all areas of finance, credit, and debt management to make financially responsible decisions—choices that are integral to our everyday lives. Evaluate your current financial situation, set goals, and learn something to become more financially aware and plan for your retirement. 

Ways to Improve Your Financial Literacy

Take this as a push to gain knowledge and financial growth. How can you improve your financial literacy? Here are some ideas: 

  • Seek financial knowledge
  • Subscribe to a financial newsletter 
  • Listen to financial podcasts
  • Join a financial club (investments, money management, money, financial literacy, etc.)
  • Read a personal finance book or blog
  • Speak with a financial advisor
  • Use social media to learn – join a finance group 
  • Make financial money moves (re-work your budget, open a savings account, open an investment account, put your money towards retirement, start an emergency fund, increase your retirement contribution) 
  • Consolidate high-interest debt
  • Make small changes in your spending habits; acknowledge bad habits and set goals to change them

How To Become Financially Aware of Retirement Planning

Money moves you make now will affect you later in life. Ultimately, saving for your retirement is securing your financial stability later in life. Here are the top tips to incorporate into your financial habits now to best save for your retirement: 

  • Focus on starting ASAP if you haven’t already
  • Contribute to your 401(k) routinely 
  • Open an IRA account
  • If you are 50 or older, take advantage of catch-up contributions
  • Create a spreadsheet to see where you are at and what you need to do to reach your retirement savings goal
  • Rein in your spending
  • Automate your savings

If you are looking to make good financial decisions and better your financial literacy, now is the perfect time to get started. Building a solid financial future is extremely important for where you are currently at in life and when you reach retirement. Take this time to reflect on your finances and educate yourself to make smart financial decisions and money moves – you will be extremely glad you did.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

What is FDIC Insurance?

What is FDIC Insurance?

Deposit insurance is one of the biggest pros of having an account at an FDIC-insured bank. An FDIC-insured bank protects your money in the event of an unlikely bank failure. Keep reading to learn the benefits of being covered by an FDIC-insured bank. 

What is FDIC Insurance? 

FDIC insurance is a significant benefit of putting your money in a bank that is FDIC insured. “The standard insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.” Simply banking with an FDIC-insured bank takes away having to purchase deposit insurance, as you are automatically covered. FDIC insurance maximizes your protection. 

What Does FDIC Insurance Typically Cover? 

Just because a banking institution offers FDIC insurance, that does not necessarily mean all accounts, products, and investments are covered. 

FDIC insurance often covers:

  • Checking Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Money Market Accounts
  • Certificates of Deposits
  • Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders
  • Negotiable Order of Withdrawal Accounts

The FDIC does not cover:

  • Stock Investments
  • Bond Investments
  • Mutual Funds
  • Annuities
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Life Insurance Policies
  • U.S. Treasury Bills, Bonds, or Notes

Remember if your bank is an FDIC-insured institution coverage is automatic to you, there is no need to apply for FDIC insurance.

Are You Covered? 

To find out if your deposits are insured utilize the tools below to check if your bank is insured, which of your accounts are covered, and how much of your deposits are insured.

Is Your Bank Institution Insured? – Not all banks are FDIC insured. Be sure to check that your is!

Are Your Deposit Accounts Insured? – Not all accounts, products, and investments are covered by FDIC insurance. 

How Much of Your Deposits Are Insured?  Use EDIE or Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator to determine how much are insured. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Deposit Insurance

If you are looking to learn more about FDIC insurance, we would be happy to help. If you are interested in FDIC deposit insurance coverage, simply make sure you are placing your funds in a deposit product at the bank.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

What is a Credit Score and Why is it So Important

What is a Credit Score and Why is it So Important?

We have all heard we need to have a good credit score, but many people do not know what a credit score is – this is ok, we are here to help! Having a good credit score is a lifeline for your future, so it is very important to know what a credit score is, how it can be positively and negatively impacted, and why it is so important to everyone. Take a few minutes to brush up on your knowledge of credit and how you can have a good credit score. 

What is a Credit Score? 

Credit scores have the ability to affect a lot in your life, so it is crucial to know what a credit score means and what yours is. Credit scores are a financial tool that determines each individual’s creditworthiness. A credit score is a number between 300 – 850 that is determined by your credit history. A high credit score means you are a responsible person who will repay your debts. 

Your credit score moves as you use and repay debts you have incurred. A bad credit score could result in a higher payment due to a higher interest rate or missing out on a purchase you’d like – such as leasing an apartment, obtaining a loan or credit card, purchasing insurance or a vehicle, etc. You may be asking – What if I do not have a credit score? Not having a credit score means you have not tied anything to your credit profile. This can often be a bad thing as you have no history of good credit or debt payment to a lender. 

What Does Your Credit Score Impact? 

Your credit score essentially affects your financial life. There are many good and bad ways to affect your credit. Your credit score plays a huge part in a lender’s choice to offer you any sort of credit. A credit score may also impact the amount of the deposit you have to pay for utilities, phone services, rental properties, and more. Your credit score impacts your interest rate or credit limit. 

What Impacts Your Credit Score?

Your credit score is impacted by five main factors that are evaluated when you take out credit. Your credit score is reported and updated by credit reporting agencies in the United States. The five factors that affect your credit score are: payment history, the total amount owed, the length of credit history, the types of credit, and new credit you use. 

How to Improve Your Credit Score

There are many ways to improve your credit, so if your score is on the low end, do not worry! Here are 4 ways to increase and improve your credit score:

1. Pay your bills on time – on-time payments for six months will positively affect your score. 

2. Use a credit card – contact Peoples Bank & Trust to open a credit card today!

3. Don’t close your credit card account – stop using the card rather than closing it as this could negatively impact your score. 

4. Take out a line of credit and make consistent payments on time. 

Why is Your Credit Score Important?

As you can see, your credit score is very important to be able to do the things you wish financially. Having a good score can affect you in many ways, so if it is low, it is important to work on growing the number. An excellent score ranges from 800 to 850 while a poor score is between 300 and 579. The middle range can be considered very good to fair and can affect the terms of the credit you are offered quite a bit, even if you are a few numbers off from the next range. 

As we have you thinking about your credit score, please reach out to Peoples Bank & Trust to discuss where you are at and how our services can positively impact you.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

money; spring savings

Creative Ways to Save Money this Spring

Conduct A Closet Cleanout  

Spring is a time for cleaning, so why not address your closet? As the warmer weather comes, we are reaching for the sweaters less and less. It’s a great idea to do a deep dive into what you have in your closet so you can get rid of items you’ve not worn in ages as well as find some items you forgot you had. Decrease your urge to purchase new by organizing what you have in a way you can easily see all your options to pick from. You most definitely will come across old favorites you’ll be excited to wear, as well as maybe some items you forgot you purchased and still have the tag on. 

Once you decide what you’ll be keeping and what you’ll be getting rid of, sell some of your clothes. Spring is a great time to either have a garage sale or even sell online with Facebook Marketplace, Postmark, etc. Those old clothes can turn into some extra cash this spring.  

Gain A Green Thumb  

Fresh produce seems to taste the best in the warmer months, but the cost can really add up. Consider planting your own garden this spring to save a little extra. Not only is growing your own produce better for your wallet, but it is great for your health. Gardening can be a fun hobby for you and the kids. If you can devote some time to maintaining a garden, your stomach and budget will thank you.  

Having a garden gives you the freedom to plan your meals around what you have as well as incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into a majority of your meals. As your thumb gets greener, you could consider selling some produce locally as a side hustle. The cost of having your own garden can be very budget-friendly, but it also is a free hobby to enjoy and unwind with after a hard day of work.  

Better Your Budget  

If you want to save a little extra this spring, look through your budget and see what you can cut. Maybe you save a little extra and cancel the TV subscriptions as you will be spending more time outside or cancel the gym membership and get your exercise for free outdoors. Be in control of what you are spending your money on, spring is a great time to cut unnecessary spending so as fun stuff comes up this summer, you have the spare cash.  

The best part about the spring and summer months is that you can do free activities outside rather than going out and spending money on activities all the time. Rather than eating out, consider grilling or cooking outside. This is such a fun activity to do with friends too when planning your next night out. You could try out a spending freeze where you don’t spend for x number of days to save extra to either save for or cover an upcoming expense.  

Enhance Your Energy Efficiency  

One of the biggest ways you can save this spring is to be energy efficient. Cut the cost of some of your bills by using the nice weather to your advantage. Spring is the time of year you can shut off the heat and open the windows. As the weather heats up, be frugal when you’re turning your AC on. 

Keep your house cool by adding window treatments to reduce the amount of heat that gets in. Another way to be more energy efficient is to run your large appliances less. For example, consider only running full loads of dishes or laundry. One tip that many people forget is to shut your fans off when they are not being used. A fan running is not cooling your house, so when you’re done cooling off, shut it off.  

Spring clean your savings with these creative tips. Spring and summer seem to be busy months with a lot of fun stuff to go and do. Start saving a little extra here and there to add an extra chunk to your savings. Save this spring to set yourself up for a financially successful year. The more frugal you can be to cut some costs, the bigger the payoff you will see. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender