Tag Archives: personal finance

Save $5000 This Year with our 52-Week Challenge

savings

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 when 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

$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 per person, and a week in Florida typically runs $4000+ for a family of four. The possibilities are endless!

New Vehicle: You can 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: Now with FHA loan offerings new home buyers can afford a mortgage easier than ever! Every home is different, but with $5000 you’re off to a great start!

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!

With so many exciting things to save for, be sure to start our 52-week saving challenge ASAP! The sooner you begin saving, the sooner you can enjoy your reward. Let Peoples Bank & Trust help you get off on the right food with our easy and affordable savings account options!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Start Your Retirement Plan with a Roth IRA

Roth IRA

Roth IRAs

There are many different options when it comes to planning for your retirement. Here at Peoples Bank & Trust we offer a large variety of plans to fit your individual needs. One of our most versatile plans is the Roth IRA. Learn how this account can benefit you and your loved ones when you retire.

6 Benefits to Starting a Roth IRA

Tax Free Income

With a Roth IRA you pay income tax on your contributions, and there are no additional taxes on withdrawals. There are also no taxes on earnings when you remove them from the account, simply pay tax on your income and then place the funds in your Roth IRA. As the finances grow, you never have to pay another penny of taxes on them.

You can continue to contribute funds after age 70

With the traditional IRA users must discontinue contributions at age 70 ½ and are then required to take distributions from the account. These distributions come with an associated tax for each withdrawal. The Roth IRA however, can gain contributions no matter your age, there is no age or limit to when, or if, you decide to take distributions. If you’re still earning an income and want to continue to save until you’re 100, the Roth IRA says go for it!

A Roth IRA can change as you need it

Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time penalty-free. In order to remove an amount more than what has been contributed, the investor must be over 59 ½ years old, with an active account for five years or more. There are some exceptions such as first-time home buying, disability, back taxes, or death.

The funds may be inherited

In planning your estate, a Roth IRA offers a tax-free opportunity for your beneficiaries to receive income that can extend throughout their life.  Yes, you pay taxes on the contributions now, but when you or your heirs need the funds to use, no additional taxes are levied upon withdrawal.

High income families are still eligible

Typically larger income families are ineligible for a Roth IRA, and instead are only allowed to use the traditional IRA. There is a loophole however, since 2010 new regulations have stated that anyone who builds their funds through a traditional IRA is eligible to convert those funds to a Roth IRA. Since this process does take some maneuvering it is best to speak with your tax professional if you would like to switch from a traditional IRA.

Roth IRAs are an ideal option

By facing the taxes now, users are able to avoid paying them in the future when things may have changed. Adding the safety of a Roth IRA enables investors to plan for the future without the risk of any other expenses down the road. In fact, after compounding, and letting time continue to grow the funds, any earned interest becomes tax-free additional finances to use on top of the built contributions.

Peoples Bank & Trust, offers both Traditional and Roth IRAs in addition to other retirement options. Stop by your local branch today to get your retirement plans in motion.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender