Tag Archives: Savings Tips

Kick Off The New Year With These Savings Tips

Wow – we can’t believe it’s already 2020! The new year will bring children, weddings, new business opportunities and more. With that being said, we want to make sure you can continue to prosper financially. Here are our favorite savings tips to help you kick off the new year!

Start saving for retirement.

Yes, it’s far away and you can’t really see the benefits right now, however, starting to save for retirement now will be crucial in how much money you’re able to spend in the following years. The closer you get to retirement, the more you’ll have to put away if you haven’t started saving in earlier years. Making sure you find other ways to help your retirement fund grow will also be in your best interest. If your employer will match up to 3% of your 401(k) contributions, be sure to take advantage of that! If there is an opportunity to get good interest rates on a savings or checking account, stash some money there as well as in a CD or IRA.

Make a plan to pay off your debt.

Having an accumulation of different debts can become overwhelming and stressful. For the new year, think of a game plan to break down those debts and start to pay them off. Whether its credit card debt or student loans, there are always ways to come up with a doable plan to implement over the next few years. Start budgeting and begin to pay off debts in order from smallest to largest.

Start an emergency fund.

We understand that you may have some money built up in a savings or checking account, but when an emergency hits, you don’t want to have to take money out of those accounts. By having your own account for a rainy day, you will know exactly how much money you have saved up for potential expenditures.

Really start to budget.

It’s one thing to not drink a morning coffee from your favorite shop, but it’s another to actually have a list for a budget of all the things you need to stick to. It’s really easy to get off track and start eating out a few more times during the month or pay for something you really don’t need. Making a real budget and sticking to it will be the #1 thing that brings you financial success this year!

We hope you decide to implement all 4 of these savings tips into your new year. By starting to save for retirement, pay off debt, build an emergency fund and budget, your financial finesse is sure to flourish! Store your newly saved cash in a savings or checking account with us today!

Spring Into Cash With These Top Savings Tips

The grass is always greener on the other side of winter, but is your bank account? Make the most out of your spring by boosting your savings. All it takes is an idea and some creativity to make some green this spring!

Skip the Gym

Of course your health should take top priority in all seasons. However, it’s great to switch up your routine, not only for your health but potentially for your wallet! Now that the weather is warming up, you can look for some alternatives for working out. A gym membership has its perks, but you can find activities outside to get your heart rate up and keep your body strong – for free! These could be running outside, biking, hiking or even outdoor yoga!

Switch to Generic

More often than not, the generic version of most products are indistinguishable from the brand name. This goes for food, hygiene products and even medicine. You can cut your expenses by ⅓ by switching to generic everything when you have the choice!

Buy Used

Spring is typically the season when you see many garage or yard sales. People are anxious to clean out their homes for the spring while making a little extra cash! This is definitely something you can jump on board with, but if you don’t have the time, consider doing a little secondhand shopping for items you already need. It won’t save you any money to go secondhand shopping to only end up with many items you don’t truly need. However, if you are in the market for something like new clothing, shop around in your neighborhood before heading to the mall.

Make Savings Automatic

When we take the decision out of whether we will save and make it an automatic, I will save, it’s more likely to come to fruition. Set up an automatic savings account so that a percentage of each deposit will automatically go into your savings account. This is a great way you can see your savings grow and grow this spring!

Keep your cash safe by opening a savings account with us after utilizing these top savings tips!

How to Plan Spring Break on a Budget

Spring Break

Spring break is a magical time of the year when school is out, the beaches are calling, and wanderlust seems to finally hit at full force. Before you jet-set to your next destinations, make sure you’ve saved enough to enjoy this vacation, without the addition of debt. To help cut the costs, but not the fun, Heartland Bank offers these proven money saving tips:

Split Costs – Make the most of your money, and divide the cost of a room between you and your fellow friends. Paying $150 a night may be a high price tag, but by splitting the cost, you can stay twice as long!
Drive Instead of Fly – If your traveling troop decides to book a trip abroad, then this tip may not apply, but for eager spring breakers traveling south, driving instead of flying could save you hundreds!
Try Alternate Accommodations – Who says a hotel is the only appropriate place to stay. With innovative new offerings on VRBO and Airbnb, you can find deals that not only save you money but offer a more unique setting than traditional accommodations.
Get Groceries – One of the most expensive parts of a vacation is the food. Cut down on this cost by hitting up the local grocery store when you arrive. You can grab breakfast items, and other easy foods to prepare to avoid exorbitant dining fees.
Maximize Free Activities – Things like going to the beach or relaxing by the pool can be both enjoyable and cost effective. Since there are typically no entry fees, you can enjoy this fun-filled relaxation again and again.
Bring Your Own- Everything is more expensive on the beach. Food, drink, shade, you name it! Instead of purchasing everything ala carte, pack a reliable beach kit, with everything you need for the day. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Utilize Your Rewards – What’s the point of having travel rewards if you never use them? By putting those points to work, you can cover the cost of your flight and/or room, and reserve your money for food and fun.