Hey! While there are a lot of ways to pay bills these days, it’s important to understand how to use checks as a payment option.

A checking account allows you to make deposits and withdraw money to make payments. In exchange for greater access than accounts such as savings or investment, checking accounts tend to offer lower interest rates or returns on your deposits.

One way to withdraw your money from an account is by writing a check. The amount on the ...

Hey! As you transition from living on a college budget to getting your first real paychecks, here are some tips to help you manage your income while paying down debt.

1. Create a simple budget. Give every dollar a purpose. The 50/30/20 approach is always a great starting point and can help you get a better picture of where your money’s going.
2. Prioritize: Step 1, emergency savings. Step 2, 401(k) contributions. Step 3, debt. Step 4, retirement savings. Step 5, long-term emergency fund.
3. Understand ...

Hey! If you’re thinking about buying a home, here are four factors to consider:

Number 1: The long-term value. Typically, homes are appreciating assets, which means the value usually goes up the longer you own it.

Number 2: Payments. A portion of your monthly payment goes to your original loan and toward owning the home. The balance goes to interest. The larger the down payment, the more the original loan or principal will be covered with your payment.

Number 3: Taxes. Bad news: ...

Hey! Did you know your marital status can have a big impact on your Social Security benefits?

If you’re married, you may have the option to receive the greater of your own benefits or up to half of your spouse’s Social Security benefits.

If you’re divorced and the marriage lasted for at least 10 years, you may still be able to receive either the greater of your own benefits or half of your ex-spouse’s benefit.

Widows and widowers are entitled to collect Survivors ...

Hey! If your business has at least a year of history and revenue, you may qualify for a small-business loan. Here are three types of small business loans:

1. The SBA loan program works with banks to offer low interest rates and long-term repayments. This loan is good for large investments such as purchasing real estate or equipment.
2. A business term loan is up to $500,000 and can have a short-term repayment plan of 6 to 12 months or a long-term loan plan ...

Hey! If you’re in your 20s, don’t underestimate how valuable it is to start saving money for retirement now. It’s never too late to start saving, but people in their 20s are at the prime age to maximize the benefits of time, including capitalizing on compounding interest.

Here are 4 tips to help you start growing your money in your 20s.

1. Employers. Some employers offer to match 401ks. If possible, put in the maximum amount to get the maximum out of your ...

Hey! Did you know that financial stress is one of the biggest impacts to employee performance?

According to a recent study, financial stress can impact your workforce in a wide variety of ways, ranging from increased absenteeism and tardiness to decreased productivity, even to physical health issues such as ulcers, anxiety, and heart problems.

So, what can you do to address this stress as an employer?

Many organizations now offer financial wellness programs that help teach employees to better manage their money — ...

Hey! Did you know that saving for retirement is as easy as 1-2-3?

1. Start early. If you start saving at age 25, your nest egg could look like this. But if you wait until you are 35, if could look like this. Big difference.

2. Be consistent. Save every month, no matter what. It is ideal to save part of every paycheck for retirement, but if that’s not possible, put some amount aside every month or several times each year.

3. Let ...

Hey! Did you know that Southern Bank offers an easy way to make saving automatic?

Here’s how it works, in three easy steps.

Step 1. Enroll. Stop by any Southern Bank location to have a representative enroll your checking and savings accounts in the Savings Made Simple program.

Step 2. Shop. Shop as you normally would using the Southern Bank debit card tied to your checking account.

Step 3. Save. Each time you make a purchase with this debit card, the purchase price will be ...

Hey! If you’re interested in applying for a small-business credit card, here are four tips to keep in mind.

1. You will have to sign a personal guarantee, which means you agree to be personally responsible for any debt, regardless of what happens with your business.
2. The application may temporarily cost a few points of your personal credit, as the issuer wants to ensure that you are financially stable before giving you money. Also, depending on where the small-business card reports to, your ...