Blog: Smart Saving Tips & Advice | Citizens First Bank Citizens First Bank

Five Steps You Can Take to Avoid Credit Card Dept

5 Steps You Can Take to Avoid Credit Card Debt

Opening a credit card account can be a good start to building a good score, but with the privilege of credit comes the responsibility to use it wisely. In 2019, Americans carried over 4.2 trillion dollars in credit card debt, meaning most are paying way more than they need to for the things they buy. Here are five steps you can take to avoid unmanageable credit card debt.

Six Flexible Ways for College Students to Make Money

6 Flexible Ways for College Students to Make Money

It doesn’t have to be hard to balance work and full-time college studies. Try out some of these creative and proven ways to make some money on the side; it might be easier than you think.

Credit Scores: What Are They And Why Do You Need One?

Credit scores may be more important than you think. A good score could help you get lower interest rates and open up opportunities to buy the house of your dreams. Investing time in managing your credit score could mean saving thousands of dollars in interest down the road. Learn the basics of what a credit score is and how it can affect your financial life.

How to Start Making Charitable Donations

Giving to charities can easily be left out of your budget. No matter the size of your paycheck, set aside a small amount of money for organizations and charities of your choice throughout the year. By setting a budget for giving, you can make an impact on your community and find ways to support causes you are passionate about.

3 Reasons Banking Local is Better

When looking to open a bank account, there are several things to consider to ensure you’re choosing the right place. Megabanks like Wells Fargo and Citigroup boast about their convenience and worldwide access, but when compared to local community banks, their benefits might not be as great as they might seem. Local banks generally provide the same essential services in addition to three things big banks can never beat.

How the CARES Act May Affect Your Student Loan Repayment

In March 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law to bring economic relief to American citizens everywhere. As a part of this relief, federal lenders have placed all federal student loans on administrative forbearance from March 2020 to September 2020. This means that all payments have been postponed and interest is temporarily set at 0%.

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Student Loans 101: Understanding the Basics

Embarking on a journey towards higher education is an exciting and transformative experience for any adult. However, the financial aspect can often be overwhelming, especially when it comes to student loans. That’s why Citizens First Bank offers this guide.

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How Does the Rising Interest Rate Affect My Finances?

In the world of personal finance, one factor that can significantly impact your financial situation is the ever-changing interest rate. But what is an interest rate? An interest rate is the quantity of a loan that is charged as interest to the borrower, typically expressed as an annual percentage of the loan that is outstanding. […]

Is Graduate School a Good Investment?

Keep this advice in mind if you are considering graduate school.

6 Ways to Reinvest Your Tax Refund.

Filing taxes is never fun, but receiving a tax refund is! After receiving a tax refund, you may be tempted to use it towards something you’ve had your eye on this past year—the latest gadget, a designer bag, or a new piece of furniture. But before deciding where the money goes, check out these six […]

How to Budget Grocery Store Spending

Know how to balance monthly spending on food and restaurants. Have you noticed higher food prices at the grocery store? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2023 report on the Consumer Price Index, the price of groceries has jumped 12.4% since October 2021. It is important to make a conscious choice to budget the […]

Citizens First Bank Viroqua Wisconsin Addresses Concerns Amidst National Bank Runs

Citizens First Bank Viroqua Wisconsin (CFB) would like to address the concerns of its customers amidst the recent national bank events.

Tools and Tips for Investing on a Small Budget

Millennials and Generation Z who are entering the workforce face obstacles including high living expenses, student loans, and entry-level salaries that can make investing difficult. Thankfully, online tools for investment and saving are being used by the younger generation as a low-cost approach to traditional investment. Learn how you can use these tools to get the most out of a small budget and make saving a priority.

Budget-Friendly Summer Activities for the Whole Family

Summertime is here and it’s prime time to be with your family since the kids are out of school. If you are on a tight budget, there are various way to spend time with your family without breaking the bank. Take advantage of your surroundings and community events, add some creativity, and you’ve got yourself activities that you can do, whether you have a big or small family.

Weekend Getaway Ideas on Any Budget

Many people managed to save a great deal of money from last year with travel restrictions and less opportunities to eat out. This is your chance to finally spend the vacation fund you saved since last year. Here a few ideas for a weekend getaway.

Spring into Savings

The spring season is a time of renewal and a good time to start fresh. That is why many people choose to do spring cleaning or start on projects that they have been putting off. Let’s take advantage of the season change and get rid of our winter blues with these saving accounts. Here are a few savings accounts we offer that allow you to earn interest while you save.

5 Money Tips for Fresh Graduates

Adjusting to life after college can be difficult if you are not sure how to handle money wisely. Whether you have a part-time or full-time job, your salary may not be as high as you had hoped it would be. If you’re a recent college graduate or in the process of graduating, here are some tips on how to handle your financials as a job seeker or full-time employee.

How to Save Money on Gas

For most families, gas expenses make up a large portion of their monthly budget with work commutes, school drop-offs, and getting the kids to and from activities and practices. Gas prices can also be unpredictable, so it’s not always a consistent expense. Learn ways to make your gas money go the distance.