As you may have heard, the U.S. Treasury has announced the decision to end production of the U.S. penny. This decision is part of an effort to reduce government spending, as it costs nearly four cents to manufacture and distribute each penny. As we move through this...
Your journey into college and adulthood can be a bumpy road. Learning to manage your finances as a student can be a bit stressful and maybechallenging to navigate but finding the right bank, accounts and services can make all the difference. Here are 3 tips for money...
Vacation is a time to destress, relax, and recharge. And nothing can spoil those good vibes faster than a financial headache—especially one that you are trying to deal with from the beach or a mountainside cabin. Just like you take care to pack all the items you need,...
The economic boom that is happening in Huntsville right now is truly deafening. And that’s not just because of recognizable companies that are increasingly finding a home here (think Mazda Toyota, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, the FBI, and the Space Command). Building...
Millennials drive change. They are the largest living adult generation, make up the largest segment of America’s workforce, have immense buying power, and are not as quick to go along with the old way of doing things. That has fueled shifts in everything from...
We all know that we need to save for retirement—it is what our parents told us and our grandparents before that, with the golden rule being to save at least $1 million. The reality is you may need double that. Retirement looks different these days than it did for...
If you are planning a wedding in 2021, congrats! Your to-do list is probably a long one—secure the venue, buy the dress, send the invitations, decide on your first dance song. We would like to make it a little longer. Fights about money can be one of the biggest...
Choosing how, where and when to invest your money can be a difficult decision, especially if you are a first-time investor. There are several different ways to invest, each with its own risks and rewards. Here are a few tips for new investors. Set your goals: Writing...
Thinking about buying a home, but not sure where to start? Navigating the complex housing market can be tough. The best time to purchase a home is dependent on your financial situation. Here are a few important questions to consider before buying a home. How much...
At SmartBank, we understand our clients live their lives on the go and need to access their banking accounts from anywhere, anytime. Mobile banking is a convenient way to pay bills, check statements and transfer money between accounts. But security is key to...
The unexpected loss of your job can be a frightening experience. Immediately questions begin to race through your mind…“How will I pay my mortgage; What bills are due next and can I be late on them;” and “How can I afford to put food on the table?” The first step is...
There is nothing more important than keeping your personal information secure so that you can prevent identity theft. And no matter the amount of time you’re spending online, it makes sense to be smart about how and what you’re doing there—helping protect your...
Deciding between a local community bank and a big national bank may seem like an intimidating decision. While some see the larger banks as the best option, community banks provide numerous advantages that allow them to service their customers and local communities in...