Stacked change with cap, shopping cart, house, plane, piggy bank, and rings on top

Our 2 Cents

Advice that Makes Cents.


At times, we could all use some guidance as we progress through life.  Here is a collection of tips, tricks, and useful information to help you when you need it.*
woman at computer holding credit card

The real cost of carrying a balance on a credit card could be greater than you think. Let's break it down. 

scissors cutting cable tv cord

Let’s be real: Cable television is expensive! Have you considered cost-effective cable alternatives?

calculator and budgeting binder

If you've never done it before, creating a budget can sound intimidating. Here are some guidelines to help you get started.

one car crashing into another car

Most personal finance experts agree: The first thing you should do, after meeting basic needs, is to establish an emergency fund.

credit card and debit card

Credit and debit cards may look similar, but their features and uses are very different. In this post, we explain the differences. 

Piggy bank with Santa hat

Panic buying right before the holidays could blow your budget.  A Christmas Club Account could be the solution. 

Stack of books

Financial terms can sometimes make things seem more complex than they are.  Don't let the jargon become a barrier to confidently taking about your money and your goals. 



































Advice that Makes Cents.

 
At times, we could all use some guidance as we progress through life.  Here is a collection of tips, tricks, and useful information to help you when you need it.*
resume and cup of coffee

Building a great resumé is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. Here are some tips to help you get started.

cars with SALE letters

A car is often the second largest purchase consumers will make, after a house. These steps will give you firm benchmarks for your cost of purchasing a vehicle.

Restaurant  ticket with money

Odds are, you’ve wondered about one of these age-old questions: Should I tip for this service?  And if so, how much? Read on to learn the ins-and-outs of tipping. 

Man and woman seated strategizing over a laptop

Starting a business requires planning, patience, and a lot of paperwork.  Here's how to start a business step by step. 


Wondering if you could benefit from solar energy? Here's a good place to start. 

Robot hand almost touching human hand

As scams evolve, one thing remains the same - the easiest way for a hacker to gain access to your information is by tricking you into sharing it. AI is making this task even more difficult. 
 





































Advice that Makes Cents.


At times, we could all use some guidance as we progress through life.  Here is a collection of tips, tricks, and useful information to help you when you need it.*
woman in grocery store

It’s easy to bust the budget at the grocery store. Here are some tips to help you grocery shop on a budget.

child looking at mon holding toy

It’s understandable why you may be tempted to overspend on your child, but could what you're spending now to harm to your own financial future?

wallet laying on ground

You've lost your wallet, or it's been stolen.  Your first instinct is to panic. Resist the urge, instead follow these steps.

Woman with cell phone in foreign county

There are five types of spenders: which one are you?

Tiny house with tape measure and level

If you find yourself constantly looking for ways to save every single penny, you might be overlooking the bigger picture.  Let's break it down. 

Pink gift bag with Christmas ornaments

October is the start of the holiday shopping season.  Here are some tips to get to the finish line. 

Scissors cutting cord

If you've always had cable, it can be scary to abandon ship.  Check out these common questions before taking the plunge.  

Kids doing crafts

Don't break the bank this summer.  We've got you covered with a list of budget-friendly ideas to combat boredom while keeping your savings account intact. 

 

Woman with dog

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience — if you're ready. Here are six factors to consider.

 

Notebook with football stats

Fantasy Sports are leading the way in workplace team building culture.

 


























Advice that Makes Cents.


At times, we could all use some guidance as we progress through life.  Here is a collection of tips, tricks, and useful information to help you when you need it.*
career, success, growth on street signs

Choosing a career may feel like a daunting task - These guidelines can help you choose the career that's best for you.
 
Read Post
couple hiking near water

Here are five key factors that should be considered before deciding how much money you’ll need in retirement.

Couple in front of home with sold sign

Buying your first house is an exciting time. Here are some things to consider as you move toward to owning your own home.

Bride and Groom figurine on top of money pile

When you walk down the wedding aisle, you’re also saying “I do” to a new way of handling your finances. Prepare for a financially happy marriage with these tips.
 
Notebook with the words Estate Planning written on it

Estate planning may not be on top of your to-do list, but taking care of some essentials now will make it much easier on your loved ones in the event of your passing. 
 
Medical professional with laptop and calculator

If you have recently signed up for a high-deductible health plan, you also qualify for a health savings account (HSA).  Here is what you need to know. 

 
Woman filming her new rack of clothes

When it comes to saving money, social media may not be your friend.
 















































*The material provided here is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. The Community State Bank assumes no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided.  Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.