Five New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Finances in 2017

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by Pam Reiss

New Year’s Eve is about much more than watching the ball drop in Times Square or popping open a bottle of champagne. It’s about reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future. This time of reflection leads millions of Americans every year to make resolutions about how they can improve themselves. If you’re looking for a way to improve yourself in 2017, why not take a look at your finances? Here are five resolutions you can make that can drastically improve your finances and quality of life in the year to come.

Focus on your physical health: Your physical health and your financial health are inextricably linked. The CDC reports that 86 percent of our nation’s healthcare costs are attributed to chronic diseases. Many, like diabetes, heart disease and obesity, can be prevented with a good diet and plenty of exercise.

Cut an unnecessary expense: The cup of coffee you pick up at Dunkin Donuts every morning during your ride to work might seem like an insignificant expense at the register. But spending $3 on a cup of coffee every day over the course of the year ends up costing you $1095. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, there’s probably something comparable in your own life. If so, is there a way you can do it cheaper, or cut it out of your budget entirely?

Diversify your nest egg: Diversifying your savings helps you maximize growth and protect your nest egg at the same time. While not all investment vehicles may suit your needs, sit down with a financial professional and figure out how to expand your portfolio effectively. Certificates of deposit, IRAs and money market funds are just a few options offered by The Milford Bank. You don’t need to try everything all at once, but if you add one new dimension to your portfolio every year, you can set yourself up for a very comfortable retirement in no time.

Tackle a home improvement project: Have you been putting off a renovation for years? Make 2017 the year that you finally make it happen. Home improvements can increase your property value, making them great investments—especially if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future. For larger project, speak to a Milford Bank representative about affordable and flexible home equity or home improvement loans to get started.

Procure life insurance to protect your family: There are many families in this country without adequate life insurance coverage. Many more have no life insurance at all. Dwelling on our mortality may not be a popular pastime, and that may be why many individuals are misinformed about the importance of life insurance. Make 2017 the year that you finally have the uncomfortable conversation so that you and your loved ones can have peace of mind for every New Year to come.

To learn more about how you can make the most out of your New Year’s resolutions, check out our online Learning Center here or stop by any location of The Milford Bank and speak with one of our representatives today!

The Milford Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. 

Savings Tips to Keep Guitar Players from Singing the Blues

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by Pete Deleo

In the United States, the birthplace of rock’n’roll, there are nearly 2.5 million guitars sold every year.  And while the average price per instrument is higher than a typical holiday present—$433—guitars can actually be one of the most fiscally responsible gifts that you can give.

Once you’ve made the initial purchase, the musician in your life can enjoy a guitar nonstop with few additional expenses. Unlike more physical pastimes, they’ll be able to continue playing their guitar at any age. Guitar players can provide free entertainment, or even turn their hobby into a side job and make a little extra money too!

But purchasing a guitar should still be considered an investment. And just like any other investment, you’ve got to do your research and learn how to get the most bang for your buck. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to help keep the guitar player in your family from becoming another starving artist singing the blues!

Shopping for a first-time guitar player: If your 16-year old just got their driver’s license you wouldn’t purchase them a Rolls Royce. So why would you spend lots of money on a guitar? There are so many different types of guitars on the market today that finding the one that feels right can take some time. Check your favorite music store for guitars for sale on consignment, look online, or even look for guitars available for rent. That way, you can let your budding musician explore their newfound passion without breaking the bank.

Maintaining your instrument: Once you purchase your guitar you won’t rack up expenses as long as you maintain your instrument properly. A properly maintained guitar can last decades without anything other than the occasional new pair of strings. But if you don’t maintain your instrument, it can fall into disrepair, requiring work that can be more expensive than the guitar cost in the first place! Keep your guitar away from extreme hot or cold weather to avoid warping or cracking. When not in use, loosen the strings so that they put less pressure on the neck of the guitar, which will also help to curtail warping.

Consolidate gear for electric guitarists: Acoustic guitars require nothing more than a few fingers to strum their strings. Electric guitars, on the other hand, will be a little more expensive. You’ll need to purchase amplifiers, PA systems and cords—at the least. If you’re shopping for an electric aficionado, you can help save some extra money by purchasing all-in-one gear. For instance, some acoustic guitars come with electric pick-ups so it’s as if you have two guitars in one. There are also amplifiers that come equipped with PA systems so that you won’t have to purchase both separately.

Follow these tips and by this time next year, you may even have someone to play you some of your favorite holiday tunes! To see more great ways to save money in your daily life, check out Milford Bank’s blog here, our online Learning Center, or stop by a office location near you!

America Has a Saving Problem: What’s in Your Wallet?

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By Matt Kelly

Savings accounts are a vital component of anyone’s financial planning. By putting aside a portion of your earnings into a savings account, you can grow your wealth by taking advantage of interest rates so that you can be assured you’ll have the funds necessary when a need arises. Whether you’re saving up for retirement, planning to put your children through college or even just looking to take a vacation, it isn’t necessarily important why you’re saving—it only matters that you do it.

But based on recent data released by the Saint Louis Federal Reserve, Americans are having a hard time amassing money in their savings accounts. According to the Fed, 70 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 set aside in savings. In addition, the Fed found that Americans’ personal savings rate is only 5.7 percent. While that number has remained steady over the past few years, it is only half the amount saved by Americans 50 years ago.

Financial experts have made a number of recommendations to help people protect themselves during periods of financial turbulence. Individuals should be saving between 10 and 15 percent of their income. Additionally, it is prudent to have six months’ worth of your annual salary to avoid a pitfall in the event of job loss or other unforeseen expenses.

With the holidays coming up, these statistics are particularly alarming. According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American plans on spending $785 on Christmas gifts this year. That means a majority of Americans are planning to deplete their savings accounts in order to get gifts for friends and family members.

But what happens when your car needs a new transmission? What happens if your furnace dies in the middle of winter? While these are worst-case scenarios, your financial strategy should follow the mantra, “hope for the best but plan for the worst.”

And while it may seem impossible to begin accumulating more money in your savings account, there are a number of simple steps you can take to start heading in the right direction.

For starters, stop by a Milford Bank branch location and speak with a financial advisor. An experienced financial planner will be able to help you isolate the problematic areas of your budgeting and offer additional advice on managing any existing debt you may currently owe.

There are also numerous budgeting tools available for free today that can help you accumulate data and track your progress in real-time, meaning you can get a more comprehensive understanding of your spending habits that might not otherwise be easy to spot on a day-by-day basis.

If you can’t seem to stay disciplined enough to stop pulling money from your savings account, you may also want to consider an alternative investment vehicle. Certificates of deposit, for instance, are ideal. You can select a term limit that best reflects your needs. During that time period you will not be able to withdraw your funds, but will enjoy high yield interest rates upon completion of the term.

To learn more, stop by any office of The Milford Bank or check out our online Learning Center here.

Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

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By Pam Reiss

According to the United States Department of Energy, Americans will drive 3.17 trillion miles this year. And whether a majority of the miles on your odometer were accrued by your daily commute or a cross-country road trip, the fact remains the same—you’ll be putting a substantial portion of your paycheck into your fuel tank.

Of course, there are ways around the expense—mass transportation is available in many areas. You can opt to purchase an electric vehicle. You can carpool to reduce your costs or even call a cab. But for many Americans, getting behind the wheel is simply a fact of life. Don’t worry though—if you don’t have the means or desire to trade in your vehicle for a more efficient model, there are still plenty of simple steps you can take to improve your fuel efficiency and drastically decrease your annual gasoline costs.

Here are five simple steps you can take to improve your fuel efficiency.

  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You don’t need a puncture hole to lose tire pressure. Variations in weather, as well as typical wear and tear, can cause them to lose 1 PSI every month. If your tires aren’t properly inflated your car has to work harder to propel itself, consuming more fuel in the process.
  • Conduct routine preventive maintenance. If you treat your car well, you will likely be rewarded in kind. Don’t put off your regular oil changes, change your air filters and make sure you replenish depleted spark plugs.
  • Keep your gas gauge in the sweet spot. Fuel efficiency is at its lowest when you have less than a quarter tank of gas. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should keep it full either. Gasoline adds weight to your car—10 gallons is roughly equivalent to 60 pounds. If you keep your tank halfway full, you can reach peak performance.
  • Be conservative with heat and air conditioning. Have you ever blasted your heat to warm up your car, gotten too hot and switched over to air conditioning to balance the temperature? If so, you’re greatly reducing your fuel efficiency. Take advantage of nice weather and roll down your windows instead. Or if you’re worried about the cold, wear an extra layer until you get comfortable.
  • Keep clutter to a minimum. Inspect the contents of your vehicle. Do you have items that you leave in your car on a regular basis out of convenience, even if you don’t use them? Every additional pound that adds to the weight of your vehicle is reducing your fuel efficiency. Schedule some time every week to clear the clutter out of your vehicle and the engine won’t have to work as hard to carry you down the road.

To learn more simple ways to reduce wasteful spending in your life, stop by a Milford Bank branch location to speak with a financial advisor, or check out more helpful hints at our online Learning Center here.

Financial Tips to Make Sure Your Halloween is All Treats and No Tricks

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by Celeste Lohrenz

With the end of October just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for the spookiest time of the year—Halloween! In the coming weeks there’s a lot to do—carve pumpkins, decorate the house, plan costumes, parties and trick-or-treating routes for the kids. But in the midst of all the holiday excitement, all the added expenses of the holidays can go unnoticed. In order to make sure you don’t get a fright when you look at your bank statement come November, take a look at these helpful hints for a cost-effective Halloween.

Cut down on energy-consuming decorations. Every neighborhood has one—the family that goes all out creating a nightmarish scene on the front lawn with decorations and lights. If that happens to sound like your home, consider making a few adjustments to your décor this year. Ditching the inflatable witches and ghosts will help keep your energy costs low. If you must, be sure to unplug them during the daytime to conserve electricity. Also consider swapping out old string lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Coordinate trick-or-treating with several families. Toting your kids around town to go trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition. By planning with your family, friends or neighbors, you can pool resources to keep your costs lower. Carpooling will help save gas and keep the streets safer. Sharing supplies like flashlights and refreshments will also make sure nobody has to spend extra cash on items that are readily available.

Participate in candy buyback programs. There’s nothing quite like the look on your children’s faces after they empty their pillowcases after a long night of trick-or-treating and see a heaping pile of candy sitting in front of them. But trying to eat it all can cause quite a bellyache. You can help offset some of your holiday expenses by looking for candy buyback programs near you. Many doctors, dentists and charitable organizations will pay you to turn in your candy so you can make some extra cash, promote a healthy lifestyle while helping others at the same time.

Make your own costumes. Trying on Halloween costumes at the store can be a blast, but it can also get expensive quickly. Don’t ditch the store altogher—it is part of the fun, after all—but go in with a different mission. Get an up-close look at the costumes that you enjoy the most and figure out how you can make them yourself with items you already own. You can even find many garments to help you piece together a costume at Good Will or other consignment shops. You’ll only be wearing your costume a few times at the most, so don’t lose sight of your financial investment in your costume.

Keep the chill out of your house. Whether you’re hosting a costume party or passing out candy to the neighborhood kids, the odds are good that you’ll be opening your front door a lot on Halloween. And while it’s not quite winter yet, that doesn’t mean you want the brisk fall air blustering through your home. You’ll have to crank up your thermostat to compensate, which means you can expect a nightmarish energy bill next month. Direct foot traffic to your garage, mudrooms or seasonal porches in order to avoid opening doors that lead directly into the heart of your home.

For more tips on managing your finances, stop by a Milford Bank branch location or check out our Learning Center here.

Don’t Let Finances Wreck Your Relationship

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By Cortney Meng

Anybody in a relationship knows that love and money will invariably intersect. Relationships are partnerships, and managing finances simply comes with the territory. But the results of a recent survey conducted by SunTrust Bank revealed that finances are the primary culprit for many couples’ relationship stress. According to the survey, 35 percent of respondents cited financial management as the biggest cause of friction with their partner—ten percent higher than second place finisher, annoying habits.

The issue is much bigger than figuring out whether or not to split a restaurant bill. Financial management underlies most of the big decisions that couples will make together, from marriage, having children, purchasing a home, to taking a vacation or planning for retirement. Without developing a stress-free financial planning strategy, couples may end up overwhelmed, stressed out and never attain the goals they set for themselves.

In order to make sure that you and your partner don’t let finances become a bone of contention in your relationship, consider adopting some of these practices for managing your money together.

Set your budget around shared financial goals. If only one partner in a relationship is concerned about reaching a financial benchmark, your finances are likely to become a stressor. To make sure you and your partner are saving in synch, set a series of short, medium and long-term goals which you both aspire to achieve. That way, you’ll be able to stay on track and budget accordingly to reach the carrot dangling in front of you.

Leave room in your budget for separate spending too. Nearly half of respondents to SunTrust’s survey reported that they had different spending habits than their partners. Disproportionate spending is a breeding ground for resentment, so be sure when you’re planning your monthly budget to allocate an equal amount for each partner to use as they see fit, no questions asked. That way, an individual inclined to save more will have that chance, while someone inclined to spend more won’t need to ask permission. And because there’s a set cap on personal spending, the couples’ finances won’t get out of control.

Seek the services of a financial planner. Managing finances within the context of a relationship can be stressful because it is difficult to take the emotions out of a purely mathematical process. In such cases, consider consulting with a financial planner. You’ll receive an objective third-party opinion from an individual that can give you a clear path to meet your goals, as well as investing strategies that will be best suited for your lifestyle needs and wants.

Stop by any office of The Milford Bank to learn about the products you need to achieve your goals. You can also check out more information on our Learning Center here.

Calculating Your Net Worth: Five Common Questions

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by Mark Attanasio

Even if you never actually see your paycheck and it is automatically transferred to your bank account each week, you may still know how much you’re making—maybe even down to the penny. Most people are fully aware of their income. But when it comes to net worth, the story is entirely different.

This is problematic because, unlike your income, net worth encompasses all your assets and debts. Calculating your net worth can provide you with a true measure of your financial well being, as well as providing you the information you need to improve your fiscal standing.

To help you figure out what you need to know about net worth, here are some of the questions others are asking too.

What, exactly, is net worth?

There is a simple formula that easily defines net worth. Add up all your assets—income, savings, investments and property. Then subtract all your existing debts. The total is your net worth.

When will I need to know my net worth?

While you won’t need to keep track of your net worth on a day to day basis, there are critical moments when it’s a good idea to have a firm grasp of your true value. You may want to understand the long-term trends for your net worth (how quickly you’re making or losing value) when planning your retirement or your estate. You may need it when looking to secure a mortgage or apply for student loans on behalf of your children.

I can’t touch my retirement accounts for 30 years. Do they count?

Your liquid assets are only one part of the net worth equation. Even if you don’t receive a distribution from your 401(k) or IRA accounts now, they’re still considered a part of your net worth.

Do I have the same net worth as my spouse?

Depending on how you and your spouse manage your household finances, your net worth may be identical or it could be drastically different. If you’re both listed as co-owners of your home, share a credit card or car, those assets will be attributed to both of you. If you both purchased vehicles separately, only the vehicle to your name will be considered for your calculation. However, if you add your partner’s net worth to yours, you’ll know your household net worth, which itself is important to track.

How do you account for outstanding car loans and mortgage payments?

When incorporating existing loans into your net worth calculation, you cannot truly consider houses or vehicles as assets until they’ve been paid for in full. So if you took out a $100,000 mortgage and have paid off $99,000, your home is still considered a $1,000 liability. But once you’ve made your last payment your home becomes a $100,000 asset.

Now that you have a better grasp on your net worth, stop by any office of The Milford Bank to see how you can continue to improve your financial standing today. You can also learn more at our online Learning Center or check out more financial calculators here.

Wealth Management Lessons from the Billionaires’ Club

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By Karuna Kasbawala

When Forbes put out its latest list of the 500 wealthiest people around the world, the individuals selected had a collective net worth of $4.7 trillion. While you may not be in a position to ask for their advice on where to bring your private jet for maintenance, there is plenty for the average person to learn about wealth management from the people who do it better than anyone else.

Below are the five individuals that topped Forbes’ list, as well as a wealth management lesson you can apply in your own life.

Bill Gates: Gates is an annual contender for the richest person in the world. But his path to success wasn’t always clear. After enrolling in Harvard in 1973, he dropped out of school two years later to start a company you’ve probably heard of before—Microsoft. While earning a college degree can have a tremendous impact on your earning potential, don’t make the mistake of thinking it is the only way you can become successful.

Carlos Slim Helu: While lesser known than Bill Gates, Carlos Helu’s net worth is nearly identical. How has he done so well? The key was starting early. At 12 he was investing in bonds, stock and learning how to do book-keeping and read financial sheets from his father. If you have young children, don’t shy away from teaching them the importance of wealth management. Click here for additional resources to getting your kids educated about banking today.

Warren Buffett: Buffett owes much of his fortune to his ownership of Berkshire Hathaway. Much of the corporation’s work revolves around real estate, but Buffett himself is not a customer. He still lives in the home in Omaha, Nebraska that he purchased 60 years ago for just $31,500. Take a look at your own life—are there more cost-effective and practical ways to handle your assets?

Amancio Ortega: As the founder and chairman of Inditex—a famous fashion company in Europe—Ortega knows that when it comes to accumulating wealth, every step you take is important. As a young teenager in Spain, Ortega started working as a shop hand for a shirt maker in his town. He perfected his craft for years before finally launching his own line of bathrobes and opening his own business. Amancio Ortega’s success proves that all work has value. Even if you’re at the bottom of the ladder now, the hard work you put in can pay dividends down the road.

Larry Ellison: Larry Ellison is a testament to the notion that giving up hope should never be an option. Even though he is a successful Silicon Valley magnate today, Ellison was not exposed to computer sciences early in his life like other high-earning tech innovators. In fact, he was only introduced to computer design during his second attempt at higher education.

You don’t need billions of dollars to have a high quality of life. But if you’re like most, having a little extra money in your savings account wouldn’t hurt either. The wealthiest people in the world all had to earn their first dollar at one point, just like everybody else. It is their discipline, hard work and humility that helped them keep the momentum moving forward. Find more ways to manage your wealth at our online Learning Center by clicking here.

Thinking About Adding a Dog to the Family? Read This First!

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by Lynn Viesti Berube

There’re reasons dogs are considered man’s best friend: They give their owners unconditional love, are intelligent, provide countless hours of entertainment and are highly loyal. If you’re thinking about adding a puppy to your family unit, consider all these charming attributes. But also think about whether you can afford to own a dog. According to Pet Education, out-of-pocket expenses for just the first year of your puppy’s life can be as high as $6,600.

Certain costs, such as for services provided by a veterinarian—from vaccines to heartworm shots, to spaying or neutering—are unavoidable. Yet, you can mitigate other costs by taking the following measures:

Find an alternative to pet stores: Buying a puppy from a pet store could cost you $1,000. For a dog with a lower price tag, explore alternative options like animal rescue shelters or adoption clinics. Have a specific breed in mind? Consider contacting a rescue group. All pedigrees are available in shelters and foster homes. Adoptions are usually low cost or free.

Double your dinner recipe: Purchasing food for your dog isn’t cheap. The good news is that you can add some of the common foods you already cook—rice, vegetables and meat, for example—into their diet for a healthy and cost-effective solution. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, though, to make sure the ingredients you use are dog-friendly and offer enough nutrition.  

Invest in proper training: Taking the time to properly train your dog will have long-lasting positive effects for all of you. Don’t think of spending money on training as an expense, but rather, an investment. If your dog isn’t taught to respect you and your property, it might behave in unfriendly, even dangerous, ways. Dog’s have lots of energy and need to learn how to channel it appropriately so they don’t do damage when you’re not around. In addition, dogs in new surroundings often experience anxiety and might express their feelings by chewing on furniture, or behaving in other destructive ways. In other words, a well-trained dog is less likely to require frequent shopping trips to IKEA.

Make your own toys: Trekking through the aisles of a pet store, you’ll see a multitude of expensive dog toys made from common household items. Instead of spending money on a piece of rope, for example, check your garage for a similar “toy” first. Another tip: Purchase out of season toys at the pet store. Your dog does not care if you give him/her a snowman toy in the summer.

Be proactive about healthcare: Just as you do for yourself, take a proactive approach to your dog’s healthcare. Regular check-ups can prevent illness from impacting your dog’s quality of life, and help you avoid more-expensive medical treatments. A balanced, nutritious diet and daily exercise will also go a long way toward keeping your pet in top shape. Also be sure to brush your dog’s teeth, administer heartworm and tick prevention medications, and strictly follow any recommendations made by your veterinarian.

These measures will ensure that adding a dog to your family won’t upend your financial stability, and will allow you to enjoy your new pet for a long time. For more ideas on managing your money as you go through life, check out the Milford Bank Learning Center.

Starting to Sweat the Cost of Tuition? We Can Help!

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By Patty Gallagher

Even from the time your child enters high school, teachers and advisors are beginning to prepare your children for higher education. The idea that your son or daughter is going to graduate might seem far off then, but by the time he or she enters junior year the prospect starts to get real.

All of a sudden, you start researching the cost of tuition—between $21,000 and $23,000 for one year at Connecticut’s state schools—and wonder how you’ll be able afford higher education. But don’t be alarmed by the sticker shock. There are ample resources available to your family to ensure your child can get a college degree.

Here are just a few ways you ensure your child earns a degree without you having to empty your savings account.

  • Financial assistance: Click here to check out the scholarship finder in the left hand column of the Milford Bank Learning Center. By entering your child’s SAT, ACT and GPA, as well as the state where he or she wants to go to school, you can receive a free customized scholarship report detailing available funding emailed to you directly—and at no cost. You’ll also find educational resources to learn about student loans and grants.
  • Take introductory classes at community college: Many course credits earned at community colleges will satisfy the basic requirements of degrees at more expensive schools. Learn which credits will transfer, have your child complete a semester or two at community college, and then begin applying to other schools.
  • Apply as a commuter: Half the cost of tuition goes to paying to live in dorms on campus. Based on the average state school tuition, your child could commute from home and save your family roughly $900 per month. Even if he or she is adamant about moving out, a $500 per month apartment near campus would still help your bottom line.
  • Make minor lifestyle adjustments: If your student is just entering junior year of high school, that means you have roughly two years before they head off to college. That’s 730 days of expensive lattes, going out to eat instead of dining in, and all the other expenditures that seem trivial until you add up the costs. By making minor lifestyle adjustments—even if just for the next two years—you can give your savings account a sizable padding.
  • Select an investment vehicle: There are many ways to invest your savings. Some accrue interest more quickly than others. Speak with a bank representative about your student’s goals, your timeframe and the amount of money you’re looking to save and you’ll be able to find the right strategy for your family.

The sooner you start planning for your child’s future, the easier time you’ll have when that future becomes the present. Come down to any Milford Bank branch location and start earning your education on saving for college today.