Kids and Money: Seven Tips

Posted on November 5, 2018 by vcnbfamily

As community bankers we frequently visit classrooms to talk about banking and money management.

For the little kids we focus on the difference between needs and wants and on the importance of saving money. For the teens we talk about more complex topics like how banks and credit works. We talk to them about what happens when you borrow money, why everyone needs a checking account and what credit scores mean.

We do this because we believe financial education is important and we are happy to provide this service to youngsters and young adults in our communities. However, we hope that parents will spend some time educating their kids about these topics as well. Here are seven tips to get you started.

Teach them about saving. Whether it’s a piggy bank, a clear glass jar or a passbook savings account, teach your kids to save money and to be excited about seeing it grow. Talk to them about how saving money means they’ll have funds for something they really want or need in the future.

Talk about the difference between needs and wants. This is a lesson that a lot of adults could use as well. In talking to third graders with our Teach Kids To Save program, we find that they have an excellent grasp on what they need and what they want. They need a pair of shoes. They want the kind that light up when they walk. By the time they’re in high school, we find it’s often harder to get them to admit they don’t need the latest iPhone.

Talk about the cost of things. As you’re grocery shopping or making decisions about purchases, initiate a conversation about why you are buying the off brand canned goods or how buying in bulk saves money in the long run. Help them understand that even the small purchases call for decision making.

Give them a chance to earn money – Whether to give allowance or pay for chores is a personal decision each family must make. We will say that there is wisdom in providing kids with the opportunity to manage money they had to earn. Modest pay for chores or allowance gives them the chance to learn about responsible spending and saving. If you have teenagers, encourage them to take on a part time job or to do odd jobs in the neighborhood.

Help them open a Student Checking Account. They will need one eventually and learning to manage an account now will help them later in life. Click here to learn more about how Student Checking at VCNB works.

Discuss Debt. This is a good subject for everyone but especially for teens who have their eye on car ownership. Talk to them about things they might need to borrow money for – like a car, college education and house – and about saving money for a down payment. Also talk about how to manage a credit card responsibly and why they should avoid charging more than they can pay off in a month.

Talk savings. Teach them about the three most important kinds of savings for adults: personal, emergency and retirement. While retirement savings may not seem like a priority to a teenager, it will be important in a few years once they’re starting out in their career.

Your kids are going to learn about money from someone. Wouldn’t it be better coming from you?

The Thirties: Time To Get Serious

Posted on June 30, 2015 by vcnbfamily

We have retirement on the brain this week. Every day this week we will post retirement advice from NerdWallet on the various stages of life. Today, we are focusing on the thirties. These folks have been working a while and are more stable in their careers but do they know how to prepare for retirement? Read about your twenties here (w/Link)

There’s one truism about retirement that has stood the test of time: It’s never too late, or too early, to start saving. Whether fresh out of school or winding down in a career, there are things you can do to successfully prepare your nest egg, as well as places where it’s easy to stumble. Financial institutions such as Vinton County National Bank can help you set up a retirement account and personalized plan. But it’s up to you to do the heavy lifting throughout the decades.

If you are in your thirties, now is the time to get serious about your retirement savings.

By Cait Klein, NerdWallet

If you hit your thirtieth birthday and you haven’t started thinking about retirement, you’re not in the danger zone yet, but you are starting from behind. Consider meeting with a financial planner to see where you’re spending more than you need to and discuss how to redirect some of that money toward retirement. Create a budget and consider trying to divert 20 percent of your income into savings. If the company you work for provides a 401(k) account and matches a percentage of employee contributions, make sure to participate with an eye toward contributing at least enough to get the full match.

Before making big purchases, look into a crystal ball and envision the future. Don’t saddle yourself with a level of debt that could distract from your retirement down the line. If you’re about to buy your first home, and you made good strides in building your retirement fund in your twenties, you might be tempted to draw on that money for a down payment. Although the Internal Revenue Service allows first-time homebuyers to draw on a portion of their retirement savings to pay for a home, doing so results in a double hit. Not only are you reducing your plan by the amount you withdraw, you’re also causing the dividends that that money would have accrued to evaporate. As a result, though you might have a beautiful house, you might also find that you have to delay your retirement because you have to work longer to make up for the withdrawal and those unrealized dividends — or, you might find that your later years end up being less golden than you’d anticipated.

NerdWallet

“When it comes to credit cards, insurance, loans or expenses like hospital costs, consumers make almost all their decisions in the dark. NerdWallet is changing that by building accessible online tools and providing research and experts that can’t be found anywhere else, all to help consumers take back control of their choices in a marketing-driven, trillion-dollar industry. Find out more at www.nerdwallet.com.”

Saving for Retirement at Every Age: Your Twenties

Posted on June 29, 2015 by vcnbfamily

This week we are talking retirement. Every day we will post retirement advice from NerdWallet on the various stages of life. Today, we are starting off with the younger set. If you are in your twenties or have a child in this age group, listen up! Retirement may seem far away but this is the ideal time to start preparing.

There’s one truism about retirement that has stood the test of time: It’s never too late, or too early, to start saving. Whether fresh out of school or winding down in a career, there are things you can do to successfully prepare your nest egg, as well as places where it’s easy to stumble. Financial institutions such as Vinton County National Bank can help you set up a retirement account and personalized plan. But it’s up to you to do the heavy lifting throughout the decades.

By Cait Klein, NerdWallet

Albert Einstein once declared, “The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.” But you can capitalize on the magic only if you start early and stay consistent. The earlier you begin, the more time there is to maximize returns, giving the account time to grow into a significant sum. Here’s an example. Assuming a four percent return, if you were to fund $5,000 a year in a Roth individual retirement account starting at the age of 20, by 65 you’d have a nest egg of approximately $660,000 from an investment of $230,000. But if you put it off until age 30, it would require annual savings of $8,400 to get the same end amount. And you can usually withdraw the earnings tax-free when retirement rolls around.

Habits are hard to break for better or for worse, so make sure the financial ones you develop early on are good. After having a great decade of fun and splurging, it can be hard to change your behavior and start saving. Get used to putting away a steady stream of funds in your youthful years, so that doing so for the rest of your life won’t be so hard.

NerdWallet
“When it comes to credit cards, insurance, loans or expenses like hospital costs, consumers make almost all their decisions in the dark. NerdWallet is changing that by building accessible online tools and providing research and experts that can’t be found anywhere else, all to help consumers take back control of their choices in a marketing-driven, trillion-dollar industry. Find out more at www.nerdwallet.com.”

Create a savings plan for 2015

Posted on December 29, 2014 by vcnbfamily

Did you save enough in 2014? Do you have enough money tucked away for retirement? How about for a small emergency? What if the furnace blows next month or your car needs repairs? Do you have enough in savings to get by? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is a resounding no.

Most financial experts recommend that you pay yourself first. That means before you pay rent, buy groceries or go to the movies, you set aside a portion of your income. We recommend that you create a monthly budget to see where your money is going. In doing so, set a savings goal for each paycheck. If you think there isn’t room for savings, take a closer look at frivolous expenses or impulse buys that could be draining your checking account (Click here to read about 35 ways to save some dollars).

Once you know how much you want to save, you just need to decide where to tuck the money away to keep it safe. If you are just starting out, the best approach is to open a savings account. At VCNB we offer a personal savings account that requires an opening balance of $100 for adults with no minimum for minors. Interest is paid on this account if it has a balance of $100 or more.

Once you have a savings account, you can deposit funds at the bank, with direct deposit and with Online Banking. You can even set up automatic transfers to ensure the funds actually make it to savings. Once it’s there, try not to touch the money unless there is a true emergency.

If you have a high deductible insurance plan, another great savings option is the Health Savings Account (HSA). While some banks charge large fees for an HSA, VCNB offers this account for free if you accept a monthly e-statement rather than a paper statement. If you wish to receive a paper statement, the account fee is $3 per month. There is a one-time $25 set up fee for this account that is waved if you have this coupon. Basically, an HSA is a tax favored way to save money for qualified medical expenses.

If you don’t use the money you deposited into your HSA this year, the funds will roll over to the next year. For many young people with lower medical expenses, this is a great way to begin saving for later in life when medical expenses typically become more burdensome. Once you reach the age of 65, your HSA savings can be used for any type of expense. Check out this link to learn more about an HSA at VCNB.

If you already have a nest egg but would like to earn more interest for your savings, a good investment is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Certificate of Deposit (CD) with VCNB. With a CD, you can select the length of time you would like to invest and then watch your money grow. An IRA allows you to save more for your future because you can contribute to your retirement over time while earning interest. We offer Traditional, ROTH, SEP and Educational IRA’s, allowing you to choose what’s best for your long term goals.

There is no greater security than financial security. For most people that doesn’t come overnight. Instead it comes dollar by dollar. Take a moment now to consider what you want your finances to look like a year from now, five years from now and twenty years from now. Then devise a plan and start saving today!

Your future self will thank you.

What is a Christmas Club?

Posted on October 20, 2014 by vcnbfamily

Have you heard about our Christmas Club? It’s an easy and simple way to save money for the holidays and we are signing up customers now.

At VCNB, this is a free savings account where we automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings into a separate savings account. You decide how much you want to save and we transfer the funds every two weeks.

You will receive a check for the amount you saved in October 2015!

This is a convenient way to save money gradually and to generate a nice nest egg. For people who find themselves with a mountain of credit card debt every January, a Christmas Club is an especially helpful tool for staying ahead of the spending game.

This year, customers who open a new Christmas Club or renew an existing club will receive a set of three silicone spatulas with a holiday theme. This free gift is our way of saying thanks for doing business with us!

Christmas Clubs can be opened for as little as $250 or for as much as you want to save. Open an account from the comfort of your easy chair by visiting our website or stop by your local office to get started.

VCNB is Member FDIC.

Winterization Can Save Money (Even If You Aren’t Handy)

Posted on October 15, 2014 by vcnbfamily

Think you need a handyman to winterize your home? There are many small things you can do at your home today that will make a difference in your heating bill this winter. With heating costs forecasted to rise again this winter, every little bit will help.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Look for leaks – Are there cold drafty areas in your home? Seek out these places and consider how you might seal or cover these drafty spots. A three dollar tube of caulking can be used to seal around windows and doors. Those storm windows collecting dust in the garage will do wonders to keep the cold air out. An inexpensive pair of lined curtains from a department store will also keep out a lot of cold air. New weather stripping around doors is easy to install and will make a huge difference as well. A window weatherization kit from a home improvement store is a small investment that could save you big bucks on your heating bill.

Bring the air down – Did you know that your ceiling fan operates in two directions? Counter clockwise rotation will generate a nice cooling breeze but clockwise rotation will produce warm air. Look for a small switch on the side of your fan.

Ditch the window A/C – Do you have a window air conditioner in your home? Chances are the cracks around that unit are allowing cold air to stream right into your home! The U.S. Department of Energy advises removing the unit for the winter. They say it can waste five to thirty percent of your total energy usage each winter month.

Consider your furnace –If you do nothing else, change or inspect your furnace filters once a month during the winter heating season. A dirty filter will impact the health and productivity of your furnace. If you have the money, also consider hiring a professional to seal and clean your ductwork every few years. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about twenty percent of warm air is wasted because of leaks in ductwork.

Other things to do before winter hits:

-Cut the water supply to outdoor fixtures. Drain fixtures and garden hoses to prevent burst water pipes. Be sure to insulate the fixture and exposed pipe while you are at it.

-Take in or protect outdoor furniture, grills or other items you enjoy during the warmer seasons.

– Clean gutters to prevent clogs that might cause rainwater to back up and freeze. Freezing may ruin gutters by causing them to expand and crack.

– Create an emergency kit for your home and car. If the power goes during a winter storm it may be a while before the electric is back or until you can travel somewhere. Your kit should include a battery powered radio, a first aid kit, flashlights, candles and matches, bottled water and non-perishable food. Keep the same items in your car but be sure to add some warm blankets to the car kit.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Posted on September 10, 2014 by vcnbfamily

Do you have a household budget? If you’re like most Americans, chances are you don’t. A Gallup poll last year revealed that just one in three Americans prepare a household budget.

However, a budget plan is one of the most important things you can give yourself. It helps you to know where your money is going, helps with savings or other financial goals and it simply keeps you on track so that you don’t spend money you don’t have.

Unfortunately, people who do have budgets often don’t stick to the plan but instead simply have a wish list of how they want their finances to work while they continue spending unrealistically.

So how do you create a realistic budget that you can live with?

The first step is to track your spending. You already know how much you spend on utilities, mortgage and insurance but what about smaller expenses? For a month write down every penny you spend. Five dollars for lunch and thirty for gas add up pretty quick so it is necessary to be realistic about all of your daily expenses. At the end of the month, add up how much you spent.

Now sit down and make a list of all your expenses. It can be a handwritten list or some kind of worksheet on the computer.

Simply fill in the amounts and add up your month’s expenses. Are they more or less than your income? If they are less than your income that’s great! That means you have extra money to save, to dedicate toward debt payoff or to spend.

If your expenses are greater than your income, it is time to look at cutting expenses. Think about extras that you don’t really need like premium cable or a land line that no one in the house uses. Also look at major expenses like car insurance. Can you get a cheaper rate? How much money are you spending in restaurants or on recreational shopping? Are you wasting a lot of food at home? Maybe you are overbuying for your family?

Here are a few other things to keep in mind.

One of the most powerful ways to free up money in your budget is to pay off debt. Credit card bills, student loans and other types of debt may seem impossible to move past but making debt pay off a priority in your budget will help you stay on track and see how it is possible to dig yourself out of debt.

Give yourself a little wiggle room in your monthly budget. For those categories that fluctuate, like your water or electric bills, build a little extra into each month so you are not caught off guard. Also try to anticipate irregular expenses. You know your child’s school takes portraits every November so budget for that expense in November. Instead of trying to pay for all Christmas expenses at one time, tuck away a little into savings each month. A VCNB Christmas Club is a great way to do that!

And of course, build a safety net by saving something every month. Most experts recommend saving at least ten percent of your earnings. If this isn’t possible, just save whatever you can – even if it’s just five dollars a week.

Having and sticking to a budget will help you know where your money goes and will help you live within your means. These acts will eventually help you create a nest egg and pay off debt. Want more information on budgeting? Visit Consumer.gov.

Cost Cutting Tuesday: Television

Posted on March 4, 2014 by vcnbfamily

Television. It’s an amazing invention that brings the world into your living room with just a click of the remote. It can take you on an African safari, give you a front row seat at Carnegie Hall and take you to midcourt of your favorite basketball game. It’s entertaining and a terrific time killer.

It’s also a budget buster if you allow it to be.

Fortunately, there are some opportunities to trim costs in this department.

Buy an antenna – If you don’t watch a lot of TV and are happy with local channels, a simple HDTV antenna could be the solution. They are inexpensive and a great option for those who just want the basics.

Cut back on channels – How many channels do you really watch? Take a look at your package and consider cutting back. Basic packages typically include the most popular channels so you may not miss anything. If you actually watch those premium channels and see value in having them, there are other options.

Watch for deals – Satellite and cable companies tend to run a lot of promotions to attract new customers. However, these promotions are sometimes available to existing customers too. Check out their website and watch the mail for coupons and offers. If that doesn’t work, call customer service and ask if there are any deals available.

Shop around – Consider your options. Is there another cable provider in your town? Have you considered satellite TV? Often times, these companies offer better packages for your needs, discounted introductory rates or other promotions to attract new customers.

Go online – Many shows can be streamed online for free or for a monthly subscription. If you have reliable internet, using these online resources may be the way to go.

Bundle Up – Bundling your TV service with phone and internet may save you a few bucks without sacrificing the amount of channels you have to choose from. Ask your provider if this is an option.

Digital Media Players – Using the power of the internet, these set top box-like devices allow you to stream live content or watch programming on-demand at your convenience. Roku, Google Chromecast, and AppleTV are popular choices, but did you know that your gaming system may serve as a streaming device as well? Smart TVs are an option and are becoming more the ‘norm.’ The most popular channels tend carry a minimal monthly fee in the range of $5-$10, but there is also an abundance of free content. Purchasing a few must-have channels in addition to the free programming could allow you to cancel your cable or satellite subscription altogether!

Trimming just $10 a month can save you $120 a year and $25 would add up to $300 in a year. It’s tough to remember sometimes but the little things really do add up in a big way.

VCNB Family

Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1867

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