guest

Change is Good, But No One Said It’s Easy: Job Search & Transition

By guest
May 9, 2012 6:00 AM

Kim recently joined Susquehanna as our Corporate Communications Manager. By way of introduction, here are her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities you can encounter when changing jobs.

Well I did it! After 16 years, I left the comfort of a job where I knew everyone (just about) and everything (at least I thought so). Heck my car even knew what direction to drive when I jumped in it at 6:30 weekday mornings.

What made me do it? I was hungry for change… really, at my age? What was I, crazy? It’s been said before. Continue reading »

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guest

A Mother’s Day Boost for the Economy?

By guest
May 8, 2012 8:05 AM

My mom is amazing, caring, honest, patient, and beautiful – I could go on and on.  She was my first best friend and I have always been by her side – you can ask her – I had a constant grip on her pant leg at all times when I was little!  I still talk to her almost daily.  I don’t think I could ever show her just how much I love and appreciate her.  With Mother’s Day quickly approaching on May 13th, it’s a very special time to show your mom or any woman in your life just how much you appreciate them!

Even with the slow economy, people still want to splurge and pamper their moms.  It seems that Mother’s Day may be recession-proof!  A 2011 survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and BIGresearch estimates that $16.3 billion was spent on Mother’s Day – beating out Valentine’s Day ($15.7 billion) and Easter spending ($14.6 billion).  This was the highest rate of spending for Mother’s Day since 2008. The NRF estimates that Mother’s Day is the third largest spending holiday, behind Christmas and back-to-school. Continue reading »

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Joel

Despite Some Questionable Reports, the Economy is Still in Good Shape

By Joel
April 26, 2012 11:25 AM

The economic data were great for months.  And then came March. A string of less than stellar reports raised questions about the state of the economy. In particular, job growth slumped and housing starts cratered. But not all the data were bad, especially given that consumers are spending. Simply put, the economic numbers bounce around and we should not get too worked up over a few questionable reports.

For better or worse, it is still all about the labor market. From December through February, the private sector added nearly 250,000 employees per month. That was well above expectations but not sustainable in an economy growing only moderately. The payback occurred in March when businesses hired a mere 121,000 workers. So, should we be worried? Continue reading »

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Leigh

A Greener Earth, One Garden at a Time

By Leigh
April 18, 2012 2:09 PM

April 22 is Earth Day. For some this is a day to pledge to do an “Act of green.” For me it’s a day to think about dirt and rocks, plants, and trees; and plan what I am going to get into this year. I love to get my hands dirty…well my gloves anyway. April is a great time to plan how to add a little green to your life, and you don’t have to be an expert to get a garden you can be proud of. Here are a few tips that are good for Mother Earth and your bottom line. Continue reading »

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guest

Teaming Up with Minor League Baseball to Support Education!

By guest
April 11, 2012 10:00 AM

During the 2012 baseball season, Susquehanna is launching its sixth annual Strikeouts for Straight A’s educational initiative! Eight minor league baseball teams from across the region have partnered with us to promote the importance of good study habits in making a grand slam in students’ grades. Since the program’s inception, Susquehanna has raised more than $250,000 for educational programs throughout Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Continue reading »

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guest

But Mommy, I WANT it!

By guest
April 4, 2012 9:15 AM

As I’m standing in the middle of the toy store listening to my 3-year-old son cry because we won’t buy him the giant truck that he wants, I realize this might be a good time to start teaching him about saving money, and ‘needs’ versus ‘wants.’ But is he too young to start teaching him about money? No way! It’s important to teach children to save at a young age, to lay the groundwork for habits that will help them for the rest of their lives. Continue reading »

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Joel

High Oil Prices or Not, the Economy Is Proceeding Full Speed Ahead!

By Joel
March 30, 2012 10:40 AM

In 2008 and in 2011, high oil prices led to consumers losing hope and cutting back spending.  While gasoline above $4.00 by itself did not crater the economy, it did play a major role in its slowdown.  At least for now, the recovery remains on track and consumers seem to be dealing with the raid on their wallets fairly well.  Once we get the expected pull back in prices, business activity should accelerate.
Continue reading »

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Art

How Do You Pick a Mortgage Lender?

By Art
March 26, 2012 10:15 AM

Really? This is probably the easiest one to explain. Pick me. OK, all kidding aside, the approach to finding a mortgage lender is pretty much the same as that of picking a realtor. To start, ask those within your circle of influence. Who do you know that recently has bought, sold or refinanced a home: a family member, friend, co-worker? I am confident that in the last year someone you know has either bought or sold a home, or refinanced their mortgage. If not, you could ask your accountant or tax preparer, financial advisor, lawyer, or your employer. Continue reading »

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Leigh

Spring Break – Without Breaking the Bank

By Leigh
March 12, 2012 9:00 AM

It’s that time of year again. College students across the country are pouring over brochures and making travel plans. It’s spring break season and getting out of town to have some fun before finals sounds like the perfect way to end a long year of study. Maybe it’s a cruise on the high seas, a beach to bake in the sun, or an exotic locale to explore. No matter what the destination, students will get a lot of advice on the do’s and don’ts of travel. So let me add a few more words of wisdom every traveler should think about before hopping a plane, train, or automobile. Continue reading »

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Lauren

A Lesson in Making Every Dollar Count

By Lauren
March 6, 2012 9:15 AM

From ‘extreme couponing’ to making your own baby food, it’s trendier than ever to be frugal. It also makes good cents (pun intended!). We know our customers work hard for their money, and we’d like to help them keep more of it…Because every dollar counts. Every dollar saved contributes to a goal – large or small.

Last month we set up camp in Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia and asked shoppers, workers and tourists what they do to save. We featured a number of those participants in a new Susquehanna Bank television spot that premiered in February. There were several very unique responses, and some we heard again and again. Whatever the strategy, saving money is hopefully a trend that outlasts any current economic woes. May good saving behavior never go out of style! Read on for the most popular responses we heard from the people on the street. Continue reading »

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