Finding time to express myself creatively has become a challenge. I get to think creatively at work, but actually putting pen (or paint) to paper is extremely rare. I thought my 3-year-old might have me covered in crayon and finger paint on a regular basis, but despite his parents’   Continue Reading »

[caption id="attachment_2639" align="alignright" width="300"] New State College South Atherton Branch[/caption] Mention a trip to State College, and instantly the thought bubbles that form above my head are filled with various scrumptious culinary delights that can only be found within the town’s limits. Many memories from my four years on Main Campus at Penn State University revolve around shared delicacies in between classes and study breaks. But the beauty of this town extends far beyond the plate. So let me be your tour guide though a day in State College – but know that I lead where my stomach takes me. Continue Reading »

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 »

The second month of the year – it must be the season of love! I can’t help but a feel a little nostalgic this month, as I got engaged in frigid February - many years ago! Much has transpired since then, but one thing I’m always thankful for is that when it comes to finances, my sweetheart and I have always been on the same page. Whether you’ve just been hit by cupid’s arrow or are planning your big wedding day, it’s never too early to start thinking about you and your partner’s financial styles. There are a number of key issues to explore to ensure your goals line up. Don’t pass GO without thoroughly exploring these issues first! Assuming you’ve addressed and come to an agreement on the crucial issues, how will you manage your day-to-day finances? It all hinges on the ever-popular checking account to keep the money flowing in and out to all the right places. So here is where it gets tricky. Is a joint account more your style, or are you looking to keep things separate? Continue Reading »

Before the last stitch was even in my son’s Halloween costume this year, I spied TV commercials encouraging me to start my Christmas shopping. It appears Black Friday is no longer the official start of the holiday shopping season, like it or not, so how can my budget survive nearly two months of spending pressure? Thankfully, I believe with a little pre-planning, I can shop for everyone on my list, stay on budget, and even have a little room to treat myself, and you can too! Nothing to fear! Continue Reading »

Imagine that you suddenly have an opportunity to buy a business from two retiring owners. It’s in an industry that you know well, but you’ve never owned your own company before. Deciding to leave steady employment to go out on your own is a daunting proposition. You decide to take the plunge! Continue Reading »

The concept of risk has been weighing on my mind a lot these days. I’m not a risk taker. I never have been. In fact, I usually analyze every possible scenario until I identify whatever minuscule risk is involved, and then use that as an excuse to run the other direction. Continue Reading »