Summer is long days, hot temperatures, and lots of outdoor activity.  It’s also a time for hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, ice cream, fruity drinks, and a variety of other backyard BBQ delights.  Most people, me included, think of the holidays as the time to pack on a few   Continue Reading »

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 »

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 »

With winter’s short days and cold temperatures, it’s easy to think about settling down for a long winter’s nap or hibernating until spring. But before you curl up by the fire and nod off, take a look at these ideas from Susquehanna employees to keep fun and adventure going all year long. Our employees share budget-friendly ways to beat post-holiday blues and nip cabin fever in the bud. Baby it’s cold outside…so take advantage of the cold temperatures, bundle up and give these suggestions a shot. Continue Reading »

For some a military career is more than a job - it is a calling to serve and protect. But whatever the reason a person decides to serve, it’s not the same as my 9-5 desk job. On days like Veterans Day, I often wonder what I can do to support those who take on such a great responsibility. As a banking professional, it’s part of my job to understand laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and how they affect lending at my bank. It is important to make sure our customers who serve are aware of how these laws provide protection for them and their families. Continue Reading »

A few years ago my husband and I decided to start a family. We lived in a great neighborhood with good schools and lots of other families with children nearby. Perfect.  We turned the second bedroom into every little boy’s (mother’s) dream. Blue walls, red accents, and lots of cars - antique cars, new cars, car memorabilia on the walls. Fast forward a couple of years to dump trucks in the middle of the living room, race cars under the sofa, bins and baskets full of the things that never seemed to return to his room. Oh, how I hated cars. We needed a playroom to reclaim some adult space. Where to look? We didn’t have another space on the main floor where my son could play, make a mess, and I could keep an eye on everything. Since I didn’t want to move, there was only one option for us (and for my sanity). A home addition. Eventually I could reclaim it too. I’ve always wanted a sunroom. Continue Reading »

As promised, here’s our second batch of getaway ideas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia – recommended by Susquehanna employees. One of our employees even came up with a great family “getaway” option that’s literally in your own backyard. Read on to learn more! Continue Reading »

Who doesn’t long for those long, hot, lazy days of summer and all the fun that comes with them? Backyard barbecues. Pool parties. Fireworks. Homemade ice cream. Planning the family vacation. Packing everything but the kitchen sink. Riding in the car for hours. Are we there yet?! OK - so some things I don’t long for and could easily live without. That’s why this year I asked Susquehanna employees for suggestions for summer fun ideas right in our own backyard. From amusement parks to county fairs, the ideas are inspiring. In fact, we received so many that we decided to include them in two separate blogs. Read the first group of recommendations to see where your summer could take you. It might be closer to home than you think. Continue Reading »

As my son quickly moves past the toddler stage and elementary school rises in the distance, my husband and I are beginning to think about our son’s education in earnest.  We want to be prepared for him to attend a college or a professional / trade school someday.  With the cost of higher education just that – higher than ever before – how do we make the most of our savings?  There are a lot of options out there, including pre-paid tuition plans, 529 savings plans, Coverdell Education Savings Plans, and custodial accounts, to name a few. Continue Reading »

If you’re a home owner looking to finance those spring home improvement projects, consolidate monthly bills, or pay rising college tuition costs, a home equity loan is a great option to consider.  It can be among the most affordable borrowing options out there. Here's some information to help you decide if a home equity loan is the right option for you. Continue Reading »

If you’ve got your sweaters, boots and gloves, you’re ready for old man winter, right?  Well, if you’re a homeowner, not quite.  A little time and effort on your part and your home - not to mention your wallet - will thank you. Continue Reading »

When you hear the word refinancing you probably think of a home equity loan or a mortgage…but have you heard the buzz about refinancing your auto loan?  It may be one of the best-kept secrets in lending. Continue Reading »

Have you ever told yourself “It was such a great deal; I couldn’t resist” or “I don’t eat out for lunch that often”? If you have, then we have something in common.  These types of miscellaneous expenses don’t seem like a blow to the budget at the time.  I mean, my son will eventually grow into those cute jeans, and I’ll be glad that I got them on sale. Recently, though, I started adding up the cost of all of these little extras.  Exactly how much money was I spending on “miscellaneous household and personal expenses,” and how could that money grow if I saved it instead? Continue Reading »