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When it comes to managing finances in a digital world, headlines can be overwhelming, and sometimes, downright scary. It can be difficult to know what technology is safe to use and what products pose risks. To help sort it out, we’re offering up some insights and strategies for modern money management from Assistant Vice President […]

Do you have a continuity plan? Gosh, we hope so. If the past few years have taught business owners anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. While business disruption is never easy, having a business continuity plan in place can ease some of the stress and financial hardship when a disaster occurs. The plan outlines protocol […]

The way we do business has changed drastically over the past 3 years. With an emphasis on online sales, curbside and delivery services, and remote work environments, businesses have adapted to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Unfortunately, this shift has created a golden opportunity for scam artists and criminals specializing in business […]

The holiday seasons is almost upon us but that doesn’t mean everyone is in the festive mood. Cyber criminals don’t slow down. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for the holiday.

As more Americans are practicing social distancing and staying home right now, it may be a good time to make a home improvement list for the future. A Home Equity Loan is one of the most affordable ways to get money when you need it most. In short, a home equity loan allows a borrower to use the equity in his or her home as collateral. It gives you the opportunity to take the money you’ve invested in your property, and use it for other things.

Can you be a victim of debit card fraud if you still physically have the card in your possession? The answer is yes!

Modern technology has given parents more shopping options than ever before, but some are discovering the benefits of more traditional back-to-school shopping money management. There are also a few modern twists on classic budgeting tips, too.

3 days to a new financial future with a Fidelity Home Equity Loan When it’s time to make home improvements, help a college-bound student finance their education, or consolidate credit card debt, homeowners may want to consider applying for a home equity loan. With modern technology, and a few tips from Kate Abraham, Mortgage Underwriting

Working and learning remotely for the past year has caused many people to reconsider what “home” means to them. Preparing more meals at home can lead to dreams of modernized kitchen, and lack of space can quickly become apparent when everyone is home at the same time for months. For those who have not experienced

FDIC insurance covers all deposit accounts including checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). These accounts at Fidelity Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount ($250,000) per depositor for each deposit insurance ownership category.

When it comes to college students and credit cards, there are plenty of opportunities to improve financial literacy, and some of the best teachable moments arrive before college careers begin.

For many Americans, the answer is “no.” An article published by CNBC addressed this issue in 2019, citing some startling statistics from the Federal Reserve: 40% of Americans have not reserved $400 for an emergency, and 25 percent of Americans have nothing saved for retirement.

For many, working from home will continue to be an option even as stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions are lifted. In a recent Gallup survey of employed adults, 59% of U.S. workers said they would prefer to continue working remotely as much as possible once restrictions on businesses and school closures are lifted.

Many entrepreneurs find themselves branching out on their own because they are driven by passion and skill in their field. From the chef who becomes a restaurateur, to the graphic designer who launches their own advertising agency, or the driver who becomes president of their own trucking company, the possibilities are endless for talented people who want to own and operate a business.

Embracing the latest technology can be helpful on so many levels. From gaining increased flexibility in the workplace, to making everyday tasks easier and more efficient, there are countless ways to improve quality of life with digital services.

On Friday, March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act was signed into law to help support businesses and families through the on-going novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

With the spread of Coronavirus continuing across the globe, Americans have officially been placed on notice to prepare for a pandemic. What does this mean in terms of finances?

Angelo DeCesaris, Vice-President and Business Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank in Kingston, explains the basics of financial analysis and why regular evaluation is critical to the success of every small business.

Kevin McCormick, Vice President & Business Banking Relationship Manager, and Lauren Luongo, Business Relationship Manager, share some tips on what every small business owner should focus on as one year closes, and another begins.

To avoid post-holiday bill blues in January, Jill Valentini, Assistant Vice President & Retail Branch Manager, Fidelity Bank in Dunmore, offers a few strategies on making a holiday budget, checking it twice, and sticking to it. With a little creativity and determination, it can be done.

There’s no doubt about it: even though some aspects of the economy have improved since the Great Recession of 2008, financial stress continues to be an issue for most Americans. The American Psychological Association (APA) 2015 Stress in America Survey revealed that 72 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time during the prior month. Transcending gender, race and socio-economic status, the issue is particularly prevalent among parents and those under age 50.

The road to entrepreneurship can be exciting, and daunting. It requires a certain type of personality, a high level of skill, and a lot of planning – including financial. Small businesses make a big impact on the economy of local communities, and the country as a whole.

Jody Lewis, Branch Manager in Moosic, (and, incidentally, the mother of triplets who knows a little something about planning) offers a few financial tips to help expectant parents get their financial house in order, before and after, baby’s arrival.

This week, our experts discuss grants and programs available to first-time homebuyers, and they’ve created a checklist that every first-time homebuyer needs.

Estate planning. It may not be something we care to think about when we’re healthy, building our careers, and enjoying family life, but that’s exactly when we should be thinking about it. By being proactive now, we can ease the burden our loved ones may face in the future.

This week, they share insight into how women can be more proactive in their financial futures (and, spoiler alert, these tips will work for men, too!)

When it comes to swindling people out of their hard-earned money, scam artists are on top of their game. Continually crafting new schemes to prey upon people of all ages and backgrounds, anyone can become a victim if caught unprepared.

If you were born between 1981 and 1996, your generation is facing some unique challenges when it comes to finances. You likely have higher student loan payments than your older siblings with a lifestyle including conveniences that come with a cost. Using smart phones, tablets, and ordering meals through an app adds up.

From large corporations to small business owners, this year’s tax season brings some noteworthy changes. Rosemarie Coyne, CPA, AVP, Financial Reporting Specialist at Fidelity Bank, highlights a few new regulations that every business owner should be mindful of as the deadline for filing approaches.

You’ve likely heard this famous Jonathan Winters quote, encouraging us to be proactive in life. We shouldn’t wait for great things to come our way. We should take charge and make great things happen. Perhaps we can apply this approach to our finances, too. If our ship is financial stability, then saving for the future is our way of swimming out to meet it.

Banking is so much more than finances. It’s about relationships. It’s about trust. It’s about sharing information. It’s about commitment to one’s community. Through this new blog, the Fidelity Bankers will share their expertise on a variety of topics as diverse as the communities we serve. From budgeting and saving, to debt reduction, first-time home buying, retirement planning — and everything in between — we’ll explore strategies that you can start implementing today.

Financing is essential for starting a business, growing a business and continuing to prosper. Without lending and obtaining business credit, a new or existing business will struggle to reach their goals. In order for a lending institution to grant a loan or extend business credit, the business owner will have to prove their personal credit worthiness and show that they possess the needed skills and appropriate business plan that will lead to success.

The #1 obstacle for small business owners is managing cash flow but with careful planning, discipline, and good financial management tools you can get over the hurdle much easier.

With tax season in full swing, we can all benefit from additional tips, knowledge, and insight to help improve the financial outcome of our tax returns. Whether you visit an accounting professional or calculate your own tax returns, this three month period can be a stressful time.

At Fidelity Bank, we want to make sure you’re aware of “phishing” scams that can put you at risk. Phishing is a term used to describe a technique that gains your personal information. These emails may appear to come from Fidelity Bank and may even contain images that look like our logo.

You know there is only one you. DNA analysis can even prove it scientifically. Even so, a crafty criminal may be able to “clone” you for purposes of committing fraud. With sufficient information, a con artist can become “you” and use your identity to order new credit cards, make counterfeit cards or checks, or otherwise go on a spending spree in your name. It’s called identity theft or ID theft, and it’s a serious problem. Here’s why.

Visa® Check Card Usage May Be Affected In order to protect your safety when traveling overseas, the fraud monitoring system Fidelity Bank has in place may be activated. This means that your Personal or Business Fidelity Visa® Check Card may be declined at ATMs or points-of-sale outside the United States. Please note that this is