In many all aspects of life, there are things we can do ourselves and other things we can’t. If your taxes are simple; you can probably do them yourself, if they are more complicated, you go to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). If you cut yourself, you get a band-aid; but if you need stitches, you go to a doctor. The same holds true for handling your finances. In the early stages of accumulation for retirement, and you are maximizing your 401(k) contributions, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and you’re feeling comfortable with your investment selections; you may not need professional help. The do-it-yourself approach may work well. Usually, investment mistakes made during the accumulation years can be recovered over time. However, investment mistakes closer to and in retirement become critical. There is less time to recover from a wrong move. Too often, self-investing can lead to over concentration in bull markets, panic sales in bear markets, and lopsided investment strategies.
Posted in: investing, retirement
by Steve Schou | FNBT Wealth Management Trust & Investments Officer
Building a new house can be an exciting time. You’re preparing to customize your home to suit your needs exactly — maybe you’ve even been dreaming about this house for a long time. To help prepare you for financing a new build, we’ve outlined some key points of home construction loans, so you can move forward with more confidence.
Posted in: a, build, construction, home, loan, mortgage, renovation
Opening a savings account can help you take control of your finances. You can use your account to save for a large purchase or to set up an emergency fund. Emergency funds can help you weather unforeseen occurrences. The common guideline is to save up to three to six months of your common expenses to take on any challenges that come your way. As you explore where to open a savings account, consider the following questions.
Posted in: account, balance, banking, fees, minimum, money, monthly, online, saving, savings
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies throughout the state of Wisconsin. There are many different types of business loans that can help you reach your unique goals. As one of the top banks providing small business loans in Wisconsin, the team at First National Bank and Trust wants you to know more about the options available to find the best one to help your business thrive.
Posted in: business, credit, equipment, finance, line, livestock, loan, loans, of, sba
The prevalence of online banking and other financial transactions means the need for smart cyber security has never been more important. According to the
Federal Trade Commission, more than 1.3 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2020, and American consumers collectively lost more than $3.3 billion to fraud. So, what steps can you take to safeguard your information against scammers and identity thieves? Here is our Sound Advice for better cyber security and financial protection.
Posted in: banking, data, fraud, identity, online, personal, protecting, protection, purchasing, theft