Planning and Advice

Today’s economic environment is difficult for many people. We’ve provided the following Planning and Advice resources to help you find answers and learn more about the financial matters that are important to you and your family.

Emergency Planning

• Create a family emergency plan
• Emergency supply kit basics
• Emergency preparedness resources

Your Money and the Recession

• The new Credit CARD Act and Consumers
• Why has my credit card limit been reduced?
• Where can I learn more about credit cards?
• I'm having a hard time paying my bills. What should I do?
• Are banks lending?
• More Frequently Asked Questions About the Economy

Personal Finances

Whether you’re ready to open your first bank account or if you just want to brush up on the basics, this information will assist you in making good financial decisions.

• Personal Finance Tip of the Month
  
  
• Budgeting
  How to Set up a Budget
  Monthly Budget Worksheet
  Holiday Budget Tips
  
  
• Managing Credit and Debt
  How to Establish, Use and Protect Your Credit
  Request Your Free Annual Credit Report
  Tips to Improve Your Credit Score
  Do I have too much debt?
  Credit Dos and Don’ts
  
  
• Teaching Children About Money
  Teach Children to Save
  Money Talks Saving newsletters for kids
  Money Talks Credit newsletter for young credit users
  A Parent's Money Manual
  Teaching Kids About Money
  Money Management Tips For College Students
  
  
• Taxes
  Top Things to Know about Taxes
  Tax Basics
  Tax Information for Individuals
  Tax Information for Businesses
  Tax Information for Charities and Non-Profits
  
  
• Financial Safety
  Are my deposits FDIC insured?
  How to prevent Identity Theft
  Identity Theft Resources
  
  

Saving, Investing & Retirement

No matter which stage of life you are in, financial security is always important.

• Saving Basics
  Tips to make saving simple
  Establishing a Financial Wellness Plan
  
  
• Investing Basics
  Get Ready to Start Investing
  Choosing Investments
  
  
• Planning for Education Expenses
  Saving for College
  Federal Student Aid
  Financial Aid for College
  
  
• Retirement and Estate Planning
  Top 10 Ways to Plan for Retirement
  Individual Retirement Accounts
  Estate Planning Tips
  
  

Buying a Home

If your future includes buying a home, prior planning is crucial to making the right decision.

• First Time Home Buyer FAQs
• Top things to know before buying a home
• Buying a home – step by step
• Tips to Avoid Foreclosure
  
  

Business Planning

Thinking of starting or expanding your business? Smart planning and management will help you be successful!

• Starting a Small Business
• Writing a Business PlanFree small business mentoring resources
• Business Tools and Templates
• Disaster Planning and Relief
  
  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: These resources are provided as a courtesy service and are designed to be used for informational purposes only. The information derived from their use should not be relied upon for your personal situation. Please consult your BankEast relationship manager, CPA, or tax attorney to receive information or determine solutions that suit your specific situation.