Financial Education

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help! 

 

Smart Money Management Tips

Blog Image

Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are dealing with debt from student loans, credit cards and mortgages, or working to save money to buy a home or retire, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and make informed decisions about your money.  

We have a few tips and habits to help.  

 

Managing Debt and Your Credit Score  

Debt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many people carry debt, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. It’s all about how much debt you have and how you manage it. Some key habits that help manage your debt and can even help improve your credit score include:  

  • Make payments on time – making the minimum payments on time is crucial. If you can pay more than the minimum, this is even better. If making payments on time is a struggle, setting up AutoPay is a game-changer.  

  • Avoid High Usage – Using more than 30% of your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.   

PRO TIP: Managing debt and your credit score is crucial to financial success — especially when you are working toward homeownership. We have another article dedicated to understanding credit reports and your credit score. Click here to learn more about credit education.   

 

Know Your Finances  

When we’re stressed, it’s easy to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to our finances. But facing the problems straight on is the first step to getting in control.  Also, things are typically not as bad as we think they are. Stockman offers financial tools such as CreditStory and MoneyManagement designed to help you understand your finances — both tools are available for free when you enroll in Online Banking.  

CreditStory - You have instant access to everything you need to know about your credit, when you want it, all in one place. The information comes from the three credit bureaus, and it's built right into our online and mobile banking programs.  

  • Receive daily credit monitoring with alerts for major changes.  

  • View your credit score, which you can refresh daily.  

  • Access your credit report.  

  • Identify credit bureau errors.  

  • Understand the factors that impact your score.  

  • See the impact of your financial decisions with the credit simulator.  

MoneyManagement – a financial tool that makes it easier than ever to visualize your spending and saving, as well as help you gain powerful insights to reach your financial goals.   

  • See all your accounts in one place.  

  • View your spending trends.  

  • Set and manage budgets.  

  • Visualize your financial goals.  

 

Savings Strategies  

Implementing a savings strategy that includes automation, budgeting, and expense management can help you build financial security and achieve both short and long-term goals.   

Automate Your Savings – When you automate your savings, it ensures consistency and reduces the temptation to spend.   

  • Set up a direct deposit with your employer to funnel a portion of your paycheck into a savings account.  

  • Start small with a $5 daily recurring transfer from your checking account to your savings account. After 30 days, you’ll have saved $150 — and after 1 year, you’ll save $1,825.   

 

Track Spending and Budget – Understanding how you spend your money and reducing expenses are small steps to reaching your goals.   

50/30/20 Rule is a budget method where you allocate a certain percentage of your income to expenses.   

  • 50% goes to essentials  

  • 30% goes to wants  

  • 20% goes to savings  

 

Simple ways to cut expenses:  

  • Meal planning at home instead of eating out  

  • Canceling unused subscriptions  

  • Avoid impulse purchases  

 

First Time Homebuying  

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting adventures. But sometimes, the homebuying process can be overwhelming. However, being knowledgeable and knowing how to prepare can make the process easier. Click here to download our Homebuyers Guidebook, designed to help you understand the homebuying process from top to bottom. Becoming a homeowner is no small feat.  Before you start looking at houses: 

  1. Understand the costs the costs that come with buying a home 

  1. Know what you can afford 

  1. Consider other expenses to save for, such as utility bills, maintenance and repairs. 

     

Here are some steps to avoid during the loan process:  

  1. Don’t apply for new credit (such as a new credit card, car loan, or financing for furniture or appliances).  

  1. Don’t change jobs during the loan process  

  1. Don’t make major purchases 

If you have any questions about homebuying or want to get started, contact a local Stockman Real Estate Loan Officer today.

 

 

At the end of the day, your financial well-being is our top priority. At Stockman Bank, we offer the tools, resources, and services you need to achieve financial success. If you ever have any questions or wish to discuss your financial needs, please reach out to your local Stockman Bank team. We’re ready to help!