CB Insights News Archive - 2022

If you’re running a small business, a credit card can be a convenient tool for stocking up on inventory, booking travel, and covering day-to-day expenses. Used prudently, a credit card can help you optimize cashflow, streamline bookkeeping, and build a solid credit history. But if you aren’t careful, it can become a liability. Here are some tips for using a credit card to your firm’s full advantage.

“Rural America is a place everyone can call home,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as he kicked off National Homeownership Month 2022.

Recognizing that expanding opportunities for homeownership is essential to the vitality of communities in rural, Tribal, and underserved areas, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) partners with independent lenders like Citizens Bank to provide affordable home loans to qualifying individuals and families.

Wondering if a USDA home loan is an option for you? Here’s what you need to know.

But… isn’t my business too small for a 401(k) Plan? As a community bank serving small businesses in Tennessee for over 85 years, we’ve heard that often. And, increasingly, the answer is no!

There was a time when high fees and administrative burdens put employer-sponsored retirement plans out of reach for all but the largest and richest corporations. Today, smaller enterprises can harness the power of automation to streamline benefits systems, minimize costs, and manage fiduciary liability.

These process improvements – combined with new tax breaks and other advantages – have made 401(k) Plans a smart solution for businesses of virtually all types and sizes.

From the first woodblock-printed banknotes in the 11^th century to contactless credit cards in the last few years, payment methods have come a long way – but they’ve all required you to carry around a wallet. That is, until the introduction of digital wallets.

Curious about this new payment option that will have you breezing through checkouts in stores and online? Read on to learn how digital wallets work, some of the benefits they deliver, ways to keep your money and data safe, and how to get started.

If you’ve got a growing business, customized Treasury Services can optimize your operations and minimize your risks so you can stay focused on the big picture. And if you value old-fashioned customer service and community commitment as much as the latest technologies that save you time and connect you with the world, Citizens Bank could be your ideal financial partner.

Are you talking to your kids about money? If your answer is “not much,” you’re far from alone. According to a recent CNBC survey, many parents avoid discussing financial matters with their children. And a lot of these moms and dads say it’s because they’re not knowledgeable enough or because they haven’t always practiced the best financial habits themselves. But you don’t have to be an expert to show your kids how money works – and if you’ve made mistakes, just consider those teachable moments!

Estate planning for small business owners usually requires thorough discussions with financial advisors, lawyers, accountants, colleagues, and family. But you can get started now by thinking over these five basic steps.

Credit and debit cards are secure and convenient ways to pay for everyday purchases and bigger-ticket items, whether you’re shopping instore or online. But are you taking full advantage of the benefits that your cards offer? Here are five credit and debit card perks you may be missing out on.

Residential real estate values are rising from coast to coast, and interest rates are near historic lows. This is great news for homeowners. Tapping into your home’s value with a home equity loan (HELoan) or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a great strategy for paying for your next big life goal or enhancing your overall financial standing.

Your credit can have a major impact on your life goals. Milestones like buying a car, owning a home, and paying off debts can depend on your creditworthiness. While it’s never too late build credit, it’s ideal if you can begin when you’re still young. Let’s look at how credit scores and reports work, how they can affect your borrowing ability, and some tips for establishing and boosting your credit.