*First National Community Bank’s blog does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment or other professional advice. Recipients should consult their professional advisors for advice.

The start of the year is the perfect time to evaluate your financial goals and create a plan for the months ahead. At First National Community Bank, we offer a range of products that can help you begin saving money with ease. Here are six simple ways to start saving today:

1. Open a Free Checking Account:  A Free Checking account is an easy way to keep your daily spending in check while avoiding unnecessary fees. With no monthly maintenance fees, you can keep more of your hard-earned money. This means more funds available for saving, whether it's for a future purchase or an emergency fund. Using a Free Checking account helps you reduce fees and stay organized, setting the stage for a more efficient saving plan.

2. Start a Savings Account:  A Savings account is a simple way to start saving for both short-term and long-term goals. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, a vacation, or something special, our Savings account offers competitive interest rates with no minimum balance requirements. January is the perfect time to open one and begin building a financial cushion for the year ahead.

3. Maximize Your Earnings with a Money Market Account:  If you’re looking to earn more on your savings, consider a Money Market account. With higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, a Money Market account offers better growth potential for your funds. It’s a great option if you’re saving for goals like home renovations, education, or large purchases, all while earning a competitive return on your deposit.

4. Plan for Your Retirement with an IRA:  Start planning for your future with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Whether you opt for a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, both offer tax advantages that help your savings grow faster. The sooner you start saving for retirement, the more you’ll benefit from compound interest, making now the ideal time to secure your future. An IRA is one of the smartest ways to ensure you’re prepared for retirement.

5. Set Up Automatic Transfers:  Saving money can be easier when you automate the process. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings, Money Market, or IRA account. By automating your savings, you can make consistent contributions without having to think about it. Even small, regular transfers can add up over time, helping you stay on track with your financial goals.

6. Invest in a Certificate of Deposit (CD):  If you're looking for a safe, higher-yielding savings option, consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD). A CD offers guaranteed returns over a fixed period, providing peace of mind for those who prefer a low-risk option. With a variety of term lengths and competitive interest rates, a CD can help your savings grow at a predictable rate. It’s a great choice if you want to save for a specific goal and don’t need immediate access to your funds.

In the new year, whether you’re saving for a big purchase, building an emergency fund, planning for retirement, or looking for secure ways to grow your savings, we have the tools to help.

As your locally owned community bank of choice, the success of your financial future is top of mind. We offer Personal Checking Accounts, Money Market Accounts, Personal Savings Accounts, CDs, IRAs, Mortgages, Personal Loans, Personal Credit Cards, Business Credit Cards and Business Loans of all shapes and sizes.

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