According to the Department of Homeland Security, kids between the ages of 8 and 18 kids spend an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes each day online. But the sheer amount of time spent online is only one of the many issues revolving around digital exposure. Most parents are painfully aware of how nefarious … Continued
If you sometimes feel like you’re experiencing “information overload,” you’re not alone. Thanks to the Internet and 24-hour news cycle, there is always a “breaking news” article to read and share with others. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of our fractured attention to try and slip a phishing message past us undetected. Whether through email, text … Continued
Whether you’re shopping for your first home or your next one, it’s important to establish a budget before you start looking. By the end of 2021, the median home price in the U.S. was just over $400,000. In Virginia it’s $348,835 and in North Carolina, $282,312. Of course, you may be looking at a budget … Continued
Whether your small business is your full-time job or you have a side hustle in addition to your primary job, the accounting side is never as much fun as coming up with ideas. Luckily, organizing your business finances doesn’t have to be stressful. With these financial tools for your small business or side hustle, you … Continued
With the coming drop in temperature, risk to business property of all types goes up. It is tempting to overlook the risks that low temperatures pose when in fact the amount of damage they can cause is much greater for a business than a typical home. Not only are buildings and their contents at risk, … Continued
Having a baby changes every aspect of your life, including your finances. In this article, we share eight tips for successfully navigating your finances as a new parent. 1. Add your baby to your budget The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator is a neat tool for estimating community-specific costs for a variety … Continued
Back from your honeymoon and ready to tackle the financial aspect of your new shared life? Congratulations on your new marriage! At American National Bank, we’ve been helping new couples find their financial footing since 1909. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about discussing, planning, and taking steps toward your financial … Continued
Sometimes everything falls into place. Your job, family, and finances are all in order and life is good. That’s when the unexpected strikes. In the blink of an eye, a surprise medical bill, car repair, or appliance failure sets you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars. A sudden blow to your budget can affect … Continued
Teaching your child or children about money can be challenging. Whatever your own attitudes toward personal finance may be, you can’t expect kids to learn good financial habits on their own. Research shows that you, the parent, are the most important influence on your child’s financial habits. And many of those habits are developed by … Continued
Buying a first home is a right of passage for many Americans. It’s not unusual for customers to feel both excited and a bit nervous about the homebuying process. This milestone marks the most expensive purchase you will likely ever make. With smart budgeting and responsible decision-making, buying your first home can be a positive, … Continued