County National Bank News Releases
June 03, 2010
COUNTY NATIONAL BANK CITES MONEY BASICS AS THE FOUNDATION FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP
HILLSDALE, MICHIGAN May 20, 2010 - June is National Homeownership Month and County National Bank recommends that their customers focus on mastering basic financial principles as they prepare to buy a home.
“Consumers may want to know the basics before taking on a mortgage,” explains Scott E. Evans, Vice President – Senior Mortgage Officer. “Having experience with budgeting may be helpful, especially goal-focused saving, before you buy. Knowing how to save is advantageous when you’re ready to borrow.”
County National Bank has identified the following personal finance basics their customers can use as they prepare for homeownership:
Saving
Saving is a key component when buying a home in the current market. Most lenders will require a down payment, which demonstrates your ability to manage money. Banks are committed to helping consumers save. Many offer savings plans that automatically transfer funds from checking to a savings account, mutual fund or other savings plan.
Managing Credit
Because of the current economic climate lenders have put more emphasis on credit, generally requiring consumers to have credit scores 700 or better to qualify for the best rates. To improve their credit scores, consumers should pay all bills on time, avoid closing old or paid off accounts which can lower credit scores, pay-down debt, check credit reports annually and talk to creditors when in trouble.
Lowering Debt
Debt constitutes 30 percent of your credit score, and County National Bank recommends that consumers pay more than the minimum due and always pay on time. Pay off debt with higher interest rates first, transfer high-rate balances to credit cards with lower interest rates, and limit long-term debt to purchases that will appreciate in value, such as a home.
Budgeting
Developing a financial plan helps to keep your finances in order. It’s important to avoid overextending finances and reaching credit limits or “maxing out” credit cards. Budgeting allows you to pay down debt, save and meet other financial goals.
Ready to buy? Visit one of our local offices, check out our website at www.CountyNationalBank.com, or get the facts from ABA’s National Homeownership Month page at www.aba.com/abaef/NationalHomeownershipMonth.htm.
County National Bank
Your Bank…for Life
January 16, 2008
COUNTY
NATIONAL BANK OPENS STUDENT OPERATED
IN-SCHOOL BANK BRANCH AT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY
Hudson, Michigan, January 16, 2008 - Ronald J. Haber, 2nd Vice President, Greg Choinski, Branch Manager and Kim Hedrick, New Account Representative from the Hudson Office of County National Bank were at the Lincoln Elementary school today to celebrate the opening of its first in-school bank branch. Students from the third and fourth grades will assist bank personnel in the operation of this very unique branch. The in-school branch will be open at least once a month, with bank representatives on hand, to accept deposits from participating students.
The financial world has become exceedingly complex. Sadly, financial illiteracy is growing as a result. Even basic money management skills are often lacking in adults today and many parents feel unprepared to teach their kids about money. While awareness of the importance of financial literacy is growing, solutions have been slower to develop.
An in-school bank branch will encourage primary school children to save their money and watch it grow. Children can open up a savings account and make regular deposits while they are at school. The program will create a new generation of savers by teaching students the need to set financial goals and the need to budget to save. Working as volunteers, third and fourth grade students will have hands on experience in a financial setting providing a supplement to current math, computer, and social skills.
County National Bank offers the following tips to help parents teach their children to save:
· Help kids open up their own bank savings account and make deposits regularly.
· Kids love to get mail, so keep an eye out for their statement.
· Include a discussion on wants and needs. Reinforce this by budgeting for a family outing or purchase.
· Give your kids positive feedback. As they get older, give them responsibility for how they spend their money.
County National Bank has been providing community banking products and services since 1934. CNB has 11 full-service offices serving 11 communities in south central Michigan and is committed to superior customer service.
August 20, 2007
County National Bank Offers Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure
An estimated one million families will face foreclosure this year. Not only do foreclosures have a disastrous financial impact on a family, but they also have harsh consequences for entire communities.
County National Bank recognizes that keeping homeowners in their homes is often the best way to mitigate credit losses, preserve customer relationships, maintain stable neighborhoods, and minimize the detrimental effects vacant properties can have on a community. Studies show that roughly 50% of delinquent borrowers avoid contact with their lender hoping the problem will go away. As soon as you know you will not be able to make your mortgage payment, it is imperative to contact your lender. It’s important for mortgage borrowers to maintain an open and honest dialogue with their lenders. “No one wants a foreclosure -- the homeowner or the banker,” said Gene Vagg, the Senior Vice President and Senior Mortgage Officer of County National Bank. “CNB will work with the borrower to keep them in their homes and establish a long-term relationship.”
County National Bank offers the following tips to help keep homeowners in their home:
- Analyze your financial situation. It’s important to be honest when assessing your finances. Calculate all your monthly payments and find out exactly how much you will be able to afford to pay in the upcoming months.
- Call your lender before you miss a payment. A missed payment will haunt your credit score for a long time. It’s important to talk with your lender and figure out your next steps in order to keep your credit intact.
- Work out a game plan. With your lender, work out a compromise on your mortgage. A foreclosure is extremely costly for lenders, so they want to avoid this outcome if at all possible. Find out if you can get an extension on your payments or a flexible payment plan.
- Remedy the situation. A payment plan or extension is only a temporary fix to a larger problem. Meet with a financial planner or credit counselor to make a long-term plan. It’s important to make an effort to change your financial situation.