7 Things to Consider with Home Equity Loans

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By Paul Mulligan, Senior Vice President

There are many situations homeowners may require an influx of cash. If they’ve built up equity in their homes (if the home is worth more than what they owe on it) a home equity loan may be an attractive option. While a home equity loan may seem like a great idea, depending on how you plan on using the cash could determine whether it’s the best option for your needs.  Here are several things to consider if you’re thinking about taking out a home equity loan.

Understand the risk – With a home equity loan, you’re putting your home up as collateral. This means that, if you default on the loan, your lender can take your home to satisfy the debt.  For instance, taking out a home equity loan to pay off unsecured debt, like high-interest credit cards, may seem like a good idea – and it may be, if you’re able to make your payments.  But, if something happens and you’re unable to satisfy your loan terms, you may end up in a worse situation than just having credit card debt.

Repayment strategy – Make sure you have a reasonable repayment plan in place.  If you’re planning on using variable cash flows – like raises, commissions, or bonuses – make sure you have a backup plan in case your cash influx is smaller than expected.  It may help to create a detailed table with monthly income and expenses, including discretionary spending that might need to be limited in order to be able to pay off a loan.

Total loan cost – Always make sure you are fully aware of the total cost of your loan, including interest payments, closing costs, loan insurance, prepayment or other penalties, variable payments or interest rates, and any other hidden fees or costs that might impact your total loan cost or your ability to pay it off.  Knowing how much the loan will cost you will impact your decisions.

Tax implications ­– One of the benefits of home equity loans is their status as tax deductable interest.  But, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 applies new restrictions to when home equity loan interest can be claimed as a deduction.  More specifically, under the new regulations, interest on loans used to significantly purchase, build, or renovate a home may be tax deductible, whereas non-property-related uses of loans are not. (Contact your tax advisor for specifics.)

Plan ahead – Regardless of what you’re planning on using your home’s equity to fund, give yourself plenty of time.  While good candidates may have a fairly easy time getting a home equity loan, it’s not as simple as pulling up to an ATM and withdrawing cash.  While emergency situations may arise, give yourself as much time as possible to get a loan approved.  Lenders will run credit checks and may require home appraisals, creating a delay between your initial loan application and when funds are made available to you.

Consider your options – Technically, borrowers may use the funds for whatever they need them for, but it’s worth considering all the options depending on your needs.  Home improvements tend to be looked at as a high-value loan because you’re actually increasing what your home is worth.  Many people look at home equity loans as a way of paying for their children’s college tuitions, new vehicles, medical bills, consolidating debt, or other expenses.  Consider your options for any of your needs; your bank might have different loan products that are better suited for different needs.

Regardless of your needs, make sure you consult a loan specialist before making a decision that will impact your finances and life for years to come. The Milford Bank has consultants ready to answer your questions and discuss the best loan options for your unique financial needs.

 

 

 

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC – Which One is Right for You?

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By Paul Mulligan, Senior Vice President

One of the benefits of owning a home is the ability to use built up equity to finance other cash needs with a Home Equity Loan or a HELOC. Some of these uses carry more value than others – and some carry more risk.  Because of that, potential borrowers should do their due diligence and consider all aspects of these loan products before making a decision to put up their homes as collateral. Click HERE for 7 Things to Consider with Home Equity Loans.

That includes understanding different loan alternatives and how they may benefit your needs for cash, like the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). While they are similar and both use the home as collateral, they are designed differently and can end up with different total cost of loan figures.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan provides borrowers a single, lump sum of cash that must be paid back over a specified period of time at an agreed interest rate. It’s similar to a first mortgage in that payments are a known constant and go towards both interest and principal.  With home equity loans, you are paying off the full amount of the loan plus interest.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit with a predetermined limit. Think of a HELOC almost like a home equity credit card that gives borrowers access to a cash reserve they can draw upon for whatever needs they may have.  The line of credit remains active for a specified period – up to 10 years, depending on the lender.  While the line of credit remains open, borrowers pay back interest; once the draw period is over, payments typically increase and include both interest (only on the amount withdrawn) and principal (the amount withdrawn) payments.

Lenders may offer customers different options for accessing funds, and they may have minimum withdrawal amount policies or require a minimum outstanding balance. Make sure you are aware of all details of your loan before signing the paperwork.

Which is better?

This is a question each borrower has to answer based on his or her circumstances.  Home equity loans tend to be useful for large projects – like home remodels – that require a large payment at one time, or for situations where the amount to be borrowed is known.

HELOCs are good options for borrowers who need access to smaller amounts of cash over a period of time – such as for a number of smaller projects over the course of several years, or when the total amount required may not be known.

Interest Rates

Home equity loans typically have fixed rates, which means payments will be the same for the duration of the repayment period. HELOCs usually are variable rate loans based on Prime Rate or some other standard index plus a margin.  HELOCs may come with a lower introductory rate that increases – along with monthly payments – once the introductory period expires. Check with your lender for current rates.

Closing costs

Both HELOCs and home equity loans typically include closing costs that may also include additional fees for appraisals, insurance, loan processing, attorney fees, and more. Be sure to ask your financial specialist what fees you can expect with either type of loan and whether any additional fees may apply under certain conditions, such as early repayment, or with each withdrawal from a HELOC.

The bottom line is that both home equity loans and HELOCs allow homeowners to tap into the equity in their homes to finance other needs. What those needs are and whether either of these two is a good option is something a loan expert at your financial institution can help determine.  Regardless of what option you choose, be sure to shop your loan needs around to get the best terms, but be sure to ask as many questions as possible to determine the total cost to you over the loan period.  Also make sure repaying the loan doesn’t exceed your monthly budget.  If you are unable to pay back the loan, you’ll be putting your home at risk.  But, with the right planning and advice from a financial expert, home equity loans and HELOCs are both great options for taking advantage of the equity you’ve built up in your home.

If you’re considering a second mortgage, The Milford Bank has several loan products that may be ideally suited to your needs. Contact our loan experts today to discuss your specific needs and make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Five Financial Challenges to Test Your Saving Skills

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By Tina Mason

One of the best ways to invigorate your saving strategy is by issuing yourself a challenge. Not only does the competition make it a little more fun, but you’ll also learn valuable lessons about the long-term benefits of discipline, the way your daily spending habits impact your quality of life, and just how much you can accomplish when you set your mind to it.

If you’re looking to make improvements to your financial planning and add a little extra padding to your savings account, here are five financial challenges you can try.

Take a new look at a favorite vice: There’s nothing wrong with splurging every now and then. But if you’re spending $5.00 on a cup of coffee every day, you may want to take a fresh look at how you get your morning pick-me-up. Could you live with making coffee at home and saving yourself over $1,000 a year?

Dive into the gig economy: If you find yourself with lots of free time and aren’t sure what to do with it, challenge yourself to finding a part-time gig. If you love nothing more than driving around town listening to music, maybe Uber would be a good fit. Fancy yourself a writer? Try to get published as a freelancer. There are tons of opportunities that will fit where, and how, you need them to.

Live like you’re single: Remember when you were young and single? You could somehow survive in an apartment the size of your living room. You ate Ramen noodles for breakfast. And even if you had less money saved up, you may have felt more financially free. Granted, your spouse may not appreciate Ramen the way your 20-year old self did. However, we all behave differently when we engage with others. By focusing solely on your own finances for a brief stint, you may be able to indicate where you’re letting money fall through the cracks.

A dollar a day: This one’s simple. Get a jar, and add a dollar to it every day. If you’ve got something you’re saving for, simply wait until you’ve gotten there. If not, consider it a rainy day fund for an emergency. You’d be surprised how easy it is to forget about a dollar every day.

Pile up your perks: Perks are everywhere these days. Debit and credit cards will often offer discounts, deals or cashback. Some people go coupon crazy at the grocery store. In this challenge, you are tasked with taking cash equal in value to the perks you’ve accumulated and putting it into a new savings account. It is a way of making your savings seem tangible, and will always help to remind you  to look for savings in your day to day life.

At The Milford Bank, we’re always looking for great ways to help you grow your wealth, protect your family and live your best life. To learn more ways to save, stop by any office location in Milford or Stratford or check out our Online Learning Center here.

 

With Winter Over, Now is the Time to Get Ready for… Yep, Winter

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By Matt Kelly

Having been blasted with several Nor’easters in recent weeks, you may be ready to put down the snow blower and forget about the winter blues for a few months. But before you start compiling your Spring cleaning list, we implore you to think about Winter just a while longer.

As you’re well aware, the inclement wintery weather isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s an added expense. But with a little early planning, you can ensure that next Winter doesn’t break the bank. You never know, maybe you’ll even have a little extra holiday shopping money!

Here are some of the key considerations you should make now, before Winter escapes your mind like a receding tide on a tropical beachfront.

  • Lock in rates with your energy supplier. You’ll typically pay a much higher price for heating when demand is up and supply is down. This typically occurs in late Fall and throughout the Winter. You will likely be able to find optimal rates before the Summer heat hits. Fix your rate now and you’ll be assured of a consistent and affordable price all Winter.
  • Take advantage of seasonal sales. Besides fuel, there are plenty of other items you need throughout the Winter. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll likely find all your gear at reduced prices at this point in the season. Maybe you simply need new winter jackets. Whatever your need, businesses are eagerly letting go of their inventory while they can.
  • Not all firewood is created equal. Stoking a fire isn’t just for show in Winter time. It can be a necessity if the power goes out in a storm. It can also support your basic heating needs to reduce reliance on other fuels. However, it’s important to shop your prices and also the type of wood. Some types are not meant to burn indoors, and all wood should be properly seasoned. Otherwise, you may not get full efficiency from your wood.
  • Weatherize before the rush. The elements are constantly doing battle with your home. Weatherization can help you to keep up energy efficiency. There are plenty of businesses in the Milford and Stratford communities that offer energy audits that can help you find and fix inefficiencies.
  • Keep up with routine maintenance. By keeping up on routine maintenance now, you can save yourself tons down the road. After a particularly icy Winter, it’s important to make sure ice hasn’t dammed on your roof or in your gutters. Seal cracks in your driveway to prevent further damage to the concrete, and take good care of all the mechanical components in your home.

 

I’m sure the last thing you want right now is someone reminding you that you need to prepare for Winter. We’re ready for beaches and barbeques, too! But a little foresight can go a long way, especially when it comes to the Winter. To learn more about managing your finances, check out our Online Learning Center or stop by any office of The Milford Bank in Milford or Stratford today.

ABA Announces Consumer Awareness Observance Days for 2018

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By Rebecca Tudor

Every year, the American Bankers Association releases an annual calendar including specific dates for consumer awareness observance days. While “Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day” might not have the same ring as Halloween or Independence Day, such observance days can be incredibly useful for taking a moment to assess your own financial status and learn something new about managing your wealth.

This year, we’ll be following the ABA’s calendar closely, tying in articles to provide some extra information for you to celebrate observance days. Pay close attention—we may even be running special events to celebrate some of these festivities at our office locations!

Read on to see the ABA’s schedule for 2018. Each month will provide you different financial perspectives, so we challenge all Milford Bank customers in Milford and Stratford to get creative and show us how they plan to celebrate!

January

1/26: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

1/28: Data Privacy Day

1/29-2/2: Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

February

2/26-3/3: America Saves Week

March

3/4-3/10: National Consumer Protection Week

3/20: National Agriculture Day

April

National Financial Literacy Month—celebrated all month

Records and Information Management Month—celebrated all month

4/1: National 1 Cent Day

4/16-4/22: National Health Care Decisions Day

4/17: National Tax Day

4/20: National Teach Children to Save Day

4/29-5/5: National Small Business Week

May

Older Americans Month—celebrated all month

Military Appreciation Month—celebrated all month

June

American Housing Month—celebrated all month

National Internet Safety Month—celebrated all month

6/15—World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

6/28—National Insurance Awareness Day

July

National Make a Difference to Children Month—celebrated all month

August

Back to School

September

College Savings Month—celebrated all month

National Preparedness Month—celebrated all month

9/9—National Grandparents Day

October

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—celebrated all month

National Crime Prevention Month—celebrated all month

Family Health Month—celebrated all month

10/1-10/5—Customer Service Week

10/1-10/5—Financial Planning Week

10/18—Get Smart About Credit Day

November

Military Family Month—celebrated all month

National Scholarship Month—celebrated all month

National Family Caregiver Month—celebrated all month

December

Identity Theft and Protection Awareness Month

At The Milford Bank, we’re committed to helping you stay focused on your bottom line all year round. So be sure to check out the ABA calendar and find some topics that pique your interest, as we’ll be putting together supplemental educational resources to correspond with the ABA’s observance days throughout 2018.

If you’re interested in learning even more about a particular subject from the calendar, be sure to check out our Online Learning Center too. It’s a wealth of resources designed to help all our customers achieve the best possible financial outcome for their family’s needs and wants. To learn more, click here.

Millennial Spending Habits Leave Little Room to Save

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By Cortney Meng

It was only three years ago that Millennials became the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, surpassing the Baby Boomers with employment numbers of 53.5 million. This seemed to be a coming-of-age moment for Millennials, but new research indicates that in spite of three straight years as the top demographic in the labor force, Millennials have yet to turn their earnings into savings.

According to a new Bank of America survey, it was found that 46 percent of Millennials had no money in a savings account in 2017. Even more startling, this number actually increased from 31 percent over the span of just one year.

Given the fact that Millennials are working more but spending less, this financial epidemic may be rooted in poor spending habits. Let’s take a deeper dive into how Millennials are spending their money in 2018, and what they can do to break the cycle and bolster their savings.

Spending on comfort and convenience

A Charles Schwab report found that Millennials, more so than previous generations, are willing to spend frivolously on comforts and conveniences. 60 percent admitted to spending more than $4 on coffee, 79 percent would splurge to eat at the hot restaurant in town and 69 percent buy clothes they don’t necessarily need. Millennials also surpassed both Generation X and Baby Boomers when it came to shelling out cash for the latest tech gadgets and live events, as well.

Bills, bills, bills

Though Millennials do their share of frivolous spending, not all the bills in the mailbox are a choice. In fact, a recent Mother Jones study compared Millennials to young families from the 1980’s and 1990’s and found that young adults today pay about $1,000 more on healthcare, $1,500 on pensions and Social Security, $2,000 more on overall housing and $700 more on education.

Simply put, cost of living increases have put a damper on what earnings Millennials have generated. That said, the need to save for the future must remain a top priority. Millennials must reconcile the lifestyles they wish to lead with the realities of the world they want to live them in.

So what can Millennials do to start getting their savings accounts in the black?

Forbes recently outlined some of the ways in which Millennials can begin breaking the bad habits that have gotten them to this point. Here are a few key points:

  • Millennials, natives of the Social Media age, are often pressured to be at every event, party or Happy Hour. FOMO, or “fear of missing out”, is a very real phenomenon and can often lead individuals to spend money they don’t have, simply to ensure they’re in the picture—both literally and figuratively.
  • Setting clear goals is crucial, especially if you’re not where you should be or want to be financially. Even if it’s just saving $10 from each paycheck, it’s a start. By clearly defining your needs, and your limitations, you’ll soon be able to turn $10 into $100.
  • Checking and savings are two different things, yet many Millennials try to use a checking account for all their cash. Not only does this curb your growth potential, but it becomes all too easy to draw from that money in a particularly tight week. If it’s visible and easily obtained, you may have a hard time saving it.

To learn more about developing an approach to saving that will get you where you want to be, stop by any office of The Milford Bank in Milford or Stratford, or check out our Online Learning Center here.

Investment Tips for an Uncertain Market

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By Matt Kelly

At the end of January, the Dow Jones Industrial Average capped off another record-setting month of growth, settling in around 26,600 points. Just a week into February, and the market had shaved off nearly 2,000 points as analysts began to question whether the bull market had finally slowed to a halt and whether we were in for a correction, recession, or more.

Now, investors find themselves quickly fluctuating between rapid sell-offs and frenzied buying sprees, uncertain about the more long-term economic outlook.

Of course, it’s not advisable to simply liquidate your assets and keep it all as cash under your mattress just because the stock market is volatile. Instead, this is a good point to calmly evaluate your needs, your long-term goals, and consider tweaking your investment strategy to make sure you don’t waste any time growing your portfolio.

While you should never make an investment without first consulting your advisor, here are a few tips to help steer you in the right direction.

You don’t need to abandon the markets entirely: Even when the markets suffer huge losses, there are still plenty of successful companies that weather the storm. You don’t need to pull all your savings from the stock market, but you do need to address whether or not your portfolio is diverse and conservative enough to be protected from a bear market.

Check out indexed and whole life insurance policies: Not only is life insurance an important component of your family’s financial planning, it can also act as an investment vehicle depending on the type of life insurance you procure. A whole life insurance policy will provide you with extra cash every time you pay your premiums. Indexed policies use that cash value and invest it into accounts tied to an index like the S&P 500. They have a floor of zero, meaning that you won’t lose money in a bad year, but still retain upside potential.

Consult with your financial advisor: Watching the stock market go up and down can be more emotional than an Oscar-nominated drama. And if you’re emotional, you may not be making sound financial decisions. Consult with your financial advisor before making any sudden changes to your investment strategy. This will ensure that your goals, and your financial needs, are both working in conjunction to secure your future and maximize your wealth.

To learn more about the savings opportunities available to you, stop by any office of The Milford Bank in Milford or Stratford, or check out our Online Learning Center here.

The Savings Spotlight Series, Part 3: Mid-Career Planning

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By Chaz Gaines

In the Savings Spotlight Series, we’ve made the case that there are numerous stepping stones throughout our lives that lead us down the path to financial well being. At every point, you’ll need to take a different approach. A teenager, for instance, might be saving for their first car. An individual nearing retirement is going to have a drastically different goal, and method, for reaching their savings objective.

Already in this series, we’ve provided useful savings tips for both first-time banking customers and recent college graduates. In Part 3 we’re going to fast forward a decade or two along our path to retirement, focusing in on the savings needs of individuals in the middle of their careers.

Maximize employer benefits: Most of the businesses that offer retirement benefits will no longer contribute after you’ve left the company. Now, nearing the height of your earning power, you should be doing all you can with the remainder of your working years to take advantage—especially if your employer will match your contributions.

Balance retirement and college funds: Many individuals at this stage in their lives must reconcile the need to have a forward-thinking retirement-oriented saving strategy while simultaneously helping their children get started on their own path. It can be challenging, but your focus when crafting a budget and savings strategy should balance both.

Bolster your emergency account: Many individuals at this stage in their working life have been at their jobs for twenty years or more—making them feel quite secure. But sometimes, business decisions are out of our control, and many families get blindsided by that false sense of security. Even if you expect success, a failure to keep an emergency cash account funded could put your family at risk. Many experts believe you should have at least six to nine months salary readily available in case of emergency.

Expect the unexpected: Just like it’s important to plan for emergencies throughout your life, it’s important to plan for the end of your life too. If you were to pass away today, your grieving family would still have to keep paying the mortgage, fund college accounts and plan for retirement—all without your income. While this is a sensitive matter in which thinking about money should be secondary, it’s nonetheless a reality that your family will have to cope with. Securing life insurance will provide the coverage your family will need in the event that the worst comes to pass. Some policies, like whole life insurance, even have features to assist with your savings goals.

Shift investments to meet changing goals: Every investment vehicle offers a unique benefit. So if your financial goals are shifting, shouldn’t your savings strategy? When we’re young, we have more ability to rebound from a risky investment. We also have more time to let a certain, conservative investment grow. Now, in the middle of your working life, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on whether the vehicle that got you this far is going to be the vehicle that gets you all the way to the finish line, or if it’s time to trade in.

To learn more about crafting the best saving strategy for you and the needs of your family, check out our Online Learning Center or stop by any office of The Milford Bank in Stratford or Milford today.

The Savings Spotlight Series, Part 2: Recent College Graduates

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By Chaz Gaines

There is no one-size-fits-all savings strategy that will work for every individual. The truth is, we’re all at different stages in life and must adjust our planning accordingly. What works for a teenager saving for their first car isn’t going to work for a couple in their early sixties looking to retire in the next few years.

As such, it’s important for every individual to craft a savings strategy that will best support their needs and wants for the circumstances surrounding their lifestyle. In this series, we’re looking at some of the major milestones throughout life to help our customers hone in on where their heads should be at when it comes to their savings strategy.

In Part 2, we’ll be taking a closer look at the financial needs of recent college graduates—an ever-increasing demographic that today must contend with record amounts of student loan debt as they enter the workforce. If you’re a recent grad, or know someone who is, take a look at the following tips to help get started on the right track.

Start paying off student loans: In addition to receiving a diploma, you’ll now need to start paying off your student loans now that you’ve graduated. While every individual has different degrees of financial flexibility, many experts believe that contributing 10 to 20 percent of your monthly income to paying down student loan debt will keep you on even footing in the long run.

Take advantage of employer benefits: Another benefit of leaving the classroom is that you’ll now be able to get a full time job, and the benefits that come along with it. By starting to contribute early to a 401(k) or IRA through work, you’ll have the opportunity to add significant value compared to employees who pass up the opportunity. This is especially true in cases where employers will match your contributions.

Build a personal portfolio: Relying solely on employee benefits will hinder your earning potential, so it’s equally important to start diversifying your savings and building a personal portfolio. But you’ll need to evolve beyond the simple savings account that got you through college. Given the fiscal highs and lows that can come along with being a recent graduate, certificates of deposit are sometimes a good place to start. Smartphone-savvy grads can even find great finance apps that can give an introduction to investing without the mandatory minimum contributions required for some investment vehicles.

Establish your credit: A good credit score supports long term saving because it will eventually help you to get lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans and a variety of other important purchases you’ll make in the coming years. One option is to obtain a small balance credit card, but the easiest way to build your credit is to simply pay all your bills, in full and on time. You won’t notice the savings now, but you’ll be rewarded down the road.

Live within your means: There’s a great sense of freedom that comes when you get your first apartment or see your first paycheck deposited into your bank account as a new graduate. But just because you don’t need to eat ramen three nights a week anymore, that doesn’t mean you should be going out to eat every night either. One way to ensure that you don’t get carried away is by sticking to your budget. But it’s also important to put yourself in places, and surround yourself with people that won’t encourage you to spend exorbitantly.

College graduates have their entire lives ahead of them, and by taking a careful approach to saving now they’ll have many more chances to enjoy themselves down the road. Of course, they’ve got to balance that so they can enjoy the benefits of truly entering adulthood, too. At The Milford Bank, we’ve been helping college graduates in Milford and Stratford navigate this new point in their lives for generations. To learn more, stop by an office location near you or check out our Online Learning Center here.