Standard Bank Blog

Don’t take the summer off from saving! It may seem like saving money is impossible. Or a big chore. Unexpected expenses or the temptation of a “must have” item or a fun event can make even the best plans tough to stick to. Yet having a financial cushion is one of the most important things you can do to feel financially secure. 

Summer and warm weather are right around the corner. Aren’t they? Now is the time to start planning your summer activities and trips. Luckily, we live in or near a great city so we don’t have to go far or spend a lot to enjoy some summer fun.

• Accelerating/Braking: Accelerating too quickly or braking too hard can drastically decrease your fuel efficiency, as there is a higher gas intake during a rapid acceleration than a slowly-increasing acceleration. Also, hard braking means there was unnecessary acceleration, which causes fuel loss

Have you been to a business or social gathering in the last thirty days?  I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that some time during that activity, someone mentioned the weather.  It’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue; the heat, excessive wind & hail, the lack of rain, the condition of your yard and garden, even the crops in the fields, right?  But is anyone talking about the condition of their house?  - Probably not – but they should be.  

Unyielding heat waves and lack of rain can cause significant damage to your home.  While shingles are now designed to withstand more severe weather than just a few years ago, the average age of the roofs in the states of Illinois and Indiana is over 20 years.  Shingles that were manufactured 20 years ago even though they have a 30 year warranty are deteriorating at a much faster rate due to the excessive heat making your roof more vulnerable to damage by wind and hail.  Radiant barriers under the roofs do help in reducing this impact but are not common to older roofs.

In celebrating the United States’ liberty and freedom this Independence Day, remember that the best times in life are those times shared with family and friends. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy those times on the 4th of July in the beautiful summer weather:

1. Take a Tour- Whether it be a formalized tour or an impromptu tour, take time to learn about the city or state you live in and celebrate its rich history!

2. Enjoy a Swim- Spend the hot summer day at your local or community swimming pool. Cool off while under the sun and feel refreshed for the day’s activities!

3. Have a BBQ Party- Invite friends and family over to celebrate the nation’s day of independence. Relax with some great food and drinks and each other’s company!

4. Go to a Parade- Find your local or community parade location and enjoy the participants as they entertain you and dish out treats!