CB Insights

Are you talking to your kids about money? If your answer is “not much,” you’re far from alone. According to a recent CNBC survey, many parents avoid discussing financial matters with their children. And a lot of these moms and dads say it’s because they’re not knowledgeable enough or because they haven’t always practiced the best financial habits themselves. But you don’t have to be an expert to show your kids how money works – and if you’ve made mistakes, just consider those teachable moments!

Estate planning for small business owners usually requires thorough discussions with financial advisors, lawyers, accountants, colleagues, and family. But you can get started now by thinking over these five basic steps.

Credit and debit cards are secure and convenient ways to pay for everyday purchases and bigger-ticket items, whether you’re shopping instore or online. But are you taking full advantage of the benefits that your cards offer? Here are five credit and debit card perks you may be missing out on.

Residential real estate values are rising from coast to coast, and interest rates are near historic lows. This is great news for homeowners. Tapping into your home’s value with a home equity loan (HELoan) or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a great strategy for paying for your next big life goal or enhancing your overall financial standing.

Your credit can have a major impact on your life goals. Milestones like buying a car, owning a home, and paying off debts can depend on your creditworthiness. While it’s never too late build credit, it’s ideal if you can begin when you’re still young. Let’s look at how credit scores and reports work, how they can affect your borrowing ability, and some tips for establishing and boosting your credit.

For any business, the efficient use of funds is key to success. To support performance, business operators should periodically take a bird's-eye view of financial activity, including all revenue streams, expenditures, and capital reserves. By examining how each factor contributes to your overall financial picture, you'll be in a better position to optimize your operations and implement long-term growth strategies. 

As businesses continue to grow through expansion and diversification, so does their need for more space. Whether it’s office space, retail space, warehouse space, or some combination thereof, there are many options to consider. While you’ll often hear that the three most important factors in real estate are “location, location, location,” understanding the advantages and risks of leasing and buying commercial property can be equally important. As with most things in business, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it all depends on your firm’s particular capacities and goals.

This year, businesses around the globe will lose billions of dollars to ransomware – a rapidly growing form of cybercrime that especially targets small and medium-sized enterprises. Here at Citizens Bank, we know how important it is for businesses of all sizes and types to stay informed and take steps to protect their money, data, and teams. Read on to learn what exactly ransomware is, the risks it presents, and how you can be prepared.