Blogs

The days are getting longer, flowers are starting to bloom—spring is here! It’s the perfect time to refresh your home … and also take a closer look at your finances.
 
 At 316 Financial, we believe managing money is about more than just numbers—it’s about aligning your financial decisions with your values. As you welcome spring with a fresh mindset, here are a few thoughtful ways to “spring clean” and uplift your money habits.

1. Reflect and Renew

Just like you open the windows and invite fresh air into your home, spring is a great time to open up your finances and clear out any junky habits. Is your current spending helping you live with purpose? Are your financial choices in line with what matters most to you? Take time to review your expenses, savings, and goals, and consider how your future decisions can better reflect the life you want to lead.

2. Tidy Up Your Budget

If your budget feels more chaotic than peaceful, it might be time to simplify. Take time to review your monthly spending and cancel unused subscriptions, trim recurring expenses, and redirect your spending toward things that bring lasting value. Updating or creating a monthly budget helps you manage your resources intentionally (and creates peace of mind in the process). 

3. Set New Goals

Have you been meaning to start an emergency fund, pay down debt, or plan a vacation without relying on credit cards? Writing down your goals—no matter how large or small—gives you something tangible to aim for, and a motivating reminder when you need to stay on track.

4. Give Generously

Part of stewardship—financial and otherwise—is giving generously and graciously. Consider supporting a cause, nonprofit, or neighbor in need. Generosity renews our perspective and reminds us of the meaningful impact our resources can have in the lives of others.

5. Start Fresh with Grace

If previous financial choices are weighing you down, remember this: your financial story is still being written. Spring cleaning your finances isn’t about guilt—it’s about growth. What matters most is where you go from here. Choose an uplifting path forward that brings peace, clarity, and purpose.

Easter egg decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune—especially with egg prices higher than ever. Here are a few creative and affordable ways to keep the tradition going without cracking your budget.

1. Try “Eggstra” Materials
    Skip pricey eggs and decorate reusable alternatives like foam, wood, or plastic eggs from craft stores. They’re inexpensive, mess-free, and you can save them for next year. Even paper cutouts shaped like eggs can be a fun, budget-friendly way to get the family involved.
   
   
2. Paint Potatoes Instead
    No, it’s not a joke—painting potatoes is actually catching on as a cheap and sturdy alternative to real eggs. They’re easier for little hands to decorate and cost less per dozen. Plus, you can cook them later to avoid waste.
   
   
3. Edible Egg Alternatives
    Get creative with treats that double as decor. Mold Rice Krispies Treats into egg shapes or make Jell-O eggs in fun colors. They’re easy, affordable, and a hit with kids.
   
   
4. DIY Dyes and Decor
    Forget the expensive dye kits. Make your own with items like coffee, tea, turmeric, or even beets for natural colors. Decorating with markers, stickers, or yarn is also an inexpensive way to keep things festive.
   
   
5. Skip the Eggs Altogether
    If you want to avoid eggs entirely, try making salt-dough ornaments in egg shapes and let the kids paint them. They’re cheap to make and double as keepsakes to hang up next year.
   
   

Remember, the eggs are fun—but Easter is about so much more. It's a time to reflect on hope, faith, and the promises that matter most. Happy Easter!

Saving money can feel overwhelming—especially when life is full of bills, responsibilities, and the unexpected. But what if the secret to growing your savings wasn’t about big sacrifices, just small steps? Enter the $1 Rule: the simple, no-stress way to build a financial cushion, one dollar at a time.

Why $1 Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to dismiss a single dollar. But saving money isn’t just about how much—it’s about consistency. Setting aside $1 a day adds up to:

• $30 a month—enough to cover a streaming subscription, a meal out, or a little extra gas.
• $365 a year—a holiday fund, a car repair, or a start to your emergency savings.
• $1,825 in five years—a serious financial cushion, without making any drastic lifestyle changes.

Now imagine increasing that to $2, $5, or rounding up your purchases into savings. The habit of saving grows just as fast as the balance.

Earn Interest—Grow Your Money Faster

Here’s where the magic happens: when your savings earns interest, your money grows even faster. Instead of just stacking up what you put in, interest helps multiply your savings over time.

With 316 Financial's Interest Savings, you earn 4.05% APY (annual percentage yield*), so every dollar you save is working for you. Even better? Your savings helps support causes that uplift—because banking should be about more than just money.

Automate It and Forget It

The easiest way to stick to the $1 Rule? Make it automatic. Set up a daily or weekly transfer to a high-yield savings account, and let time do the work for you. The more effortless it is, the more likely you are to keep saving.

Small Steps, Big Impact

A dollar a day may not feel like much, but it’s proof that small actions lead to big results. And when you bank with a company that aligns with your values, every dollar has even more purpose.

Most people handle money the same way: paycheck comes in, bills get paid, groceries get bought, and whatever’s left (if anything) goes into savings. The problem? There’s never "extra" money to save.

That’s why the most financially successful people flip the script. They follow one simple rule: pay yourself first.

What Does It Mean to Pay Yourself First?

Paying yourself first means treating saving like a non-negotiable bill—just like rent, your phone plan, or electricity. Before you pay anyone else, you set aside money for your future.

Why? Because if you wait until the end of the month to save what’s left over, you’ll always find something to spend it on.

How to Make It Happen (Without Thinking About It)

The trick is to make saving automatic so it happens before you even have a chance to miss the money. Here’s how:

1. Set Up an Auto-Transfer – Have a percentage of your paycheck automatically deposited into savings. Even $20 a week adds up over time.
2. Use High-Interest Savings – When your money earns interest, it grows even faster. With 316 Financial, you earn 4.05% APY (annual percentage yield*), helping you build wealth just by letting your money sit.
3. Think of It as a Bill – Budget for your savings the same way you budget for rent or insurance. It’s not “extra”—it’s essential.
4. Start Small & Increase Over Time – If 10% of your paycheck feels too ambitious, start with 5% or even 2%. The key is building the habit.
5. Make It Harder to Spend – Keep your savings in a separate account from your checking. Out of sight, out of temptation.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

The beauty of paying yourself first? Over time, your savings grows without stress or sacrifice. And with no monthly service fees, 24/7 support, and an account that helps support causes that uplift, 316 Financial makes saving simple—and meaningful.

In today’s fast-paced world, managing finances efficiently is essential, and one simple yet impactful way to do so is by setting up direct deposit for your bank account. Direct deposit is a secure, convenient, and reliable method of receiving payments, whether from your employer, government benefits, or other sources.

How Do I Set Up Direct Deposit?

1. Download our direct deposit form. 
2. Fill out the form with your specific information.
3. Talk to your employer or person that pays you. They may need additional paperwork or a voided check to complete the process.

That’s it – easy as 1-2-3.

Why Should I Set Up Direct Deposit?

One of the biggest benefits is convenience. With direct deposit, you don't have to worry about going to the bank or waiting in line to deposit your paycheck. You can also get paid up to two days early! Once we’re notified of an upcoming direct deposit, we’ll go ahead and credit your account, up to two days early. This means faster access to your funds and less hassle.

Security is another significant advantage. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of losing a paper check, reducing the chances of theft or misplacement. It’s also more environmentally friendly since it cuts down on paper use.

Additionally, direct deposit can help you avoid late payments. With automatic deposits, you never have to worry about forgetting to deposit your paycheck, ensuring bills are paid on time. Many banks even offer early access to your funds with direct deposit, letting you access your money sooner than waiting for a traditional check.

Lastly, setting up direct deposit can lead to better financial organization. When payments are automatically deposited, it's easier to track your income and spending, making budgeting and managing your finances simpler.

Overall, setting up direct deposit can save you time, offer peace of mind, and help you stay on top of your financial game. It's a win for everyone!

Scammers have no shame. One of their worst tricks? Grandparent scams—where they pretend to be a grandchild in trouble to steal money. These scams prey on love, urgency, and fear. Here’s how to spot them and keep your family safe. 

How the Grandparent Scam Works 

• You get a call or text—"Grandma? Grandpa? It’s me!"
• They sound panicked—saying they’ve been in an accident, arrested, or stranded.
• They beg for money—usually through wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto.
• They ask you to keep it a secret—so parents won’t "get mad" or they won’t "get in trouble."

How to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones 

• Pause and stay calm. Scammers want you to panic. Take a deep breath before acting.
• Verify their identity. Ask a question only your real grandchild would know. Or call their actual phone number.
• Never send money quickly. No legitimate emergency requires secrecy or gift cards.
• Talk to family. If something feels off, check with another relative before responding.
• Educate loved ones. Have conversations with elderly family members about these scams.

If you or someone you know has been targeted, report it immediately. And if bank info was involved, call us at 833.316.3167. 

At 316, we’re all about peace of mind. Check out more resources on avoiding scams by clicking here. bank316.com/security

Scammers are using fake IRS texts to steal personal information, making it seem like you need to act fast to claim your payment. But the truth is simple: 

✅ If you qualify, the IRS will send your payment automatically.
✅ You’ll get it by direct deposit or check—no action required.
✅ The IRS will never text you asking for personal or financial details. 

How to Spot a Scam: 

🚨 The IRS doesn’t send texts about payments or ask for sensitive information.
🚨 Official government websites end in “.gov”—scammers often use “.com” to look legit.
🚨 If it feels off, trust your instincts. 

What to Do If You Get a Scam Text: 

📌 Ignore it. Don’t engage or reply.
📌 Don’t click any links. It could steal your personal data.
📌 Report it. Forward scam texts to The U.S. Treasury Inspector General Hotline.  

At 316 Financial, we believe in protecting what matters most—including your financial security. Stay aware, stay safe, and always double-check before you trust. 

Scammers are getting creative, but their goal is always the same—to steal your personal information. Phishing, smishing, and vishing are different ways they try to trick you into handing it over. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead. 

How These Scams Work 

• Phishing (Email Scams): You get an email that looks legit—maybe from your bank, a friend or even your church. It asks you to click a link, update your password, or confirm your account details. The link leads to a fake site designed to steal your info.
• Smishing (Text Message Scams): A text pops up claiming you’ve won a prize, your account has been compromised, or you need to verify a charge. The link? A trap. Clicking it could install malware or steal your login credentials.
• Vishing (Phone Call Scams): A caller, often pretending to be from your bank, tech support, or even the IRS, pressures you to provide sensitive information over the phone. They may spoof a real phone number to seem credible.

Red Flags to Watch For 

• Urgency and fear tactics. “Act now, or your account will be locked!” Scammers want you to panic.
• Requests for personal info. No real company will ask for your passwords, PINs, or full Social Security number over email, text, or phone.
• Suspicious links. Hover over a link before clicking—if it looks strange or doesn’t match the sender, don’t trust it.
• Unexpected attachments. A random invoice, receipt, or tracking number? Don’t open it. It could be malware.
• Caller ID tricks. Just because it looks like your bank’s number doesn’t mean it is. Always hang up and call back using a trusted number.

If you get a message, email, or call that feels off—stop, think, and verify. When in doubt, contact us directly at 833.316.3167. 

Love is a beautiful thing—but not when it’s a scam. Romance scams are on the rise, preying on good-hearted people looking for connection. These scams don’t just break hearts—they empty bank accounts. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

How Romance Scams Work 

Scammers create fake identities, gain trust, and then ask for money. It usually goes like this: 

• They meet you online. Dating apps, social media, even faith-based groups—scammers know where to find people looking for genuine connections.
• They move fast. Sweet messages, deep conversations, even “I love you” within weeks. They make you feel special.
• They have a reason they can’t meet in person. They’re “stationed overseas,” “on a secret business trip,” or “dealing with a personal crisis.”
• They ask for money. The excuses vary—medical bills, travel costs, family emergencies—but the request is always urgent.

Who’s at Risk? 

Anyone. But scammers often target:
✅ Widows and divorcees looking for companionship
✅ People of faith who trust easily and want to help
✅ Older adults who may be less tech-savvy
✅ Newcomers to online dating who don’t know the red flags 

How Victims Lose Money 

Scammers use different methods to drain bank accounts:
🚨 Wire transfers: Hard to trace, impossible to reverse
🚨 Gift cards: A common scam method—once the code is shared, the money is gone
🚨 Cryptocurrency: Fast, anonymous, and untraceable
🚨 Bank info: They might convince victims to "help" by depositing a check. sharing account details or opening an account for them.  

How to Stay Safe 

💡 Be skeptical of online romances that move too fast
💡 Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you haven’t met in person
💡 Watch for excuses when they refuse video calls or in-person meetings
💡 Talk to someone you trust before making any financial decisions 

If you or someone you love might be caught in a romance scam, act fast. Stop all contact, report it to the FTC, and call us at 833.316.3167 if your bank account was involved. 

Real love is patient, kind, and never asks for money through a screen. Stay wise, stay safe.