Simply Smart Insights
Scroll down and stay awhile to explore the answers to your everyday financial, business and homeownership questions.
5 fun ways to beat the winter blues
Winter is here! New England weather never fails to keep us on our toes, and most likely, it's keeping us inside more than we might like. So, how are you supposed to stay bright and sunny when the weather report calls for snowfall and dropping temperatures? We have a...
New Year’s Resolutions: Commit to Getting Financially Fit in 2020
Managing your finances can be stressful. There are always moving parts, unknown factors and risks involved. Even though we all know we should be “staying on top of our finances,” sometimes, it can seem easiest to simply avoid creating a money management strategy at...
Master your holiday spending, so you can maximize yuletide cheer
Holiday season is here! And it’s no secret—this is the season of shopping and spending. According to a recent study by Gallup, consumers estimate they will spend $942 on gifts this year, which is up sharply from 2018 spending. Plus, a record-high 37% of survey...
First-Time Homebuyers: Don’t Be Tricked by These Sneaky Costs
Buying a home is an exciting life step and a huge investment—there’s no doubt about that. However, many first-time homebuyers aren’t aware of all the additional costs that are part of the home buying process (not to mention maintenance and improvement costs once the...
7 ways to prep your home this fall
With crisp air and falling leaves, it’s time to bring out the pumpkin spice candles, colorful mums, and festive wreaths to transform your home this fall. As you’re removing A/C units from your windows and raking up piles of leaves, there are a few more things we...
Top FAQs on Home Equity Lines of Credit
Homeowners consider applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for a variety of reasons. Frequently, they are looking to make home improvements or fund a college education. Sometimes, they are looking to plan a dream vacation or have a safety net of funds on...
International Trade for Maine Businesses: Challenges, Opportunities, and Resources
Over 2,000 Maine companies exported $2.8 billion in goods and services to 169 countries in 2018, and international trade supports 157,300 Maine jobs. This is an impressive contribution to our state’s economy, and companies of all shapes and sizes are interested in...
Growing customer loyalty: Digital innovation with a personal touch
Do you remember the days when getting a ride was an ordeal that required planning, time, and patience? It used to be that if you needed a ride somewhere, you’d have to find a pay phone, dig into your pocket for a quarter, and then wait an unknown amount of time for a...
Be the business that fits: Tips to deliver an exceptional customer experience
With customer expectations at an all-time high, we know it’s no longer enough to simply provide good service. Whether purchasing new running shoes or making a big decision like applying for a loan, we all want to do business with a company that fits, wears well, and...
