Tag: banking

Opportunity Zones: Increasing Investment Where It’s Needed Most

June 27th, 2019

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – How can Northeast Indiana and Fort Wayne boost development in economically distressed communities?

Many federal incentive programs have been created over the years, including the New Markets Tax Credit, Empowerment Zones and more; however, the newest investment incentive—Opportunity Zones—may have the most significant tax benefits yet.

Check out this great review of the program – be sure to check out the webinar on the opportunity zones hyperlink – it’s a fantastic overview of the program and gives great examples on how public and private partnerships come together to help communities success. We are #bettertogether

neindiana.com/news/opportunity-zones

Insights on the Second Set of Qualified Opportunity Zone Regulations

Insights on the Second Set of Qualified Opportunity Zone Regulations

Insights on the Second Set of Qualified Opportunity Zone Regulations


— Read on commercialobserver.com/2019/06/insights-on-the-second-set-of-qualified-opportunity-zone-regulations/

Really good overview of Opportunity Zone program.

10 Simple Things You Can Do For Your Team Today to Make Their Day Better

Helping your team feel good each day is a role every leader should play. It doesn’t have to be a big thing or complicated. Sometimes the easiest actions can be the most important in helping to create engagement and make each day a little better for everyone. Here are some simple ideas for you to try.

10 Simple Things You Can Do For Your Team Today to Make Their Day Better

https://effectiveretailleader.com/10-things-make-their-day-better/
— Read on effectiveretailleader.com/10-things-make-their-day-better/

When Soaring College Costs Hit Home

“Poverty is hereditary – it comes from your children.” 

Comedian Phyllis Diller may have been joking when she said that, but anyone who is raising a child today knows that there’s nothing inexpensive about having kids. In fact, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “it will cost an estimated $241,080 for a middle-income couple to raise a child born last year for 18 years.”

If that doesn’t shock you, consider an even more eye-opening fact: that figure doesn’t include one of the most expensive costs for parents – financing a college education. According to The College Board, an “in-state public college for the 2013–2014 academic year averaged $22,826 while a private college averaged $44,750.” In the last 30 years, college costs have quadrupled.

A shared burden

The burden of financing college education isn’t just falling on parents; today’s students are amassing significant debt.  As the infographic below shows, the average student graduates with nearly $25,000 in debt, giving them an uphill climb on the road to financial success.  The burden of this debt may be why they delay getting married and purchasing homes.

So how can parents help their children finance the costs of college and fill the gap where Financial Aid and other student loans leave off? One popular solution is actually close to home — home equity credit. With home equity, parents can borrow off the equity in their homes to pay for college costs, and take advantage of some very significant benefits, including:

  • Lower rates than those available with private student loans.
  • Potential tax savings.
  • The ability to borrow and repay funds with a home equity line.
  • Interest-only options to keep payments low.
  • The flexibility to use funds to cover any educational expense — from books to computers to room and board and tuition.

Here to Help.

At DNB First, we have competitive home equity options, including a special  rate on a home equity line.  Stop by or call us today to learn more. Of course, as with any financial decision, it’s important to carefully weigh your options. After all, college is one of the biggest investments you will make as a parent, so you’d better do your homework.

10 Mind-blowing Facts About The Cost of College TuitionCreated by: TakeLessons

Get Ready for Tax Season!

If you haven’t done so already, taxes will be due before you know it! Here are some helpful resources to assist you in preparing:

1) Bonnie Lee of Fox Business outlines 5 tips for preparing for taxes this year.

2) Need help preparing your taxes? If you qualify, the IRS has Free Tax Preparation by  volunteers.

3) H&R Block put together this helpful checklist of everything you should put together in order to file your taxes.

4) Finally, know anyone filing for the first time? Teenagers with their first job? This is a very simple to understand video that lays out the basics of filing.

If you have more questions, consider seeing a personal finance expert to talk you through. Happy Filing!

Vince Liuzzi

Thinking of a refinance – what’s holding you back?

Since 2012, many consumers across the United States took advantage of low rates and refinanced their high rate mortgages, lowering monthly payments and freeing up cash for other purposes. If you happen to be one of the approximately 20 million households who have never refinanced, and are paying 6% or more on your mortgage, you may want to take advantage of the current environment and refinance now, but hurry – time’s a wastin!

Continue reading “Thinking of a refinance – what’s holding you back?”

Retire Early?

Although it may not always be a possibility for everyone, preparation is key. Remember, its’ never to early to plan for retirement. As this couple found out early retirement was achievable by making some quick drastic changes. In her article, Andrea Coombes lays out 8 tips for success from early retirees.

http://youtu.be/6l5HXLWBFqo

Vince Liuzzi