The Summit Blog

Insights and tips to help you with your finances, plus information from The Summit’s community partners.

Financial Planning

Financial Strategies for Dual Caregivers

By GreenPath Financial Wellness Did you know that the number of family caregivers supporting older adults increased by nearly one-third between 2011 and 2022? This trend means more individuals are juggling the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and their own children. For dual caregivers, the financial strain is overwhelming: nearly 80% of family […]

Checking & Savings Accounts

Financial Capability Month Challenge: 30 Days to a Better Budget

By Greenpath Financial Wellness April is Financial Capability Month, making it the perfect time to put fresh eyes on your finances. Ever checked your account balance and thought, where did all my money go? You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and […]

Online & Mobile Banking

Digital Wallets – Changing the Way We Pay

By Dawn Kellogg We hear the phrase “digital wallet” used regularly, but what exactly is it and how can it simplify your life? The use of digital wallets has become increasingly popular over the years. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, as of 2022, 89% of Americans have used at least one form […]

Education & Security

Destroying Old Documents

By Dawn Kellogg Even with paperless technology, everyone has documents in their possession that contain sensitive information. Items like bank and credit card statements, pay stubs, receipts, old tax returns, etc. clutter our desks and files. What documents should you keep? Which should you destroy? How best to destroy them? Why destroy old paperwork? In […]

Credit & Debit

Balance Transfer 101

By Dawn Kellogg A Balance Transfer can save you money by moving your debt from a high-interest credit card, to one with a lower APR. But how do they work and is it right for you? What is a Balance Transfer? The transaction in which you move debt from a high interest credit card to […]

Financial Planning

Ways to Save in 2025

By Dawn Kellogg One New Year resolution that is always at the top of my list is saving more. Whether I am looking at growing my emergency fund, or saving for a large purchase or vacation, at this time of year I traditionally make it a point to revisit my budget, to see where I […]

Company & Community News

Supporting First Generation College Students

By Laurie Baker It is a privilege to have several SUNY Geneseo alumni as employees and volunteers at The Summit, including our VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Twanda Christensen; Vice Chair of our Board, Mollene Benison; and myself. I came to this part of New York State specifically to attend SUNY Geneseo and I […]

Credit & Debit

6 New Year Resolutions to Make for a Financially Bright 2025

By Dawn Kellogg We make them every year – those resolutions that we may (or may not) keep. For me, losing weight, reading more books, and not being glued to my cell phone top the list. But how many of us take the new year to make some financial resolutions? Here are 6 easy (and […]

Credit & Debit

Jingle Bills: How to Avoid a Holiday Debt Hangover

By GreenPath Financial Wellness The holidays are here, bringing that familiar urge to spend a little extra on the people we love. It’s a good feeling…until the bills arrive. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading your January credit card statements, you’re not alone. With thoughtful planning, you can keep your holiday joy intact without taking […]

Checking & Savings Accounts

Direct Deposit 101

By Dawn Kellogg Direct deposit exists to make your financial life easier. It’s also very popular! 93% of American workers get their paycheck via direct deposit, according to a 2022 survey by the American Payroll Association. 80% of taxpayers receive their federal tax refunds through direct deposit, and more than 99% of Social Security recipients […]

Financial Planning

Spending (and Saving) for the Holidays

By Dawn Kellogg One of the biggest causes of stress during the holidays can be money. No matter how much we have saved and budgeted, sometimes we still stress about it. Here are some tips to help you navigate through your holiday expenditures! Have a Spending Plan and Stick to It Make a list of […]

Reaching My Summit

The Procrastinator’s Guide to Holiday Travel Savings

By GreenPath Financial Wellness Holiday travel season is near, and peak prices already tell that story: nearly 75% of Hopper customers say that as they book travel this year, they plan to spend the same or more than what they shelled out last year. If this sounds uncomfortably familiar, don’t panic! Even if you’ve waited until […]