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Financial Articles & Tools

Our Downloadable Toolkits and Financial Literacy Articles Are Designed to Provide You Valuable Information to Help Manage Your Finances. 


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1

10 Steps in Your NJ Homebuying Process

Buying your first home in New Jersey can be overwhelming. But if you break it down into simple steps, you can feel much more confident and focus on the excitement of the process rather than the stress of it. Here’s what you can expect when buying a home in NJ.

2

15- vs. 30-year Mortgages Explained

When preparing to buy a home in New Jersey or refinance your NJ mortgage, the most common question we hear at Peapack-Gladstone Bank is, “Which is better, a 15- or 30-year mortgage?” The answer is very individualized, as there are pros and cons to both. Here’s what you need to know when considering a 15-year mortgage or a 30-year mortgage in New Jersey.

16

Avoiding Online Scams in the Digital Age

At Peapack-Gladstone Bank, protecting your money and personal information is a top priority. That’s why we’ve outlined how to spot the latest online scams and how you can protect yourself with these internet safety tips.

18

Bad Credit Score? Here’s How to Fix It

Having poor credit can be stressful. Especially if you are applying for a mortgage, auto loan or other big purchase. Before you can fix any problem, you need to determine the root cause.

10

Business Financing Tips for Women Entrepreneurs in New Jersey

To help NJ women in business finance their companies, here are some helpful resources from Peapack-Gladstone Bank, as well as funding options available to female entrepreneurs in New Jersey.

21

NJ College Planning and Saving Options

Here are two words to describe college tuition: very expensive. Here’s one word that describes when to start saving for your child’s education: yesterday.

20

Common Financial Terms Every Adult Needs to Know

When it comes time to buy a car or house, plan for retirement or prepare for another major financial event, understanding the complex terminology can be overwhelming.

11

Free Resources for NJ Small Business Owners to Start, Manage and Grow

When it comes to resources available to small businesses, the first thing to know is what defines a small business.

12

Growing Your NJ Small Business

As a proud small-business owner, you’ve established your company, taken the time to build your finances and discovered what has worked and what has not. Now, you are ready to move onto the next phase of small business ownership: business expansion and growing your profitability.

3

NJ Homebuying Checklist and Tips

Whether you’re looking to get out of the rental market, grow your family or upgrade your space, Peapack-Gladstone Bank can help you navigate the process.

19

How Credit Scores are Calculated

If you’ve applied for a car loan or a mortgage lately, you’ve probably heard someone mention your credit score. It’s also likely you’ve read articles or blog posts about how to improve your score.

15

How to Boost Online Banking Security

Many Peapack-Gladstone Bank customers prefer to take care of their routine banking needs through online banking or mobile banking. From checking your account balance to depositing checks, online banking provides convenient, round-the-clock access to everyday banking needs.

22

How to Create a Simple Budget

If you’re like most people, you work hard for your money. While much of that income goes toward meeting your obligations—housing, food, cars, insurance—it’s nice to have a little extra for the finer things in life.

4

How to Get Prequalified and Pre-Approved for a NJ Home Loan

Before you start shopping for a new home or make an offer on a house, it’s smart to get prequalified or pre-approved for a home loan. Not all mortgage lenders require you to go through the prequalification process, and some people opt to skip this step. Prequalification is in your best interest, however, as it helps show sellers you’re an attractive and qualified buyer.

23

How to Teach Your Child the Value of Money

Teaching financial literacy will not only give your children an appreciation for what you provide, it will also help develop a baseline for a successful financial future. Here are some simple money lessons for both children and teens from Peapack-Gladstone Bank to help your kids grow up into financially responsible adults.

14

Identity Theft & Fraud on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

Identity theft and fraud can be devastating, and these crimes have become more widespread over the past few years. If a criminal gains access to your personal or financial information, your accounts and good name can be ruined, along with your peace of mind.

13

Comparing Small Business Loan Programs Backed by the SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was founded as an independent federal government agency to help American businesses get started, compete, and thrive by helping business owners access funding.

5

When Should I Refinance My NJ Mortgage?

You’ve probably heard pitches and received letters in the mail touting the benefits of refinancing your mortgage. What does that mean for you?

6

Shopping for a Mortgage? 

Shopping around for a mortgage
takes time and energy. But it can
save you thousands of dollars.
Make it your goal to compare at
least three loan offers from
different lenders.


7

Should I Refinance?

Often homeowners refinance to try to lower the cost of their mortgage. But there are usually tradeoffs, so here are some questions to help you
think about whether refinancing is a good financial move for you.


8

Ready to Buy a Home?
 
Owning a home can give you
stability and security, and protection from rising housing costs.  But it’s a big responsibility. When you own a home, you pay for repairs, along with any property taxes, insurance, and homeowners association dues that apply.

9

Guide to Closing Form
 
When you sign the closing form document, you are giving the lender the right to take your property by foreclosure if you fail to pay your mortgage according to the terms you’ve agreed to.

17

Protecting Your Identity
 
Help keep your identity safe by practicing online security and limiting access to your personal information. Identity theft, fraud, and data breaches affect tens of millions of people in the U.S. each year. This is why it’s important to be cautious with your identifying information—both online and in the real world.