Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co.

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Seven Steps to Prevent Identity Theft

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. May 10, 2022

One of the most important things to protect is your personally identifiable information. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you are remaining vigilant and protecting yourself.

• Use complex passwords – Avoid passwords containing personally identifiable information or simple words that can be easily replicated by fraudsters. Instead, utilize complex passwords or phrases that include letters, numbers and symbols. In addition, utilize a different complex password for each account to improve your protection and minimize the ability to compromise multiple accounts.
• Utilize payment methods that are protected…

Five Easy Ways to Protect and Manage Your Money

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. September 15, 2021

In today’s world of busy schedules packed with meetings and sports practices, taking time to consider the security of our financial information tends to fall to the bottom of our to-do list. That doesn’t have to be the case. With Univest’s digital banking tools, it’s never been easier to ensure your financial information is secure when making purchases and/or traveling.

Here are five easy ways to manage your money:

Utilize a mobile wallet for purchases – This is an easy-to-use, fast and more secure way to pay. Simply link your Univest debit or credit cards to make mobile payments via…

Post-Pandemic Tips for Small Business Owners

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. May 4, 2021

It has been more than a year since the pandemic significantly impacted our lives and brought many businesses and industries to a halt. As we continue the recovery process and slowly return to pre-COVID standards, businesses need to learn from the ways they have been impacted and take steps to ensure their long-term survival. Here are a few things that small business owners should consider as they work towards getting back to a “new normal.”

Accounts Receivable – What is your current receivable aging trend and how have you positioned your business to adapt and ensure you…

Spring Forward with Digital Banking Tools

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. February 27, 2020

As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, people often begin to think about spring cleaning, home improvement projects or even planning their summer vacation. Most of the time, the security of your financial information isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but now is a great time to ensure your financial information is secure when making purchases and/or traveling.

Utilize a mobile wallet for purchases – This is an easy-to-use, fast and more secure way to pay. Simply link your Univest debit or credit cards to make mobile payments via…

Tips for a Financially Fit and Secure 2020

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. December 31, 2019

The New Year is upon us and with that resolutions for things we want to tackle in the months ahead. This is a great time to reset and re-focus to ensure you’re financially fit and secure. Here are some tips to help you work towards a safe and prosperous 2020 and beyond.

Get Financially Fit

Set financial goals – Start by setting specific goals for your finances this year – perhaps you want to build an emergency fund, go on vacation or donate to charity each month. Having a specific goal will keep you motivated and can be…

Tips to be a Financially Healthy College Student

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. July 31, 2018

Going off to college is perhaps one of the most exciting yet frightening times for young adults. During this typically hectic time of packing and preparing for the start of school, financial preparedness is often overlooked. Here are some tips that may help to alleviate some of the financial stress facing college students.

Create a Budget – It is important to get all of your expenses listed on paper so you can determine how much you will need on a weekly and monthly basis. Don’t forget to account for “fun” money each week. While it is…

Tips For Effectively Managing Debt

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. September 1, 2017

What is considered good debt? What is considered bad debt? Perhaps one of the biggest financial quandaries facing consumers today is the effective management of their debt and making sure they’re being smart about the types of debt they utilize for purchases. Here are a few tips to help you as you make future purchasing decisions.

Create a detailed annual budget – Sit down each year and estimate all of your expenses. Be sure to include line items for saving money and future purchases. Don’t forget any trailing expenses. For instance, when you purchase a new vehicle, be sure…

Tips for a Financially Fit 2017

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. December 9, 2016

December is upon us and the days are getting shorter, temperatures are getting colder and the busy holiday shopping season is in full swing. This time of year, many people shift their focus to looking for the best deals on gifts, however, it is also the time to begin reviewing your financial health so you can plan for a financially healthy 2017. Here are a few tips to consider:

Determine Savings Goals – Make sure that you are setting attainable savings goals and that you have a budget and plan in place to achieve those goals. Maybe you are saving…

Back To School Financial Tips

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. August 24, 2016

As fall approaches, the days begin to get shorter, the nights get cooler and parental priorities shift towards the upcoming school year. Whether you have a child heading off to college or just starting elementary school, financial literacy is a very important part of the education process. Below are some financial tips for students of all ages.

Tips for the college student

Effective Budgeting – Sit down and plan out what weekly/monthly bills your student will have. This will ensure that they know how much disposable income they have for “fun” purchases each week.

Plan Purchases – Build larger item…

Spring Forward to Financial Well-Being

By: Chris McCarthy, SVP and Area Manager, Univest Bank and Trust Co. March 30, 2016

Spring is upon us. The clocks have been changed and daylight savings time has begun. Many people view this as just a time to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and get the lawnmower serviced for the upcoming summer season, but I recommend taking this time to complete a financial check-up.

Here are some tips to ensure that you are making your money work efficiently for you:

Maximize your potential tax deductions – Use the equity in your home to purchase larger ticket items such as appliances or a deck. The interest paid may be tax deductible.

Secure Financing Now –…

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