Fraudulent calling attempts are on the rise. Scammers are posing as WSFS Associates – using fake caller IDs and personal details to gain your trust. NEVER share your account passwords or verification codes on unsolicited calls. Verify the call by hanging up and notifying us directly at 888.973.7226 7am‑7pm ET (M‑F) and 9am‑3pm ET (on weekends).
Fraudulent calling attempts are on the rise. Scammers are posing as WSFS Associates – using fake caller IDs and personal details to gain your trust. NEVER share your account passwords or verification codes on unsolicited calls. Verify the call by hanging up and notifying us directly at 888.973.7226 7am‑7pm ET (M‑F) and 9am‑3pm ET (on weekends).
The excitement that comes with the decision to purchase a home together, getting engaged or married can bring with it some added stress, particularly when it comes to discussing shared finances. According to a recent WSFS Bank study, 50% of Millennial and Gen Zers said discussing money with family makes them very uncomfortable. While discussing finances with…
You did it! With your college, trade school or high school diploma in hand, you’re ready to strike out on your own into the real world. Whether you have a job in your chosen field lined up or are searching for the right opportunity, now is a great time to take a good look at your…
With interest rates at record lows, there has been a huge focus on Americans borrowing money for new homes, home remodels and long-delayed weddings or vacations. In many homebuying or remodeling instances, people take out a mortgage or use their homes’ equity to fund a new purchase or improvements to their existing homes. But what about homeowners who haven’t…
After beginning his career in the restaurant industry, where he served as a restaurant manager for more than 15 years, Terry Kistler made the move to banking and financial services while living in Florida. Following his time in the Sunshine State, he moved back north to a different shore, landing at WSFS Bank in Lewes, Del. “I…
When Vanessa Kreckel started Two Paperdolls (now known as TPD Design House) at the kitchen table of her home in 2001, she didn’t imagine her business would grow into a full-service design agency in Wayne, Pennsylvania with 35 full time employees. “What began as a one-person, then two-person design shop was built through a passion to…
Inflation is the rate at which the cost of goods and services rises over time and can affect almost any good or service: food, housing, utilities, entertainment. As inflation rises, the purchasing power of consumers is diminished because over time inflation adds up, the value of the dollar declines, and consumers are forced to spend…
Over the past year, many people have changed the way they look at their homes. In many instances, homeowners have looked to upgrade to accommodate their working and living arrangements. Due to shutdowns and restrictions, many homeowners’ planned vacation getaways in the summer of 2020 were delayed or cancelled, leading to an increase in “staycations.” With the…
Gold is one of the most debated topics in investing. Some experts love it, others turn away. Investors focus on numerous factors that drive the price of gold. One common factor is supply and demand. Another common factor is uncertainty in the markets and one that is less obvious but seems to have more predictive…
Endure. Persevere. Adapt. Pivot. These four words, and many more, describe thousands of small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region and what they did to survive when the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts were felt. To help recognize small businesses in the region that overcame the odds, WSFS Bank partnered with FOX 29 in May to launch…
When Jung Ahn and his business partners, David Taing and Kenny Poon, opened their The Halal Guys franchise in Chinatown Square in Philadelphia, Pa. more than six years ago, he never could have envisioned how a global pandemic would further deepen his strong roots in Philadelphia’s small business and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities….
The past year has seen dramatic change for many small businesses, from operations and personnel needs to customer preferences around purchasing and delivery of products and services. While some businesses have thrived and experienced growth during this period of change, others are faced with overcoming financial losses as we emerge from the pandemic. The “new normal” post-COVID-19…
For years, WSFS has helped instill the value of service to the community in future generations each April through “Take Your Children to the Community Day,” WSFS’ spin on the national “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” After the early stages of the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020, WSFS and…
Born in Iran in Western Asia, Shaheen Mohajer’s journey has led him to embrace change throughout his personal life and his career. “At the age of six, my family and I escaped from Iran due to religious persecutions and danger to our family for being members of the Baha’i Faith,” Mohajer said. “We were trying to…
An estimated $60 trillion is expected to be transferred from baby boomers to their heirs in the coming years. The passing of a loved one, sometimes unexpectedly, can be especially stressful. Receiving an inheritance can further compound the emotional strain, particularly if you are settling the estate, dealing with creditors, and organizing the assets. You…
With COVID-19 vaccinations underway, restrictions easing and the school year wrapping up, many people are ready to get out of the house and spend their summers traveling again. Whether visiting family and friends, getting back to annual vacations or choosing new destinations to explore, travelers are charting their plans. However, with some restrictions still in place…
From its start as a grassroots organization 55 years ago, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) has grown to support the community through a variety of initiatives and avenues. “We have an interesting beginning; PCDC was established in 1966 in response to the proposed Vine Street Expressway expansion because it would have demolished the Holy Redeemer…
Co-founded in 1987 by community leader and the “Godmother of Chinatown,” Cecilia Moy Yep, the Asian American Women’s Coalition (AAWC) is dedicated to the advancement of Asian American women through leadership and mutual support. “AAWC members are diverse in age, race and ethnicity, religion and professional backgrounds,” said Margaret Chin, AAWC Treasurer. “Our organization consists of…
By now, it is no secret that finding a new home is a daunting task for many would-be homebuyers. Low inventory levels, coupled with rising prices, are creating immense competition, leaving even the most prepared and financially attractive buyers left out of the frenzy to find a home with more space and features they desire. In…
Spring is in the air, which for many means it’s time for a little spring cleaning. After a difficult year for many financially, there’s one often overlooked item you’ll want to ensure is on your spring cleaning checklist: your finances. According to a study from WSFS Bank of 2,005 Americans between ages 18-40, 43% of respondents frequently…
Building a solid credit score can go a long way toward achieving your financial goals, but it can get a bit confusing when it comes to establishing and improving your score. According to a recent WSFS Bank study, 66% of Millennial and Gen Zers said they know how to improve their credit score, but building good…
Your credit score can play a large role in achieving your financial goals. A recent WSFS Bank study of 2,005 Americans between ages 18-40 found 65% of respondents agreed they understood what types of behavior impact their credit scores. But, understanding what exactly your credit score is and what impacts it can have gets confusing at…
Whether you’ve built a solid credit score already or have one that still needs work, it’s important to know what ways your credit score affects you. A recent WSFS Bank study of 2,005 Americans between ages 18-40 found that 36% of respondents felt building good credit was a financial goal out of reach for them and…
With the majority of market chatter engulfed in the inflation debate, certain asset classes have been a focus for portfolios. Typically, investors flock to commodities during times of high or expected high inflation. Another asset class that can help mitigate inflation risks in a portfolio is emerging market equities. Emerging markets historically provide a buffer…
For months, most of the region has experienced a white-hot real estate market as interest rates remained low and people sought new homes to fit their pandemic-influenced work, school and leisure lifestyles. With so many people looking to buy, competition for homes in many areas has become even more fierce than expected, with reports that February’s…
An estimated $60 trillion is expected to be transferred from baby boomers to their heirs in the coming years. Accordingly, it is always important to meet with a financial advisor to ensure that the “great wealth transfer” is a smooth one for you and your loved ones. The more proactive you are, the more likely…
As a second-generation business leader and female business owner in a predominantly male-dominated industry, LaShelle Birch knows a thing or two about “proving it.” “At first, vendors and clients that don’t know me are skeptical,” says LaShelle, president of Birch’s Communications, a complete vehicle upfitting services firm in Dorothy, New Jersey. “What they don’t realize is…
Since 1918, the Junior League of Wilmington (JLW) has been committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving local Communities. “For 100+ years, the JLW has identified issues affecting the Community, and created solutions to serve the Wilmington population, through Community projects and partners,” said Jessica Chapple, President, Junior League of Wilmington. The organization’s…
A solid financial education foundation can be key to future success managing money. Unfortunately, many younger generations are left with the feeling they’re “on their own” to figure things out when it comes to personal finances. A recent study from WSFS Bank of 2,005 Americans between ages 18-40 found 61% of respondents agreed that most of…
As we move into the spring homebuying season, one thing remains clear—the market will remain red hot in many areas throughout the region. Low interest rates are expected to remain for the foreseeable future that, combined with an inventory crunch, will make house hunting increasingly competitive for homebuyers and their realtors. In some areas, there have…
Having worked in the finance and technology industries for nearly 25 years, Corynn Ciber is no stranger to breaking barriers. In two industries that women have been underrepresented in, she has blazed her own trail, leading to her role as Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at WSFS Bank. “I went into financial services right…
It’s that time of year! Tax season is quickly approaching and though some may dread having to complete their 2020 returns, many look forward to receiving a refund. This begs the question “what should I do with my refund if I get one?” Though the first instinct might be to buy that shiny item you’ve had…
Founded in 1984 to honor the legacy of suffragist Alice Paul’s work for gender equality, The Alice Paul Institute (API), based in Mount Laurel, NJ, works to educate the public and train future generations of female leaders. “Over the last 25+ years, API has built a slate of programs and educational experiences that encourage children, young…
Is yield too much to ask for? In a low interest rate environment with tight credit spreads, the answer at a first glance seems to be yes. For those who are aware, yield is defined as the income return on your investments. The current fixed income landscape has left investors in pursuit of yield for their…
Duration is a term used in fixed income investing. It is a measure of interest rate risk that a bond or fixed income strategy has. Bond prices and interest rates move inverse to each other; thus, interest rate risk is the potential reduction in the value of a bond if interest rates move higher. The…
When we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many small business owners will have gone a full year or more trying to secure or continue loan programs designed to help them survive during incredibly stressful times and circumstances. Several of these loan programs, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), SBA payment relief…
Spring is almost upon us, and normally the homebuying season would be warming up with the weather. Instead, it is expected to remain red hot, as it has been for months since we emerged from the pandemic’s first wave last summer. Interest rates remain low, and people continue to envision a work and home life…
During the life span of their business, every small business owner faces decisions about where to open a physical location, whether to stay there long term, and if they own the building, what improvements to make and how to finance them. For small business owners, investing in real estate—whether it is a new purchase or a…
When Doaa Mohamed first started dreaming of owning her own franchise business in 2000, she was a 20-year-old retail manager with limited financial resources. “A friend and co-worker said ‘Doaa, why don’t we start a franchise?’” said Doaa. “Of course, at that stage of our lives, we didn’t have the money but there was a relatively…
According to a WSFS Bank Study of Millennials and Gen Z consumers, 65% of respondents describe their overall financial situation as either “good” or “excellent,” and nearly six in 10 (58%) are optimistic that they’ll achieve their financial goals one day. While respondents remain optimistic when it comes to their finances, 43% said they frequently…
One of the keys to building a successful budget is to continually reevaluate your income and variable expenses, accounting for any needed adjustments. Even the strongest budget could have been flipped on its head at the onset of COVID-19 as many found their finances in a new state of fluctuation. Proper money management strategies can go a…
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since its founding in 2016, MLK VOICE 4 YOUTH has provided Delaware students a safe platform to speak up on issues important to them and creatively share how Dr. King’s legacy guides their response to today’s challenges. The annual spoken…
When Tanya Hill-Holliday speaks, it is impossible to not listen and feel inspired. Hill-Holliday, the founder, president and CEO of TanWay Enterprises, forged her path of leadership as a state track and field champion in high school, then as a part time McDonald’s employee while earning her degree in business administration and management at Morgan State University….
In a career that has spanned more than 25 years in banking and financial services, Ron Dutton has held a variety of roles from business banking and government and institution banking to his current position as Senior Vice President, Director, Community Reinvestment at WSFS Bank. Helping the Community In his current role at WSFS, Dutton is…
Since its founding in 1976, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) has interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day. “AAMP was the first museum established by a municipality to explore African American culture and heritage,” said James Claiborne, Public Programming Manager at AAMP. “It’s an…
When entrepreneurs reach a point in their businesses where they need additional cash flow, they often look to credit. While credit is a good resource for a new small business venture, it’s important to use it wisely, much like personal credit. In fact, an owner’s personal credit history can affect their ability to get credit for…
One area of the equity markets that often gets neglected is the mid cap space. Investors and the media primarily focus on large capitalized companies. At certain times, small cap companies will be mentioned as pockets of opportunities to increase portfolio returns. But mid cap companies barely get any attention, as if they don’t even…
Over the past year, the idea of what the home looks like and its daily purpose has changed for many people. Sure, we wanted to have our creature comforts to come home to after a long day at work. But the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to how we use the space available to us and…
The new normal. It’s a phrase we’ve been hearing for nearly a year, generally referring to how we must adapt and adjust to changing safety protocols, shopping habits, work and school environments and more as we navigate our daily lives in a pandemic. The new normal has also applied to small business leaders as they’ve adapted…
