Women have spent decades working to move up the ranks of the commercial real estate financial services sector, but they continue to encounter significant barriers. A 2020 CREW study found that women in this field earn, on average, 24.6% less than their male counterparts. Along with that, only 9% of CRE executive positions are held by women. One organization…
Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) feel confident they will achieve their financial goals, according to a new WSFS Bank survey. However, two-in-five (39%) said they’re not confident they can keep pace with inflation’s impact on goods and services, and nearly a quarter (24%) say having poor credit prevents them from using financial products and services,…
Longtime WSFS Customer Pep-Up – a full-service petroleum distributor and convenience store operator – wasn’t necessarily looking for new efficiencies when they came across what would become a game changer for the business. Pep-Up COO Bryan Pepper recalled a conversation several years ago when his WSFS relationship manager mentioned Cash Connect’s smart safe solutions. “To be…
Whether it’s a compromised email, ransomware, mail theft, or other criminal attempt, fraudulent schemes continue to trend upward and can cost businesses and consumers alike. Preventing fraud requires vigilance from every employee to protect your company’s finances and information. Here are some tips to help protect your business and yourself. Digital Fraud Scammers don’t discriminate when it comes…
Building financial confidence can go a long way in achieving your goals. Gaining that confidence goes hand-in-hand with having proper access to financial products and services for your needs and feeling comfortable leveraging these resources. A WSFS Bank study found that 80% in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region are confident managing their money in general, but…
If you’ve been paying attention to financial news lately, topics such as inflation, rising interest rates and the housing market have been the predominant headlines. While much of the focus on rising interest rates has centered around how potential homebuyers are impacted and why they should act now to avoid paying more for the same home later,…
When you hear and read about inflation, the attention is typically placed on inflation’s impact on the cost for consumer goods, and for good reason. High inflation hits people where it hurts most—their wallets. But small business owners and operators must deal with inflation’s impacts as well, and as it continues to be a major cost…
Warren Buffett, arguably the world’s greatest investor, wrote in his 1993 annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, “In the short-term, the stock market is a voting machine, reflecting a voter registration test that requires only money, not intelligence or emotional stability, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.” It is hard to…
Last year marked significant progress for the cryptocurrency market, with several noteworthy moments from 2021 that made headlines, including: Bitcoin surpasses $1 trillion in market value Coinbase IPOs at a $85.8 billion valuation China banned cryptocurrency El Salvador adopted bitcoin as legal tender Whether or not you own cryptocurrency outright, we believe its popularity and impact…
With the 2021 tax year filing season wrapping up this month, many small business owners and operators are ready to put Uncle Sam in the rearview for a while and focus on running their business as efficiently and profitably as they can. While preparations for the 2022 tax year filing season may seem far off, there…
Nearly two-thirds (66%) of Americans are having trouble saving for a new home or rental due to rising costs for everyday needs, and an equal percentage of renters are struggling to compete for and afford units where they live due to rising rent, according to a new WSFS Mortgage survey. The study, which surveyed 1,530…
Inflation has been front and center in the news this past year. Anyone that has tried to purchase a used car, a home, or even a steak can attest to a marked increase in prices and limited supply, resulting in a great deal of frustration. It has also caused worry and speculation around how much…
March is National Credit Education Month, which serves as a good reminder of the importance of responsibly using credit during your financial journey. It is important, however, to remember that building your credit and living within your means should remain in focus throughout the year and not just the month of March. Whether you’re just getting started…
Over the course of her nearly 30 years in banking, Kristie Perry has held a variety of roles as she worked her way through the ranks in the industry. In 2018, when she decided it was time to make a move, she applied for a job at WSFS. As fate would have it, the same day…
Shortly after starting residential life at college, Drew Moore realized he was going to need to finance his education and enlisted in the Air National Guard, where he served as an RF Transmission Specialist. Moore then continued his education online, earning his degree in information technology, but it was a meeting at a career fair that…
Craig Williams, President and CEO of Pride Enterprises Inc. and American Power Electrical Supply Company, has more than 30 years of experience in construction management, getting his start by working for his uncle when he was home from college. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Syracuse, Williams helped his father cultivate and…
Strengthening the communities where we live, work, play and do business is paramount to WSFS’ social purpose, which is fueled by our dedicated Associates and volunteer leaders who invest their time, resources, energy and passion into our communities. Team WSFS, the WSFS corporate volunteer program, encourages Associates to volunteer with nonprofits of their choice, and WSFS…
It remains to be seen if 2022’s unique blend of positive and negative factors will slow down the piping hot mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market that emerged in 2021. On the positive side for potential sellers, strong economic and profit growth plus record amounts of capital remain potent forces. These factors are likely to drive continued…
With a focus on service and supporting the community that spans nearly 200 years, WSFS works with its nonprofit partners to build a stronger, more equitable future for all. To those ends, WSFS has partnered with the Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee (DBREC), a nonprofit organization established in 2006, that collaborates closely with many of…
With mortgage rates rising, the homebuying market remains hot and very competitive, with inventory strains continuing to affect home prices. Despite these challenges, if you are in the market for a new home, now is the time to act as prices and rates may continue to rise through at least the end of 2022. And if…
Over the past two years, people throughout the region—and the country—have decided to move to areas that better fit their work arrangements, lifestyle preferences, and many more reasons. As we enter the traditional “spring homebuying season,” a few trends are beginning to emerge that suggest now is a great time to get into (or back into)…
For many aspiring homebuyers, the biggest challenge to achieving their dream of homeownership is the upfront costs. Add in rising prices, stiff competition and bidding wars for houses over the past year, and the obstacles can seem overwhelming. “The dream of owning a home is supposed to be attainable for people who are qualified, but many…
Joe O’Fria knew early on that he had an interest in how banks work and a desire to work in an office setting, but didn’t realize what started as a part-time banker role while in college would blossom into a nearly 20-year career in banking and financial services. From that first role, O’Fria continued his career…
Online and mobile banking adoption has risen rapidly in recent years, particularly during the pandemic, as consumers look for a safe and convenient way to manage their money. While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to managing your finances, utilizing online and mobile banking can help in many ways. Here are a few tips to get the…
Almost everywhere you turn these days, there’s speculation and news about the Federal Reserve getting ready to raise interest rates multiple times in 2022 and how that will affect consumers. Without question, higher interest rates cost people more money when buying the goods and services they need in their everyday lives. A common misconception, however, is that…
For every successful small business, there comes a time when decisions need to be made about the best path for financing growth. Whether your business needs an infusion of cash, a new location, an equipment upgrade, or is ready for expansion, there are an array of options to help get you where you need to be…
Tax planning can feel like a buzz word to so many at the end of the year. But what does it mean? Am I doing everything I “should” be? And what happens when the clock strikes twelve, ringing in the new year? Is all hope lost for efficient tax strategy until the following December? The new…
Instances of fraud have continued to rise in recent years, and it can often seem like scammers are able to stay one step ahead of their victims. As new schemes continue to emerge, it is important for consumers and businesses to remain vigilant to protect their information and bank accounts. Here are some recent fraud trends and…
Every year, sports fans swarm to local restaurants and bars to eat, drink, and cheer on the teams playing in the Big Game. In towns across the country, most establishments prepare for an increase in business for this day. In some cities, bars and restaurants saw a 40% or more revenue increase, according to Womply…
Created in 2017 to lead statewide economic development efforts, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) works closely with economic development leaders throughout the state as a public-private nonprofit resource focused on attracting, growing, and keeping businesses in Delaware; building a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and supporting private employers in identifying and developing talent. DPP cultivates relationships and…
Brian Biasini’s career path has taken him to multiple industries, but one thing has remained consistent at each stop—his focus on technology and innovation, particularly through the Salesforce platform. “I’ve always been in Salesforce administration and technical roles, previously at a large global retail organization and prior to that an Australian-based bank,” he said. “A few…
The topic of cryptocurrency is discussed by pundits on the news, influencers on social media, and people trying to make small talk. You would think with how much cryptocurrency gets mentioned we would all be experts by now. But it feels like when you try to ask someone what cryptocurrency is or why they own…
Wilmington, Del. has been a hub for industrial innovation and activity for more than 350 years. When William Bancroft opened the Bancroft Mills along the Brandywine River in the early 1900s, Wilmington quickly became home to hundreds of workers. Bancroft, the founder of Woodlawn Trustees, was a major advocate for affordable housing and one of…
Since its founding in 1895, The Kennett Library has served thousands of individuals and families, as it brought its mission of igniting imagination, enriching lives, and creating community to life. The Library has called two different buildings home during its more than 125-year history; the first dedicated in 1896, and the second, its current site, dedicated…
As 2021 real estate market forces spill into 2022, many potential homebuyers have begun to shift their focus from buying existing homes in a crowded market to building new homes that meet their space, functionality and location needs. While buying an existing home in 2021 was frustrating for many, new construction in our current inflationary environment…
Hannah Harrison’s career at WSFS has seen her wear many hats and take on a variety of different roles on her way to her current position as VP and Sr. Project Manager. “I was working in a retail clothing store and had a few friends who worked for WSFS that recommended I check out what the…
With a strong work ethic and a desire to learn, Aundre Chambers set out on his path toward success when he joined the Tech Impact ITWorks program in 2015. “Prior to Tech Impact, I didn’t really have any professional experience with technology, but the organization was able to help set me up for success in just…
One of the most important aspects in running a small business is to constantly embrace change. From consumer or client behaviors, wants and needs to vendor or supplier management, staying on top of changes that affect your business is critical. However, a key constant that all small business owners and operators must embrace is reinvesting in…
How WSFS Helps The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia Serve the Region’s Most In-Need The Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia has been serving youth since 1887, when the Germantown Club first opened its doors. Since then, the organization has expanded, providing quality programming to youth in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. Its mission: to enable…
QuotePro provides innovative kiosks, digital sales technology, mobile applications, websites, and payment technology for insurance, BHPH (Buy Here Pay Here) and franchise auto dealers, utilities, healthcare, municipalities and more. At our core, we make cash affordable and help businesses better serve their cash-preferred and underbanked consumers. One of our signature products is the QuotePro Kiosk,…
Chances are, you’ve seen your home’s value increase significantly over the past year. A white-hot real estate market, fueled by low interest rates and the need for more space for many families, has driven housing demand and values up throughout the country. If you are planning to remain in your current home, this is great news,…
The Importance of Creating an Estate Plan Putting together an estate plan to ensure your family is well cared for in the future is important for everyone. Regardless of your level of wealth, taking stock of what you have and creating a plan to provide guidance to family and friends about your choices is imperative….
For thousands of small businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region, the past two years have seen ups, downs and everything in between. Despite these challenges, many of these businesses, their leaders and their employees didn’t lose sight of their ability to positively impact their communities. This holiday season, after receiving hundreds of nominations, WSFS Bank…
The holiday season is a time for cheer and gift giving to loved ones and friends. In the excitement of searching for that special gift, shopping for them can bring some risk for loss of personal or financial information when you aren’t prepared. Online holiday sales are expected to hit a record of $207 billion in the…
It’s been hard to ignore some of the massive returns seen in the financial markets over the past few years. Be it cryptocurrencies or meme stocks, the idea that you can double, triple, or quadruple your money in a matter of days or weeks can be extremely tempting, but is akin to gambling. Behavioral finance…
Over the past two years, the real estate market has pivoted many times. Depending on where you live, you might have experienced a hold on the market at the beginning of COVID-19, then there was a slight dip as the unknown of the pandemic loomed, and finally the market that we have been experiencing this…
After taking mission trips to West Virginia as part of the Appalachian Service Project to help repair and build homes for those in need, Jay Malthaner and his Bible study group realized those efforts could be replicated in their own communities. Malthaner’s work was quickly noticed by other members of the community, including a similar home…
As 2021 comes to a close and we reflect on all of its successes and challenges, it is also a great time to look ahead to 2022’s opportunities for the small business community and how your business can be successful in the new year and beyond. The past couple years have seen massive changes in how…
