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eNews

September e-News

Historical Note

Note

When the Bank was founded in 1800 national currency didn't exist, so the first course of business was to produce a medium of exchange. The Bank printed its own banknotes, backed by specie of gold and silver, bearing what is believed to be the first likeness of George Washington on currency. On display in the Bank's main office in Westerly is a series of three $3 banknotes and one $25 banknote. Also displayed is a set of the original copper plates, from which the series of banknotes were made.

Announcing the Video Contest!Lights, Camera, Save!

Kids

Teens are gadget masterminds, but just how skilled are they with managing their money? That's the riddle that fuels Lights, Camera, Save! -- a unique contest that is designed to encourage young people to use the power of video to communicate the value, and understanding, of saving. Washington Trust and RI JumpStart Coalition are bringing this video contest to Rhode Island.

Lights, Camera, Save! is part of the American Bankers' Association Education Foundation's Teach Children to Save program. The Teach Children to Save program involves volunteer bankers working in their communities to provide young people with tools to make responsible personal finance decisions. The contest is meant to be a fun and exciting way to get teens thinking about saving, but we have one main goal, to get teens to take action and live the, "Start young, save more" message.

To participate, students will develop a creative way to illustrate the value in saving and record it. Videos will be judged on creativity, content and message. The winning videos will be shared nationally to inspire others to become savers. Washington Trust will host the first round of judging and submit one winning video to represent Rhode Island on the national level. Washington Trust is the only Rhode Island bank participating in this national ABA program.

  • Grand prize winners can win up to $3,000 in U.S. savings bonds or an iPod touch!
  • Washington Trust will also award three local "stars" who will each receive a $100 savings bond and a $50 iTunes gift card - and one of the stars will represent Rhode Island in the national contest!

For more information, contest rules, and entry forms click here

Did You Know...?

  • More than 25% of college students think it is reasonable to run up debt to splurge on a special celebration.
  • Almost 80% of teens who reported learning about goal-setting were significantly more likely to also report that they had saved money for something they wanted and then purchased it.
  • Americans save approximately less than one percent of their incomes, and the savings rate has been on a continuous decline for more than two years.
  • Only 9% of families use college savings funds, such as a 529 plan.

Do you know where your money is going?

Great money management tool now FREE with Online Banking! See your complete financial picture, all in one place. Washington Trust is proud to bring you FinanceWorks. It's a free online service that simplifies the way you manage your finances from within your online banking account.

Pie Chart

Save Time Tracking Your Finances - FinanceWorks provides you with the tools to see all of your accounts from multiple institutions in one place, see where you are spending your money, and identify ways to save. No more multiple URLs or passwords to remember. You can easily track all your accounts—checking, savings, credit cards, loans and investments—from within your online banking account.

Identify Ways to Save Money - Now you can easily see how much you're spending in specific categories such as travel, utilities, shopping, dining out, rent, and mortgage. You can even set specific spending goals and alerts by category to help you save.

Start using FinanceWorks today - Discover how FinanceWorks makes it easier to manage your money and gain more financial control. To get started, just sign onto your Washington Trust online banking account with your Username and Password and click "FinanceWorks." It's that easy! If you don't have online banking yet, please sign up today.

Concerned about security? No worries! Your financial data is safe and private. It can only be seen by logging into your secure online banking account where it's protected by FinanceWorks' 186-bit encrypted technology and our own security standards. And because only you can see the data, your privacy is protected.

Get started today! Contact a Customer Service Representative at any branch for details or login to Personal Online Banking to sign up!

Do you have a fall home improvement project in mind? Our new low rate Home Equity Line is the Perfect tool to get the job done!

HEL

With rates at historic lows, there's no better time than now to use your home's equity to remodel the kitchen, put on an addition, or finish the basement. Making improvements to your home is a smart financial move. It can add value to your home as well as increase your comfort and convenience. Here are the top five home improvements that will bring you a return on your investment:

  • Siding Replacement
  • Window Replacement
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Bath Remodel

No matter what project is next on your list, our new low rate home equity line is an effective financial tool for getting the job done. You may even enjoy a tax deduction for any interest that you pay. (Consult your tax advisor regarding your situation.)

And, while you are making improvements to your home, why not make them to your finances as well? Consolidating your debt with a home equity line can lower your overall monthly payments. You can pay off high-rate credit cards and other debt, and simplify paperwork with a single monthly bill.

Setting up a home equity line at Washington Trust is easy - you can apply online and get your answer in 30 seconds! You can also apply at any Washington Trust branch or by calling us at 401-348-1200 or 800- 475-2265.

Set up your home equity line today with the lender homeowners have trusted for more than 200 years.

2.99% Annual Percentage Rate home equity line is for the initial 6 months. After the initial 6 months, the rate becomes Prime + .75% on lines of $150,000 or more; Prime + 1.00% on lines of $75,000 - $149,999; Prime + 1.25% on lines $25,000 - $74,999. Rates shown in effect as of 09/3/2010. Your APR will vary monthly if the Prime Rate changes, but will not exceed 18.00% or be less than 3.99% Check The Wall Street Journal for current rates. Early closure fee of 1% of face amount or $495, whichever is greater, will apply if line is prepaid within the first year; .5% of face amount or $295, whichever is greater, will apply if line is prepaid during the second year; Freedom Plus Checking account required. Annual fee of $50 waived for the first year. Some home improvement projects may be subject to inspection fees and a satisfactory completion certificate. Subject to recording fees of approximately $70. Trust review fees of $100-$200 may apply if property is held in a trust. Not intended for homes currently for sale or intended to be sold within 12 months of closing. Offer available for new lines only. Other restrictions may apply. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance where required by law. Single-family, owner-occupied primary residences or second homes only. Maximum loan-to-value of 80%. Subject to credit approval. Offer available for a limited time only and may be withdrawn at any time.

Your October "Think Local" Coupons

Think Local

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Maintenance

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Sunday, May 19, 2013
12:30 a.m. until 4:30 a.m.

Due to system maintenance, Online Banking and Mobile Banking will be unavailable on Sunday, May 19, 2013 between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Thank you.