Ascend Bank Newsroom

You don’t need to have everything figured out. In fact, your 20s are less about perfection and more about building strong habits that will serve you for decades to come. Small, thoughtful decisions made now can make a huge difference later.

The holidays often bring joy, celebration, and unforgettable moments—but they can also leave behind something far less cheerful: high-interest debt. If you’re looking for a way to regain control of your finances, reduce monthly payments, and eliminate high-interest credit card debt, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be a smart, strategic solution.

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and plenty of reasons to spend—but it can also strain your budget if you’re not intentional. With prices still elevated in many areas and credit card balances rising nationwide, more people are looking for simple ways to stay in control of their spending. One of the most effective tools? Your debit card.

In 2025, Ascend Bank continued to strengthen its deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve, marking another year of meaningful impact, engagement, and support. Our dedication was demonstrated through significant financial contributions, employee volunteerism, and strong partnerships that uplift local organizations and the people they serve.

As the year winds down, most business owners are juggling holiday rushes, staffing schedules, and an inbox full of “quick questions.” But year-end is also one of the best opportunities to set your business up for a stronger, smoother, more profitable year ahead. Here’s a simple, owner-friendly checklist—minus the jargon—where your partners at Ascend Bank can help lighten the load. 

On behalf of the Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank Foundation, Ascend Bank was proud to celebrate this year’s grant recipients: organizations that lift lives, strengthen communities, and bring hope to those who need it most.

Ascend Bank today announced that Susan Andros has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and a member of the bank’s Executive Leadership Team.

From personalized service to better rates and stronger community impact, there are solid reasons to make your local bank your one-stop financial home. Let’s break down the benefits of keeping all your bank accounts at one community bank — and why it might be one of the best financial decisions you make this year.