Top three reasons to find your banking bliss

(BPT) - What would you do with an extra hour this week? Maybe you would sit down to watch your favorite TV program, jump back into that book you’ve been dying to finish, or pick up the phone to catch up with an old friend. Gaining an hour this week may be as simple as having a good relationship with your bank.

“A recent study showed that happy banking consumers spend an hour less on average per week worrying about their fiscal affairs,” says Ryan Bailey, executive vice president at TD Bank. “Finding a bank that will alleviate your financial stress is much easier than you think.”

When it comes to selecting a bank, it’s important to choose wisely advises Bailey. “While banking is a necessity, that does not mean that all financial institutions are the same in terms of the value they provide. Research shows that having a consistent, positive banking connection can lead to a happier and healthier financial state overall,” Bailey says.

Take a look at the top three reasons to find bliss with your bank:

Have less financial stress

According to a recent poll from TD Bank, those in happier banking situations are more positive about their current financial state and 60 percent of these consumers report having low or no financial stress. Similarly, the American Consumer Satisfaction Index reported that customer satisfaction has increased by 2.7 percent from last year to 77 percent, suggesting that consumers are feeling the love from their banks. What defines a good connection is unique to each individual, but research has shown the majority of people define a good banking experience by exceptional customer service. If you’re not feeling satisfied with your bank, it may be time to reconsider what you need in a financial institution.

Be more fiscally confident

When assessing their current financial situation, consumers in a happy banking relationship are more confident in their financial future and reaching their personal goals, studies show.

A bank should be more than a place to withdraw and deposit money; a great bank will be a financial partner and offer you the opportunity to have broader financial conversations to help you achieve your fiscal goals.

If you’re unsure of whether your bank is truly committed to you as a partner consider these questions: Are you currently able to bank on your terms, to fit your schedule? Do you need to visit your bank earlier or later than normal business hours? Do you plan to conduct banking on weekends? How likely is it that you will need to speak to a bank representative to discuss your finances? Look for a bank with expanded conveniences and financial choices; this added value in your banking experience will contribute to a more positive outlook and less financial stress.

Have more time and less worry

Find a bank that respects your time and fits your financial needs into your schedule – not theirs. In addition to offering standard banking services, more and more banks are making customer service and convenience a priority. TD Bank, for example, has real people available 24/7 and will even chat with customers on Twitter to provide customers support whenever it’s needed. Look for a bank that opens early and stays open late so you can bank on your schedule.

If you’re among those who are not happy with their bank, have high financial stress, and feel you spend too much time worrying about your finances, consider making a change. One of the best and easiest ways to try another bank is to open a checking account. You’ll get a feel for a bank’s customer service, accessibility, and added financial value right from your first transaction – some banks even offer instant issue debit cards, so you can be up and running by the time you walk out the door.

Ultimately, using a bank that makes you a priority, is accessible whenever you have questions, and offers reliable financial information will help you to reduce stress and feel more confident about your financial future.