Operators Of Phony Rental Credit Check Scheme Must Pay $762K To Feds

by Ashlee Kieler @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 09:56:12 PDT 2017

In January, federal regulators announced they had put a stop to an apartment rental scam in which homes (that may not exist) are listed online with the sole purpose of tricking prospective renters into paying for “credit checks” that will never be done. Now, the operators of the scheme must pay $762,000 to put an end to the Federal Trade …

Debit Card Upgrade

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Sat Apr 15 01:30:38 PDT 2017

Debit Card Upgrade A New Farmers & Merchants Bank Debit Card! Farmers & Merchants Bank has partnered with Fiserv to give you a debit card with enhanced security features, additional payment options and exceptional benefits. Why are you replacing my card? Farmers & Merchants Bank is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of […]

Are You Ready for Retirement?: Essential Information on IRAs and 401(k)s

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Tue Aug 22 03:05:44 PDT 2017

While you’re young, you may not be thinking about saving for retirement. You’re probably more focused on paying off student loan debt, searching for a job, or buying a house. But, starting to save for your financial future early will only benefit you in the long run. Start your retirement planning as early as you can. Think […]

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5 Things Experts Say You Should Know About Obamacare Open Enrollment

by Kate Cox @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 07:30:30 PDT 2017

If anything is true of 2017, it is this: Confusion reigns. And nowhere do we see that more than in healthcare, where failed repeal attempts, executive orders, sudden, out-of-the-blue policy changes, and general unpredictable chaos have dominated the news. But the fact remains that Americans still need access to medical care, and for those who don’t have …

How To Be Financially Smart At Any Age

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Thu Aug 31 08:18:27 PDT 2017

  As you go through the stages of life what it means to be “financially smart” will change. A smart financial move when you’re approaching your 40s is not the same as a smart financial move for a 19-year-old in college. At 40, there are more things to consider when making decisions about your money, […]

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Getting Out of Debt: You Can Do It and Here’s How to Get Started

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Thu Jan 18 03:41:02 PST 2018

Most goals or resolutions that people set for themselves are neglected within a few weeks. It’s likely that this happens because people set far-reaching goals for themselves and then lose momentum when they don’t see results right away. A perfect example of this is the financial goal that many people set for themselves: getting out […]

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Financing A New Home: Answering Homebuyer Questions

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Mar 12 07:40:38 PDT 2018

Finding the perfect new home can be hard work, but now you also have to navigate the mortgage financing process. There are many questions that arise when it comes to financing a new home. Below we’re answering four questions about financing a new home that homebuyers commonly ask. 1. Should I Be Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved? […]

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Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet]

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Wed Nov 15 04:02:02 PST 2017

‘Tis the season to be jolly! ‘Tis the season for the gifts, decorations, family, friends, and children on their best behavior. ‘Tis the season for overloaded shopping bags, impulse buying, and credit card bills. Wait! That doesn’t sound as cheery. In 2016, according to a survey conducted by The American Research Group Inc., Americans spent […]

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Attention Online Banking Customers

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Tue Apr 11 13:42:33 PDT 2017

On May 1, 2017, Farmers and Merchants Bank will be rolling out an entirely new internet banking experience. We have rebuilt our internet services from the ground up and added several new features such as new and improved Bill Payment, eStatements, Mobile Banking, and Mobile Deposits.  As an existing internet banking user, you will be […]

Important Information About Banking Changes at FMB

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Mon Mar 06 06:02:41 PST 2017

Holiday Shopping Tips for Your Spending Personality

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Nov 20 10:19:45 PST 2017

Although 41% of consumers report starting their holiday shopping in October or even earlier (Wow! Good for you!), an estimated 69% of Americans will shop over the Thanksgiving weekend. Early research from the National Retail Federation shows that the 2017 season will be a big deal, with holiday spending forecasted to be near $680 billion, up almost 4% […]

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How Much Black Licorice Does It Take To Overdose?

by Kate Cox @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 10:15:47 PDT 2017

The trinity of divisive Halloween candies is made up of candy corn, marshmallow peanuts, and of course black licorice — perhaps the treat most likely to elicit either only joy or rage when it’s put into one’s candy sack. But there’s one thing that even those who stand firmly on the “love” side of this unbridgeable, anise-flavored chasm should know: …

3 Tips to get yourself fiscally fit in 2018

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Dec 28 01:30:44 PST 2017

10 Tips to Get Fiscally Fit The Winter of 2018 is upon us, and for many of us that will mean more indulging and less physical activity. Maybe you are savoring the waning warm days of a Southern December, trying to tone up your body before the urge to hibernate sets in.  It’s the same […]

Maryland To Try Sending Recall Notices With Car Registration Renewals

by Laura Northrup @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 07:59:13 PDT 2017

Your state’s department of motor vehicles already knows what make and model of car you own, and sends you registration documents every few years that you have to open. Safety advocates have suggested including information about important vehicle recalls in vehicle registrations to make sure more people know about recalls and comply. In an experimental program, Maryland will start sending …

How To Use FMB’s Mobile Deposit

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Feb 01 01:00:43 PST 2018

Everything You Need To Know To Get Started With Obamacare Open Enrollment

by Kate Cox @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 07:30:45 PDT 2017

Despite repeated Congressional and Executive branch efforts, the full Affordable Care Act is still in place. That means insurance-shopping season is nearly upon us: Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 (and ends Dec. 15). But there’s less money being spent on advertising and outreach this year, which means even the basics can be hard to get solid information about. …

The Beer & Booze Company Behind Corona, Svedka & Mondavi Is Now Investing In Marijuana

by Mary Beth Quirk @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 08:32:27 PDT 2017

Instead of shrinking in fear from the rising green tide of legal marijuana, the parent company behind booze brands like Corona, Svedka, and Robert Mondavi is jumping right in with a big investment in the legal marijuana business. Constellation Brands Inc. is shelling out $191 million for a 9.9% stake in Canopy Growth Corp, a Canadian company — known as …

April is Community Banking Month

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Sat Mar 24 02:00:48 PDT 2018

Governor Nathan Deal Proclaims April as Community Banking Month April is Community Banking Month and the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and community banks across Georgia are recognizing the unique spirit that makes community banks the foundation of their communities in cities and towns throughout the state. Annually, community bankers across the country have come […]

4 Financial Resolutions To Start Any Day of the Year [Downloadable Family Budget Worksheet]

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Thu Dec 28 00:09:30 PST 2017

Who says resolutions have to start on New Year’s Day?  Get yourself started whatever day you feel inspired.  Here are few important financial goals that you can begin whether it’s January 1, August 1 or a random Tuesday in November. #1: Look at the Financial Big Picture – Use Our Family Budget Worksheet You feel […]

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Tesla Ends $1,000 Referral Credit Program

by Ashlee Kieler @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 08:53:28 PDT 2017

Sure, saving $1,000 on a car that may cost you far in excess of $70,000 might seem like a minor victory, but it’s still better than nothing. But now that Tesla is becoming more of a household name and hoping to reach a more mass-market car-buying audience, it’s getting rid of even this relatively small savings program. Tesla recently announced…

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Wed Sep 07 08:01:37 PDT 2016

Childhood Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children. More than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes & pediatric AIDS – COMBINED! 46 children and adolescents are diagnosed every single week day 1 in every 330 children develop cancer before age 19 – it is NOT rare. 1 in every 5 children diagnosed with cancer dies. The […]

Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension?

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Thu Mar 15 02:14:14 PDT 2018

The date April 15 is probably as quickly recognizable to most Americans as July 4 or December 25. Traditionally recognized as Tax Day, it’s the deadline for filing your previous year’s tax return.  With one month to go, you may be feeling the pressure and scrambling to get the task completed in the remaining days.  But […]

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Safe Online Banking: For You & Your Money

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Mar 26 13:44:22 PDT 2018

From 24/7 account access to quick and easy bill paying, online banking offers members a convenient way to handle their finances. However, the rise of technology also brings an increase in potential hackers, scams, and fraud cases. Whether you’re looking to shield your small business or family’s finances, there are many strategies to stay vigilant […]

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