What Is an FEIN?

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Feb 26 05:10:00 PST 2018

When you run a business, you must meet many IRS requirements. You might need an FEIN to identify your business on documents like payroll tax forms. What does FEIN mean? What is an FEIN? FEIN is an acronym for Federal Employer Identification Number, also known as an EIN. This unique, nine-digit number is used by […]

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How to Calculate a Raise

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 14 05:10:09 PDT 2018

Employees have money on their minds. According to a Gallup poll, 59% of employees were not completely satisfied with their current pay. And, one SHRM survey found that 44% of respondents said they would leave their job to make more money elsewhere. To avoid losing their top employees, many businesses offer pay raises. Learn why employee […]

The post How to Calculate a Raise appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

The Fall of Summer

by AmandaC @ My Financial Wingman

Thu Sep 22 10:15:13 PDT 2011

You know those people that love fall? I am not one of those people. I’m a summer kind of gal. The fall upsets me because I know that after fall comes winter. All of this leaves-changing business sends me into a tailspin of seasonal depression. I don’t think it’s pretty and I don’t want to wear […]

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 […]

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 […]

The post Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet] appeared first on LRRCU.

How To Use FMB’s Mobile Deposit

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Feb 01 01:00:43 PST 2018

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 […]

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, […]

The post How To Be Financially Smart At Any Age appeared first on LRRCU.

Fall Football Food

by Amanda @ My Financial Wingman

Tue Sep 18 09:01:40 PDT 2012

Getting together for the big game doesn’t have to stress you or your wallet out. Let’s face it, getting together is fun, but the dent it makes in your pocket book is not! So why not host a game party but ask everyone that will be attending to bring one ingredient from a dish you […]

Cheap and Easy Desserts

by Jodi @ My Financial Wingman

Sat Mar 09 09:46:16 PST 2013

  With the holidays fast approaching and more invitations to get together with friends and family, it got me thinking about what to bring to the next gathering, or just to serve when they come to visit! Here are two, deliciously fast, cheap and easy ideas! The first one I came across because I always seem to […]

Consult This Employee Termination Checklist to Keep Things Running Smoothly

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 07 05:10:00 PST 2018

Employees leave companies every day to pursue growth opportunities, accommodate personal lives, or experience change. As an employer, you hope employees won’t leave your business, but you know this is wishful thinking. When an employee resigns, you need to know what to do. The average annual overall turnover rate is 19%, according to SHRM. If […]

The post Consult This Employee Termination Checklist to Keep Things Running Smoothly appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 12 05:10:40 PDT 2018

Employees have a window of time each year to sign up for certain types of employer-sponsored insurance. Although this open enrollment period takes place at the end of each year for all employees, an employee can add or remove coverage at any time of the year if they have a qualifying life event. What is […]

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Standard Bank: Credit Card Payments

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Wed May 17 08:42:29 PDT 2017

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 […]

eStatements: Sign Up

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Wed Dec 06 12:34:23 PST 2017

How do I sign up for eStatements?

Answers to 18 Payroll Questions You Are Dying to Ask

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 05 05:10:18 PST 2018

For some business owners, running payroll might be like learning a foreign language. You are a master of your business idea, not the administrative responsibilities that come with it. Because you might not be familiar with these responsibilities, you might have some payroll questions. Payroll questions and answers When you become an employer, you need […]

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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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First Midwest Bank Credit Card

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Mon Nov 13 11:02:40 PST 2017

What Credit Cards do you offer at First Midwest?

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 […]

Correcting Employment Taxes: What to Do If You Withhold the Wrong Amount

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Feb 28 05:10:52 PST 2018

It’s easy to make mistakes, especially when you have a million and one things on your plate. One error you could make is deducting the wrong amount from employee wages. Correcting employment taxes is necessary if you withhold too much or too little from your employees’ paychecks. This article provides an overview of employment taxes […]

The post Correcting Employment Taxes: What to Do If You Withhold the Wrong Amount appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

The Equifax Hack Was Worse Than Expected. What to Do Next

by Jeanine Skowronski @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 15 15:59:14 PDT 2018

Looks like that worst-ever Equifax data breach was … actually worse. In late 2017, the credit reporting agency divulged a systems breach exposed the personal information of 145.5 millions Americans, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, dispute documents, as well as some credit card account and driver’s license numbers. But the hackers also obtained […]

The post The Equifax Hack Was Worse Than Expected. What to Do Next appeared first on Chime Banking.

Obtain a Copy of Account Statement

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Wed Dec 06 11:00:49 PST 2017

How do I obtain a copy of my account statement?

My First Car

by Jodi @ My Financial Wingman

Tue Jun 04 10:12:08 PDT 2013

The summer season brings back great memories of earlier days when I was young and carefree… and fond memories of my 1st car. It was a bright orange, 1971 Ford Mustang. All those summer nights cruising down Main Street… Boy I loved that car!! I knew the moment I saw it I had to have […]

7 Habits That Will Help You Lead a More Successful and Productive Life

by Due.com @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 13 15:54:24 PDT 2018

Regardless what path in life you’re on, your habits will dictate your success. They can empower you to achieve your goals just as easily as they can derail you. That said it’s just as important to focus on maintaining good habits as it is to rid yourself of the bad ones. In this article we’ll cover […]

The post 7 Habits That Will Help You Lead a More Successful and Productive Life appeared first on Chime Banking.

Spring has Sprung!!!

by Amanda @ My Financial Wingman

Thu Mar 29 10:00:39 PDT 2012

Spring is here… which always makes me want to redecorate or go shopping! Since I don’t always have the budget to pick up things I like, I have found a way to get new things without spending any money! The best part? My friends benefit too! It’s called a Swap Party, and anyone can do it. […]

Should You Offer a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan?

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 26 05:10:00 PDT 2018

You know employees like employer-sponsored benefits. As an employer, offering benefits is advantageous for your business, too. A nonqualified deferred compensation plan is one type of benefit that both you and your employees can enjoy. Find out what a nonqualified deferred compensation plan is, why you might consider offering it, and how to set it […]

The post Should You Offer a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

This Is Why Research On Behavioral Finance Won the Nobel Prize

by Cat Alford @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 12 15:50:20 PDT 2018

In October 2017, Richard Thaler got the call he’d been hoping for. After 40 plus years of economics research, he learned he won the Nobel Prize. As an economist, he faced ridicule from his colleagues for his research connecting human behavior to economics. Winning the Nobel Prize for his work in behavioral finance meant that his […]

The post This Is Why Research On Behavioral Finance Won the Nobel Prize appeared first on Chime Banking.

Touchy Subject!

by Amanda @ My Financial Wingman

Wed Sep 28 14:27:01 PDT 2011

I read an interesting article today regarding awkward money situations. It was a fairly long, but the key point I took away from it was this; awkward money situations with friends or family can often be avoided if you use discretion and honesty. Tips Talk things out and don’t let annoyances bother you endlessly. This […]

Student Loans

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Mon Sep 25 14:15:07 PDT 2017

Do you offer Student Loans?

Couponing 101: Chapter 2

by AmandaC @ My Financial Wingman

Thu Oct 06 13:34:34 PDT 2011

I don’t think I’m cut out for extreme couponing. Anyone who knows me will testify that I love a good deal, but I really struggle to get into the couponing craze. Our former wingman, Cate, dove into the trend a few months back and documented a successful first trip. She also had a successful second […]

When to Pay Employees for FLSA Hours Worked

by Kaylee Riley @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 28 05:15:18 PDT 2018

When nonexempt employees are doing their primary job duties, it’s easy to tell that they are working. Their working time should be compensated. But, when nonexempt employees are not doing their main job duties, it can be more difficult to tell if they are working and if they should be compensated. The Fair Labor Standards […]

The post When to Pay Employees for FLSA Hours Worked appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

Online Banking: Print or Save Online Statement

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Wed Dec 06 11:03:48 PST 2017

How do I print or save my online statement?

Online Banking: Locked Password

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Thu Jul 06 07:20:51 PDT 2017

What can I do if my Online Banking password is locked?

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 […]

The post Safe Online Banking: For You & Your Money appeared first on LRRCU.

The Joy of Successful Budgeting

by Amanda @ My Financial Wingman

Mon Feb 13 15:05:32 PST 2012

Can we pretend I’ve taken a nice little sabbatical from writing blog posts for My Financial Wingman? Yes. That’s right. I’m baaaaa-aaaaaack! I’ve dropped in today to let you all know how my winter holidays went. (Now that we’re only about a month away from spring…) You remember all of my blogging about saving up […]

Online Banking: E-Bill Set Up

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Tue Mar 06 08:53:06 PST 2018

I'm receiving bills at home. How do I set-up e-bills online?

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 […]

The post 4 Financial Resolutions To Start Any Day of the Year [Downloadable Family Budget Worksheet] appeared first on LRRCU.

How to Prepare for an Interview When You’re Self-Employed

by Due.com @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 27 13:03:23 PDT 2018

There are many myths about self-employment that people may start to mistake for fact. Working for yourself can be a great thing, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll be 100% in control of your career and the day-to-day operations. Often times, you’ll still have to work with others and may even have to please clients if you’re […]

The post How to Prepare for an Interview When You’re Self-Employed appeared first on Chime Banking.

10 Smart Ways to use your Tax Refund

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Feb 08 06:18:32 PST 2018

10 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund Few things brighten up a dull, cold winter like a tax refund. In 2013, the average tax refund was $2,744. While we’re only human and most of us want to splurge a little with our refund, careful money management for the majority of your refund is a […]

A Look at Federal, State, and Local Minimum Wages

by Mike Kappel @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 21 05:30:00 PDT 2018

You can’t just pay your employees any amount you want. You must follow federal, state, and local laws that set minimum wages. What is minimum wage? Minimum wage is the lowest amount you can pay an employee per hour of work. You can pay more than the minimum wage, but you should never pay less […]

The post A Look at Federal, State, and Local Minimum Wages appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

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 […]

The 10 Most Significant Obstacles Preventing Debt Elimination

by Due.com @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 06 14:42:00 PST 2018

Debt continues to be a problem among Americans of all ages and walks of life. In 2017, the total consumer debt among Americans rose 8.8 percent, to $3.827 trillion, setting a new record. The average household has a credit card balance of $15,654, and with total debts (including mortgages) of $131,431. With numbers consistently growing year over […]

The post The 10 Most Significant Obstacles Preventing Debt Elimination appeared first on Chime Banking.

Store Credit Cards, Balance Transfers & More: Make the Smart Money Decision

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Fri Oct 13 08:55:31 PDT 2017

Every day we’re faced with making decisions about our money. What feels like a smart money choice in the moment may have repercussions in the future. You might be tempted to save money on a purchase now only to have your credit score suffer.  You might choose to delay payments on a big ticket item […]

The post Store Credit Cards, Balance Transfers & More: Make the Smart Money Decision appeared first on LRRCU.

How to Save Money When You Get a Windfall of Cash

by Jackie Lam @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 19 16:02:11 PDT 2018

Ah, there’s nothing quite like receiving a windfall of money. It may come by way of an unexpected inheritance, a work bonus or a job promotion. And depending on how you spend it, that sweet bit of extra cash may leave you feeling either relaxed or stressed out. While it’s tempting to spend it immediately, […]

The post How to Save Money When You Get a Windfall of Cash appeared first on Chime Banking.

5 Creative Habits That Will Keep Your Finances On Track

by Ben Luthi @ Chime Banking

Tue Mar 27 13:29:00 PDT 2018

Improving your financial situation may seem as easy as saving more money and decreasing your expenses. But here’s the thing: if you want to see long-term improvements, you’ve got to first establish some good financial habits. This will help you both get on the right track and achieve your money goals. Financial habits are really […]

The post 5 Creative Habits That Will Keep Your Finances On Track appeared first on Chime Banking.

Important Information About Banking Changes at FMB

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Mon Mar 06 06:02:41 PST 2017

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

by Jodi @ My Financial Wingman

Mon May 06 07:46:08 PDT 2013

Mother’s day is just around the corner! May 12th in fact! If you’re like me and tend to wait until the last minute to figure out what your gift will be, I have good news! Not only do you not have to spend any money, but I have it under good authority that Mom’s Love […]

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? […]

The post Financing A New Home: Answering Homebuyer Questions appeared first on LRRCU.

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 […]

The post Getting Out of Debt: You Can Do It and Here’s How to Get Started appeared first on LRRCU.

5 Facts About Women and Money for International Women’s Day

by Chelsea Brennan @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 08 14:46:51 PST 2018

Did you know that only 22% of U.S. women can answer three fundamental finance-related questions correctly? It’s sad but true. While women have made significant strides to close the gender gaps in education, employment, and even wealth, the gap in financial literacy is still glaring. But, in order to even begin bridging this gap, it’s important to understand that […]

The post 5 Facts About Women and Money for International Women’s Day appeared first on Chime Banking.

Rebuilding Your Credit

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Thu Jun 29 09:26:36 PDT 2017

Does First Midwest offer any products or services to help rebuild my credit?

First Midwest Bank Holidays 2018

by @ OpenSearch RSS

Mon Mar 26 07:50:48 PDT 2018

When will First Midwest Bank be closed to observe holidays in 2018?

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 […]

The post Are You Ready for Retirement?: Essential Information on IRAs and 401(k)s appeared first on LRRCU.

How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

by Melanie Lockert @ Chime Banking

Mon Mar 26 11:21:00 PDT 2018

Do you cringe each month when you get your utility bills? When you see a super high bill, do you wonder what happened? We’ve all been there, and high bills for gas, electricity and cable can certainly put a dent in your bank account. But all is not lost. If you want to keep your […]

The post How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills appeared first on Chime Banking.

Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch?

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 19 05:10:23 PDT 2018

Sometimes, you or your employees’ personal responsibilities conflict with your business. For many small businesses, if you miss work or lose an employee for an extended period of time, there can be harmful effects on productivity in the workplace. But if you or an employee are called in for jury duty, you might not have […]

The post Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

Mobile Deposit has Arrived!

by Amanda @ My Financial Wingman

Fri Oct 18 12:48:17 PDT 2013

We’re very excited to announce the newest feature within our smart phone app… Mobile Deposit! That’s right, you can deposit checks simply by taking a picture of the check! Submit deposits to your account after hours, on the go, when you’re out of town… ANYWHERE! It’s so easy. Sign up today and see! For more […]

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 […]

The post Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension? appeared first on LRRCU.

Here’s How to Improve Your Credit Score Faster

by Paul Sisolak @ Chime Banking

Thu Mar 08 14:44:08 PST 2018

Good things may come to those who wait, but time isn’t on your side if you’re struggling to raise your credit score quickly. More than 30 percent of Americans have poor credit, and if you’re one of them it can be hard to improve it. Many people aim for a credit-building secured credit card, but it could […]

The post Here’s How to Improve Your Credit Score Faster appeared first on Chime Banking.