How to Shop for Used Clothes — and Why You Should

by Laura McMullen @ NerdWallet

Thu Mar 22 20:00:39 PDT 2018

Buying used clothes at thrift stores may seem like a smart way to slash your spending — and it is. You ought to get gold stars and stickers for spending…

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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5-Star U-1st FCU Fostering Relationships, Accountability

by adminCMS @ U-1st Community Federal Credit Union

Wed Feb 28 18:39:52 PST 2018

December 2017: BauerFinancial Coral Gables, Florida, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm, is proud to announce that U-1st Community FCU, Carlsbad, New Mexico, has once again secured a 5-Star rating. What a great way to start 2018! … Continue reading →

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 …

FAQs about Equifax Breach

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Wed Sep 13 13:40:54 PDT 2017

I’ve been hearing about the Equifax breach in the news. What happened?

Equifax, one of the three major credit bureaus, experienced a massive data breach. The hackers accessed people’s names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. They also stole credit card numbers for about 209,000 people and dispute documents with personal identifying information for about 182,000 people.

Was my information stolen?

If you have a credit report, there’s a good chance it was. Go to a special website set up by ...

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A 20-Year Vistage Journey to Better Business Leadership

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Fri Jan 12 12:49:53 PST 2018

“Vistage isn’t so much a place to have your questions answered, but rather a place to have your answers questioned.”

As a young entrepreneur walking away from a 15-year corporate career, Tom Geiger had a lot of confidence, but knew he’d miss the professional resources he had enjoyed at Cargill.

He sought out a membership in Vistage with the hope that the coaching and peer group interaction would help fill the gaps where his own knowledge and experience fell short. “At that time,” he says, “I felt like ...

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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 […]

Heritage Bank receives a 5 star rating

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Tue Oct 10 10:41:25 PDT 2017

Through the years BauerFinancial has earned the reputation of “the nation’s bank rating service”.

If all banks and credit unions have federal deposit insurance what difference does it make what the rating is? Consumers (and businesses) that exceed the deposit insurance limit could lose some of their money in a bank failure; it is surprisingly easy to go over the insurance limit without realizing it due to interest payments, proceeds from the sale of a house, retirement accounts, death of a signer on the account, conditional ...

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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. …

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 […]

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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3 Money Lessons We Can Learn From ‘Roseanne’

by Courtney Jespersen @ NerdWallet

Sun Mar 25 18:00:27 PDT 2018

On March 27, the Conner family is coming back to prime time, thanks to the revival of ABC’s “Roseanne.” The popular sitcom starring Roseanne Barr and John Goodman as husband…

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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How To Use FMB’s Mobile Deposit

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Feb 01 01:00:43 PST 2018

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…

UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER!

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Wed Dec 13 10:25:46 PST 2017

Tax season is approaching and we need to send out your tax documents. To help ensure secure delivery of your personal data, please be sure to update your address, phone number and email address with Heritage Bank.

You can provide that information when you log into Online Banking or contact one of our Customer Service Representatives during banking hours.

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News for Mobile Banking Users

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Thu Jun 15 14:14:12 PDT 2017

Effective June 25 2017, changes are being implemented to keep the security at the highest possible level for Mobile Banking. You will need to be sure that your device is on a compatible OS (Operating System).

Please ensure that you are using a compatible version as listed below.

Android users with devices on Android KitKat 4.4-4.4.4 (Level 20) and above will be able to connect to Mobile Banking
Iphone users with devices on iOS 8 and above will be able to connect to Mobile Banking

If you are on an ...

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Phishing Alert

by adminCMS @ U-1st Community Federal Credit Union

Mon Mar 17 10:11:37 PDT 2014

Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire personal information such as passwords and credit or debit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity such as a credit union, bank or credit card company. Criminals will use an email, … Continue reading →

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 […]

National Ag Week

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Mon Mar 19 08:51:51 PDT 2018

“I really enjoy it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There are a lot of long days. You go home at night and feel like you accomplished something and it’s usually a good day.”

Mitch Swanson of Kerkhoven is breaking into farming, starting on a smaller scale level. His parents were never farmers. And while Mitch had never farmed before, that’s the profession he chose as his career in life.

His parents live near St. John’s Lake. His mom, Tammy, operates the convenience store in Pennock, and ...

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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 …

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 […]

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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 […]

Mobile Payments on Credit Cards

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Wed Dec 13 11:10:56 PST 2017

Mobile Purchasing

Heritage Bank and Elan provide credit card users the latest in digital technology. Elan now offers cardmembers the ability to make secure mobile payments* with a compatible Apple®, Android®, or Samsung® phone, tablet, or watch without ever opening their wallet.

Mobile Payment Technology

Streamline Check Out

With Mobile purchasing, at check out, cardmembers can use their phone instead of swiping a card. They can simply wave their phone over a compatible terminal to pay. When they hold their phone near the terminal, they can “okay” the purchase ...

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An important message from Consumer Reports

by petedirenzo @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 11:18:07 PDT 2017

This is our last post on Consumerist.com. We’re deeply proud of all the work we’ve done on behalf of consumers, from exposing shady practices by secretive cable companies to pushing for action against dodgy payday lenders. We’ve had a tremendous run as a standalone site. Now you’ll be able to get the same great coverage of consumer issues as part …

HELPFUL HINTS FOR VACATIONERS

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Fri Jan 26 12:12:18 PST 2018

As people start heading off to vacations in different places, there are a few things everyone should remember when it comes to keeping your spending money safe on vacation.

https://www.heritagebankna.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Protect_your_money_vacation_final_1.mp4

Click “Manage your Card” (aka CardValet™ ) on our Mobile app and that provides the ability to turn your debit card off and on and actively manage your usage by defining when, where, and how your debit card is used.

Here are a few helpful hints to keep you and your money safe while on vacation:

Make sure to let your bank ...

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First Time Home Buyers Savings Account

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Tue Mar 20 12:20:03 PDT 2018

Did you know, thanks to the passage of legislation this year, people who want to save for a down payment on their first home in Minnesota and Iowa can now take advantage of a First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account? The Minnesota Bankers Association worked with a broad coalition of interest groups at the state Capitol to pass a bill that, beginning in tax year 2017, allows that a standard savings account can be exclusively dedicated for down payment funds and closing costs for a first home ...

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Home Banking Now Available

by adminCMS @ U-1st Community Federal Credit Union

Thu Oct 24 16:22:19 PDT 2013

Along with our new website, we are proud to announce that Home Banking access is now available to all of our members. Home Banking is a free service available to all members of U-1st Community Federal Credit Union. By using … Continue reading →

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 …

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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United Plane Makes Emergency Landing Due To Smoke In The Galley

by Laura Northrup @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 10:13:12 PDT 2017

Smoke in the cabin of a passenger airplane is a scary prospect. That’s why a plane heading from Munich, Germany to Washington Dulles International Airport made an emergency landing at Boston’s Logan Airport instead: There was smoke pouring from the plane’s galley… which may or may not have actually been caused by a fire. The plane was diverted to land …

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.

Important Information About Banking Changes at FMB

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Mon Mar 06 06:02:41 PST 2017

Bundle up and Buy a Home!

by Heritage Bank @ Heritage Bank

Tue Jan 02 05:00:03 PST 2018

It’s cold outside, winter is here, we’ve wrapped up the Holidays and less people are out and about.  Yes, this is all true because we live in the midwest!  So how do the winter months affect the housing market and what does that mean for you as a buyer?  Have you ever heard this said, “Oh, I think we’re just going to wait until spring”?  We’ve all heard it and it can be applied to many things but when it comes to the housing market, ...

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This Spring, Clear Mediocre Credit Cards Out of Your Wallet

by Gregory Karp @ NerdWallet

Mon Mar 26 08:00:11 PDT 2018

Spring is a great time to declutter a closet full of clothes, a garage full of boxes and your wallet full of inferior credit cards. The average credit card holder…