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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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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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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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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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 […]

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 […]

How To Use FMB’s Mobile Deposit

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Thu Feb 01 01:00:43 PST 2018

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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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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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 […]

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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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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 […]

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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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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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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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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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 […]

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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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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 […]

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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. […]

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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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.

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 […]

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 […]

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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 […]

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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Important Information About Banking Changes at FMB

by Lindsey Rickman @ Farmers & Merchants Bank

Mon Mar 06 06:02:41 PST 2017

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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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 […]

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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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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 […]

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 […]

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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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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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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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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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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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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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 […]

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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 […]