Blog
What Banks and Rodeos Have in Common: It's the Community, of Course
We hope you enjoyed the Kansas Biggest Rodeo as much as we did! The rodeo was so much fun, it got us thinking about what a great event it is for our community. At First National Bank and Trust, the importance of community is central to every part of banking. It’s a priority in every decision, every investment and every transaction. Here are a few of the ways that a community bank like First National Bank and Trust supports local families, schools and businesses:
Security
It’s not just about keeping savings and checking accounts secure. It’s also about building future security. First National Bank and Trust helps parents plan for their children’s college tuition, build retirement accounts that offer reliable growth and secure loans for their home or new business. It’s all done with an eye on building a secure future for individuals and for the community as a whole.
Community banks also offer critical education that protects the future of the community. By teaching young people how to secure loans at a competitive rate, avoid unnecessary debt and plan for upcoming expenses, banks help stabilize the local economy.
Giving Back
Our employees at First National Bank and Trust live, work and play where you do. They’re volunteering at local nonprofits and supporting the causes that the community cares about. Employees are encouraged to offer expertise to the organizations they serve, bringing insights around financial planning and other relevant topics to nonprofits.
Keeping Financial Decisions Close to Home
Whether it’s offering a loan to a locally-owned new business or helping a family purchase a home, financial decisions are best when they are kept close to the community that they will impact. It keeps dollars in our community and grows businesses that are owned by community families. It also develops relationships between members of the community and as needs are identified along the way towards common goals, members of the community solve them together.
Maybe it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you consider community banks like First National Bank and Trust, but the rodeo has quite a bit in common with the vision of the community bank. And since Kansas Biggest Rodeo is in our back yard every August, it’s the right time to highlight the similarities.
Just like community banks, rodeos prioritize the local community in some critical ways:
Supporting the Future
Many rodeo committees are integrally involved with supporting scholarship funds through groups like FFA. These scholarships may honor a student’s outstanding community involvement or volunteerism that encourages young people to continue giving back and supporting the local community.
Giving Back
Rodeo culture is full of opportunities to support important causes, from domestic violence awareness and cancer-related charities, but they also often embrace a local family in need, drawing donations directly from the spectators and participants.
Community is central to everything we do at First National Bank and Trust. We hope you’ll stop by one of our branches to talk about your banking needs and we also hope we will see you at the rodeo in Phillipsburg! Contact us to learn more.
Money Market or Savings Account: What's the Best Option?
Pros and Cons
Money market accounts also accumulate interest, but it too is nominal. The difference with this account is that you can set up bill payments and write checks on it, but you are probably going to be limited to a specific number of times you can do this over a given period. You can use an ATM with a money market account, but when you make a deposit, you’re probably going to have to put in a larger amount to meet the minimum. This product is also FDIC insured. A money market account is a viable option for someone who plans on accessing these funds on a more frequent basis than a savings account, but less than a regular checking account.
Choose the Right Institution
At First National Bank and Trust, we offer savings and money market accounts to our customers. We only require a $100 deposit to open a savings account and there is no monthly service fee. This account earns interest, which will be paid quarterly. We offer our account holders quarterly statements so they can keep up on the savings account’s performance. Want to make an automatic transfer between selected accounts? We’ve got you covered.
You can also open a money market account with us with an opening balance of $100. When you have a monthly balance of $2,500, you avoid monthly service fees. We’ll also give you free check imaging and a complimentary binder. An ATM/check card is also available. Similar to our savings account, you also draw interest on this account, which is paid monthly.
Want more information about which account will serve you best? Contact us at First National Bank and Trust and we’ll answer all your questions and get you set up with the account that is the best option for you.
Summer Home Improvement Financing Solutions
Whether you’re a DIY fanatic or prefer to leave the heavy lifting to the experts, summer is a perfect time to take on a home improvement project.
There are plenty of ways to add significant value to your home. Whether you are prepping it for a fast sale or making it more comfortable and efficient for your own future use, there are big steps you can take to improve your living space. And for every project listed, there is a viable way forward with the right financing plan to help you achieve your goals:
A New Roof
Window Replacement
Looking to get a handle on your utility bills? Replacing old windows is a perfect way to seal the gaps. If your annual caulking exercise is no longer cutting it, have an expert walk you through the new window options that will make your home look great, but more importantly, allow it to efficiently cool and heat during the hot summers and cold winters.
Residing Your Home
Siding manufacturers are producing far more durable products today than what was typically installed in the past, especially if it’s been there for a decade or more. Furthermore, siding comes in a variety of textures, sizes and colors today, which means installing siding this summer will give your home a significant boost in value as well as improve its curb appeal. New siding is also a great way to reduce your utility bills, as it has advanced insulating properties.
New Countertops
Spending a lot of family time in your kitchen? Many homeowners have converted their kitchens into entertainment spaces, but if you want to take baby steps toward converting your kitchen, start with replacing the countertops. Choose from a variety of new modern materials that will give your kitchen a significant facelift and be far more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.
Financing Your Home Improvement Project
Home improvement projects take money to execute, but don’t let limited savings prevent you from pursuing your plans. First National Bank and Trust has the financing solutions you need to take your ideas and turn them into a reality.
Our financing experts are ready to talk to you about your summer home improvement project. We have assisted many homeowners with all of the projects listed above, as well as with their bathroom renovations, finishing basements for extra living space, adding decks to homes and landscaping makeovers. When you talk to us at First National Bank and Trust, you get a better idea of what your improvement budget will be, which helps you solidify plans to move forward.
Regardless of how extensive your home improvement plans are, First National Bank and Trust a has a financing solution for you. Our experts are available now, so contact us today and let’s get your project underway.
Planning a Summer Vacation? Save Money and Get Covered with PERK
You will want to take the time to map the best route to your destination, check on hotel/motel prices, factor the higher gas prices into the overall trip budget and make a list of things to pack (and not pack for those who have a tendency to require extra luggage).
But don’t forget about savings and security along the way. You can save money by looking for deals or special promotions. Also, are you covered if you lose your debit card? What if your automobile breaks down and you need roadside assistance?
When you sign up for the PERK checking account at First National Bank and Trust, you can take advantage of a variety of perks that will protect you on your vacation and earn you savings. We have included Lux Benefits in our PERK program, which means you can save on family fun, casual dining, shopping, golfing, theme parks, movie tickets, sporting events and much more.
PERK also includes roadside assistance, as we are partnered with Safe Drivers Auto Club, so when you travel, you get peace of mind with 24-hour, 7 days a week of coverage that includes towing, delivery of supplies, tire service, battery service and more.
What if your mobile phone is lost or stolen while you’re on vacation? PERK has you covered there, too. Our protection program will reimburse you for the device up to $600. We also have CyberScout identity theft protection with our PERK program, which means if you become the victim of identity theft, we will have a fraud specialist help you resolve the issue.
PERK is a checking account that gives you many benefits other checking accounts don’t offer; learn about everything you get when you join our PERK program on our website. And as always, visit First National Bank and Trust to learn about all the banking services we offer.
Community Banking ... What's the Difference?
Community banks offer the same loans as larger banks, including car loans, home loans and personal loans that local residents use to bolster their businesses. But they also offer much more:
- They invest locally and in small businesses.
- Local residents who are underserved by larger banks have options with community banks that can help them meet their needs.
- Services offered by community banks provide a more personalized experience than what other financial institutions offer.
Not only are community banks serving their local residents with valuable banking services, but they’re also producing jobs: Nearly 700,000 Americans are employed by community banks.
Better Rates and Fees
Community Service
Your community bank is invested in your community on a personal level. Local community bank employees live in the communities they serve. They are the coaches for Little League teams, Sunday School teachers and are volunteers in multiple capacities within your community.
Sure, large financial institutions provide some kind of charitable outreach, but when your community bank gives, they give to your immediate community…keeping money and support local.
Growing Together
Money deposited in a community bank goes right back out into the community. While you enjoy checking and savings services, your money is also being used, securely, to assist others in your area with their home loans, businesses loans and personal loans. When your community bank grows, so does your community.
At First National Bank and Trust, we’re committed to you. While we are honored to be recognized in the month of April for our commitment to our neighbors we work and live among, we’re also working every day to make sure you get the banking services you need. For example, one of our most popular offerings is PERK Checking, which gives account holders cash back, savings on travel, protection for your cell phone and much more.
If you have yet to establish an account with First National Bank and Trust, contact us and let’s begin the conversation.
Mortgage Tips for Homebuyers
As spring approaches and the temperatures are on the rise, home purchases are also increasing. If you are looking at buying a home, you have likely already thought about how many bedrooms you need, what kind of a layout works best for you, and how big of a yard you really want to mow.
But what is important for you to know from a financial standpoint?
The following are important for you to consider as you look at purchasing a home:
Applying for a Mortgage Loan
Improving Your Standing
You don’t have to be completely debt free to get a mortgage, but you do need to look at how your debt will affect how much of a mortgage payment you can afford. Also, keep in mind that late payments on your debts will negatively impact your credit score, so it may be wise to set up automatic payments so you don’t accidentally miss a deadline.
The Unique Qualities of Home Loans
How Much Can I Afford?
If you’re renting right now and you’re paying $1,200 a month, you might think you could afford to do the same with a house payment. But that is not necessarily the case. First off, many renters have their utilities included in their rent, so when you get into a home and start paying those utilities, you have to factor them in.
Home insurance will probably be likely be added into your mortgage payment, and it will probably be more than the renter’s insurance you pay now, so you will have to factor that expense in. Finally, rather than putting in a work request with your landlord when you need something fixed, when you own a home, you will have to pay for the supplies or pay someone to do the work for you.
At First National Bank and Trust, we’re here to help you get into that home you’ve always wanted. Our mortgage loan officers have years of experience and can help you through the process. In fact, we’ve got several options that should suit your needs, including a first-time home buyers loan program.
First National Bank and Trust Celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Day
Since its founding, First National Bank and Trust has been involved in the communities we serve. Call it kindness, goodwill or just being a trusted member of the community; it’s only natural that we want to recognize February 17, spread some good cheer, and offer some ideas for ways to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Random Acts of Kindness History
The phrase “random acts of kindness” has several origin stories, one of which dates to 1982 when a woman in a diner scribbled “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty” on a placemat. It was rumored to have spread to bumper stickers soon after. A book titled “Random Acts of Kindness” was published in 1993, offering true stories about kind acts.
Ways to Celebrate
- Return a stranger’s grocery cart to the store
- Donate flowers to a nursing home
- Buy a gift card for someone
- Leave positive comments on news articles
- Babysit for a single mom for free
- Let someone in line behind go ahead of you
- Donate toys to a homeless shelter
- Bake cookies for the office
- Leave a nice note on someone’s car
- Pick up trash outside a local business
- Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant
- Volunteer at a local non-profit
Perhaps you have ideas of your own? Be sure to tell your friends about February 17 and offer them some ways you can celebrate it together.
At First National Bank and Trust, we know kindness is contagious. We’ve witnessed it time and again. Whether you’re going to go out of your way one day a year to make someone smile or if it’s something you try to do every day, the kindness you offer others will spread. When you visit us on February 17, don’t be surprised to see some extra smiles from our employees. Looking for top-notch banking services but from a friendly and community-minded institution? Look no further than First National Bank and Trust.
Keep Your Information Safe from Fraud and Scammers
Fraud Awareness Protects Your Accounts
One common way scammers work is to impersonate your bank, but they will ask questions that a reputable bank representative never would. Our bank will never ask for your CVV (card verification value) or your PIN number in a call, email or text.
Tips for Spotting Fraud
You receive multiple messages per day and they’re not all scams. The ones that are will probably reveal themselves in the links they ask you to click. Look for a link that begins with https:// because this is the earmark of a verified and secured site.
Ask questions when you’re talking to someone on the phone who says they are a representative of our bank. Bank employees know that customers should ask as many questions as they need and are happy to provide you with the answers you need for confirmation. If the person you’re talking to can’t give you the verification you need for legitimacy’s sake, that will be a red flag.
You should scrutinize every email and text you get. Never click a link until you have researched it and verified it is from a safe source.
Ransomware Realities
There are now gangs of ransomware professionals on social media in order to pressure people for money. They are essentially amplifying coverage of their attacks by purchasing ads that bring more of a spotlight to their exploits.
A notable occurrence includes Campari Group, which owns close to 50 brands of various drinks, which was hit with an attack. The hackers put out an ad on Facebook detailing the facts of how they acquired two terabytes of private information and that Campari was downplaying the severity of the hit.
There are other professional scammers out there that are also weaponizing social media, but in more traditional ways. For example, they’re using Twitter as a distribution channel to tout their attacks to audiences. One group, monikered RobinHood, set up a Tumblr account and says it will publish its victims and offer screenshots of data they have stolen.
At First National Bank and Trust, we want our customers to practice safe banking, which is why we regularly update our pages about fraud prevention and ways to keep your information safe. Stay informed on the different types of fraud, keep your information secure and feel free to contact us about any concerns.
Support the Community While Staying Secure
Shopping local is important for our communities for many reasons:
- It reduces the environmental impact (think carbon footprint related to shipping).
- Local businesses reinvest in the community.
- Customer service is more personal.
- Local businesses are more inclined to support local charities.
You might be able to find products at a lesser cost through non-local businesses, but for consumers who are careful to spend their money locally, they find that paying a little more is worth so much more.
Stay Secure this Holiday Season
First, make sure you have strong passwords on all your accounts. If you are using the same password on multiple accounts, take the time to create unique passwords for your different accounts.
If you have a local store you want to purchase products from through their website, make sure their URL begins with https rather than http. Hackers will have a far easier time exploiting an http site, and maybe even your account information, than they do on an https site. You can even reach out to your local business owners and let them know you want to shop with them, but that their website may be vulnerable.
When you’re out and about shopping, ask for an email receipt. Paper receipts, and even paper bank statements for that matter, can be stolen and used to compromise your account.
Don’t forget to monitor your account on a regular basis. The sooner you find something odd, such as a transaction you didn’t make, the faster you can remedy the issue.