Ask the Experts

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

  Can you put a firewall around your mailbox? Probably not, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft. This month our experts take on Identity Theft and answer the question, “What can I do to protect myself?”           From Matthew Hensley, Branch Sales [...]

Amazing Rates = Right Time to Refi

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

          With rates for mortgages still dipping into historically low territory, many homeowners are wondering if the time is right for a refinance. Refinancing to a lower rate could potentially save thousands of dollars in interest, shorten the time left on a loan or both. How do you know when a [...]

The Right Time for an IRA

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

        There’s never a bad time to begin or boost your retirement savings, but tax season is a particularly good time to consider your IRA options. What are the choices? A traditional IRA allows you to make contributions for immediate tax savings. The earnings of the IRA grow tax-deferred until you begin [...]

Real Relief: Avoiding "Charitable" Scams

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

        No matter how you give, you want to be certain your money goes to the intended recipient. With the advent of charitable giving via text message, there are even more ways for thieves to cash in on your good intentions. Here are some tips to be sure your money goes where [...]

Help for Haiti

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

      The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 had a devastating impact on the lives of the Haitian people: the Haitian government estimates the death toll may be as high as 200,000, with perhaps a quarter-million residents of the country injured and up to 2 million homeless. The need for [...]

Has your debit card been "skimmed"?

Friday, January 15th, 2010

ConsumerReports.org provided this great article on Yahoo Finance. Skimming machines placed in ATMs and other points of sale (retailers, restaurants, gas stations) allow thieves to steal your card number and your PIN. That’s all they need to drain your account. Learn how to protect yourself from skimmers and scammers.