Blogs

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Oct 01, 2024

Staying Safe Online is Easier Than You Think! Every day we are more and more connected—whether messaging family and friends, shopping online or ordering supplies for our small businesses. It’s important to take steps to stay safe when using our phones, laptops and smart devices. The Cybersecurity & Infrastruction Security Agency of the United States of America, also known as CISA, provides important information to help. Full Story

Please Verify You Are Human: AI-Assisted Phishing

Aug 26, 2024

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) has been the talk of the town for the last couple of years. With tech giants like Google and Microsoft investing heavily in their applications, it seems this new technology is here to stay. From students outsourcing their assignments to ChatGPT, to businesses generating marketing material featuring employees with a few too many fingers, AI can be a powerful tool to increase the user’s productivity. Full Story

Stop Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers

Jul 03, 2024

Do you receive unsolicited credit or insurance offers? Many, if not most, are a result of a "prescreening" of your credit report. Learn how prescreening works and how to opt out.Full Story

Five Beneficial Money Habits you Can Put into Practice Right Now

Jun 21, 2024

When it comes to saving, investing, or getting your finances in order, the process can often feel daunting. You may find yourself waiting for the next big life event or pushing off the process until the next month or the New Year. You might be unsure of where to start, or perhaps you feel like you’re lacking in resources or professional advice.Full Story

PODCAST: Alice Frazier - From Cowgirl to Batman

Jun 17, 2024

PODCAST: Alice Frazier shares life experiences that shaped her pathway from cowgirl to Batman. Nathan Baumeister leads BCT's President and CEO through an in-depth conversation of discovery, challenges, and unexpected opportunities. Full Story

Financial Literacy is Key to Effective Money Management for Teens...and the Whole Family

Jun 17, 2024

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan once stated, “Financial education is a process that should begin at an early age and continue throughout life. This cumulative process builds the skills necessary for making critical financial decisions.” Full Story

Tips to Take the Financial Stress out of Travel

Jun 05, 2024

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but under planning and overspending can lead to financial stressors. Consider the following tips to reduce travel-related anxiety and help you make the most out of your time away—whether journeying across state lines or overseas.Full Story

"Pig Butchering" Crypto Scams a Growing Concern

May 22, 2024

A new form of investment scam has skyrocketed in recent years as criminal syndicates target consumers through online channels. Called “pig butchering,” this new scam is increasingly relevant, including among the consumers and communities that community banks serve.Full Story

Preparing Your Home to Sell This Summer

Mar 07, 2024

Summer is peak season for the housing market, which means competition will be sizzling. If you’re selling this season, strike while the iron (like the weather) is hot by getting your home into tip-top shape before you even list it. How? Follow these tips and make your house the stand-out property of the season.Full Story

2024 New Year's Letter from Alice

Jan 01, 2024

Dear Clients, Friends, and Neighbors, my husband gave our adult children a special pen and journal for Christmas this year. His words of wisdom were, “Be sure to look around and take in those special moments coming to you in 2024. Take time to journal all that you see and feel. Many years from now you will appreciate the opportunity to read your thoughts from back-in-the-day.” Full Story