January is Financial Wellness Month

Is it paying bills on time, robust savings, a retirement fund, or affording a new car? Whatever financial health means to you, it starts with getting your finances in order. It’s easy to think that keeping track of your account balances is all you need to do to stay on top of your finances. But that is no longer true. Today, accounts are spread across multiple financial relationships. Where is your money going? To figure that out, you need to include savings and checking...



2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Planters First Bank announced its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a Champion and joining a growing global effort to promote online safety and privacy awareness. Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on...



Software Updates

One of the easiest ways to boost your cybersecurity is to always keep software and apps updated. Every day, software and app developers focus on keeping their users and products secure. They’re constantly looking for clues that hackers are trying to break into their systems or searching for holes where cybercriminals could sneak in, even if they’ve never been breached before. To fix these issues and improve security for everyone who uses their services, upstanding software companies...



Vacation and Travel Security

As you prepare for your next vacation, consider the potential cyber risks you may face while using technology. Whether you're sharing photos online or finding lodging through an app, it's essential to take steps to keep your information safe from cybercriminals. Here are some simple practices to keep in mind before and during your trip: Before You Go: - Travel lightly: Limit the number of devices you bring on your trip. - Check your settings: Review the privacy and security...



Understanding FDIC Deposit Insurance

Sleep tight — Your money is safe! If the economy suddenly tanks or some banks fail, there’s absolutely no reason to head to your local bank branch and withdraw a suitcase full of cash. Your money is much safer in a bank than it would be stuffed under your mattress (or anywhere else). Protecting our customers’ deposits and funds at Planters First Bank is a top priority. You may have heard that Planters First Bank is FDIC-insured or is a member of the FDIC. But what does that mean for...



Is My Mobile Deposit Secure?

Today’s modern banks are embracing technology and mobile applications. With this service comes the ability to deposit checks with your smartphone without ever having to step into your local bank or visit an ATM. It is convenient, but is it a safe way to ensure your money gets deposited into your account? Here we look at what you need to know about Mobile Deposit and how to keep it a convenient – and safe – way to do your banking on the go. What exactly is Mobile Deposit? Mobile...



Help your finances bloom

Spring cleaning your finances doesn't have to be a chore with these simple steps! With Planters First Bank Online & Mobile Banking, you can organize your finances with ease. From your desktop or your mobile device, you can manage your finances and start working on achieving your financial goals this spring. Secure access at your fingertips Track your spending: Set up a budget and figure out your spending habits — are you using those memberships? How much do you spend eating out?...



Planters First Bank Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

Planters First Bank has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) — March 5 - 11, 2023 — and any time of the year. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups, and organizations like ours work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams. Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Wondering about the best way to improve your credit, shop for a used...



2023 Data Privacy Week

Planters First Bank Announces Commitment to Respecting Data by Becoming a 2023 Data Privacy Week Champion This year’s initiative emphasizes educating businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promoting transparency As a Champion, Planters First Bank recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information. Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from...



Stay Safe Online for Your Holiday Shopping!

Planters First Bank wants to help you protect your hard-earned cash from the scammers and hackers that pop up every year. It's like they don't care about the naughty list! Now that holiday shopping is in full swing, we wanted to let you know about a few online shopping trends we've noticed and give a few tips about how to stay safe online while buying gifts for everyone on your list. Here is what we think is cheerful and what we think is coal-worthy for shopping online this...



Can You Spot a Phishing Scam?

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $5.8 billion to phishing scams and other fraud in 2021—an increase of more than 70 percent over 2020. It’s time to put scammers in their place. Online...



September is National Preparedness Month

Here are 6 simple tips to help plan for the unexpected and regain your financial footing after a crisis. Prepare backup communications plans if both cellular and landline services falter. Store digital and paper copies of critical documents in a safe deposit box. These include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, bank and investment account information, proof of occupancy, a mortgage deed, insurance policies, and three years of tax returns. Make copies of personal documents...