Financial Wellness & Education

Older adults are among the most targeted and most impacted by online scams. In fact, the FBI reports that Americans over 60 lose more money to cybercrime than any other age group. With cybercriminals constantly changing their tactics, staying safe online can feel overwhelming. Planters First Bank is proud to share Then & Now, a new initiative from the National Cybersecurity Alliance designed to help older adults—and their caregivers—protect themselves online. This stay safe...

Text messaging has become one of the fastest, most convenient ways to communicate—and unfortunately, it has also become a favorite tool for scammers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2023, consumers suffered over $437 million in losses due to SMS/text scams, an increase from $330 million in 2022. The median loss per victim was around $1,100, indicating a steady rise each year. Scams involving banks and financial institutions continue to be among the most...

National Financial Awareness Day serves as an excellent reminder to pause, assess your finances, and create a plan for the future. Whether you are just beginning your financial journey or seeking to enhance your money management skills, today is all about empowering yourself through knowledge. At Planters First Bank, we believe that understanding the basics—saving, budgeting, and investing—can make all the difference in your financial stability and peace of mind. Here are a few ways...

If you’re a servicemember, you’re probably used to moving around every few years. Whether you’re moving a few states away or to another country, you might need to break a lease, sell a car, or redirect your mail to a new address — all things involving your personal information. While planning your next big move, help protect your sensitive info from scammers. If scammers get hold of personal details like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, they might get access...

In recognition of National Homeownership Month, Planters First Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging consumers to consult their local community banker to make the home-buying process simpler, more efficient, and more affordable. Consult your community bank for: Loan Guidance: Determining the ideal loan amount and products that align with your budget and lifestyle, reviewing the mortgage process in detail, and identifying programs tailored to...

Planters First Bank is proud to join forces with the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on an initiative to help customers protect themselves from the growing threat of check fraud. In support of this initiative, Planters First Bank offers educational materials and personal guidance to ensure customers have the tools they need to safeguard their financial assets and respond if they experience check fraud. "At Planters...

At Planters First Bank, your security is our top priority. That’s why, beginning June 1, 2025, we’re making an important change to better protect your personal and financial information online. We're transitioning from bankplanters.com to our new, more secure domain: plantersfirst.bank. This upgrade to a .BANK domain is more than just a new web address—it’s a commitment to stronger cybersecurity. The .BANK extension is exclusive to verified banks and is designed to help protect...

Senior Fraud Awareness Day – May 15, 2025 Our aging loved ones deserve to live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted by scammers and even trusted individuals who exploit them financially. That’s why Senior Fraud Awareness Day is a crucial reminder to stay informed and alert. Why This Matters Elder financial abuse is one of the most underreported — yet fastest growing — crimes in the U.S. Caregivers, family members, and...

Planters First Bank is a proud participant in America Saves Week, an annual national campaign that encourages and empowers individuals, families, employers, and communities to check in on their finances. The campaign focuses on several important topics that make up your financial landscape with a realistic economic approach, including saving for emergencies and unexpected expenses, leveraging automatic savings, retirement, and reducing debt. It also covers more niche topics like talking...

In honor of Community Banking Month in April, Planters First Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are highlighting community bank efforts to power local communities and fuel economic prosperity for Americans nationwide. “At Planters First Bank, being a true community bank means more than just handling finances—it means being there for our neighbors, day in and day out,” said Kandi Clem, Marketing Support Officer. “Middle Georgia is our home, and we’re...

Planters First Bank is committed to your financial safety and awareness, not just during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) from March 2-8, 2025, but all year round. NCPW is a collaborative effort among government agencies, consumer protection groups, and community banks like ours to empower individuals with knowledge about consumer rights and fraud prevention. Tips to Avoid Fraud: Watch for Money Laundering Schemes – Be cautious if someone asks you to move money through...

Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from Data Privacy Day -- taking place from January 27 - 31, 2025. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy among individuals and organizations. This year’s theme is “Take Control of Your Data”. All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and...