Financial Wellness & Education

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...

January is Financial Wellness Month! Kick off the new year with a fresh focus on your financial health. January is the perfect time to set goals, create budgets, and take control of your finances. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, planning for retirement, or looking to get more from your checking account, we’ve got tools and resources to guide you toward a brighter financial future. Let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet! Start Here: Your Financial Health...

Have you ever received a package with items you didn’t order? If so, you might have been targeted by a “brushing” scam. This deceptive practice involves a scammer sending packages to your address without your consent, often to boost their product’s online ratings and popularity. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself. What Is a Brushing Scam? In a brushing scam, scammers use your information to pose as a verified buyer on platforms like Amazon or eBay. They...

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an international initiative that educates everyone about online safety and empowers individuals and businesses to protect their data from cybercrime. Even amidst large-scale data breaches and cyberattacks, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds everyone that there are simple, effective ways to keep yourself safe online, protect your personal data, and ultimately help secure our world. Planters First Bank is proud to be a Champion and support this...

Planters First Bank offers complimentary housing education resources aimed at assisting individuals in purchasing and maintaining their homes. We are proud to collaborate with the ABA Foundation on the #UnlockingHomeownership Campaign, a new initiative uniting banks to deliver homeownership education and counseling to customers and communities nationwide. In conjunction with NeighborWorks America, Rebuilding Together, and Wells Fargo, this extensive, cross-sector effort aims to meet the...