Financial Wellness & Education

At Planters First Bank, we recognize the significance of financial literacy in fostering prosperous futures. Empowering individuals with the tools to understand and manage their finances is paramount, starting from a young age. That's why we are proud participants in the ABA Foundation’s Teach Children to Save Program, a national initiative designed to cultivate financial knowledge among children in grades K-8. So, what exactly is financial literacy? Financial literacy is the...

We are thrilled to share with you our new partnership to combat check fraud and safeguard our customers' financial well-being. At Planters First Bank, we prioritize our customers' safety and security, and to that end, we provide several online resources in our Security Center that keep our customers updated on the latest scam trends and help them avoid becoming victims. On March 19, 2024,t he American Bankers Association and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service today announced a new joint...

Are you dreaming of owning your own home in a vibrant community with a low cost of living? Look no further than Macon, Georgia, recently hailed as the number one most affordable city in the United States to buy a home. Based on research from the U.S. Census Bureau and Altos Research, this accolade positions Macon as a prime location for those seeking homeownership without breaking the bank. According to statistics from Homebuyer.com, the average monthly cost of homeownership in Macon...

In the age of digital connectivity, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on unsuspecting individuals through various channels. One of the most prevalent types of scams is government imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as representatives of government agencies to deceive victims into providing personal information or money. To combat this growing threat and raise awareness, the Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General has designated March 7, 2024, as National...

It's that time of year again – tax season. As you gear up to tackle your taxes, scammers are gearing up, too, ready to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Here are some unmistakable signs of a tax scam and proactive steps you can take if you encounter one. IRS Impersonator Alert: If the caller is pushy, demanding immediate payment, or threatening legal action, it's likely a scam. The IRS never makes such calls. Hang up and contact the IRS directly to report the scam call. IRS...

Love is in the air and online, but so are cybercriminals! According to a recent Pew survey, almost a third of Americans said they used an online dating service or app, and 10% of people in a relationship said that they met their partner online. These stats are even higher for younger people. Unfortunately, though, all this online romance creates opportunities for scammers. Ick! WHAT IS A ROMANCE SCAM? Romance scams are also called sweetheart scams, which refer to scams involving...

What Is Identity Theft? Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card, or bank account numbers, Social Security number, or medical insurance account numbers. And they could use them to buy things with your credit cards get new credit cards in your name open a phone, electricity, or gas account in your name steal your tax refund use your health insurance to get...

Commitment to Respecting Data by Becoming a 2024 Data Privacy Week Champion This year’s initiative emphasizes educating businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promoting transparency Planters First Bank announced its commitment to Data Privacy Week 2024 by registering as a Champion. As a Champion, Planters First Bank recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal...

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...

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...

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” Now more than ever, it is crucial to question the authenticity of what we see and hear online. Staying Vigilant Against AI-Powered Fraud Staying vigilant against AI-powered fraud requires a combination of best practices, including education, authentication, and monitoring. Individuals must be aware of the risks and techniques scammers use to avoid falling prey to their deception. As a simple...

Scammers use many tactics to steal money—including paying people with fake checks. The phony checks can look like real business checks, personal checks, cashier’s checks or money orders—and be for large sums of money. In a fake check scam, a person you don’t know asks you to deposit a check and send money or gift cards to another person. They may say you need to pay taxes or fees or buy supplies. Common check scams: In these scams, the potential victim gets “paid” by...