Financial Wellness & Education

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...

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse is a growing concern in our society, affecting countless seniors who deserve to live with dignity, respect, and security. As our population ages, it becomes increasingly important to raise awareness about elder abuse and to take proactive measures to prevent it. Planters First Bank is deeply committed to safeguarding our senior community from fraud and financial abuse, and we are proud to...

The second Tuesday of April is Identity Management Day, a time designated to highlight the importance of safeguarding your digital identity. But why focus on identity management, and what does it entail? In our increasingly digital world, managing our online identities has become crucial. What exactly is identity management? It's the practice of ensuring only authorized individuals access your sensitive information and online accounts. This includes safeguarding passwords and staying...

At Planters First Bank, we understand the importance of nurturing creativity and providing wholesome family activities. That's why we're excited to introduce our exclusive Piggy Bank Pete & Friends Coloring Sheets, just in time for some family fun! How to Get Started: Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3! Simply click on each coloring sheet below to download the PDF file. Or, if you prefer to download everything at once, click here. Share Your Masterpieces: Once your little artists...

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...

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...