An Interview with Senior Lending Officer, Dale Kirk Q: Mortgage rates have been a hot topic lately. What’s happening with them, and what can we expect moving forward? Mortgage rates have come down slightly in recent weeks, but they are unlikely to return to the historic lows of just a few years ago. Most research …
Beware of the Unpaid Toll Text Scams
Got a Text About Unpaid Tolls? It’s Probably a Scam Have you received a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls? Whether you’ve driven on a toll road recently or not, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Scammers are impersonating toll agencies nationwide, sending out fake texts demanding payment. If you’re not careful, …
How to Spot IRS Scams and Impersonators
9 Ways to Spot IRS Scams and Impersonators (And How to Stay Safe) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of the most commonly impersonated government agencies in scams. Fraudsters use fear tactics, phishing emails, and threatening phone calls to trick taxpayers into revealing sensitive financial information or making fraudulent payments. How to Recognize IRS …
A Digital Nightmare: Cybercriminals Inside Your Home
Sarah and her family were thrilled with their new smart home devices, enjoying the ease of controlling lights and locks with just a few taps or voice commands. However, their excitement turned to alarm one night when Sarah noticed her smart thermostat adjusting itself unexpectedly. Initially dismissing it as a glitch, she became concerned when …
Roses, Romance, and Red Flags: Protecting Your Heart and Wallet
What Are Romance Scams? Romance scams are a cruel form of deception where criminals exploit the desire for love and connection while gaining the affection and trust of the victim. They craft online personas, often using stolen pictures and profiles, to build a facade of affection. Their goal? To manipulate victims into parting with money …
Benefits of Personal Online Banking Accounts
Have you discovered the ease and convenience of online banking? Learn about FineMark’s user-friendly online platform and how you can monitor your accounts from anywhere at anytime.
Staying Safe Online and Shielding Your Accounts
A Slick Scam and an Empty Bank Account Emily was having a typical busy Tuesday. She grabbed her morning coffee, glanced at her phone, and noticed a text from her bank: “Did you make this transaction? Reply YES or NO.” She frowned. She hadn’t made any purchases yet that day. Maybe it was just a …
2024 Fourth Quarter Review & Commentary
2024 brought all the benefits of a bull market, including outsized returns for U.S. equity investors. Looking back on the quarter and the year, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano acknowledges the wisdom of capitalizing on opportunity, and offers insight on how to prepare for the eventual return of a bear market.
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Planning For Your Financial Future
The Importance of Financial Planning Creating a financial plan is the first step in meeting your future goals. By working with a financial advisor to craft a personalized strategy, you gain a clear understanding of where you stand financially what you need to accomplish for future success. Overcoming Financial Fears If you haven’t created your …
Holiday Travel Preparedness: Cyber Safety Tips for a Secure Vacation
The holiday season is here, and millions of people will be traveling all over the world. If you are going on vacation, here are some travel tips to help keep you cyber savvy and safe. Mobile Devices Avoid overpacking: Only bring the mobile devices you need when going on vacation. By mobile devices, we mean …
Voice Cloning Scams: Unmasking the Threat to Security and Trust
The Alarming Rise of Voice Cloning in Fraudulent Activities The use of voice cloning by fraudsters to commit crimes has seen a disturbing increase in recent years. This advanced technology allows scammers to replicate an individual’s speech patterns, tone, and mannerisms with uncanny accuracy. As a result, they can use these cloned voices to manipulate …
Maximize Your Retirement with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
As we age, it’s essential to stay informed about the financial requirements that come along with retirement accounts. For investors aged 73 and older, taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from tax-deferred retirement accounts is a vital aspect of financial strategy and planning. What Are RMDs? A Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD, is the minimum amount …
