Community Matters

In honor of Community Banking Month in April, F & M Community 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.

“As a financial provider deeply rooted in the community, we leverage our local insights and financial acumen to help residents reach their financial goals,” Tamsen Leimer, Mortgage and...

If ringing in 2024 has you thinking this is your year to have a better banking experience, we got you! Community banks, like F & M Community Bank, are passionate about consumers understanding that switching banks doesn’t have to be complicated. Moreover, did you know that the bank you choose could affect several factors that are important to a consumer’s financial journey, including securing a loan, obtaining favorable fees or rates, or ensuring the high-quality,...

From impersonal service to excessive fees and limited local involvement, there are several reasons why people are increasingly seeking alternatives to big banks.

One of the biggest complaints about big banks is their impersonal approach to customer service. Often, customers feel like a number in a system, making it challenging to receive individualized attention and tailored financial solutions. Community banks,...

Weather and health-related natural disasters can cause extensive property damage and wreak financial havoc on families and communities. In recognition of National Preparedness Month F & M Community Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are advocating simple measures to help consumers with preparation and recovery to reduce their financial impact.

“While...

Reinvesting in your community sounds great, but how does one really put that into action?

If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does. Not only does banking locally support small businesses (community banks fund more than 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of ag loans), but as locally owned and operated businesses themselves, they are part of the economic engines...

F & M Community Bank has been serving farmers for more than a century because we understand the essential role the agricultural community serves in supporting our nation’s food supply and bolstering the overall economy.

National Ag Day was founded in 1973 to recognize the contributions of farmers in providing Americans with healthy, affordable, and abundant food options. Here are some fun facts from ICBA about the ag industry:

“America Saves Week” is February 27 – March 3.  This is a good time to review your habits when it comes to saving.  Building a financial nest egg can help alleviate stress and provide financial resiliency during times of economic distress or uncertainty.

“Savings is an important component of creating financial wellness and stability” shares Kari Cousineau, Personal Banker with F & M Community...

If one of your goals for 2023 involves working on your credit, check out some helpful tips.

Good credit is a blueprint for financial success, so it is essential to create a track record that demonstrates sound money management principles as you plan your financial future.

Make your payments on time, every time.

Stay in your financial lane – manage your debt-to-income ratio.  This is the...

IntraFiⓇ Network Deposits (formerly called CDARS or ICS, Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service or Insured Cash Sweep respectively) is a program that allows businesses and individuals to receive FDIC insurance on large deposits.

IntraFiⓇ Network Deposits allows individuals or businesses that invest large sums of money ($250,000+) or own multiple certificates of deposits (CDs) to secure FDIC insurance while managing these investments...

It’s no secret that our world is becoming more connected and technologically advanced than ever, and while there are many benefits to this, it also means that there are more ways to be scammed and defrauded online. Fortunately, there is continuous research and advancement in cybersecurity to help protect yourself and your assets. Read on to learn about how to best protect yourself from scammers and what you can do if you think you’ve been the...