Learn More About Loans, Banking, Fraud Prevention & More
Learn More About Loans, Banking, Fraud Prevention & More
Posted on Friday, September 13, 2024
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are a popular way to earn a guaranteed return on your savings. But have you ever wondered how the interest on your CD is calculated? While the basic formula for calculating CD interest is standard across banks, there are a few important details that can vary—and these can impact how much interest you actually earn.
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Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2024
As many as 272 million Americans’ Social Security numbers were recently exposed in a data breach. Here’s how to check if your information was exposed, and the simple step you can take to secure your personal data in just 10 minutes.
Posted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024
In today's digital age, scams and fraudulent activities have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, in the past year, we've seen at least 25 customers of various ages and backgrounds fall victim to scammers. Now, we're sharing their stories as well as red flags to help you avoid becoming a victim yourself.
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Posted on Friday, April 26, 2024
Expecting a tax refund this year? By making just a few strategic moves, you could grow your funds and begin building a stronger financial future. Discover how to make the most of your tax refund with our Money Market Savings account, investment options, debit card rewards points, and more.
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Posted on Friday, April 26, 2024
At Western State Bank, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a strong financial future. That's why we introduced our Credit Builder Loan, designed to make that journey easier, whether you're starting from scratch, rebuilding your credit, or helping your child kickstart their credit journey.
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Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2024
Congress will soon vote on whether or not to pass the Credit Card Competition Act. If it passes, it could mean the end of cash back and card rewards, even for your debit cards. Learn more about the controversy, the arguments, the possible consequences and how to take action if you oppose this bill.
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Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2024
As part of the Corporate Transparency Act passed by Congress in 2021, the U.S. government's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is now requiring many businesses to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Read more about what type of information is required, who this will affect, and the deadlines for reporting.
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Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2024
We have received several inquiries regarding reporting CD interest on this year's taxes. Learn more about interest rate reporting requirements and 5 additional tips from local CPAs.
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Posted on Friday, February 2, 2024
With the high costs of home construction, historically low housing inventory and active marketing listings, and fewer and fewer builders to call, it may be time to consider new options. If maximizing your investment with the lowest cost and highest value is your priority, Western State Bank may have your solution.
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Posted on Thursday, February 1, 2024
Located conveniently in your Western State Bank mobile app, Zelle® enables you to send and receive money with
friends and family, no matter where they bank. Follow these easy tips to use Zelle® safely:
1. Only send to those you know and trust
2. Beware of payment scams
3. Treat Zelle® like cash
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Posted on Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Navigating the complexities of the real estate market can be daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers. To help guide you through this process, we've compiled a list of tips aimed to empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Bank safety has recently become a hot topic largely due to recent unexpected bank failures. While financial intuitions will continue to stress that banks are indeed safe, we understand that biased opinions are more difficult to trust. For that reason, we want to arm you, our readers, with the information necessary to decide for yourselves whether your bank is operating in a safe manner.
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Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Have you ever questioned a charge on your account or received a notification for suspicious activity? Financial institutions should have processes in place to help customers with charge disputes or cases of fraud. But what is the difference between a dispute and a true fraud case? And how can you know if your funds will be reimbursed?
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Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Take debit card security into your own hands and stay on top of your budget with Card Controls in your WSB mobile app.
Turning your debit card on and off is just one of the many ways you can protect your debit card and control its usage. Keep reading to learn more about the feature and all the ways it can benefit you.
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Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Sometimes a cosigner is needed to help a borrower obtain approval on a loan. Before agreeing to cosign for a friend or family member, be sure you know how cosigning could affect you and your financial future.
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Posted on Friday, September 17, 2021
We’ve shared ways to protect your money on the internet and to keep your debit card safe from fraud, but according to the American Banker’s Association check fraud is still the leading reason for deposit losses.
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Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2021
Gone are the days of waiting until the next trip to town or the next trip back home to deposit a check when mobile deposit is easily accessible to Western State Bank customers.
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Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2021
You may already know that refinancing could result in a lower interest rate, or could help you pay off your mortgage faster. But did you know that refinancing or taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could also help you obtain extra cash for home renovations?
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Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Can you be reimbursed for unknown charges on your debit card? It depends. Keep reading to learn the difference between debit card fraud and a dispute, and which types of charges are subject to reimbursement.
Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Do you know what happens to the money in your bank account if you pass away? In this blog post we cover beneficiaries, joint owners, PODs, and how to ensure your account is set up to benefit those you leave behind.
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Posted on Thursday, February 4, 2021
Follow these tips to help safeguard your bank accounts and personal information from phone and email scammers.
Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Applications are now available for the SBA's second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the Relief Act. Get more familiar with the Act's guidance and how it may affect borrowers of both PPP loans and EIDL grants.
Posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Did you know that 40 percent of Americans can't cover a $400 emergency with cash? Andrea Barreras of our Leoti banking center outlines three simple steps to start an emergency fund.
Posted on Monday, January 4, 2021
The government's recently signed Relief Act will go into effect later this month, providing a new round of Paycheck Protection Program loans to small business owners, sole proprietors, non profit organizations and other qualifying individuals. The Act contains guidance and changes that will affect past borrowers even if they do not choose to reapply.
For Part One of our Relief Act summary, we’re focusing solely on past borrowers.
Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2020
If a fraudulent unemployment claim was made in your name, you'll need to take steps to protect your information and accounts, and to prevent similar situations from happening in the future. Here we outline five crucial steps to take as soon as you receive an unemployment claim letter.
Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Coin circulation has emerged as a new disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have referred to this as a shortage, but is it? The U.S. Coin Task Force explains.
Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2020
You want to jump on the “shop small” train, but money is tight and you’re prioritizing needs over wants. How can you continue to be frugal while helping small businesses thrive?
We’re outlining four easy (and completely free!) ways you can help your neighbors and continue to impact your local economy.
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Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
New EZ and revised full forgiveness applications were introduced this morning for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers.
Posted on Friday, June 5, 2020
From extended deadlines to more flexible terms, find out how the Paycheck Protection Program's loosened restrictions could benefit your business.
Posted on Friday, May 1, 2020
Have you ever worried that your bank may sell your mortgage loan? In this blog post we explain exactly what happens after closing and how it can benefit you!
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Posted on Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Do you have to be a Western State Bank customer to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program? Busting a common myth about the Paycheck Protection Program and providing helpful facts to small businesses affected by COVID-19.
Posted on Thursday, April 9, 2020
If you're a farmer, rancher or Ag producer you may be wondering how the Paycheck Protection Program applies to you.
Check out these helpful FAQs from the USDA, and contact a Western State Bank loan officer if you have any additional questions or are ready to begin an application.
Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2020
Outlining the changes and new options for Western State Bank customers with IRAs.
Posted on Tuesday, September 3, 2019
You're probably aware that your credit score is a crucial factor in whether or not you’re approved for a loan. However, there are other factors that could increase or decrease your chances as well.
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Posted on Wednesday, July 31, 2019
We got our start on a family farm and expanded to a family bank. Learn more about our Ag business solutions with expert guidance from lenders who know what it takes to succeed.
Posted on Tuesday, June 11, 2019
There are numerous benefits to being a home owner. Check out our Home Loan Types and come see our Mortgage Loan Officers today!
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Posted on Monday, June 10, 2019
The Mortgage Loan Officers at Western State Bank are here to assist you every step of the way.