Learn More About Loans, Banking, Fraud Prevention & More
Learn More About Loans, Banking, Fraud Prevention & More
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There are numerous benefits to being a home owner. Check out our Home Loan Types and come see our Mortgage Loan Officers today!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WSB announces 2024 Coin Challenge Results
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.
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.
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.
One of the top questions we receive at Western State Bank is "how do you calculate CD interest?" So we are here to explain the basics and the key differences in the ways banks figure interest on a cd. 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.
We keep hearing that “interest rates are dropping,” but when we check loan rates, they don’t seem to be falling—in fact, some are going up. So, what’s going on? In this Banking on Knowledge article, we clear up the confusion and explain why different rates move in different directions--and what that means for you.