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WelcomeWelcome LoginOctober 22, 2024
The digital age comes with many conveniences from managing your finances online to making purchases quickly and easily. With advances in technology come more sophisticated ways for scammers to get your hard-earned money. You can be fraud smart by safeguarding your payment methods and protecting sensitive data.
September 23, 2024
If you need cash for a large purchase, you might consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a type of loan that allows you to borrow against the value of your home. Learn more about the basics of how a HELOC works and general lender requirements.
September 17, 2024
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There is no more appropriate mission statement when it comes to retirement and the potential surprises that might arise during this important life stage. Proactive prevention establishes financial awareness that will help mitigate these surprises and create retirement longevity for your investment portfolio.
August 15, 2024
German American Bank understands the importance of security and how costly a breach or scam can be to your business’s reputation and bottom line. The first line of defense is awareness. To help with your efforts in combatting fraud, here are two common business scams to watch for and ways to prevent them from the Federal Trade Commission.
June 11, 2024
When settling in to your new home, there are some important things you need to consider. ABA Foundation recommends the following tips.
May 6, 2024
Brush up on your mortgage knowledge by learning the definitions of these common home-buying terms.
April 26, 2024
According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Complaint Report, investment scams have skyrocketed. In 2023, $4.57 billion of losses were reported, with 90% being cryptocurrency (crypto) related. Learn about 3 popular scam tactics being used along with tips to avoid getting hooked by an investment scammer.
April 15, 2024
Your credit, your credit scores, and how wisely you shop for a loan that best fits your needs have a significant impact on your mortgage interest rate and the fees you pay.
February 10, 2024
Searching for your first home can be an exhilarating, yet overwhelming time in your life. If you are having trouble with where to start, you are not alone. With some guidance and organization, German American can help you be on your way to owning your first home. Here are some simple steps to get you started.
January 19, 2024
According to a recent survey, 30 percent of American adults say they don’t pay all their bills on time, causing them to pay extra interest and lofty late payment fees. Autopay and bill pay tools allow you to set up automatic payments for your recurring monthly bills. Understanding the details of how to make these systems do their best for you can help to save you money!
January 8, 2024
Before making the transition from renting your home to owning your home, it is important to start saving for a down payment, typically 5 to 20 percent of the home’s value. Check out some helpful tips from the American Bankers Association on how to save for it.
January 4, 2024
As you look forward to achieving new goals in 2024, German American Bank is here to provide the tools and resources you need to protect your financial well-being. We encourage you to be an active partner in preventing fraud and identity theft. Here are some healthy habits to be scam smart in the new year!
December 29, 2023
Now is a great time to conduct a financial checkup! Here are some things to review to help you start the new year on the right foot.
December 27, 2023
Encouraging financial education for young learners may be a way a good way to build a foundation of sound financial principles. Parents, caregivers, mentors, grandparents – anyone who has a positive influence over teens and young adults – can help them learn solid money lessons before they go off to college or get their first job.
November 10, 2023
Scammers tend to kick it into overdrive during the holidays, according to the FBI, when more people are shopping online and also feeling pressure to purchase gifts for friends and family that will arrive on time. Non-delivery scams cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars every year, with credit card fraud accounting for the majority of losses. Read on for some tips to help avoid online scams during the busy shopping season.
October 3, 2023
You can be an active partner in preventing fraud by keeping your personal information safe. Learn how to protect yourself from criminals who may try to steal your personal or financial information with these helpful tips.
August 23, 2023
Moving into your own place can be exciting and frightening at the same time. The American Bankers Association suggests considering the following questions when choosing your own home.
August 17, 2023
It’s hard to learn the true value of money without actually having some money to save and spend. That’s why setting aside a specific amount each week as an allowance for your children can be a good way to show them, among other things, that cash is a limited resource.
August 10, 2023
An emergency fund is a vital part of healthy finances. If there’s one constant in life, it’s that it is not constant. Unexpected expenses appear out of thin air. You could suddenly find yourself unemployed. There is no way to see the future, which is why an emergency fund is so important. It provides a cushion should you stumble financially. Here’s everything you need to know about this fund.
July 26, 2023
Homeowners have several things to consider when it comes to finding needed funds for financing a project or consolidating debt. Two popular lending options are refinancing an existing mortgage or tapping into the equity in your home with a home equity line of credit. Let's explore the difference between the two!
July 11, 2023
As scams become more sophisticated, you may find yourself second guessing your actions when it comes your online activity or financial transactions. Should I click the link? Is that really my bank calling? Is this contest too good to be true? You can be an active partner in identifying potential threats and how to avoid them by being Fraud SMART. Be aware of these red flags to help protect your identity and your finances.
June 13, 2023
Seniors are increasingly becoming targets for financial abuse. As people over 50 years old control over 70 percent of the nation's wealth, fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of retiring baby boomers and the growing number of older Americans. Despite these threats, the American Bankers Association has provided some simple steps to safeguard personal information and be aware of warning signs that can protect aging men and women from financial abuse.
May 23, 2023
During April’s Financial Literacy Month, German American Bank partnered with Impact-as-a-ServiceTM education innovator, EVERFI, to host the fourth annual Financial Literacy Bee. This digital learning challenge enabled high school students to learn about important financial literacy concepts ranging from budgeting and saving to employment, income, investing, and insurance. Students ages 13-19 were able to compete to win one of $500 prizes by completing a capstone essay entry based on what they learned.
May 11, 2023
Fake checks continue to be one of the most common instruments used to commit fraud against consumers. Before you deposit a check you weren’t expecting or wire funds to an unknown recipient, check out these red flags from the American Bankers Association.
April 26, 2023
If you are thinking about starting some home improvement projects, you can be strategic about which ones to tackle first. There are some projects that net better returns than others. Learn about three home improvement projects that add plenty of value to your home.
April 26, 2023
Having a plan is the best start to financial success, with the first step being to create a budget! The key is to include as much information as you can, so that you can adequately prepare and plan. Include income, expenses, and how much you should be spending before putting it in writing and evaluating how well you're doing. Use the following guidelines from the American Bankers' Association Foundation to get started!
April 13, 2023
Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. The American Bankers Association recommends following these tips to keep your information — and your money — safe.
February 23, 2023
Taking steps to protect your personal information can help you avoid tax identity theft. Learn how to stay ahead of identity thieves with these helpful tips from the Federal Trade Commission.
February 16, 2023
What is is credit and why is it important? What does it mean to be in debt? In what instances should you use credit? Find answers to these important questions, key words, conversation starters, and real world applications to start talking to your family about borrowing money and credit cards.
January 3, 2023
If you’ve had trouble saving in the past, don’t sweat it. Now is a great time to resolve to save more in the months ahead. Here are some proven strategies to set yourself up for consistently spending less while stashing more of your hard-earned money aside for a more financially healthy future.
December 15, 2022
Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, making up about 29% of your utility bill. Read on to find helpful tips to prepare your home for cold winter temperatures from the U.S. Department of Energy.
December 5, 2022
The FHFA has announced the conforming loan limit values (CLLs) for 2023 and that the baseline conforming loan limit will increase to $726,200.
November 23, 2022
Even before epic inflation settled over the U.S., the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most expensive and stressful period for many adults. Overspending could be one reason many people dread the holidays and the debt hangover that often lingers long after. Consider some strategic ways to stay out of debt this holiday season.
September 9, 2022
Searching for your first home can be exciting and sometimes a little scary. It’s generally the largest expense most people will ever make, so it really pays to do your homework, and arm yourself with knowledge and a team of professionals who can help you avoid the pitfalls some first-time homebuyers find themselves making. Read on for some other missteps to avoid on the path to homeownership.
June 15, 2022
Expressing your thoughts and feelings about how you view affordable is a big step in the right direction when considering a mortgage loan. Only you can decide how much you are comfortable paying for your housing each month.
May 24, 2022
During April’s Financial Literacy Month, German American Bank partnered with leading education technology company EVERFI to host the third annual Financial Literacy Bee. This digital learning challenge enabled high school students to learn about important financial literacy concepts ranging from budgeting and saving to employment, income, investing, and insurance.
Students ages 13-19 were able to compete to win a $500 gift card from EVERFI in addition to one of four regional $500 gift card prizes awarded by German American Bank. Participants completed a capstone entry in which they shared a short, medium, or long-term savings goal and outlined a plan for how to get there using what they learned.
November 9, 2021
What is identity theft? What might someone do with stolen personal data? How do you protect your identity online? Find answers to these important questions, key words, conversation starters, and real world applications to start talking to your family about protecting themselves and their finances from scammers.
October 14, 2021
What’s the difference between a checking and savings account? Which type of account should you pick? How do you open an account? Find answers to these important questions, key words, conversation starters, and real world applications to start talking to your famiily about saving and spending.
October 13, 2021
When it comes to financial scams, education is the first line of defense. Scam artists prey on the elderly, especially in times of crisis, in order to get them to divulge confidential information or to exploit them financially. The American Bankers Association has provided 10 important tips inspire savvy seniors.
September 1, 2021
When your child leaves for college, it is a big event. One thing that you should think about is your insurance coverage and how it could change with your son or daughter away at school. Be proactive about your student’s coverage by taking several factors into consideration.
July 9, 2021
Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, chances are you care about protecting the environment – and saving money. Here are some tips to help you do both.
June 18, 2021
During Financial Literacy Month, German American Bank partnered with leading education technology company EVERFI to host the second annual Financial Literacy Bee. Four regional winner were named, each to receive a $500 savings account from German American Bank. Read the capstone essays of the winners who shared a short-term or long-term savings goal and outlined a plan for how to get there.
April 2, 2020
The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
December 16, 2019
With the new year upon us, you may be thinking about your resolutions. Give the current-and-future versions of yourself a gift and add “Build My Savings” to your list. The FDIC Consumer News compiled the below top five savings ideas that will help you to get started!
November 25, 2019
The holiday season brings with it festivities and all kinds of electronic communications related to holiday greetings, shopping, travel, shipping, and parties. Unfortunately, it also brings opportunities for malicious actors to send spam and phishing emails.
August 15, 2019
Deciding how much money to spend or save takes some planning for what you would like to buy and when. When it comes to setting financial goals it helps to make a list of what you would like to have now and in the future along with how much it costs. To figure out how long it will take to get what you want, it helps to consider how much money you make.
July 11, 2019
The American dream is to work hard and have a plentiful, peaceful life for our family. What that looks like and how we get there is different for each person. When faced with a spending decision, knowing if what you are buying is a need or a nice to have can help. We have to spend money on needs, but wants are important to spend money on too. Some responsible things to consider are when to spend and how much.
May 22, 2019
As online dating has become more common, there has also been an increase in scams targeting users of online dating sites. A romance scam is a trick where someone pretends to have romantic feelings for a victim, gains their trust, and then uses that relationship to commit fraud. Usually, the crook misleads a victim online and then talks the victim into sending money, sharing personal and financial information, or laundering money for the crook.
April 30, 2019
Without an emergency fund, there is no money to cover unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills. However, by taking a look at your current spending habits and setting a saving goal, building a nest egg is a real possibility. Here are some ideas to help free up your money for savings.
April 16, 2019
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. When looking at the staggering statistics of distracted driving traffic accidents and deaths, one realizes distracted driving is deadly. To promote safe driving and raise awareness, our German American Insurance team came up with a few safe driving tips!
January 31, 2019
When using e-mail for personal or business use, always exercise caution. The following 4 tips are from German American’s Security Team experts to help you detect, and avoid, fraudulent e-mails.
November 29, 2018
The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, surrounded by family and friends, yet the season of giving can often mean the season of spending…and maybe even overspending. Here are three tips to help you navigate the holiday season within your budget.
March 6, 2018
Beep. Beep. Look out! New auto insurance trends are coming through. Read on to understand what may be affecting auto insurance premiums in 2018.
February 16, 2018
Rain, rain, go away...
We can't control the weather, yet we can prepare for it, which is key to prevent potential water damage to your home. Follow the suggestions below to ensure your home is rain ready.
January 24, 2018
There are many reasons you might want to rent out your home on either a short- or long-term basis. Depending on the rental scenario, your standard homeowners policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out, and you may require a more specialized insurance policy.
September 28, 2017
With harvest season among us, the risk of hitting a deer increases in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, I have recently fell victim to hitting a deer of my own. Many of us don't expect to be hit with this situation, yet it is always good to be prepared with what you would do.
August 14, 2017
Prior to becoming a college student, I didn’t really do much of my own banking besides a deposit or withdrawal here or there. However, when I went to college, I knew that I was going to be on my own with managing my money.
June 14, 2017
More and more people are using online and mobile channels to pay bills and pay people, manage their financial accounts and make purchases. Are the days of teaching children to save money with the iconic piggy bank obsolete? We think not.
June 14, 2017
Graduates: Congratulations! You have officially graduated which means that you may be sitting on a stack of cash that was given to you from your parents, grandparents, family, and friends. Check out the link for 3 Ideas of what to do with that extra graduation cash before it burns a hole in your pocket.
June 13, 2017
Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house, barn, shed, or other structure during a storm...
June 13, 2017
While the minimum limits may provide the cheapest rate in the short term, they don't provide ample protection for what you value most.
June 13, 2017
If you own a vehicle, insurance coverage is a must – even for students. Purchasing an insurance plan that gives you the best protection, yet is affordable, may seem a daunting task especially for students on a tight budget. Most insurance carriers offer cost advantages for students. Here are a few tips to consider.