Maximizing Efficiency and Security: Cash Management Solutions for Businesses

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Maximizing Efficiency and Security: Cash Management Solutions for Businesses

In today’s fast-paced business environment, having control over financial processes is key to success. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, managing cash flow efficiently and securely is essential. At F&M Bank, we provide insight into how cash management products can streamline operations, enhance security, and ultimately help businesses thrive regardless of your business size.

With the increase in fraud activity the industry has seen in recent years, we sat down with Robyn Good, our Vice President and Treasury Management Officer to discuss her recommendations for businesses wanting to remain proactive about managing their funds movement. Robyn is a lifelong Shenandoah Valley resident with over 35 years of banking experience; 17 of those years have had a specialized focus on business deposits and fraud solutions.

What are Cash Management Products, and Why are They Important for Businesses of All Sizes?

Cash management products offer businesses tools to simplify and streamline their financial processes. With real-time account monitoring, companies can reduce the risk of fraud and better manage day-to-day financial operations.

Robyn: “Every business, regardless of size, needs to protect their accounts and monitor activity with ease. With cash management solutions, businesses can oversee multiple transactions and spot potential fraud much faster, giving them more control.”

 

How Do Business Online Banking Solutions Simplify Cash Management?

Online banking solutions tailored for businesses go beyond the basics of consumer banking. Features like recurring payments, vendor payments, positive pay, and stop payments are invaluable for businesses looking to grow and maintain efficiency.

Robyn: “Cash management allows businesses to pay vendors electronically and manage payments seamlessly. This is vital for businesses looking to expand and build a reputation of reliability.”

 

Popular Cash Management Products for Businesses

Our most recommended products include:

  • Positive Pay: This service helps prevent check fraud by verifying checks presented for payment against checks issued by the business.
  • ACH Origination: This allows businesses to easily process electronic transactions, from payroll to vendor payments, providing speed and security.

The Benefits of Automated Clearing House (ACH) Services

ACH services help businesses mitigate risks associated with physical checks. By processing payments electronically, businesses can protect their sensitive account details and gain better control over payment timing.

Robyn: “ACH services offer speed and reversibility, making it a preferred option for many companies handling payroll or vendor payments.”

Streamlining Processes with Remote Deposit Capture

Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) simplifies the check deposit process for businesses. Instead of making a trip to the bank, businesses can scan checks and deposit them directly from their office.

Enhancing Security with Business Online Banking and Cash Management

Security is a top priority when it comes to online banking. From multi-factor authentication (MFA) to setting access controls for employees, businesses can secure their online transactions and banking activities.

Robyn: “Our online banking system allows businesses to set time-of-day and IP address restrictions, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access sensitive financial information.”

 

Positive Pay: A Must-Have for Preventing Check Fraud

Positive Pay is a powerful tool in preventing check fraud. It matches details like check number, issue date, payee, and dollar amount against a list of checks authorized by the business. If any discrepancies arise, the business is immediately alerted to review and approve or reject the payment.

This system ensures that unauthorized or altered checks don’t slip through, protecting your business from potential fraud.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Cash Management

Cash management services are often seen as complex or unnecessary, but they are designed to simplify processes. “It’s a value-add to the relationship with the bank,” our team shares. “These services are user-friendly and provide a depth of visibility that businesses need for security and growth.”

The Future of Cash Management

As fraudsters become more creative, the importance of cash management products continues to grow. The future of cash management will focus even more on electronic transactions, reducing the need for checks and ensuring that businesses have the tools to safeguard their assets.

Robyn: “We expect ACH to become even more integral as businesses prioritize speed and security. “The right safeguards will keep businesses one step ahead.”

With the right cash management solutions, businesses can take control of their financial processes, mitigate risks, and set themselves up for growth.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Robyn today for a free consultation and discuss how our solutions can benefit your business.

Stay Informed and On Top of Your Finances with F&M

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At F&M, we are committed to providing you with actionable information to help you manage your accounts more efficiently. Our goal is to keep you informed and ahead of important financial milestones, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Courtesy Email Reminders for Dealer Loan Payments

Understanding the importance of staying current with your loan payments, we are pleased to introduce courtesy email reminders for upcoming dealer loan payments. These reminders will be sent directly to your email inbox, providing you with a convenient way to keep track of your payment schedule.

If you do not wish to continue receiving these email reminders, simply select “If you do not wish to receive future email, click here” at the bottom of the email and you will be opted out of future communications.

 Example Email Reminder (click to enlarge):

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Text Alerts: Real-Time Updates at Your Fingertips

To enhance your banking experience, we offer convenient text alerts through our online banking platform. These alerts are designed to keep you updated on your account activity in real time, helping you stay on top of your finances. Here are some of the key features of our text alerts:

  • Balance Alerts: Receive notifications when your account balance goes above or below a specified threshold.
  • Transaction Alerts: Get instant updates on transactions made with your account.
  • Payment Reminders: Never miss a due date with timely reminders for upcoming payments.

Activating text alerts is easy. Simply log in to your online banking account, navigate to the alerts section, and customize the notifications to suit your needs.

 

We’re Here for You

Our commitment to delivering actionable information and timely reminders is part of our dedication to providing exceptional service. We believe that by keeping you informed, we can help you achieve your financial goals with greater ease and confidence.

If you have any questions or need assistance with setting up text alerts or managing your loan payments, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Thank you for being a valued F&M client.

 

Free Checking Account? How to Avoid the Fees

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If you’re looking to open a checking account, you may be overwhelmed by the options available to you. And each option not only has its own benefits—it also can have its own drawbacks and specific charges.

Free, basic checking accounts often offer the simplest choice, perfect for individuals new to banking or who want to simplify their account management. But even free checking accounts can have some fees associated with services or account misuse—which can add up if you aren’t careful. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of free checking accounts, providing expert tips on how to make the most of this no-nonsense financial tool, while avoiding hidden charges.

Understanding Free Checking Accounts

Free checking accounts are simple, no-frills accounts meant for individuals who need a basic bank account for depositing funds, making purchases, and paying bills.

Free checking accounts have no monthly maintenance or service fees, as long as follow certain parameters. For most free checking accounts, this means that you have a low opening deposit and minimum balance requirement (at F&M Bank of Virginia, our Basic Checking Account has an opening deposit of $10, with a minimum balance requirement of $0).

Free checking accounts usually come with a free debit card, which you can use to make purchases and at ATMs to withdraw money, deposit money, transfer funds between accounts, or check account balances. Free checking accounts also usually have free e-statements—but may charge a small fee if you wish to have your statements mailed to your home. You can also view your e-statements, balance, and transaction history through your bank’s app or online banking portal.

Unlike premium checking accounts and money market accounts, which have higher balance requirements, free checking accounts usually don’t offer earned interest.

Checking accounts are a standard offering at most financial institutions, and can range in benefits, features, and costs

The True “Cost” of Free

As we mentioned above, as long as you follow basic parameters, free checking accounts can truly be free. However, there is no such thing as no-fee banking—all banks charge fees for some services or types of account misuse. That’s why it’s important to understand the fine print of your free account, to be sure you don’t accidentally rack up avoidable charges.

Common fees can include:

  • ATM charges. At F&M Bank, we don’t charge fees when you use our card at other ATMs—but other banks or ATM providers may. There is no transaction fee when you use an F&M Bank ATM.
  • Foreign transaction fees. If you use your debit card at ATMs or for purchases abroad, you may be charged a fee.
  • Overdraft and overdraft protection fees. If you withdraw or make a payment that uses more funds than are available in your account, you could be charged a fee for each day your account is overdrawn. Overdraft protection may help you avoid some fees (like returned checks), but will still charge you for each day your account has a negative balance.
  • Minimum balance fees. Some banks may have a minimum balance requirement for their free checking accounts. If you go below this balance, your account may be charged a fee or a monthly maintenance fee. F&M does not require a minimum balance.
  • Account inactivity fee. If you don’t use your account for a prolonged period of time, you may be charged an inactivity fee. You will usually be notified by mail before this happens.
  • Paper statement fees. Many banks today offer a number of free ways to view account statements and transactions, including online banking and mobile apps. However, charging a small monthly fee for mailed paper statements is common. At F&M Bank, our paper statement fee is $2 per month.
  • Card replacement fees. If you lose your debit card, you may be charged a fee to replace it.
  • Direct deposit or transaction requirement fees. Some banks require a certain number of direct deposits or monthly transactions to waive monthly fees. At F&M, we do not have any direct deposit or transaction requirements for our Basic Checking Account.
  • Returned or stopped check fees. If you overdraw your account with a check, or are forced to stop a check you’ve written, you may be charged a fee for these services.
  • Check ordering fees. Some accounts may come with a small amount of free checks to get you started. Once you use them up, you’ll need to order more.

Reading the details of your account can help you familiarize yourself with any potential fees, so you can reduce your out-of-pocket charges and enjoy a low-cost checking account experience.

Strategies to Avoid Fees

In addition to being aware of potential charges, there are some things you can do to help ensure that you won’t be hit with unexpected fees. Here are a few checking account tips to avoid fees.

To avoid overdraft or minimum balance fees:

  • Check your balance regularly and before large purchases.
  • Set up automatic transfers from your savings when your account drops below a certain threshold.
  • Set up alerts to notify you when your account gets low.
  • Stay on top of regular automatic payments to ensure they don’t overdraw your account.

To avoid ATM fees:

  • Check out our Locations page to find an F&M branch ATM.
  • Carefully read the screen at out-of-network ATMs for fee details before proceeding with your transaction—or avoid them altogether.
  • Use cashback at checkout when using your debit card.

"Free" checking infographic

The Future of Fee-Free Banking

With recent technological advancements, banks can offer more and more offerings and account management tools—without the extra charges.

Using free digital banking, you can manage accounts efficiently and quickly, anywhere you go. Checking balances, transferring funds, or setting up alerts is simple and convenient using your bank’s mobile app or logging in to your account online. The more insights you have into your account, the easier it is to avoid incurring fees and overdraft charges.

Bank websites, with blogs, digital tools, and other financial literacy resources, allow financial institutions to provide their customers with easy access to financial educational materials. Customers can stay informed, learn tips for successful financial management, and utilize tools like mortgage calculators to help you navigate your financial goals successfully.

Need to send a payment? Online bill pay can help you send checks for free, through your banking app or online banking portal, avoiding the cost of checks and postage.

While all these perks can help you better manage your finances, it’s important to recognize that no app or website can replace the benefit of one-on-one assistance. At F&M Bank, we are proud to offer the best of both worlds: robust digital tools and dedicated, in-person service at your local brick-and-mortar branch.

Upgrade from Free Checking

Free checking is a wonderful, simple account option to facilitate your money management. But when you’re ready for an account with even more perks, there are many additional options out there.

As you upgrade from free checking, you can experience additional perks in features, including cash back, ATM fee refunds, and even interest on your balance. For instance, our Cash Back Checking Account offers cash rewards each month, with use of your debit card. And our Cash Back Plus Account also offers cash back—plus earned interest.

However, it’s important to note that with more perks, there may be more terms and conditions, including maintaining a higher minimum balance or having a certain number of transactions each month. Always be sure to read requirements to verify that it will be simple for you to meet them and avoid potential fees. To compare our accounts, their perks, and terms, check out our Compare Checking Accounts page.

Free Checking at F&M

At F&M Bank, we strive to offer banking products that meet your needs—wherever you are on your financial journey. Our Basic Checking Accounts provide a simple, free option for money management, with free online and mobile banking, free debit cards, free financial advisor consultations, and free e-statements. And when you’re ready to move on to a premium account, we have several options to choose from.

Stop by one at one of our locations in the Shenandoah Valley to learn more about our checking account choices, or open an account online today!

“Fraud Department” Phishing Scam

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We have been made aware of an unsolicited text and phone call scam circulating through our area. In reported cases, a customer received a text message that appears to be from the F&M

Bank fraud department, or other local financial institutions. The text message references a purchase from an online store, in many cases “H.S.N online store”, and asks for the customer to select a link to cancel the transaction.  A sample is to the right for your convenience.

Fraud text alert scam example

Please DO NOT click any links sent to you via text.

 

Unfortunately, fraudsters can configure a text message or phone call to appear to come from any source. This scam is extremely dangerous because it seems legitimate. To best protect yourself, never give out your confidential information over the phone or via text.

 

Our fraud detection services will text, email, or call clients if a transaction is suspicious; however, our platform will not request that you select a link to cancel a charge.  Our fraud services will only ask that you confirm if you initiated the transaction with a simple “V” for Valid or “F” for Fraud response. See below for an example of a valid fraud alert. 

Valid Fraud Alert

Stay safe and alert

If you receive such a call or text message, do not respond. Contact your local F&M Branch using a number you know to be valid. Do not use numbers contained in the caller ID on your mobile phone.

Remember this excerpt from our holiday shopping blog: Safeguarding Your Finances: Protecting Yourself from Holiday Season Scams and Frauds. Revisit this blog for practical tips to safeguard your finances all year round.

“Regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Be sure to install F&M Mobile on your mobile device to monitor your accounts and receive alerts while on the go!

  • Set up transaction alerts to receive notifications whenever a transaction is made. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately. Purchase alerts are customizable, can be received via email or text, and can be used to confirm legitimate purchases or notify you of suspicious activity. F&M Bank allows you to set transaction and balance alerts within F&M Mobile and Online Banking to stay on top of unexpected transactions on your account.”

 

Here are our tips on how to recognize text scams.

 

 

Last update: 09/25/2024

Why Choose A Brick-And-Mortar Bank in Virginia?

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Are you looking for a new bank? Still trying to decide if it’s time to make a switch? There are a variety of options out there, including online-only and brick-and-mortar banks. Admittedly, we’re a bit biased, having served the Shenandoah Valley with brick-and-mortar bank offices since 1908. In this article, we’ll explain what a brick-and-mortar bank is, what an online bank is, and what the primary differences between them are. Keep reading to decide between online banks vs. brick and mortar.

What is Considered A Brick-And-Mortar Bank?

When we say brick-and-mortar bank, we mean the physical branch you probably think of when you hear “bank.” You can drive to a brick-and-mortar bank, come inside for lobby service, or use the drive-thru, all with friendly human employees to help with whatever you need.

Brick-and-mortar financial institutions come in all shapes and sizes such as community banks and credit unions, or larger regional and national banks. While they offer online and mobile banking services, brick-and-mortar banks are distinguished by their branch networks. Customers of these financial institutions can bank however they like–digitally, on the go, or in person with the tellers and loan officers at their nearest branch.

Local bankers that know you and have a personal connection may be more likely to forgive a fee or give you some extra help.

What Is Considered An Online Bank?

With “Internet banks,” there are no branches to visit because they operate exclusively online. Since they don’t have overhead costs associated with operating branches, online banks may offer lower-cost or free banking, plus higher-than-average interest rates. However, they usually have a more limited menu of bank accounts, loans, and services. And, if you need help, you

won’t be able to meet with a human employee in person. Instead, customer service is handled by phone, email or chat, and banking is done through a website or usually an app

Benefits of a Traditional Bank

Why choose a traditional, brick-and-mortar bank over an online-only financial institution? Here are the top benefits of traditional banking:

● Invested in your community because we are part of the local economy.

● The more successful our personal and business customers are, the more successful our bank is.

● Get to know the bankers and tellers at your local branch. We know your face and your name and can sit down with you for in-person assistance anytime you need it.

● Some banking services–such as cashier’s checks, money orders, notary services, and safe deposit boxes–are only available at a brick-and-mortar branch.

● It’s easy to deposit funds in whatever way is easiest for you–mobile check deposit or cash or check deposit at the branch, drive-thru, or ATM.

● Enjoy access to a large ATM network you can make fee-free withdrawals from.

● Choose from the widest variety of personal and business bank accounts, loans, and services.

Having a physical location allows local banks to offer services such as large withdrawals, coin deposit, or foreign currency exchange

Upsides of an Online Bank

Are traditional and online banks really that different? Let’s compare benefits:

● Generally charge lower or no fees for products and services.

● Many traditional banks now offer fee-free services and products, such as free checking.

● Online banking can save you time and trips to the bank.

● Most brick-and-mortar banks offer online and mobile banking apps with all of the latest features, letting you combine the benefits of both in-person and digital banking.

● Because they don’t have to pay the overhead of physical branches, online banks can offer higher interest rates for some accounts.

Downsides of an Online Bank

Are the perks of an online-only bank worth the potential downsides? We’ll let you decide…

● No physical branches to visit if you want to take out or deposit cash or get in-person help.

● Customer service is only online or over the phone, which can be frustrating at times.

● Unless the bank is connected to an ATM network that accepts cash–and you’ll usually have to go out of your way to access this ATM–you cannot make cash deposits.

● Transactions, such as deposits, may take longer to clear with an online bank.

● No extra services like document notarization, safe deposit boxes, or financial advisors.

● Must be comfortable with using the Internet and/or a mobile app. With online banking, all tasks are done online and require an app and Internet connection.

● Not connected to your local community, or to any community really.

As a small business owner, the convenience of stopping into a local branch to make deposits and discuss finances with a banker in person cannot be overlooked

About F&M Bank

Founded in 1908 to serve farmers and merchants in Western Virginia, F&M Bank is headquartered in the Shenandoah Valley, with a network that spans the I-81/I-64 corridor from Winchester to Waynesboro and beyond. We are committed to the success of the ag industry, small businesses, and the non-profit sector. Visit us at your nearest branch location, make an appointment with a banker, check out our digital banking options, or send us a chat message within the F&M mobile banking app.

Filing a Non-Profit Tax Return

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Charitable organizations are exempt from paying state and federal income taxes, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to file anything with the IRS each year. In this article, we’ll explain how to obtain 501(c)(3) status, what information is required for a 501(c)(3) tax return, and how and when to file one. After we cover federal tax returns for non-profits, we’ll move to the state level to explain how to get tax-exempt status in Virginia and what forms need to be filed each year. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our business banking team–we’re always here to help!

Non-Profit Tax Status

To be considered a non-profit legally for tax purposes, you must apply for exempt status as a 501(c)(3) from the IRS. The most common types of 501(c)(3) entities are charitable organizations, religious groups, private foundations, some political organizations, and others such as civic leagues, social clubs, and more.

To earn tax-exempt status, your non-profit organization must meet the IRS’s eligibility requirements.

  • Cannot serve private interests.
  • Net earnings cannot benefit private shareholders or individuals.
  • Earnings can only be used to advance the non-profit’s charitable mission.
  • Cannot engage in activities to influence legislation or participate in campaign activities for political candidates.
  • Employees must be paid fair market value for their position.
  • Must stay faithful to the organization’s founding purpose.

To apply for tax-exempt status, there are different forms depending on the type of non-profit.

IRS Form 990

Form 990 is the annual information return filed by tax exempt organizations, non-exempt charitable trusts, and section 527 political organizations. In addition to being filed with the IRS, these returns are usually available to the public upon request. The information on form 990 can shape public perception of an organization. This includes the organization’s activities, finances, governance, and more. While all exempt organizations must complete Parts 1-7 of Form 990, additional schedules may be required depending on the type of organization and its activities. The most common types are:

  • 990-N (e-Postcard): For organizations with gross receipts not exceeding $50,000. The eight-question online form allows you to quickly record data. Asks for EIN, Tax Year, legal name and address, principal officer name and address, URL, and confirmation of tax receipts under $50,000.
  • 990-PF: For private foundations, regardless of financial status. Requires a report on private assets, trustees and officers, grants, and financial activities.
  • 990-EZ: Organizations with gross receipts less than $200,000 and total assets less than $500,000. The four-page form includes a statement of financial position, record of projects and accomplishments, itemized grant information, membership dues, salaries, occupancy and rent, printing and publications, and more.
  • 990: Gross receipts at or above $200,000, or total assets at or above $500,000. The 11-page form includes the organization’s mission, number of voting members, details of the organization’s program service accomplishments of the three largest program services by expense, list of officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees, as well as a full report on expenses

On every type of form, you can expect to provide the following information:

  • Your organization’s mission statement
  • Financial details such as revenue, expenses, liabilities, and assets
  • All activities (including any new program services) carried out throughout the year
  • Names and information of staff, directors, managers
  • Accomplishments to validate tax-exempt status

As of July 2019, with the Taxpayer First Act (Provision 3101), the 990 forms must be filed online.

Do not include any personal identifying information on Form 990

Non-Profit Tax Return Deadlines

Non-profit tax forms are due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the conclusion of the organization’s fiscal year. If you operate on the calendar fiscal year, your due date would be the 15th of May. If you can’t make that deadline, you can file Form 8868 to request a six-month extension. It’s generally recommended that organizations file for an extension if they plan on conducting a financial audit.

Penalties For Late Filing

  • Receipts less than $1,000,000: $20/day if the return is late. The max penalty is $10,000 or 5% of gross receipts, whichever is less.
  • Receipts more than $1,000,000: $100/day if the return is late. The max penalty is $50,000 or 5% of gross receipts, whichever is less

If you fail to file three years in a row, you run the risk of your 501(c)(3) status being revoked.

If you fail to submit a tax return you will go through auto-revocation

How To File a Non-Profit Tax Return

As stated above, non-profit tax forms must be filed online. We recommend hiring an accountant or tax professional to help you ensure accuracy. When hiring a tax advisor, follow these tips:

  • Look at pricing, hidden fees, and expenses.
  • Has the accountant worked with similar organizations? They will have more experience and expertise to work through your forms.
  • Check their reviews and recommendations.

Virginia State Tax Filing For Non-Profits

To qualify for exempt status in Virginia, you must meet the following standards:

  • Be exempt under Sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(19).
  • Show proof of compliance with Virginia law for organizations that solicit contributions in the Commonwealth.
  • The organization’s annual administrative costs, including salaries and fundraising, must not exceed 40% of its annual gross revenue.
  • If your organization’s gross annual revenue is at least $750,000, you must provide a financial review done by an independent CPA.
  • If gross annual revenue is at least $1 million, a financial audit may be required instead of a financial review.

Once you have exempt status for Virginia tax purposes, follow these steps to file a state return for your non-profit.

Charities in VA must renew their registration annually.

About F&M Bank

We are headquartered in the Shenandoah Valley, with a network that spans the I-81/I-64 corridor from Winchester to Waynesboro and beyond. Founded in 1908 to serve farmers and merchants in Western Virginia, we are more committed than ever to the success of the ag industry, small businesses, and the non-profit sector. Check out our checking account for non-profits with our Local Promise Deposit Account Package. We offer a variety of services to help you run your non-profit efficiently and effectively. For more information on non-profits, check out our Guide to the Best Non-profit Resources in the Shenandoah Valley and Beyond!

Is A Joint Bank Account Right For You?

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Maybe you just got married or moved in with a long-term partner. Or you’re starting a business with other people. Perhaps you’re suddenly in a caregiver role for an aging parent or trying to figure out the easiest way to share spending money with your kid at college. These are all situations in which sharing a bank account could be helpful and convenient. However, there are also potential downsides to shared bank accounts. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about joint bank accounts for couples and other types of relationships.

What Is A Joint Bank Account?

A joint bank account is a checking or savings account that two people share ownership of. The joint owners have equal control over and access to the account. While joint bank accounts are common among married couples, this type of account can be useful to other types of relationships as well, such as unmarried, co-habitating couples; a parent and child in college; a senior and their caregiver relative; business partners; and more.

With a joint bank account, all owners named on the account can access the funds, meaning withdraw cash, write checks, and make online bill payments and everyday purchases with a debit card. Some transactions may require both signatures. The joint accountholders also share equal responsibility for any fees or charges.

So, a basic foundation of trust and cooperation should be established before opening a joint bank account. Joint budgeting is also a good idea for a joint checking account. You may even want to create a set of rules for both accountholders to abide by.

Consider both the benefits and downsides to a joint bank account

Benefits of a Joint Bank Account

Is a joint bank account right for you? The answer will depend on your specific situation. Learn about the potential advantages of having a joint bank account to see if it could benefit your relationship.

  • Couples can use a shared checking account as a way to pay household bills and expenses from pooled funds.
  • Parents can have a joint account with their older teenagers or college-age kids to provide financial assistance and help them learn how to budget and manage funds responsibly.
  • Seniors can add one or more of their adult children to a joint bank account to help them manage bills, everyday purchases, and other routine banking tasks.
  • Having a joint account comes with certain privileges upon the death of one of the owners: “Rights of Survivorship” means all funds will pass to the surviving owners, and the account will be considered an individual account. And “Tenancy in Common” means that, if one accountholder passes away, their share of the account passes to their estate.

Be sure to set rules and boundaries ahead of opening a joint bank account

Downsides To a Joint Bank Account

Of course, there are some potential pitfalls that come with sharing a bank account. Review these downsides so you can determine if a joint bank account will work for you.

  • Trust can be an issue–one accountholder’s spending habits affect the other, so trust may be broken in the course of sharing a bank account.
  • Depending on your tax situation (self-employed, business owner, etc.), sharing a bank account can make tax time more complicated.
  • Divorce can also complicated shared accounts, especially if one spouse tries to withdraw more than half of the shared funds.
  • When sharing an account with a teen or young adult child, you want to set them up for future independence, not have them become too reliant and comfortable with the ease of having parents add funds to the account
  • Both accountholders can view all transactions in the joint account, which takes away privacy. Even if you and your partner agree on how much discretionary spending money you each get, you may not want each other to know about every single purchase.
  • Joint accounts are susceptible to paying any debts and court orders, like child support, back taxes, or garnishments

34% of couples have a mix of joint and separate bank accounts

Should I Have an Individual As Well As a Joint Bank Account?

Luckily, it’s not an either/or choice between having a joint or individual account. You and your partner or child can have multiple bank accounts. For example, many couples maintain a joint account for shared household expenses, but also keep their own individual accounts for discretionary purchases. That way, your partner doesn’t need to know how many fancy coffee drinks you buy in a week. Keeping your own individual bank account also allows you to set aside money for gifts and surprises

You can always link your shared and individual accounts to make it easy to move money back and forth, while still preserving privacy and independence.

Finally, it’s not fun to think about, but if things go south in your romantic or business relationship, already having an individual account will make it easier to separate finances and assets.

How to Open a Joint Bank Account

Opening a joint checking or savings account follows the same process as opening an individual account. You just need to provide information for both the accountholders. At F&M Bank, you can conveniently open an account online or visit your nearest branch location in the Shenandoah Valley. When prompted, simply enter the additional applicant information. Before you get started, collect basic information for all account holders such as addresses, dates of birth, ID information, and Social Security numbers. During the set-up process, you can decide on alerts and other settings for one or both accountholders.

About F&M Bank

F&M Bank delivers comprehensive banking services to the Shenandoah Valley community and beyond. With local decision makers streamlining the process, our friendly team treats each customer like family. Learn more about our personal banking services, read our article on “Types of Account Ownership,” and open a new checking or savings account online.

 

2024 Shred Day Events at F&M Bank Locations

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We’re excited to announce Free Document Shredding Days at select F&M Bank locations this spring and fall. Safeguarding your sensitive personal information is crucial, and we’re here to help you securely dispose of your confidential documents.

Mark Your Calendars:

Join us for a complimentary document shredding event. Protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by ensuring your private documents are disposed of securely and eco-friendly.

Why Shredding Matters:

In a world where data privacy is paramount, improperly disposing of personal documents can have severe consequences. Identity thieves often target discarded paperwork to gain access to sensitive information. By participating in our Free Document Shredding Days, you play a vital role in maintaining the security of your data.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

Our shredding process protects your privacy and contributes to environmental sustainability. All shredded materials are recycled, promoting responsible waste management, and reducing our ecological footprint.

What to Bring:

Gather outdated financial statements, old bills, expired identification, and other sensitive information documents. Our shredding services ensure your documents are securely destroyed. Due to the popularity of our Shred Day events, and the limited capacity of the shred trucks, participants will be limited to 5 boxes or bags of documents.

2024 Shred Day Event Dates & Locations

Friday, April 19, 2:00-5:00PM
Crossroads (80 Cross Keys Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801)

Saturday, April 20, 9:00AM-12:00PM
Winchester (1738 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601)

Friday, May 10, 2:00-5:00PM
Waynesboro (2701 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980)

Friday, May 17, 2:00-5:00PM
Myers Corner (30 Gosnell Crossing, Staunton, VA 24401)

Friday, May 31, 2:00-5:00PM
Bridgewater (100 Plaza Drive Bridgewater, VA 22812)

Friday, June 7, 2:00-5:00PM
Edinburg (300 Stoney Creek Blvd, P.O. Box 337 Edinburg, VA 22824)

Friday, September 6, 2:00-5:00PM
Staunton (2813 N. Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401)

Friday, October 4, 2:00-5:00PM
Woodstock (161 South Main Street Woodstock, VA 22664)

Friday, November 1, 2:00-5:00PM
Broadway (126 North Timberway (Rt. 259) Broadway, VA 22815

Teaching Kids About Money: From Birth To College

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Even before your baby is born, you’re probably thinking about the financial changes a child will bring. New parents have to revise their household budgets to account for expenses like diapers, clothes, childcare, and more. You may also want to start saving for college now. But don’t forget to include your child in financial habits and literacy. Kids learn behavior from their parents, but they can’t learn anything about money if you don’t teach them and model good habits. In this article, we’ll discuss personal banking for kids and how to develop good habits from birth through college.

Start Early With Savings

The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even little amounts will add up over time. This is due to Compound Interest, which is when you earn interest on your initial deposit as well as the interest you accumulate. You can use this Compound Interest Calculator to show your child how much a deposit to their savings account now will grow over a certain number of years.

Building the savings habit will also help your child learn good money habits, such as delayed gratification. Saving also teaches the concept of financial planning–we are putting money away for a rainy day, for example, or saving for a specific purchase or expense.

To help your new baby or young child get an early start on savings, you could open a custodial account or start a trust fund. Both types of accounts give you control over when your child will have access to the funds. Consult with your tax advisor about the tax implications of a trust or custodial account.

Family around piggy bank

Open a Youth Savings Account

Let your child in on the fun! Kids savings accounts are a type of joint account–both you and your child must be on the account, so take them to the bank with you and let them participate in opening the account. You can also take them to deposit funds and use the coin counter machine. Make banking fun so your child will take an interest and want to continue with saving as they get older.

Our Treehouse Club is a special savings account for kids aged 6-18. It comes with a piggy bank for saving at home, a passbook for recordkeeping, and a prize every five deposits. There are no minimum balance requirements or service fees. Learn more about the perks and benefits of Treehouse Savings.

Learn About College Savings Accounts

In addition to general children’s savings accounts, parents can open a college savings account to prepare for future educational expenses. Even if your child ends up taking a different path, the funds can be used for a sibling’s college education. These educational savings accounts can also be used for K-12 private and religious school costs. A college savings account can also be closed and the funds disbursed, although tax penalties will apply.

Virginia529

Also known as a qualified tuition program (QTP), each state has its own 529 plan to help residents either prepay for college tuition or save for higher educational expenses.

 

Earnings on your 529 plan accumulate tax free while in your account. Withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are not taxed. 529 plan funds can also be used to make payments on the beneficiary’s or a sibling’s student loan (limited to $10,000).

 

If your child doesn’t use all of the balance for educational expenses, and there is no sibling to transfer funds to, you can close the account and use funds for other expenses–subject to a tax penalty and other terms.

Coverdell Education Savings

Contribute up to $2,000 per year and enjoy tax-free withdrawals for qualified educational expenses.

Teen managing bank account

Kids’ Checking Accounts

As your child gets older, they may start working to earn their own money. And they may want to spend some of the money they’ve been learning to save. This is the time to open a checking account for your teenager. Learning how to manage a checking account is an important part of financial literacy and well-being. They can use a debit card, keep track of the money coming in and going out, and reconcile their account to avoid overdrafts. As your teen accumulates some of their own expenses, such as a car or cell phone, they can also learn to budget for monthly income and expenses. Remind them that “saving should always be your biggest expense.”

Jars with coins with little girl behind them

Financial Responsibility

As your child gets closer to adulthood, it becomes more and more important to teach them financial responsibility. As they grow, you can build upon lessons you taught them when they were young.

  • Teach budgeting with an allowance. Kids know how much they will get each week and can decide what to spend and how much to save.
  • Incentivize saving. Show your kids their savings account statement so they can see compound interest in action. Offer a “match,” such as one dollar or a few dollars for their savings deposits.
  • Encourage generosity. Have your kids contribute to a family donation to a local charitable cause. Ask them to use their own money to buy holiday or birthday gifts for a sibling or other relatives.
  • Talk about spending as a series of choices. Instead of saying “we can’t afford that,” you can say “we’re choosing to use our money for ___ instead.”
  • Offer opportunities to earn more. Whether or not you require chores for your child’s regular allowance, you could offer occasional chances to earn extra money for help around the house.
  • Explain how debt works. Your kids may see you using a credit card to pay at a store and think that money is “free” or “grows on trees.” Talk to them about how you pay off your credit card charges each month or, if you don’t, your credit card will charge a high interest rate to carry a balance and that interest compounds, too.

Open a savings account for your child!

Set your child up for future financial success by opening a college savings account. At age six, take your kid(s) to your local F&M Bank branch in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, to open a Treehouse Savings Club account. Have questions about youth savings accounts or other aspects of your family’s finances? Give us a call or visit your nearest branch location.

 

F&M BANK: DRIVING DIGITAL WHILE STAYING PERSONAL

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F&M Bank’s Chief Experience Officer, Charles Driest, talks about striking the right balance between digital innovation and a personal customer approach

 

Charles Driest is the newly-appointed Chief Experience Officer at Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank. A graduate of George Mason University in Virginia, and later St. John’s University in New York, he began his banking career shortly after returning to Virginia from New York in 2007. 

Before this, Driest’s early career saw him employed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (MGA), and, later, at the American think-tank, Brookings Institution. It was here he was struck with inspiration to retrain in finance by a former manager, Roberta Cohen. 

Driest says: “She said if I didn’t go back to school she would fire me. This was probably my biggest inspiration. It amazes me that her voice is always in the back of my head, and when she told me that, it was about two decades ago.”

fintech magazine interview

F&M Banks’s new Chief Experience Officer hasn’t exactly been short of inspiration, either: “I’ve been really lucky because I’ve had a lot of influencers in my career, with bosses and managers who have pushed me to take on new risks that perhaps I didn’t feel I was ready for, but gave me a great opportunity to learn.”

Beginning his banking career after reeducating in New York and returning to Virginia, Driest was again inspired to follow a digital path in his career. “One of the first CEOs I worked for taught me a valuable lesson; it’s how I got into the digital side of the banking business.

“At the time we didn’t have a good grasp of our digital spending at the organisation. My CEO asked me to break down the numbers to explain to executive management where the money was going. So I sifted through 12 months of invoices and began asking operational questions: where’s our money going? How do we better manage this? 

“This is when I found out the business had these operational holes, while we didn’t have the right insights into the capabilities available to us that we were using. So my CEO said: ‘You found the problems, go fix them’. This is what got me into digital banking, furthering my career by putting me into a situation I wouldn’t necessarily have been comfortable in initially.”

This valuable experience in digital banking saw Driest become F&M Bank’s Director of Digital Banking sometime after, a role he had for “14 to 15 months” before being promoted to F&M Bank’s Chief Experience Officer. 

Despite his brief time in the role so far, Driest says: “Taking on three new reports has been a lot of fun. I really enjoy the personnel management aspect of things. I like watching the development of people. From my perspective, I really like to see the process of a team getting onto one page, because it has a powerful multiplying effect. The pace of work speeds up when everybody is in sync.”

Achieving synchronisation for the now is key to driving growth in the future, according to Driest, who has deep excitement for the future of banking as the proliferation of fintechs continues, believing community banking will endure despite the growth of technology.

He concludes: “I’ve seen some of the biggest developments in banking over the years, and I feel even with all the fintechs out there, I think ultimately, community banking will survive. If there’s one thing banks are very good with, it’s about integrating technology that is focused on the customer. 

“For anyone that talks about the speed of fintech growth, fundamentally, it still relies on people, and people don’t change habits that quickly. The arc of change and the pace of change will always be constrained by people at the end of the day. So, as long as you’re making good decisions and always looking ahead by two to three years at a time – it doesn’t matter what type of bank you are – you’ll probably end up in a good place.”

F&M Bank has been featured in the July issue of FinTech Magazine

In this exclusive interview, Charles Driest, Chief Experience Officer, discussed striking the right balance between digital innovation and a personal customer approach.

 “The future is technology and people, that’s what is going to win the day – not one or the other”

Driest fintech interview

   

BizClik’s FinTech portfolio connects banking, financial services, payments, technology & consulting brands and their most senior executives with the latest FinTech trends, industry insight, and influential FinTech, InsurTech & Crypto projects as the world embraces CX, Business Transformation and Digital Ecosystems. FinTech Magazine and its entire portfolio is now an established and trusted voice on all things FinTech, engaging with a highly targeted audience of 113,000 global executives. We provide key industry players with the perfect platform to showcase their brands, develop content syndication plans, webinars, white papers, demand generation as well as a global set of events (In-Person & Virtual).

 

BizClik is a UK-based media company with a global portfolio of leading industry, business and lifestyle digital communities. 

 

BizClik’s portfolio includes Technology & AI, Finance & Insurance, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Energy & Mining, Construction, Healthcare, Mobile & Data Centres and EV. For further information, please visit https://www.bizclikmedia.com/

You can read the report in the latest issue of FinTech Magazine by clicking HERE

 

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX: FMBM) proudly remains the only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, VA, and since 1908, has served the Shenandoah Valley through its banking subsidiary F&M Bank, with full-service branches and a wide variety of financial services, including home loans through F&M Mortgage, and real estate settlement services and title insurance through VSTitle. Both individuals and businesses find the organization’s local decision-making and up-to-date technology provide the kind of responsive, knowledgeable, and reliable service that only a progressive community bank can. F&M Bank has grown to $1 billion in assets with more than 175 full- and part-time employees. Its conservative approach to finances, sound investments, and excellent customer service have made F&M Bank profitable and continues to pave the way for a bright future.

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