Your Financial Roadmap

Navigating the world of finance can feel overwhelming, but understanding the various types of financial accounts is a crucial first step on your journey to financial success. This guide will help simplify that process and explain the different banking tools available and how to leverage them for your unique financial goals.

Whether you’re saving for the short term, planning for a significant purchase, or simply looking to build credit, every decision you make today will lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s financial success. Ready to explore your options? Let’s dive in and take control of your financial future.

Understanding Your Financial Journey

No two financial journeys are the same, so having options is vital. Each type of deposit account — from checking accounts to personal loans — comes with unique features tailored to fit your lifestyle and financial goals.

• Checking Accounts: Serve as the gateway for your everyday transactions. With a debit card and online/mobile banking, you can easily manage money on the go. Some checking accounts are designed to reduce fees with paperless statements or a minimum balance, and many offer perks like rewards for frequent transactions.
• Savings Accounts: Perfect for growing your finances, whether you’re saving for a rainy day or a significant future expense. Options are available for various life stages, including starter accounts with minimal fees or specialized savings accounts with premium interest rates for larger balances.
• Specialty Accounts: Come with benefits to those with particular needs, like children, those over 55, or business owners.

In choosing the right account, it’s essential to assess your current needs and future goals. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your financial strategy, there’s an account designed to support every step of your journey.

Banking Options for Every Life Stage at Farmers and Merchants Bank

In the world of personal finance, understanding your banking options is a crucial step in creating a strong financial roadmap. Let’s dive into the variety of deposit accounts that can help you achieve financial success.

Checking Accounts

Checking accounts are fundamental to any financial plan, serving as the gateway for all your financial transactions. Ours come with various features tailored to different life stages:

• • • SmartEveryday Checking: Ideal for those starting their financial journey, offering easy access to funds with a debit card and no minimum balance requirements.
    • Smart Checking: Perfect for those who do more with banking, offering a monthly fee waiver for those with at least 12 debit card purchases and one ACH transaction per month.
    • eSmart Checking: For those who want lower monthly fees and don’t need to write many checks.
    • Smart 55 Checking: Tailored for customers aged 55 and older. Offering no opening balance requirements and a potential for higher interest rates without fees.

These different stages of checking accounts ensure that you can find an option that aligns with your current financial and personal life stage, from just needing a few checks a month to robust digital banking options.

Savings Accounts to Build Wealth

Savings accounts are your trusted partner for stashing funds and earning interest over time, helping you build wealth with patience and discipline. They offer:

• • • Standard Savings Account: These are perfect for anyone starting out or saving for a specific goal, offering a $200 minimum daily balance to waive monthly fees.
    • Star Savers Account: Designed for younger savers under the age of 19 with a rewarding structure to encourage savings habits from an early age.

You can find an account that suits whether you’re just starting to save or you’re setting aside funds for long-term goals.

Business Banking to Protect Your Organization

Running a successful business or municipal government requires smart financial planning. Business banking options provide accounts for checking, savings, and credit, catering to businesses and government needs. These accounts come with benefits that fit organizational goals, such as:

• • • Business Checking and Savings: Designed to keep your business finances organized and efficient.
    • Credit Products: For everything from loans to business credit cards, these products ensure you’re covered in every situation.

VISA Credit Cards to Build Credit

Credit cards are more than just a convenience; they’re a tool to build your credit history, which is essential for your long-term financial health. Consider options like:

• • • Classic and Platinum Cards: Offer flexibility as your financial situation evolves, with the chance to earn rewards and access more credit.
    • Preferred Points Card: Perfect for those who want a no-fuss card that offers rewards like cash for your everyday transactions.

Using credit cards responsibly can boost your credit score, making larger financial goals — like purchasing a home — more attainable.

Personal Loans to Fund Bigger Purchases

For life’s bigger purchases — whether for a car, home improvements, or debt consolidation — personal loans provide the funding you need, offering:

• • • Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit: Tap into your home equity to fund another purchase.
    • Personal Installment Loans: Use easy monthly payments to cover a vacation, emergency expense, or debt consolidation with a secured or unsecured loan.
    • Auto Loans: Make a new or used vehicle expense manageable with comfortable repayment rates and terms.

By exploring your banking options and choosing the right types of accounts, you can create a comprehensive financial roadmap that aligns with your life and financial goals. Whether for everyday needs or future planning, there’s an account that matches your stage and objectives.

Protect Your Investments with our Fraud Squad

As your financial success grows, so do the risks of fraud. Safeguard your investments with smart, informed decisions — whether it’s monitoring your accounts regularly, recognizing common scams, or taking advantage of fraud protection services. Always be cautious when sharing sensitive information and report any suspicious activity immediately. By staying aware and alert, you can protect your hard-earned assets and maintain peace of mind on your financial journey. If you need any help, call our Fraud Squad ASAP at 402-761-7600.

We’re Here for You

As you embark on your financial journey, feeling secure and protected is paramount. With an unwavering commitment to stamping out fraud and safeguarding your finances, we are your dedicated allies. Our team is ready to jump into action and ensure you’re never alone on this financial journey. Contact us to learn more about our financial products.