This article was written by Jean Chatzky from SavvyMoney Hub. Goodwill deletions and other tips for boosting your credit score.  Do one thing: Make sure you are reviewing your credit reports regularly to ensure that the information is accurate. After all, you can’t fix what you don’t know about. When it comes to our credit scores, it pays to know where you stand at all times. After all, the higher your score, the more you can potentially save on mortgage rates, car
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This blog post was published by Chis O’Shea from SavvyMoney Hub. How hard inquiries impact your credit score When you apply for a mortgage, a personal loan, a credit card, or an auto loan, the lender checks your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. When that happens, it’s called an “inquiry.” And there is such a thing as too many inquiries. Here’s what you need to know. Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry There is a difference between hard inquiries
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This blog post was published by Chris O’Shea from SavvyMoney Hub. What you should know about soft credit pulls. A soft pull, or soft inquiry, happens when someone checks your credit report, like in the case of a pre-approved credit card offer. Unlike a hard pull, a soft pull does not impact your credit score. Here’s everything you should know about soft pulls and who can do them. The Basics A soft inquiry occurs when someone, or a company, checks your credit report. These
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Check fraud continues to be a pervasive threat in today's digital landscape, with perpetrators employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and businesses alike. Recognizing the signs of check fraud is paramount to protecting your finances and avoiding potentially devastating losses. We'll explore common red flags and proactive measures you can take to stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Understanding Check Fraud Before exploring the signs of check fraud, it's
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First Community Bank and Trust is excited to introduce SecureNow, a new enhanced security service to further protect FCBT customers when logging into First eBanc and First eBanc Mobile. March is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to add additional security to protect customers from cyberattacks and to protect your accounts from harm. On or after March 19, log into either First eBanc or First eBanc Mobile to activate SecureNow. You will be prompted at log in to provide
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As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, there's no better time to embark on a journey toward financial well-being. One key aspect that can significantly impact your financial health is your credit score. Building good credit sets the stage for a year of financial success, opportunities, and peace of mind. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and strategies to help you boost and maintain a stellar credit score throughout the year. Check Your Credit Report: Begin
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This article was published by Jenefer Duane from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Our Office for Older Americans is working to provide older consumers and their families with the tools and information they need to protect themselves from frauds and scams. Scams that target older people occur every day, but you can count on scammers to ramp up their efforts to prey on people’s generosity during the holiday season. These grinches, armed with their dirty tricks, may
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Beecher, IL (Oct. 11, 2023)—In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are reminding customers of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and shield against losses in the event of a data breach or compromise.  “In today’s environment, cyber and data security requires constant vigilance,” said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President at FCBT. “This can
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Agency issues notice to consumers advising them to transfer balances to insured banks. This article was published on June 01, 2023 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published an issue spotlight on digital payment apps heavily used by consumers and businesses. The analysis finds that funds stored on these apps may not be safe in the event of financial distress, since the funds may not be held in accounts
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February 1, 2022 Banks need to send sensitive documents all the time, but secure email is clunky. Greg Ohlendorf of First Community Bank and Trust worked with a partner to make that hassle a thing of the past. By Colleen Morrison, Independent Banker When it comes to innovation, sometimes it’s all about finding the right partner: one who shares community bank values. So believes Greg Ohlendorf, president and CEO of First Community Bank and Trust in Beecher, Ill. “Innovation
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