PBK Bank: Archived PBK Blog

06.24.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Gamers R Us

I’m sure that you’ve heard by now about Sony’s PlayStation network getting hacked; which contained user information such as email addresses, date of births, credit card numbers, etc. It’s not clear at this point what information was compromised, but if you are affected then you need to take some steps to help mitigate the possibility of Identity Theft.

A recent article on www.onguardonline.gov gave a list of items you should do to help protect yourself against Identity Theft. Here is a brief listing of the steps you should take; for a more details on the items listed below, be sure to read the OnguardOnline.gov’s article.

· If you use the same user name and/or password for other sites that you used on the PlayStation network you should change them.

· Be very cautious about unexpected email in your inbox as they may be phishing scams.

· Monitor your accounts closely. If you are not already signed up and using Internet Banking you should; it’s a great way to keep watch of activity on your account. Plus be sure to review your statements in a timely manner.

· You can also check your credit report. By going to annualcreditreport.com you can check your credit report for free from all three of the major credit bureaus. For information on how to maximize your free credit report coverage see our blog we posted on 6.25.2010 in our archives.

06.17.11

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

Someone Has Forged My Signature. What Do I Do?

First off, call us immediately! We need to put an alert on your account so everything that comes through is compared to your signature card to stop any new forgeries from coming in. Secondly, you need to come in and sign an affidavit for each forged check before we can reimburse you for the items. It is very important that you report this as soon as you find out. You must notify the bank within 60 days of receipt of the statement where the forgeries began. If you do not, the bank will only be liable for the forged items on that statement and 30 days after that statement was made available to you. You will be held liable for all transactions after the 30 days. So please watch your statements and report any suspicious activity as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact a customer service representative.

06.10.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Ready Set Summer

Ready Set Summer is our latest Bill Pay instant win game. Are you ready for a summer free of worries about paying bills? If so, you’ll want to sign-up for Bill Pay where you can schedule your payments ahead of time and not miss one because you are off enjoying the fun and sun of summer. I thought this would be a great time to cover some of the basic ins and outs of the game.

Time Frame: June 1 – July 31, 2011

What You Can Win: The grand prize is a $5,000 summer vacation. There are also 4 $100 instant win daily prizes as well. There is an extra incentive for those customers who are not yet enrolled in Bill Pay. If they pay enroll and pay 3 bills in one month they get $10.

How To Play: Playing the game is really easy. To begin with you’ll need to register to play. Once you are logged into Internet Banking you’ll see prompts about playing the game or if you see a game piece just click it and you’ll be prompted to sign-up to play. Then simply search for various game pieces located throughout Internet Banking and Bill Pay. Click the game pieces and you’ll be taken to the game site where you get a chance to win instantly. The first four times you play in a day you have a chance to win one of the daily $100 prizes and on your fifth play in a day you’ll have a chance to win the Grand Prize. A little tip is to find that fifth game piece try paying a bill.

How Do I Get Paid: If you are an instant winner you’ll see on the screen when you can expect to receive payment. If you enroll and pay three bills in one both you can expect a deposit into your checking account approximately 8-10 weeks after the end of the promotional month.

We hope you enjoy the game and perhaps along the way discover what a great service Internet Banking and Bill Pay are if you don’t know already.

> Complete Official Rules

06.03.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

June Events

Now that the school year is pretty well over, and we’ve still got a month or so before we start heading down to Destin, Myrtle Beach, Aruba, Seychelles, or Gatlinburg, we need something to do to pass the time. Here are a few thoughts:

Lincoln County-

June 5-Lincoln County Relay for Life- What can I say about the Lincoln County Relay? If you haven’t been, you are missing out! The Relay is held at the fairgrounds and the event kicks off at 7:00 and lasts all night.

June 17-Main Street Cruise In-5:00-9:00 pm- Polish up your ‘Cuda, Charger, Challenger, Chevelle, Chevette, or Corvette and come downtown for a night of hot rods and hot dogs!

June 24-Lincoln County Chamber Golf Scramble-8:00-1:00 pm at Dix River Country Club. Contact Andrea Miller for more information at 365-4118.

Boyle County-

June 9-12- Great American Brass Band Festival, downtown Danville. People come from all over for this one. Fun for the whole family!

May 30-June 4-Boyle County Fair and Horse Show-11:00 am-11:00 pm. Boyle County Fairgrounds. Funnel cakes and Cotton candy are calling!

Rockcastle County-

June 4-Roots and Boots at Renfro Valley- Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, and Joe Diffie. Throw on your cowboy boots and get ready for some great county music.

June 12- Music from the Heart- Renfro Valley Red Barn at 2:00 pm.

05.27.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Spotting A Scammer

Most people have a tendency to think it couldn’t happen to them, but scammers play on our emotions and/or promise big payoffs to get us to act quickly. Scammers tend to pose as your friends, family, and even government agencies. They also tend to use a variety of methods such as phone calls, emails, letters, faxes, or even text messages in their attempts to deceive. Many times people do not spot the impostor until it’s too late.

The following signs can help you in looking past the scammers disguise and spot the impostor, hopefully before it’s too late:

· They want you to wire them money. Wiring money, overnighting a check or money order, and depositing a check then wiring the money back are all classic examples of ways scammers lure people into sending them money. Scammers tend to use these services in hopes to get your money before you realize you’ve be scammed.

· They want you to pay to collect your winnings. Reputable sweepstakes don’t require you to pay taxes or other kinds of fees to claim you winnings. Plus, you have to play to win. No matter how convincing they might be, never send money or give your account information to claim a prize.

· They claim to be with a government agency. Many scammers will pose as being with the IRS, FDIC, Federal Trade Commission, or other government agencies. No federal government agency supervises or runs sweepstakes.

· They claim to be someone you care about. They may pose as a family member or friend in need asking you to send them money. While in reality, it’s just a scammer who has ran across your Facebook page and found some names of people you know or even hacked a friend’s email account. Before you start sending money you should verify that your family member or friend is actually in trouble. You can do this by calling them at a number you know is genuine and/or checking out their story with other people in your circle. You can even ask the caller some questions that a stranger wouldn’t possibly know the answer to.

· They want you to act now. The key to a scammer’s success is to get you to send them money before you realize what is really going on. Resist the pressure to act immediately and be sure to check out the situation.

If you happen to run across a scam you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by going to their website at www.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

05.20.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Kids Are 50 Times More Likely To...

Well if you try to guess to finish out the title of this post you might guess things such as to cry, to get grass stains on their clothes, sleep in, play, the list could go on and on. In fact, kids are 50 times more likely to be victims of Identity Theft. Yeah I know, not what you were thinking of right. I know that wasn’t what I was expecting when I was reading a recent study published by Carnegie Mellon University CyLab.

The study was conducted from 10-2009 to 11-2010 and was a study of 42,232 minors and how they had been affected by ID Theft. Of the 42,000+ minors they found that 10.2% of them had been victims of some kind of ID Theft; compared to the 0.2% rate for adults. The ages that accounted for the majority of the cases of ID Theft were ages 11-18, and 76% of the cases involved malicious fraud (the other 24% involved mixed credit file information).

The report gives examples of the ID Theft for kids involving home purchases, auto purchases, opening of credit cards, used to secure employment, and to obtain driver’s licenses. The largest reported fraud involved a 16 year old girl who was a victim of $725,000. The youngest of victims was only five months old; while 303 victims were under the age of 5 years old.

I’m sure by now you are cringing as I was when I first read this. There are some important things we can take away from this report, such as:

· Children are easy targets.

· The probability of discovery tends to be low due to parents not monitoring their children for ID Theft, thus it can last several years before it’s discovered.

· The ID Theft can cause some serious issues for the child, such as with getting student loans, getting a cell phone, getting a job, and even securing housing.

· The report also mentioned that the primary drivers for these attacks were noted to be illegal immigration, organized crime, and friends of the family (well perhaps so called friends).

Quick Resources:

We offer our customers some resources in dealing and even helping to prevent becoming victims of Identity Theft, such as:

· ID Theft Resources Page – Some great information here on things you can do to help prevent becoming a victim as well as things you should do if you find yourself being a victim of ID Theft.

· Personal Internet & Identity Coverage – As part of our Club accounts we offer this coverage that can help you to restore some of the cost of clearing your name.

· Blog – Of course the blog is a great place to learn more about ID Theft and ways to protect yourself.

05.13.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

ATM Safety

At one point in time there was a question as to if ATMs would catch on or not; well with over 400,000 ATMs in the US alone, I think the answer is YES. It’s like a 24 hour 7 days a week teller who never takes off for holidays either, what’s not to love about that kind of access. One thing to not forget about is safety when using an ATM. Where there is access to money, you can guarantee than thieves are never too far behind.

Our customers are great, and our top priority when it comes to ATM use is your safety. The bank has taken a number of precautions to ensure your safety at our ATMs, but there is no substitute for good, cautious behavior by ATM users. The following is a list of some safety tips to keep in mind and to use the next time you visit an ATM:

Keep your PIN number a secret. Never write it down or share it with anyone and yes that includes family members.
Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Make sure the ATM is free of sight obstructions. If you observe suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine.
Bring someone with you when using an ATM at night. If you can’t, use an ATM that is located in a public area.
Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM.
Use your body to shield the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN. Some even hold one hand above the hand entering in the pin to shield form cameras.
Always take your receipts with you. You would be surprised how many ATM receipts I’ve seen in parking lots.
Do not visually display your money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money away.
If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure the passenger windows are rolled up and lock all of your doors. If you leave your car to walk to the ATM, then lock your car.

Hopefully, by using these tips during your next trip to the ATM it will help make your trip a safer one.

05.06.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Safety In The Social Network

Social Networks are everywhere on the web these days and they have plenty of users. The most frequently searched term and the most visited website for 2010 was a social network site. That just goes to prove what a large part these sites play in our daily lives. By their nature, these sites have inherent security risks, and since these sites are so popular, attackers may use them to gather information and/or distribute viruses and other malicious code.

They rely on connections and communications and encourage users to provide various amounts of personal information. You know what I’m talking about; we all have at least that one friend that is totally addicted to a social network site that posts way too much information. You know the one that post things from what they are eating to the latest deal they found while shopping. Well even if you are not that overboard with the sharing of information, you still need to be cautious as to what kind of information you share.

A good rule of thumb is that you should never post anything online that you don’t want the entire world to see. Malicious people (aka the bad guys) may use your over sharing to their benefit and your detriment. The bad guys could use that information to exploit your passwords, challenge questions, and even pose as you on other sites or hack your account.

So the question that begs to be asked is what can you do to protect yourself?

Limit the amount of personal information you post, such as your address, schedule, or routine.
Only post information you are OK with everyone seeing, photos as well.
Consider limiting the people you allow the site to contact you.
Don’t believe everything you read online. People may post false information including their identity.
Be sure to checkout your privacy settings and customize them to restrict access to only certain people.
Be cautious with 3^rd party applications as some have been known to share personal information on their users.
Be sure to read the website’s privacy policies as some sites will share your email address, thus more spam.
Use a strong password and one that wouldn’t be easily guessed.
Keep your computer and all software updated, especially your browser.
Use, regularly update, and schedule regular scans with your virus software.

04.29.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

May Events

Rain, rain, go away! Come again sometime around late June! If current trends continue in precipitation levels and oil prices, I may look into purchasing a canoe. Well, there’s only one way to beat the rainy day blues, we’ve got to throw on the galoshes, and get out there and do something!

May 6-Rockcastle County Relay for Life-Everyone is invited to come out in support of this great cause. The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s annual fundraising event and is at once a fun touching experience for the whole family.

May 7-Delectables on Derby Day: Forkland Tea- Featuring a hat contest, door prizes, and delicious confections. Space is limited and the event is reservation only so call Kathy Coyle at 859-332-7855 to place a reservation or for more information. Tickets are $18 a piece.

May 15- March of Dimes Walk-Constitution Square, Danville. The March of Dimes has been fighting prematurity and birth defects for years. Contact Linda Neuman at 859-238-2239 for more information.

May 21-Habitat for Humanity Car show-Stanford-Shine up your ride and come down to Main Street for an afternoon of Hemis, Chrome, games, food, fun, and prizes. Call Calvin Denham at 606-669-0748 for more information.

May 23-Stanford Rotary Pancake Breakfast- Kentucky Depot Restaurant, 6:00-10:00 am. If you haven’t come out for one of the Stanford Rotary breakfasts before, you are missing out!

04.22.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

How To Lock Down Your Wireless Internet

After last weeks post about how important it is to protect or lock down your wireless internet, I thought it would be prudent to give you some information on how to do that. Below is a summary of different things you can do to lock down your wireless internet taken from www.onguardonline.gov. This is not intended to be an all inclusive listing.

Encrypt Your Network – Some wireless routers come with the options to encrypt the data that is passes back and forth. Encryption basically scrambles data into a secret code that can only be read by software that has the decoder information.
WPA or WEP? - If you have a choice between WPA (Wi-Fi Protection Access) or WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, WPA is stronger and are encourage to use it.
Don’t Broadcast Your Signal – When you got to see what wireless networks are available you are liable to see several different Wi-Fi connections to choose from; especially if you have several near by houses or live in the city. You know which one is yours by the name right? Well you can choose to not broadcast that out for everyone to see. It’s much harder to hack something you don’t know exists.
Change the Default Identifier – Even if you are not broadcasting your identifier it’s a good idea to change the name from the default name. This just lessens the chance of someone finding your network that you don’t want to find it.
Use Mac Address Filtering – Every computer has what is called a MAC address (Media Access Control) which essentially identifies that computer. You can have your wireless router to allow only computers on that match a list of MAC addresses you’ve put in.
Change the Default Password for the Administrator – This is a good tip for both the wireless router and your computer as well. If you don’t change your default Administrator password and someone did find your network they could potentially log in and make what ever changes to the router the want. They could essentially undo all of the security measures you’ve put in place.

As I mentioned earlier this is not a complete list be a great place to start. For more complete information and even to learn how to do set up some of these security measures visit www.onguardonline.gov.

04.15.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Do I Need To Protect My Wireless Internet?

The short answer is a resounding YES. The ease of use and flexibility that wireless gives you is great, but could cause you some issues if left unprotected. So are you wondering why you need to protect your wireless internet, well here are a few reasons why you might consider adding protection.

Criminals may be looking to use your wireless internet. They may not be all that concerned with getting information off of your computer but just simply using your internet. Why you ask; well that’s so they can perform some king of questionable act using your internet thus allowing them to avoid being tracked. If the activity is tracked back to your internet, you may have a hard time explaining to the authorities that you were not the one who did the questionable act. Not a situation you want to be in.

Sometimes people don’t just want to use your internet for anonymity, but they really want to something you’ve got. If your wireless internet is not protected someone could theoretically gain access to your computer. Do you really want to anyone with a wireless card to have the capability to looking through everything on your computer, and even allowing them to take that information without you potentially even knowing it? I’m going out on a limb here and saying no.

Have you ever wished that your internet was faster? Of course you have, even if you have some ridiculously fast internet connection, who doesn’t want more. If you have other people that are unknow to you using your internet connection the performance you are experiencing will be diminished. The other person or persons using your internet may not being doing anything to harm you with questionable actives or trying to steal information or files. They may just be using you to get free internet at your expense. They may decide that want to watch a movie online, imagine how much that would slow down what bandwidth you have to use.

These are three of the major reasons why you might want to lock down or protect your wireless internet. I’m sure everyone would like to avoid these potential issues if possible.

04.08.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Identity Theft Tips From A Thief

Recently I ran across an article that interviewed an individual who had previously been convicted of credit card fraud and ID Theft and has since turned to working to help prevent these activities. There were several tips he gave and items that he pointed out where people were vulnerable. I thought I would share some of his insights with you so you can be better protected.

- Never let your card out of your sight. There have been several stories about waitresses and waiters using handheld skimmers to steal card data after they walked away from your table. This is not to say that all waitresses and waiters are crooked; in fact most are extremely helpful and honest, but I no longer use my debit card in these situations.

- Credit Cards offer better protection to the consumer against fraud. This is something I’ve mentioned here before as well.

- On the topic of online shopping he mentioned that you should be careful; that a fake site was easy to create. He recommended using reputable sites and if a site didn’t have a review that should move on. He also mentioned that some stores sell things that are widely searched for at unbelievably low prices. He warned that they do so to get your information to commit fraud. If the deal sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. He also warned about dealing with sites that seem to be asking for more information than they need. Why are they doing that? To get enough information to steal your identity is one reason.

- Never buy anything from somebody who has emailed you, no matter how good the offer sounds. If the company sending you an add through email and you’ve never heard of them, you shouldn’t buy anything from them.

- Have you ever wondered how you get that junk mail? He explained that there is software that will harvest email addresses that are posted on websites and recommended not ever putting your email address on a website.

- Be sure the website is secure if you are submitting sensitive information on the web; look for the https in the address. The “s” means the page is secure.

- Expect that there is no security when using Wi-Fi (wireless internet) that is not secure or is free to everyone.

- Choose answers that are not the actual answer when setting up your challenge questions for websites (such as our Internet Banking). People will visit your sites looking for information you’ve given out which might allow them to answer your security questions. The example he gave is that he tries to answer “What city where you married in?” He’s not married so there’s no way someone would know the answer and said he tried to do at least one question like this.

- Try using the bank ATM. He mentioned that bank ATMs are less likely to have skimmers (see previous post on ATM Skimers), than ATMs at convenience stores, bars, malls, etc.

- Watching your accounts was his number one most important tip, and that he watches his accounts on a daily basis. He also recommended that you check your credit report at least twice a year to make sure no one has stolen your identity. If you are a regular reader of the blog this should sound familiar.

04.01.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

April Events

It goes without saying that this weekend, just about everyone reading this will be firmly planted within viewing distance of a big TV watching the Cats take on UConn. Pending the outcome of that game, our Monday may be pretty full also. Hopefully, we will be able to spend the month of April conversing about UK’s triumphant return to its rightful throne of national champions. But, just in case we fall victim to bad calls and the like, here are a few suggestions for healthy ways of lifting wounded spirits (which, incidentally, could also be good opportunities for triumphant back-patting if things go our way!)

Lincoln County

-April 2- Lincoln County Relay for Life 5K race-Main Street- Get out your running shoes and winter coats! Sign up starts at 8:00 am with the race at 9:00. For more information, contact Charlotte Kirkpatrick at 346-5399.

-April 19- Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet “Hats off to Lincoln County” 5:30-9:30 pm Lincoln County High School. A fun filled night with good food, entertainment, and lots of prizes. Contact Andrea Miller for more information at 365-4118.

-April 26- Grand Opening Bluegrass Regional Real Estate-288 Preachersville Rd, Stanford 3:00-6:00 pm.

Boyle County

April 7- Joffrey Ballet-Norton Center for the Arts- “America’s Ballet Company of firsts” was the first dance company to perform at the White House, the first to appear on television, first to visit Russia, first (and only) to appear on the cover of “Time” magazine, among other firsts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. For more information, contact the Norton Center for the Arts at 1-877-448-7469.

April 8- Swing Dance (& lessons) Community Arts Center-Dance lesson (from Hepcats Swing Dance Club) from 7:30-8:30, dance until 11:30. Open to the public, admission is $5.00 for students, $7.00 for non-students. For more information, contact Brandon Long at 859-236-4054 or info@communityartscenter.net

April 15-17- Kentucky Writer’s Day Celebration-Friday night-Songwriters showcase at Off Broadway Café, 7:00-midnight. Saturday-Kentucky Writers Day Celebration, West T. Hill Community Theatre, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Saturday night-Songwriter’s Showcase, Off Broadway Café, 7:00 pm-1:00 am. Sunday-Kentucky Writer’s Day Celebration and awards, historic Penn’s store, noon-4:30 pm. For more information contact Jeanne Penn Lane at 859-332-7706 or PennsStore@aol.com

Rockcastle County

April 1- PBK Bank Relay for Life cookout- Mount Vernon office, 11:00-1:00 pm. For more information or to place a call in order call 606-256-2265.

April 9- Randy Travis at Renfro Valley New Barn, 7:00 pm. For more information or tickets, go to www.renfrovalley.com or call 1-800-765-7464.

April 19- Rockcastle UNITE Coalition Annual Meeting and Community Celebration Dinner- Helping communities take a stand against substance abuse. Rockcastle County Middle school gymnasium, 6:00 pm. Dinner provided by Sonny’s Barbecue, keynote speakers Chaplain James Mitchell and congressman Hal Rogers. For more information, contact Becky McNabb at RCHS 256-4818 or becky.mcnabb@rockcastle.kyschools.us

03.25.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

I Want To Get Away

I think that the last time we had a winter like this, I had long hair and when my jeans got holes in the knees that meant they were just now broken in. There is a pretty good chance that I am not the only one longing for white sands in place of the other white stuff that I keep seeing outside. So, while everyone is snowed in and dreaming of white beaches, I figure it’s a pretty good time to talk about vacation clubs.

Like its big brother the Christmas Club, the Get Away Club is an account that has funds transferred to it from another PBK Bank account at a weekly interval, which accumulates over the course of a year, ending with you receiving a check for the total sum, plus any accrued interest. Whereas the Christmas Club starts/ends in October, the Get Away Club rolls ‘round in April. The Get Away Club can be set up with a weekly transfer of $10, $20, or $50 depending on your preference, netting you $500, $1000, or $2,500 towards your ideal vacation.

03.18.11

Posted by:

Niki Shouse

Congrats Lady Rockets

Wow what an exciting weekend we had….Saturday night at the Diddle Arena in Bowling Green Kentucky the crowd was heavy and so were the spirits, Rockcastle was empty that night everyone was out to support their girls, and what amazing support Rockcastle County showed! Lady Rockets played so hard against DuPont Manuel for the State Championship and in over time prevailed by 2 points. This was the most exciting experience that I have ever had and I still think about it days later! The Rockcastle Lady Rockets showed class and great heart during the state tournament in Bowling Green and made EVERYONE so proud of them!!! Congratulations Lady Rockets!!!!

03.11.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

National Consumer Protection Week

This week is National Consumer Protection Week. So in the spirit of the week I thought I would post something that helps consumers protect themselves. I got an email this week from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) that had a top 10 list of FDIC online resources and I thought it would be a great idea to share them with you. If you are a frequent reader of our blog, you’ll recognize many of these items, as we’ve talked about them before.

EDIE, the FDIC’s Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (available on our website)

FDIC Consumer News (found in our lobbies)

Bank Find

Customer Assistance Online Form

FDIC Consumer Alerts

Small Business Web Page

The FDIC YouTube Channel

Money Smart – A Financial Education Program

Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit

E-mail updates

They also gave a couple additional resources as well that are worth checking out. So be sure to go over to the FDIC’s website for additional resources and information on the resources.

03.04.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

March Events

February went out with a bang, but so far, March looks promising. After the brutal winter that we have endured, it’s now time to pack away the snow boots and break out a colorful spring jacket and face the world once again. With spring just breaking the horizon, we should all be ready to get out and do something adventurous. Here are a few ideas:

For the Philanthropist:

March 10-Lincoln County Historical Society bean luncheon-Come down to the Stanford Christian Church fellowship hall for a meal sponsored by the Lincoln County Historical Society and the Logan’s Fort Foundation. Beans, Slaw, Cornbread, Dessert, and Drink for $7.00. Carry out available but no deliveries.

March 17- Blood Drive- Be a hero and save a life by giving blood. The drive will be held at the Presbyterian Church at 213 East Main St, Stanford. Call 1-800-775-2522 to make an appointment. Photo ID required.

March 25- Fort Logan Auxiliary Luncheon & Raffle-Stanford Baptist Christian Life Center, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. $5.00 gets you a sandwich, soup, crackers, dessert, a drink and a raffle for gift cards to Food Lion and Durham’s. Call 365-2178 for carryout orders.

For the “International Man/Woman of Mystery:”

March 12- A Night of Worldly Culture- Centre College: Cowan Dining Hall- An International Dinner with authentic cuisines from more than fifteen different countries! $50 Single Ticket (advance purchase only) or $400 Table of 8. All proceeds to benefit local charities. Call Lisa Knetsche at 859.583.2142 Martha Kerbaugh at 859.236.3924. For further information please contact Danville Rotary Club: Phone 859-583-2142.

For the Eclectic Listener

March 8- Chanticleer- Centre College Norton Center for the Arts- For over 25 years, this classical vocal ensemble has been reinterpreting vocal literature from across the musical spectrum, from renaissance to jazz, Chanticleer seamlessly blends twelve male voices into an veritable vocal orchestra.

02.25.11

Posted by:

Lynda VonLinger

Recent FDIC Insurance Changes

Recent changes to FDIC insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction accounts:

Due to recent changes made by the FDIC, as of December 31, 2010, a new temporary insurance category will fully insure all funds in checking accounts on which the insured depository institution pays no interest. The new coverage is in affect for two years.

This temporary unlimited insurance coverage is in addition to, and separate from, the coverage of at least $250,000 available to depositors under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules that cover traditional checking account or demand deposit accounts that may earn interest, NOW accounts and money-market accounts.

For more information regarding temporary FDIC insurance coverage of transaction accounts visit www.fdic.gov.

02.18.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

America Saves Week: February 20-27, 2011

The Federal Reserve, FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), amount other entities are joining in to what’s being called America Saves Week February 20-27. The whole idea about American Saves Week is to promote saving money and reducing debt; while building wealth. So in promoting the America Saves Week I thought I would share some quick tips and factoids about saving.

- PBK Bank offers you several ways to save with Savings Accounts, IRA’s (Individual Retirement Accounts), CD’s (Certificate of Deposit), Christmas Club, Vacation Club, and PBK Financial Services.

- Creating and following a budget is a great way to allow you to and to encourage you to save money.

- Try saving your lose change. According to the US Treasury Americans hold about $15 Billion in loose change.

- $2,000 is the typical amount Americans spent last year on unexpected expenditures. With 66% of those unexpected expenditures being for medical or vehicle repair purposes.

- Taking advantage of the full match of your employer on your 401K is a great way to save for retirement.

- If you are a Bill Pay user you can categorize your spending and run reports to see where you might need to adjust your spending habits.

- As of 2006, 25% of people age 65 or older relied 100% on Social Security payments for their income.

- According to a study, families with a savings plan save about twice the amount than a family with the same income, without a savings plan.

I’ll leave you with a couple links to where you can find some more great information about saving money:

- Test Your Saving Knowledge

- Assess Your Savings Progress

- Saving Tips

02.11.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

Tax Scams 101

There are a lot of people out there who believe in honest hard work as a means to support themselves. These are the people that make a great society. Then, there are those who would rather find a way to steal someone else’s money. That is a sad reality, but, there it is. Tax time is open season for predators of every type.

The two main tactics that these *parasites use when trying to hook a victim are either temptation or fear. The predator will either offer an enticing opportunity in the form of an unexpected windfall such as a tax rebate or a random drawing in which the recipient will receive a large sum of money after disclosing his or her bank info. Or the *leech will try to scare the information out of the victim by posing as an official agency, like the IRS, or a bank. In both instances, the approach is similar to any other form of robbery in which the perpetrator will try to get what he or she is after before the victim has time to think about it.

The key to protecting yourself from these situations is knowledge and vigilance. First of all, no reputable organization or business is going to contact you and pressure you for your account information. Bear in mind, they may make their claim sound more legitimate by providing some information about you like your address or anything else that can be found about you with a brief “google”** search. Don’t be fooled by these wolves in sheep’s clothing; they can sound pretty persuasive. Do not give out any information; I cannot emphasize this enough.

I hate to sound so cynical, but a defensive stance is a sensible approach anytime anyone contacts you about something that you have won or any claims against you that you are unaware of. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if someone is trying to intimidate you into giving something out, that means that they probably don’t have a leg to stand on.

A couple of additional notes, just for the fun of it-

*Initially, I was hesitant to use the terms “parasite” and “leech”, for fear of sensationalization until I found that according to Webster’s dictionary, they are, in fact, both accurate nouns for the individuals in question.

**Not that I am advocating this, but I do (unofficially, of course) think this is pretty funny. For those who share my slightly mischievous nature, try “googling” “catching scam artist.” There are some people out there who have made a game out of turning the tables on the parasites and leeches.

02.04.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

February Events

Just a couple of things to pass the time before the thaw.

Lincoln County-

-February 17- Byron Crawford book signing. Come out to Kentucky Soaps and Such to for a signing of “Kentucky Foot Notes” by Byron Crawford. 203 W Main Street, Stanford. 4:00-6:00 pm.

Boyle County-

-All month long- All Aboard!- Community Arts Center- An immersive experience into all things railroad, including photos, the stories of railway legends Casey Jones and John Henry, hobo culture, boxcar graffiti, and more. All proceeds of the exhibit benefit the Community Arts Center. For more information, contact Brandon Long at 859-236-4054.

Feb 11-13 & 18-20- Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play- West T. Hill Community Theatre. Three Hitchcock classics: The Lodger, Sabotage, and The 39 Steps. Presented in 1940's radio broadcast style. Live sound effects and vintage commercials. 7:00-10:00 pm by Joe Landry $10 Ticketing by phone or on the web. www.westthill.net. For further information please contact Karen Logue: Phone 859-319-0205

February 22-23- Stomp! If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience “Stomp,” don’t miss out on this chance. The performers use everything from matchboxes to hubcaps to fill the stage with humor and infectious rhythms. Norton Center for the Arts. www.NortonCenter.com. Phone: 1-877-448-7469.

Also, for you guys out there, don’t forget Valentines Day, it falls on the 14^th this year.

01.28.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

8 Things To Watch For With Credit Cards

Some of you may have heard on the news about some recent changes made to credit cards and how those accounts can be handled. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently posted an article that gives consumers eight things to watch out for and to avoid as they relate to credit cards. I’m only going to hit the highlights but if you want more details be sure to check out the FDIC’s article.

Understand your right to cancel a credit card before certain significant account changes take effect.
Keep track of your credit limit. Recently some credit card companies have cut back credit limits.
Make a decision how you want to deal with transactions that would put you over your credit limit.
Be careful of offers with no-interest; make sure you checkout all the features and the possibility of paying interest.
Keep only the credit cards you really need and then periodically use them all.
Be sure to do your research before paying high annual fees for cards that come with rewards.
Take additional precautions against interest rate increases.
Parents of anyone under 21 have a new opportunity to teach responsible management of credit cards.

01.21.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Tips For Avoiding Foreclosure Scams

After last weeks post about some prevalent foreclosure scams, I thought it would be appropriate to follow that with ways or tips to help avoid foreclosure scams. One of the biggest tips or tale-tale signs of a fraudulent foreclosure scam would be that the company wants to charge the homeowner some up front fees for the counseling service. Especially be leery of large up front fees.

Keeping up to date with the most recent forms of these foreclosure scams is another great tip. This will aid you in being able to recognize that the solicitation or company is indeed a scam before you get burnt.

You should be very cautious about people that try to force you to sign anything. You should always take your time and read the papers before signing to know exactly what you are agreeing to. Be sure to not sign until you are comfortable with what you are signing and that you fully understand the documents. You should also watch of for people that guarantee you that they can lower your payment or save your home. If they’ve not even spoke with your creditor how do they know they’ll be able to do that for you?

Be extremely cautious about signing over your mortgage. If someone is going between you and you lender and they want you to sign your mortgage over, be very cautious. You should personally check with the lender to make sure that this is going to in some way forgive you of your debt.

Another tip is a simple one, but one you should really follow. Never make your mortgage payment to anyone other than the people you have your loan with.

One way to prevent all of the foreclosure scams is to be sure to use a HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) approved foreclosure counselor. You can find a listing by state by visiting HUD’s website.

01.14.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

FDIC's Foreclosure Prevention ToolKit

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a foreclosure prevention tool kit to help consumers who might be facing foreclosure with ideas and ways they might be able to avoid foreclosure. The tool kit is also in response to the numerous foreclosure scams that have been going around. The FDIC provides resources you can trust on as legitimate.

The FDIC is performing various outreach events, providing a telephone (1.877.275.3342) and internet (www.FDIC.gov) referral services through the FDIC’s Call Center which helps direct consumers to legitimate counselors, mortgage services, and state and federal law enforcement agencies. They have also provided what they are calling a tool kit which includes numerous informational resources that might aid in helping you prevent foreclosure.

01.07.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Financial Caregivers

We’ve mentioned here before about the weekly consumer tips from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and I wanted to bring your attention to one of their recent post. It was about helping disabled or elderly relatives with money management, even from far away. This is an issue being faced by a lot of people today and is a number that should only increase with the aging of the baby boomers.

The article points out some preventative steps you should take to help ease the burden when the time comes to make that transition into being a financial caregiver. Such preventative measures suggested are:

- Make sure the family knows where to find personal and financial documents in an emergency.

- Think about the direct deposit of pay and benefit checks into bank accounts.

- Consider automatic payment of important, recurring bills.

- Try to make sure your elderly relatives are properly insured.

- Consider a “durable power of attorney.”

- Suggest a “living will” or other instructions about future medical care.

The article also talks about things to do and think about after an illness or disability. They give suggestions of getting solid financial and legal advice from professionals you know and trust, and guard against fraud that targets the vulnerable.

For more details on these items and information to more resources; please check out the post by the FDIC.

12.31.10

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

Top 10 Reasons to Open a Christmas Club Account

10. So you won’t have to figure out how you are going to pay next year’s property taxes.

9. You will wake up one morning to find that your heating system quit working in the night…

8. …and, your car won’t start…

7. …and the water line has frozen and busted.

6. Plan a winter getaway while you are getting the heat pump, water line, and car repaired (multiple Christmas Club accounts recommended).

5. So you can finance next year’s New Year resolution gym membership outright.

4. To save money all year without having to think about it.

3. Bragging rights.

2. It will nearly ensure that you are on the nice list.

1. Christmas presents.

12.24.10

Posted by:

Bruce C. Edgington

Thank You & Merry Christmas from PBK Bank

It is hard to believe that another year is ending. The year 2010 brought us to our 104th anniversary in business. Over the course of these years we have successfully provided our customers and friends with the best in community banking. We are also proud of the fact that we have created true lasting partnerships with our customers and friends and thank you for your continued loyalty.

PBK Bank has a record of safely and securely handling customers' deposits with due care. Our conservative philosophy of banking has been the foundation to our growth and success, and continues to serve us well. We focus on offering convenient products and services to our customers while following prudent lending practices. It is a core value of our company and key ingredient of what makes us successful in what we do.

Why do customers do business with us? We offer our customers simply the best value. Period. We believe that no one can compete with our unique combination of products and customer service. Our Pretty Big Kids Club and all it offers is one of best in the country.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, PBK Bank staff, and myself, we send you and your family our sincerest wishes for another year filled with good health and prosperity. We look forward to the coming year and sincerely thank each of you for choosing PBK Bank and ask you to tell your friends and neighbors about PBK Bank!

12.17.10

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

Christmas 2010 Hot Toys

Every year at Christmas time there are a number of toys that are considered a must have. There will be a line for that one certain item and if you don’t get it, you are out of luck. I have used the help of besttoysguide.com and got a list of this year’s hot items.

For all ages:

XBOX Kinect – Now you now every year there has to be a game system released, and this year XBOX has that big ticket item. With this game, your body is the controller. This game is also voice-activated. Depending on the games you buy will determine the suitability for ages playing. Starts at $249 walmart.com.
My Pillow Pets- Starting as an infomercial, the pillow pets have blown up. You can go just about anywhere and find a pillow pet now. This adorable little animal converts into a pillow and would make a great gift for a child of any age and is not very expensive. You can find them for $20 at most places.

Preschool

Fisher-Price iXL- As if our kids aren’t smart enough, this is a new device that will help your preschooler get ready for school. It is a hand held game that helps them read, write, learn numbers, and much more. $64.99 at walmart.com

vTech MobiGo- This hand held video game is targeted at the preschool age as well. It has a keyboard and touch-sensitive screen. Approximately $50
Imaginext BIGFOOT the Monster- BIGFOOT is an interactive toy that preschool kids will be flipping for this year. He is remote controlled and can walk, flip, breathe, and burp. On sale at walmart.com for $84.88.
Fisher-Price Dance Star Mickey- Another great idea for your preschooler is of course Mickey. He plays games, walks, talks, and dances. Approximately $60.

Ages 8 and above

NERF N-Strike Stampede ECS Blaster- This is a big gun that requires batteries. I would say this gun would not be suitable for a child under the age of 10. Approximately $45.

FurReal Friends Furry Frenzies- For the slightly older kids this may be a treat. These interactive pets will put smiles on the pre-teen kids. They make noises and have many accessories. Starting around $9.
LEGO Harry Potter Sets- For all those Harry Potter fans out there this is excellent choice whether it be for play or for collection. Ranging from around $11-$55
Squinkies- These adorable little Squinkies are suitable for girls probable age 8 and above. They are very little and could be a choking hazard. They can be used as pencil toppers or charms for a bracelet. From about $10-$20.

There are many more listed at besttoysguide.com. See if you can find something suitable for the children in your life. You better hurry though, these hot items are selling fast and many places are already sold out. Happy shopping!

12.10.10

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

Cash for Christmas, Ba-HUMBUG

Tis the season for spending money! Does it have to be? NO! We all get wrapped up in presents at this time of the year! Who’s getting this? What am I going to get so and so? Through all of the hustle and bustle we loose the true joy of Christmas. Christmas is a beautiful time of the year that we spend with our families.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather sit down with my 3 year old and make a meaningful present that will be sure to put a smile on our loved ones face than to fight the crowds in stores just to get something that may be returned in a few months. For instance, instead of getting Aunt Pam a sweater that is too big and offend her, why not help my son make her a candy sleigh that will be sure to sweeten her day!

Find the complete directions at www.familyfun.com

Who doesn’t like Christmas cookies? You can go to any Dollar General Store and get the cutest little containers for $1. Make up a couple batches of your favorite treats and put them in Christmas containers and there you have a bunch of presents at a very little cost but a lot of love.

Find this recipe for the Elves Snickerdoodles and more at www.familyfun.com.

There are also many websites along with the one I have mentioned above that gives you craft ideas and cookie recipes. Just simply Google “Christmas craft ideas” or “Christmas cookie recipes” and you will get a list of websites to use.

Make this Christmas fun and relaxing instead of stressing out over money and getting the perfect gift. Put a little love and thought in your gifts and make someone smile and feel special this Christmas!

12.03.10

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

December Events

The Christmas season starts earlier and earlier each year; a point of anticipation for some and aggravation for others. Santa has all but swallowed the Thanksgiving turkey and before long will be knocking on peoples doors and saying “trick or treat.” Nevertheless, Christmas is still my favorite holiday and December is still my favorite month. There are so many great things to do! For those of you that were in line at the stroke of midnight on Black Friday, and have already wrapped the presents and stashed them snugly under the tree and are now looking for something else to do until the New Year ball drops, I’ve got just the thing for you.

Lincoln County-

December 4- Jingle Bell Jog for Alzheimer’s- 10:00 am -12:00 pm, downtown Stanford. Call 365-9882 for more information.

December 4- Christmas Parade and Snow Queen crowning- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Line up is at 5 p.m. with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. The theme for this year is "Tropical Christmas." Call 365-4118 for more information.

December 7- Business after hours/Open house at the historic train depot, downtown Stanford. 4:30-6:00 pm. Sponsored by the Stanford Lions Club.

Boyle County-

December 3- Danville Christmas Parade- 7:00- 8:00 pm, Main Street. Annual Christmas Parade on Main Street. Marching bands, floats, horses and riders, antique and classic cars, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and much more.

December 5- Handel’s Messiah- The Presbyterian Church, 4:00- 5:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to this concert production of Handel's Messiah. For further information please contact Jeanie Collier at 859-236-1909.

December 10- The Christmas Pilgrimage starts at the First Baptist Church on 1st Street and concludes at the city Christmas tree located next to the Police Station on Buell Street with the lighting of the tree and carols. Refreshments are provided at City Hall after the tree lighting. For further information please contact Vicki T. Goode at 859-319-9762.

Rockcastle County-

Through December 11 – Christmas in the Valley- The Christmas in the Valley Show is an original stage production featuring the entire Renfro Valley cast of entertainers, combining Christmas music and comedy, this show will fill the whole family with holiday spirit. Renfro Valley

December 4 & 11- Mountain Gospel Jubilee- In the one-hour gospel Jubilee, you will enjoy an intimate setting that will bring back memories of sitting around the old piano in your living room, sharing stories and songs of praise with family and friends. Renfro Valley.

11.26.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Tis the Season for Holiday Scams

Today is the kick off of the Holiday shopping season with it being the infamous “Black Friday”. As you fight for the big deals today, retailers are trying to get into the black; meanwhile scammers are hard at work trying to get into the black as well.

I was recently reading an article on MSNBC titled “The 12 cyber scams of Christmas” and thought this would a perfect time to remind people to be alert while checking off their Christmas list. It shouldn’t be too big of a surprise as to what the number one scam is; just think what is the new must have item; the iPad of course.

Other top scam items are phony distress messages to friends and family requesting money to be wired or transferred to help them get home. Social media sites are often used to promote fake gift cards which typically require you to give them personal information to register for them. Holiday job offers, smishing messages (Phishing scams done via text message; if you don’t know the sender don’t click the link), and fake holiday vacation rentals.

Recession flavored scams are expected to continue offering low rates on credit, but only after you pay some large processing fees and typically you still don’t get the credit. You also need to watch for holiday ecards and holiday themed downloads and these items are known to have extra gifts call viruses attached to them. With a gift like that I’ll just take a lump of coal! The other two items mentioned to be hot for scams this year are the too good to be true prices (really, why would they sale it for that cheap?) and public wireless internet found at such places as hotels and airports.

A couple things that you can do to help protect yourself is just using some old fashion common sense; if things don’t make sense or look odd you should probably just walk away. You can use the Better Business Bureau to check out companies that you don’t know to see if they are legit or not; or I often do a quick search online looking for reviews of companies. That trick has made me not make some purchases in the past. Also be sure that you have all of your computer security like firewalls, virus protection, and spyware blockers updated.

So be on the lookout this Holiday Season so that you can enjoy the gift giving, and time with family and keep the Grinch (or scammers in this case) away.

11.19.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Account Debit Scams

Recently there has been an increase in the number of consumers across the country with complaints about unauthorized debits to their checking accounts. With this kind of scam you typically either get a postcard or a phone call saying that you’ve won some great prize or that you qualify for a credit card, despite your past credit problems. When you respond to the offer typically the telemarketer will ask right off if you have a checking account. After you confirm that you do they’ll go into explaining the supposed great offer.

Towards the end of their sales pitch they’ll tell you that you need to read the numbers at the bottom of your check to them. They may tell you that they need the information, or that they need it to confirm that you are eligible, or some may even tell you that it will allow them to debit your account. Once they have the information on the bottom of the check they can start debiting your account without your signature and you may not notice it until you get your bank statement or until you see it on Internet Banking.

There are some things you can do to help protect yourself from these types of scams; such as:

- Don’t give out your account number over the phone unless you know the company you are dealing with and there is a reasonable explanation as to why they would need that information.

- If someone says they are recording your call, you should ask why and don’t be afraid to ask questions; after all this is your hard earned money we are talking about.

- Companies don’t ask for your bank account information unless you have agreed to make a purchase and agreed that you are going to use this payment method.

By law a seller or telemarketer is required to obtain your verifiable authorization before obtaining payment from your bank account. That means you have to express permission to debit your account.

So what do you do if you are a victim? Typically, when dealing with an unauthorized debit you would call the company that debited your account and see if they’ll fix the issue first with a refund. If not you’ll need to contact a customer service representative at the bank and they can assist you. You can also contact the state Attorney Generals Office and file a consumer complaint.

11.12.10

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

What Do I Do When There Is A Debit On My Statement That I Didn't Authorize?

Hopefully you now understand how important balancing your checkbook can be. As soon as you notice the unauthorized debit, research it. If you do not recognize the business name, get access to the internet to find a phone number or call PBK Bank and we will try to find a phone number for you. (Please remember sometimes businesses will show on your statement under a different name than you know them (if they are doing business as a name other than the LLC or Corporation name) or in a different location than you made the purchase. Example: If you use your debit card at McDonalds in Danville, it will show on your statement as McDonalds in Lawrenceburg.)

Once you have a phone number, you need to contact the place of business and inform them that you did not authorize the transaction. Be sure to document who you talk to, the date you talk to them, and what they tell you, in case you need to take further action. Hopefully the business will take care of it and refund your money. If they do not take care of it, come see a customer service representative and we will help you from there. There may be a charge if it is a visa purchase. The customer service representative will inform you if there is going to be any charges.

11.05.10

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

Did You Check Your Statement This Month?

Checking your statement is one of those things that many of us take for granted. It is an essential tool in knowing where your money is going. When you opened your checking account, you received a copy of your signature card. If you turn the signature card over you will see “Your Deposit Account Terms and Conditions”. Among other sections, there is a section for “Statements”. If you are like me, you probably glanced at it, and then just set it aside. Well, in the statement section it explains that you must examine your statement in “reasonable promptness”. This means that any discrepancies need to be reported no later than 30 days from the statement date. Anything reported after 60 days of statement date will be at your expense and the bank is not liable.

If you do not check your statement each month you will not know if someone is making forgeries or if an error has occurred. You may be liable for all charges and transactions if you do not notify PBK Bank before 30 days. After 60 days, the bank will not be held responsible for any unauthorized signatures, alterations, forgeries, or any other errors in your account that have not been reported.

10.29.10

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

November Events

Now that we are full of candy corn, popcorn balls, and caramel apples, it is time to kick our jack-o-lanterns to the curb and start thinking about Thanksgiving. While October is the gateway to my favorite time of the year, November sets the stage for the best of what’s to come; namely lots of food, fun, and fellowship. We still have a few weeks before the Thanksgiving dinners get into full swing, so here are a few ideas to kill the time before we kill the turkey:

November 2- Vote- All Counties

This Tuesday, it is everybody’s right and responsibility to get out and make their voice heard. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Tea Partier, Green Partier, Green Tea Partier, Libertarian, or Librarian, get out there and celebrate the most sacred part of our Democracy!

Lincoln County-

November 2- Relay for Life Election night Chili dog cookout- We may not be able to agree on the best way to balance the budget, handle Social Security, or fix the economy, but we can all agree on Chilidogs for a good cause. At the front of the courthouse, Relay for Life team members will be selling non-partisan chilidogs, chips, desserts, and drinks to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

November 6- Christmas Bazaar & Thanksgiving Dinner- Free admission. Shop lots of great vendors, and enjoy a great turkey dinner for $7.00. Call 606-510-3419 for more information.

Boyle County-

This month, Centre College’s Norton Center has some great performances. For those of you that like Orchestras, on November 11, the BBC Orchestra will be performing. For those ABBA fans, you can check out “Mama Mia” on the 13^th or 14^th. And for those who like blue men, you can see the “Blue Man Group” on the 22^nd or 23^rd.

November 18- Heritage Hospice Business After Hours- Tour Heritage Hospice’s new facility in Danville, 120 Enterprise Drive, 859-236-2425.

Rockcastle County-

November 6- Cruise in the Valley Car Show- Make plans to participate or just join in the fun of this premiere car show event presented by the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Renfro Valley- 877-356-3263.

November 19- December 11- Christmas in the Valley- Enjoy the beautiful display of lights, Santa Land and an original stage production of
your favorite holiday songs and comedy. Friday and Saturdays only. Renfro Valley Entertainment Center- 800-765-7464.

Happy Thanksgiving!

10.22.10

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

Picture This!

You are grocery shopping and get to the checkout line and the cashier starts ringing up your groceries. Your son starts screaming that he wants bubble gum and your baby is screaming because she is hungry and tired of sitting in a cart. The cashier is finished and tells you your total. You scan your debit card, sling the receipt in a bag, and fly out the door, get home, throw the receipt away, and forget all about writing it down. Has this ever happened to you? Let’s face it; it happens to the best of us. If you balance your checkbook every month when you get your statement, it can saving you a lot of money. Just think that one transaction could end up costing you $30 if not more. If you look at the back of your statement, you will see a worksheet that you can use to help you balance your checkbook. If you need further help, you can come in and see any customer service representative and we will be glad to help you.

10.08.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Carded Under 21

Recently there has been some regulatory changes, well that could be an understatement, but one in particular that has added some protections for young adults under 21. The change now requires that anyone under 21 who wants to get a credit card must have a qualified co-signer on the account, or they must prove they can repay the debt on their own. The regulation is intended to help young adults avoid getting overwhelming amounts of credit card debt.

If you’ve ever headed off to college you’ve been faced with the first few weeks of a semester on campus essentially having applications thrown at you to get a credit card. It’s easy to see how this can become a problem for many; with the combination of new found freedom, choices, and then purchasing power. The changes can lend a chance for many parents to educate their young adults about the responsibilities that comes along with having a credit card and the dangers of misuse.

If you do co-sign on a card for someone, it should allow you to keep up with any issues being had with the account before they get too far out of hand, such as late payments or no payment at all. Just remember as a co-signer, if the other individual either can’t or just chooses not to make the payments then you are still obligated to pay the debt, and not doing so can damage your own credit history.

10.01.10

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

October Events

There are few things that I enjoy more than stepping outside on a cool autumn morning, a thick fog in the air tinted with the changing colors of the autumn leaves. There is never a shortage of things to do in October. Fix a huge pot of chili, bake a pumpkin pie (and send me a slice), carve a pumpkin, make an autumn wreath, rake up leaves, jump in leaves, rake and burn leaves, watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” clean house then decorate it with spiders and cobwebs, the list goes on and on. But for those of you looking for something a little more adventurous, here are a few suggestions:

Lincoln County:

October 15- Car Show- 5:00-9:00 P.M.- Call Kenny McDaniels for more information at 859-326-0281

October 21- Main Street Art Auction- Chili supper/Auction to benefit Main Street/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

All month long-Hustonville Haunted House/Haunted Castle- 9837 East Main Street
Hustonville, KY 40437
Tel. (606) 312-2765

Boyle County:

October 1-3- Perryville Battlefield Anniversary Commemoration and re-enactment. Food, crafts, flea market, entertainment, kids corner, Living History, Parade and walking tours. For further information please contact Vicki T. Goode- phone 859-319-9762
Send email to: vicki@downtownperryville.com.

October 8-9- Forkland Festival- Historical displays, crafts, music, food and more.
Website

For further information please contact Forkland Festival
Phone (859) 332-7146
Send email to: info@forklandcomctr.org

October 29-30- West T. Hill Community Theatre- Nightmare off Broadway. WTHCT regulars West Johnson, Todd Sheene and Allen Martin promise an evening of thrills, chills and chuckles!
Website

For further information please contact Karen Logue
Phone (859) 236-8607
Send email to: karenlogue@hotmail.com

Rockcastle County:

October 1-3- Appalachian Harvest Festival-Celebration of the fall harvest including molasses made by a mule-drawn press, antique tractor display, music, and crafts. Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.

October 8-9- Bittersweet Festival- Live music, craft booths, food and fun. Location: Downtown Mt. Vernon
Contact: 606-256-3437

October 10-16- Gospel Celebration Week- Rejoice with gospel’s finest groups in separate concerts.
Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

09.24.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Card Fraud on the Rise

Credit/Debit card fraud is an unavoidable risk that you face in today’s world when you decide to get a card. In 2008 there were 9.9 million US adults who were victims of some kind of card fraud which amounted to $48 billion, yep that’s billion with a B, in card fraud. We’ve been informed of a fraud or Phishing scheme that is recently on the rise.

It’s not a new scheme just one that’s become more active as of late; and we wanted to be sure to inform you our customers so you can be prepared. The has been a sharp increase in automated Phishing telephone calls; emails and text messages to people, stating that their cards were closed because of possible fraud. At first glance this doesn’t sound bad at all right; it’s someone watching out for you and trying to protect you. Well they go on to instruct people to call another number to reactivate the card; where you’ll be instructed to enter your card number and expiration dates. That’s when the fraud begins.

I want to remind all of our cardholders that we will never request account, card or PIN information over the phone. If you need to report a lost or stolen card you can always call 1.800.264.4274. This number is also listed on our Contact Us page if you need to find it, or you can always give us a call at our local number and will be glad to assist you.

For information on how you can protect yourself while still enjoying the convenience of a card, be sure to check out our six week series we did using information from DebitFacts.org.

09.17.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Online Shopping: How Do I Know I'm Safe?

Online shopping has really taken off as demonstrated by this past Christmas season where online retainers saw strong sales numbers. There are a bunch of benefits to shopping online but there are also some dangers. In this post we intend on giving you some tips on things to look for to tell if you are safe or not. Keep in mind, this is not an all inclusive list and is simply a guide of generalities.

Know Who You’re Dealing With – This one is very important and perhaps the most important tip of all. If you are buying from a well known retailer then chances are pretty good that everything will be fine. But undoubtedly you’ve found a site with a ridiculously good deal on the item you’ve been looking for. Remember what your parents told you? If it’s too good to be true, chances are it is. Well that's a great rule to follow online as well. I’ve personally found some great deals on items online but I had never heard of the retailer before. I did a quick search on the company and found more than enough reasons not to do business with them.
Pay With Your Credit Card – Credit cards give you more protection from losses when purchasing online. That’s not to say that you can’t use your Debit Card but some extra precautions would be wise. PBK Bank offers free with all of our Debit Cards, a service called Verified by VISA which helps protect you when purchasing online. Another trick you can do to add extra security to purchasing online with a Debit Card; is to open up a separate checking account that you use only for online purchases. This way if a criminal did some how get your card number, they would only be able to get the money that was in that account. You can be sure to keep enough in the account to keep it open and then move money over into that account to cover the purchases you plan on making in the near future.
Keep a Paper Trail – You should save or print your confirmations of purchase in case there is ever any question about that transaction in the future.
HTTPS – When you are online you’ll notice at the top in your address bar that you always have the http:// at the beginning of each site. Seeing an “S” at the end of the http making it https, is one way that indicates you are on a secure page.
All Locked Up – Another visual indication that a page is secure is by a closed lock at the bottom of your browser. If the lock is open then the page is not secured and if it’s closed then it’s an indication that the page is secured.
Other Security Features – Other things you can look for that often indicate that a site is secured is the use of SSL, VeriSign Secured, or certificates. These are all features that are used to secure pages.

This is not an all inclusive list and not fool proof but are some good indicators and some information any online shopper should be armed with.

09.10.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Gift Card Changes on the Way

Recently the final rules for the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act) have been established and are set to go into affect for all gift cards sold on or after January 1, 2011. So I thought I would try to give you a brief overview of some the changes so you have an idea as to what to expect and what these means for you.

What products are covered?
Retail gift cards, which can be used to buy goods or services at a single store or affiliated group of stores, and network-branded gift cards, which are redeemable at any merchant that accepts the card brand.

The new rules do not apply to other types of prepaid cards, including re-loadable prepaid cards that are not marketed or labeled as a gift card or gift certificate, and prepaid cards received through a loyalty, award or promotional program.

Restrictions on dormancy, inactivity, or service fees:
The rules restrict dormancy, inactivity, or service fees for gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid cards. The fees can be assessed but there are some stipulations on when that can take place.

Restrictions on expiration dates:
Gift certificates, store gift cards, or general-use prepaid cards must have an expiration date of five years or more after the card is issued or from when the funds were loaded. The restriction applies to the actual funds not necessarily the card itself.

This was intended to be a very brief and high level overview of the changes; for complete list of changes please consult the CARD Act.

09.03.10

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

September Events

September is here and the temperature is still a blistering 93 degrees (more like 120 if you have poison ivy, but that’s another story). Apparently, summer is not going down without a fight. Cooler days are on the way, though, and what better way to welcome in the autumn than to get out and do something fun (before we start complaining about the cold)? Here are a few good excuses to start venturing back to the outdoors.

Lincoln County:

-September 4^th- Stanford Lions Club Yard sale and Consignment Sale-Willy’s Overland Garage, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Contact Mike Robbins at 859-749-3447 or Bob Swett at 606-669-6071.

-September 11^th- Downtown Christian Rock Concert, 6:00-8:00 p.m., downtown Stanford. Contact Jason Kilby at 606-669-2785.

-September 18^th- 11^th annual Bluegrass Festival, downtown Stanford. Great Bands and singers accompanied by great food by the Stanford Lions Club.

Boyle County:

-September 5^th- Hilleday Street Hullabaloo, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Danville.

-September 9^th- The Danville Lawn Chair Film Festival, 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., 246 East Walnut Street, Danville.

-September 10-12- Constitution Square Festival, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., 134 South 2^nd Street, Danville.

Rockcastle County:

September 3^rd & 4^th- Livingston Homecoming- A weekend full of fun and memories. Craft booths, auction, fireworks and music, downtown Livingston. Contact: 606-256-8601 or 606-453-2061.

September 4^th-6^th- Red Hill Horse Camp- Horseback trail riding, wagon rides, camping and more, Livingston. Contact: 606-308-5900.

September 25^th- Poker Run Motorcycle Ride-Scenic 100 mile motorcycle ride starting at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, door prizes, Renfro Valley.

08.27.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Opting-Out of Prescreened Solicitations

I’m sure we’ve all been there; you go to check the mail and you have 2 or 3 or 4 or more of these different offers whether they are credit cards or other offers that you’ve not asked for. I refer to these items as junk mail myself. Have you ever wondered how these companies get your name and address?

What happens is that a company can request a list of names and addresses that match a certain criteria from a credit bureau. For example, say you wanted a list of people that lived in KY that were 30-45 years of age, and have a credit score between 650 & 720. Well you would send that criteria to a credit bureau and for a price they’ll generate you a list of names and addresses that fit that criteria. They won’t actually give out the exact credit score but they must fit the criteria.

Well if you want to stop these unsolicited offers you can Opt-out a number of different ways. One is to call the toll free number 1.888.567.6888 (1-888-5-OPTOUT) or you can go to www.optoutprescreen.com and opt out. Either way will opt you out for five years. If you want to permanently opt out you have to fill out a form, which you can get from optoutprescreen.com, and mail it in. On the flip side if you decide at a later date you can also opt back in.

Some things you should know are that by getting pulled on a prescreened list, it doesn’t affect your credit score, so you don’t have to worry about it hurting your score. Also, just because you’ve opted – out that doesn’t mean that all of the unsolicited mail will stop. Companies may still mail solicitations to you, using an old list that they have, but you shouldn’t show up on any new list that are generated.

08.20.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

ATM Skimmers

It’s after banking hours and you need some cash so what do you do, make a quick run to the ATM. Maybe you are on vacation and find that you didn’t bring enough cash with you or the store you are trying to make a purchase at doesn’t take cards; so you run to the ATM. ATM’s are so covenant and handy to use, but there are some things you should do to keep you and your money safe when using ATMs.

The first thing to do is to pick an ATM where you feel safe; one that is well lit and has some traffic around would be a good choice. While you approach the ATM and while you are using it, you should be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you are not being watched and that no one is trying to get your PIN by looking over your shoulder.

You should also inspect the ATM before you use it. There is a technique called skimming that steals billions of dollars each year from ATM users. I’ve talked to people that work at ATM manufacturers and they generally say that they don’t see too many skimmers in this area as a general rule. That doesn’t mean they won’t begin to show up, plus as you travel to larger cities you may be at greater risk. After all, the best defense is being educated.

So what is a skimmer and how does it work. Well there are several variations of methods but usually it involves a false front attached (typically they are lose) to the ATM where the card is inserted or swiped. When a card is swiped or inserted in the false front it too is recording the information on the magnetic strip on the back of the card. That’s just step one, the bad guys also need your PIN. So generally they place a small and some times disguised camera that is pointed at the key pad where you type your PIN in.

Things you should do besides inspecting the ATM for a false front where the card goes, is to place your hand over the key pad when you key in your PIN. Here is a link to a video of a news broadcast talking about a specific skimming event; I thought that might give you a bit of a better idea as to what to watch for. Now if you don’t think there’s really anything to worry about just search for ATM skimmer on YouTube and I think that will change your mind. If you come across a skimmer, don’t use the ATM and notify the bank and/or the police.

Last but not least you should regularly monitor you account activity to identify suspicious transactions as soon as possible. Internet Banking works great for this, plus timely notification of suspicious transactions can mean the difference between getting your money back and not getting your money back.

08.13.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

New Credit Card Rules

There were some new rules that were put in place by the Federal Reserve that went into place on February 22, 2010 that mean some changes for credit card companies and new protections for consumers. I’m going to resist the compliance person in me and not get to technical or to into the details but I’m going to try to give a brief overview of some changes that were made.

Before your credit card company can increase your rate and/or certain fees, or other significant changes to the terms, they must send you a notice 45 days before doing so.
Now your monthly credit card bill should include information detailing how long it would take to pay off your balance if you only make your minimum payment.
Credit card companies will not be able to increase your rate for the first 12 months.
If the rate on your card is increased, it can only apply to new charges.
If you want to be able to make transactions that take you over your limit (this generally generates additional charges and/or higher interest rates) you must first notify your credit card company that you want to allow these transactions; otherwise you will be denied.
If you are required to pay fees to your credit card company, those fees cannot total more than 25% of the initial credit limit.
If you are under age 21, you will need to show that you are capable of making the payments, or you will need a cosigner to get a credit card.
Credit card companies must mail or deliver your bill at least 21 days before it’s due. Also your payment cut-off time can not be earlier than 5 p.m. on the due date.
If you make more than the minimum payment, they must apply the excess amount to the balance with the highest interest rate. (There are exceptions to this rule.)
Credit card companies can only impose interest charges on balances in the current billing cycle.

Keep in mind this is a brief overview as the actual rules are much more detailed. To find out more about the changes you should check the Federal Reserve’s website.

08.06.10

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Permanently Raised to $250,000

We’ve mentioned here in the past on the blog about the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) raising the dollar amount for insured deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 temporarily. Well with the passing and signing of the new financial reform bill (Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) on July 21, 2010 this increase has been made permanent.

So what does this mean for you? Well first off it doesn’t mean necessarily increased taxes for American’s as the FDIC receives no federal tax dollars; instead it’s funded by insured financial institutions such as PBK Bank. If you have more than $100,000 in one financial institution then you may now have greater insurance coverage on your deposits. Now we’ve talked before on the blog that there are ways to get increased coverage using various techniques but this should give some customers added protection and peace of mind.

If you want to see if all of your deposits are covered there are several ways you can go about finding out. One is by using the “EDIE The Estimator” on our website. If you would rather talk to someone about if feel free to give us a call. The FDIC has also setup a toll-free number that you can call Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00pm EST to get help with finding out if your deposits are fully insured or not. The FDIC number is 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342) or for the hearing-impaired 1-800-925-4618.

07.01.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

July Events

Just in case the fireworks, cookouts, watermelons, and yard sales aren’t enough, here’s a modest suggestion for getting through July:

Lincoln County-

Go to the beach!

Boyle County-

Go to the beach!

Rockcastle County-

Go to the beach!

…but seriously, here are a few things to help beat the heat:

Lincoln County-

July 4^th- 9^th -Lincoln County Fair-Funnel cakes, truck and tractor pull, and the Tilt-a-Whirl, need I say more?

Boyle County-

July 1, 2, 5-7, 9- Tartuffe- The Southern Version- Pioneer Playhouse- Comedic adaptation of a literary classic about a nefarious preacher, set in antebellum era Kentucky. Contact Holly Henson at 859-236-2747 for more information.

July 26-30-Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell-Pioneer Playhouse-Comedy lampooning one of the most well known films of all time “Frankly, my dear...”. For further information, call Holly Henson at 859-236-2747.

Rockcastle County-

July 3- Blast in the Valley-Renfro Valley-Fireworks, food, inflatables, and more. Call

1-800-765-7464 for more information.

July 4^th- Cedar Rapids Fourth of July Golf Scramble-$30 per person for Cedar Rapids members, $35 for non-members. For more information call 606-256-4112.

Also, don’t forget the sunblock!

07.29.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

August Events

The summer months are winding down, and before long the leaves will be changing and we will have to pull out the jackets again. The kids are heading back to school, but there are still a few opportunities to squeeze those last drops of fun out before the fall sets in.

Lincoln County-

August 19- PBK Bank Death Valley Bowl- Come out and support the Patriots as they kick off the 2011 season by taking on the Danville Admirals.

August 19-Stanford Main Street Cruise In- If football isn’t your thing, come down to Main Street to check out some classic American metal!

Boyle County-

August 4-8- 127 Days Yard Sale-Stretches from Alabama to Michigan, but for our immediate purposes, may we suggest Junction City and the Danville Fairgrounds?

August 9-13, 16-20- Kosher Lutherans- Pioneer Playhouse- Comedy about an Iowa farm girl who unwittingly allows a Jewish couple (posing as Lutherans) to adopt her baby. For more information, call Holly Henson at 859-236-2747.

Rockcastle County-

July 29-August 6-Brodhead Little World’s Fair 2011-Don’t miss out on your last chance for cotton candy, funnel cakes, livestock shows, beauty pageants, Demolition derbies, and the Tilt-a-Whirl. For more information call Brodhead City Hall at 606-758-8635 or go to www.brodheadfair.com.

August 6- Rockcastle UNITE Coalition Motorcycle Ride- Starting at Wendy’s in Mount Vernon and covering approximately 100 miles of scenic landscape, this ride is a great chance to get out while supporting a good cause. Sign up is at 11:00, with the ride starting at noon. Sponsored by Wendy’s Bike Night Committee.

07.08.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Anatomy Of A Credit Score

If you are a regular reader of the Blog then I don’t have to tell you just how important your credit score is. It can make the difference from getting a new car, house, etc; plus it can either save you money or it can cost you. Credit scores are widely used to help determine approval for extensions of credit and are used in setting the terms of that credit as well.

So you know it is important but what makes up your credit score? Well an obvious item is how you pay on your loan(s), but there is much more to it. Lets take a closer look at what makes up a credit score.

· Payment History - As we mentioned above this is one most people know and understand. By making your payments on time you will be helping your credit score. The flip side of that is if you make them late it can really hurt your credit score.

· Inquiries of your Credit Report - When your credit is pulled it hurts your credit. Granted the effects are minimal compared to being late with a payment, but it can still impact your score. Having your credit pulled a time or two shouldn't effect your score much if at all, but several recent inquires can lower your score; so be smart about shopping for credit.

· Kinds of Credit - To optimize your credit score you should have a mix of types of credit.

· Credit Account History - Having a long history of credit helps your score. Likewise having little to no credit history will hurt your score or cause you not to have a credit score at all. Credit that has been opened for a long time is a plus; well assuming you've made your payments on time.

· Available Credit - The amount of debt in relationship to available credit can effect your credit score. According to TransUnion you should aim for a balance under 35% of your available credit.

Granted this is not a full blow depiction of all of the factors that go into the calculation of a credit score but hopefully it will provide some insight.

09.02.11

Posted by:

Brian Duncan

September Events

…And the year rolls on. September is upon us once again and we are still facing ninety-degree heat! This time last year I was covered with poison Ivy, so I’m not going to complain too much. So far, so good (knock on wood that is not covered with “leaves of three”). Next month, everyone will be busy carving jack-o-lanterns and making costumes out of sheets and paper mache, so until then, here are a few suggestions.

Rockcastle County-

-Toilet Paper Drive-Sept. 1-16- The Rockcastle UNITE Coalition, whose central focus is the battle against substance abuse, is hosting a drive to collect donations of toilet paper for local treatment facilities. Monetary donations also appreciated. Donations can be left at any of the Rockcastle County Schools. The next time you are at the store, pick up an extra package and donate it to help this noble cause!

-UNITE Bowl- Sept. 16- Come out and support the Rockcastle County Rockets as they take on the Pulaski County Maroons. Free tailgating at 6:30 with the game at 7:30.

-Mark McFerron Art Exhibition- Sept. 16-17- Church Street Art Gallery and Studio-40 Church Street, Mount Vernon. Contact Janine Norman at 606-308-2508 for more information.

Lincoln County-

-Concert and Auction-Sept. 3, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.-Stanford Drive-In and Flea Market- All proceeds benefit the Arts and Music program. Call (606)365-4500 for more information.

-Bluegrass Festival and Fun Day-Sept. 10, 10:00 am-10:00 pm-Main Street, contact Andrea Miller at the Lincoln County Chamber for more information at 606-365-4118.

-Main Street Cruise In-Sept. 16, 5:00-9:00 p.m.-There won’t be too many more opportunities to show off your ride before it’s time to put it in the garage for the winter!

Boyle County-

-Constitution Square Arts Fest-Sept. 9, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.-Come see the exhibits of local artists and historians. Food, live music, games and more! Contact Adam Johnson at (859)236-7794 for more information.

-Oktoberfest-Sept. 24, all day long- Oktoberfest dates back to the early 1800s in Bavaria and has grown to be a worldwide celebration. Come to downtown Danville to join in the festivities!

07.15.11

Posted by:

Lindsay Sallee

What To Do If There Is A Bank Error

This can’t be simpler. If you find a bank error, call us. We will look into it and if it is proven to be a bank error, we will correct the error and if any charges were due to our error, we will correct that as well. This is one reason you should also keep your receipts. It is so much easier to research an error if you have your receipt. If you encounter an error please call a customer service representative or the accounting department and we will be glad to help you.

07.22.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Plastic or Plastic?

Used to when you arrived at the check out your options were paper or plastic, which could be for how you wanted your items to be bagged or how you wanted to pay for those items, either a credit card or by check. These days the check is getting closer and closer to being obsolete with the use of credit cards and debit cards. The question now is do you really understand the difference between a credit and debit card?

Credit and Debit are accounting terms and if I remember correctly from my accounting class (I’m not saying how long ago that’s been) they simply mean left and right, in referring to which side of the ledger the entry needs to be made. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) covered the difference between the two in their Fall 2009 issue of FDIC Consumer News. Here is a brief summary of the differences.

With a debit card you have less protection for loss when dealing with fraudulent purchases or when you purchase goods that are later determined to be damaged. That’s not to say you don’t have protections but those protections largely depend on you notifying your bank in a very timely manner which is one reason why it’s so important for you to review your bank statements when you get them in the mail. If you use your debit card without overdrawing your account they are a great way of making purchase without having to pay any additional fees and charges. You can also get cash back with your debit cards in most cases from purchases at stores or from the bank’s ATM’s without any additional fees, something that can’t be said for most credit cards.

Debit cards also have their concerns as well. You can overdraw your account with debit cards which can lead to overdraft fees and they can add up. With debit cards you lose some of your rights in withholding payment on damaged or defective merchandise. When using a debit card you pay for the purchase right then. Sometimes the total amount of the purchase many be unknown such as a hotel stay, or getting gas. In these cases its common practice for a business to place a hold for a larger dollar amount on your account than you may actually spend. The hold will eventually fall off with the correct amount hitting your account, but this could lead to you overdrawing your account while that hold is waiting to fall off.

Probably one of the biggest advantages of purchasing with a credit card is that you can buy something now and pay for it later. The danger in that is that it could lead to overspending meaning you are unable to payoff your balance when your bill is due and thus you get charged interest. Credit cards also offer greater protection to the consumer on damaged or defective merchandise and fraudulent transactions. Also if they are used properly they help your credit score out which can help you get lower interest rates on loans in the future. Credit cards can also incur several different types of fees.

In review, both types of cards have their benefits and their place in the financial world. Debit cards work great for smaller routine type purchases, where as, you might want to think about using your credit card for larger purchases for the extra protection they can provide

08.19.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

10 Ways To Protect Your Money Online

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently issued an article as part of their consumer news on 10 ways you can protect your money when using Internet Banking, Bill Pay and shopping online. Internet Banking is a great tool to customers and provides some much enjoyed conveniences but there are also crooks out there continually searching for security holes to wreak havoc on consumers. Financial Institutions have put numerous security measures in place to safe guard our customers, but that doesn’t mean that customers still don’t have to be vigilant in taking precautions. Below is a list of 10 ways to protect your money online as mentioned by the FDIC:

1. Frequently check your deposit accounts and lines of credit to spot and report errors or fraudulent transactions, just as you should with traditional banking.

2. Never give your Social Security number, credit or debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), or any other confidential information in response to an unsolicited e-mail, text message or phone call, no matter who the source claims to be.

3. Don’t open attachments or click on links in unsolicited e-mails from anyone you don’t know or you're otherwise unsure about.

4. Watch out for sudden pop-up windows asking for personal information or warnings of a virus.

5. Use a mix of security tools and procedures such as: Don’t log into your bank while using a public computer, pay attention to the toolbars at the top of your screen, choose strong user IDs and passwords that will be easy for you to remember but hard for hackers to guess, & consider using a separate computer solely for Internet Banking and online shopping.

6. Beware of check scams.

7. When shopping online, deal with reputable merchants and be wary of unbelievably low prices.

8. Using a credit card generally offers more purchase protection than a debit card or other electronic forms of online payment.

9. Be on guard against scams hiding behind online coupon offers.

10. Be careful if you download banking software onto a cell phone.

08.12.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Saving At The Pump

I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I don’t hear someone complaining about the price of fuel. I completely get it. It’s something that we have to have, but can put a real dent in the budget. When you think about it, what other product do you see with big signs up advertising the price of the item on such a consistent basis? Nothing else is coming to mind for me right off. The U.S. Department of Energy has given some recommendations on how to save at the pump.

1. 1.) Avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% in the city.

2. 2.) Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph on average. Typically for each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph you pay an additional $0.24 per gallon of gas.

3. 3.) Don’t keep unnecessary (especially heavy) items in your vehicle. An extra 100 pounds could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.

4. 4.) Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. You can usually find out what they should be inflated to on the inside of the door and/or in the vehicles user manual.

5. 5.) Use cruise control to help maintain speed and to limit unnecessary acceleration and braking.

6. 6.) Another option is to consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Granted this may not be feasible for everyone but is something to consider.

08.05.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Back-To-School Shopping

Sorry kids, summer break is about over and school is about to start back. Parents, you know what that means; it’s time to go shopping for school supplies. With the economy still not at full strength and seemingly increasing prices everywhere you look, I thought I would share a few tips on how you might be able to save when shopping for back to school items.

1. Shop @ The Local Closet: The first place you should begin shopping is at home. Do you kids really need a new pair of shoes? Do you not have an ample supply of pens, pencils, paper, etc. already at home? A great tip that I recently read about is that you can cover company logos up with a sticker, the kids might find that a bit more appealing to take to school and stickers are cheap.

2. Break Out The Sales Papers: Most stores around this time will run sales on certain school items. Be sure to get the sales advertisements (the Sunday paper is a great place to find them) and locate the items your kid(s) need on sale. Don’t forget to go online as well to seek out some great deals.

3. Think Outside of Retail: Don’t be afraid to expand the types of places you go shopping at. Don’t forget about discount stores, consignment shops, garage sales, eBay, Craigslist, and other online sites. You may have to do a little more work to find what you need but you might find some really great deals too.

4. Easy On The Technology Budget: With the kind of homework kids have today it is difficult to complete everything without a computer. That being said, do your kid(s) really need their own computer or could they just use the one you already have? They could go to the local public library and use the computer in the computer labs as well. Also, are other technology purchases such as cellphones, mp3 players, and video game consoles necessary? I’m not saying they are not; it’s just something you should at least think about. If your kid(s) (aka young adult(s)) are heading off to college, they may need a computer. Be sure to check around, as many computer manufacturers run some good deals around this time of year.

5. Class Is In Session: Your kids don’t have to wait till they are in school to start learning. You could use Back-to-School shopping as a real world learning experience. Give them a budget and let them manage (with supervision of course) the budget to be sure they get the items they really need. You might even allow them to do extra work or use their own money if they are going to go over budget.

08.05.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Back-To-School Shopping

08.12.11

Posted by:

Jonathan D. Goforth

Saving At The Pump

1. 1.) Avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% in the city.

2. 2.) Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph on average. Typically for each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph you pay an additional $0.24 per gallon of gas.

3. 3.) Don’t keep unnecessary (especially heavy) items in your vehicle. An extra 100 pounds could reduce your MPG by up to 2%.

4. 4.) Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. You can usually find out what they should be inflated to on the inside of the door and/or in the vehicles user manual.

5. 5.) Use cruise control to help maintain speed and to limit unnecessary acceleration and braking.

6. 6.) Another option is to consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Granted this may not be feasible for everyone but is something to consider.