Contact Us
    Browse by topic
    Subscribe to our blog

    Market Update

    November 2021 Market Update

    The better-than-expected third-quarter corporate earnings reports were evidence of a broad-based economic recovery causing investor psychology to improve and funds to flow from bonds into stocks. This has since reversed as the uncertainty of the spread and severity of COVID mutation Omicron remains unknown. The concern is that the supply chain of parts and goods produced in emerging markets may slow and deter global economic growth.
    Read

    Estate Planning

    A Beginner's Guide to Understanding a Living Trust

    on December 2, 2021 | By Lory Weisensee
    One of the most common misconceptions about trusts is that they’re only for individuals of high net worth with substantial estates. While it is true that anyone with significant wealth should consider a trust, those of more modest means can benefit from asset protection and other features offered with a trust.
    Read

    Security and Fraud Prevention

    Want to Save $1,170? Hang Up.

    on November 26, 2021 | By Margo Leiter, CISM
    During the pandemic, my phone was ringing off the hook, as many fraudsters took advantage of our isolation. They knew we were lonely, stuck at home with only a few ways to communicate with others, so why not take advantage of that good ole’ telephone when everyone is afraid of hackers on the internet? In fact, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) received about 1.25 million phone fraud complaints in 2020, and the hackers and scammers don’t seem to be showing down this year.
    Read

    Savings

    When Should Parents Start Saving for College?

    on November 24, 2021 | By Bradley Ruhmann
    Next to buying a home, a college education is the largest expenditure most parents will ever make. The key is advance planning. The more money you save now, the less money you or your child will need to borrow later. It is important to begin saving as early as possible so you can earn interest, dividends, and/or capital gains on as much money as possible.
    Read

    Savings

    Take a Strategic Approach to Your Retirement Planning Today

    on November 17, 2021 | By Bradley Ruhmann
    Thinking about retirement? The average retirement age in the United States, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, is 63 for women and 65 for men. While you may not actually retire until your late 60s or 70s, you should start thinking about it as soon as you start working. Some experts suggest you start saving in your 20s, when you begin earning paychecks, because the sooner you begin saving, the more time your money has to grow.
    Read

    Business

    How Does a 1031 Exchange Work?

    on November 17, 2021 | By Andrew Foreman
    A 1031 exchange is a process used in real estate in which one investment property is swapped for another. Through this process, capital gains taxes—which are taxes incurred when an investment is sold—are deferred.
    Read

    Market Update

    October 2021 Investment Update

    After declining in September, the equity market is now celebrating the economic recovery from the COVID virus and solid growth in U.S. corporate earnings. The S&P 500 Index is now up 22% for the year and is poised to move higher as economic growth is only hindered by distribution bottlenecks in imported and manufactured goods.
    Read

    Business

    Avoid Corporate Account Takeover

    on November 2, 2021 | By Margo Leiter, CISM
    Cybercriminals are targeting small businesses with increasingly sophisticated attacks. “Corporate account takeover” is a form of identity theft of a business. Criminals phony emails pretending to be someone you know to trick you into clicking on links or attachments that can lead to malicious software being installed on your computer. Once this happens, they will ask you to enter credentials where they will gain access to your email account. At that point, they will send emails to the bank appearing to be from you to initiate ACH and wire transactions.
    Read

    Real Estate

    5 Signs It's Time to Refinance Your Mortgage

    on November 1, 2021 | By Crews Bank & Trust Team
    Over the past year and a half, record-breaking interest rates—slashed by the Federal Reserve to stimulate the economy—have remained low with some fluctuation. Many prospective homebuyers and homeowners who are interested in refinancing their mortgage are likely wondering if the low rates will persist and whether now is the right time to take advantage of the low rates.
    Read

    Community Bank

    Choose Local: 10 Benefits of Community Banks

    on October 6, 2021 | By Crews Bank & Trust Team
    Community banks are threaded into the local economy of many towns in the country. By serving the local residents and businesses with necessary financial services, community banks help them get ahead in their corner of the world.
    Read
    “I feel like my relationship with Wauchula State Bank is a friendship, and I am incredibly loyal to the bank because they have [not only] supported me, but also provided what I feel is the best service.”
    Lauren Canary
    Watch the Full Video
    “I was able to develop a relationship with Charlotte State Bank [& Trust] very quickly, which is something you don’t experience often, especially in a bank. It feels like family. It really does.”
    Ken Smith
    Watch the Full Video
    “Wauchula State Bank made it very easy to do an equity line of credit. I need someone like Mark Delany in my corner ... he made the whole process as enjoyable and flexible as it could be.”
    Paul Schulz
    Watch the Full Video
    “[Charlotte State Bank & Trust takes] care of clients as though they are family members. I think their strength ... is their people. They truly care, they're knowledgeable, and they make you feel like family.”
    The Hayman Family
    Watch the Full Video

    Want more articles like this in your inbox?

    Subscribe to our blog for a weekly roundup of our latest financial blogs and resources.

    Contact Us
    The Crews Family of Banks
    Our Family of Banks Are:
    FDIC_White
    Equal Housing Lender
    © Crews Banking Corporation. All Rights Reserved.