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Coin and Coffee Blog

Welcome to Coin and Coffee, your go-to resource for a rich blend of insights and tips.  Articles crafted to provide valuable information that caters to all levels of expertise, empowering you to make informed financial decisions. Enhance your financial acumen and navigate your financial journey with confidence.
1/10/2024
Tips for Building and Maintaining Solid Credit in 2024
 
Creating and maintaining a solid credit foundation is key to achieving financial wellness and success. We have teamed up with the Independent Community Bankers of America(Opens in a new Window) (ICBA) to offer insights empowering you to establish, grow, and maintain strong credit in 2024.

These 7 tips can help you build and sustain good credit. Read Tips Now.
1/22/2024
What is Spoofing? 
 
Spoofing is one of many tactics scammers use in their theft attempts. Arm yourself with the information and tools below to protect your financial life and stop scammers in tracts. Learn about spoofing 
12/20/24
Protect Yourself, Family, and Friends from Fraudsters
 
A Grinchy Plot: Customers receive a phone call claiming to be from The Friendship State Bank, stating that their accounts are under investigation or audit. The caller insists that it's a private investigation, demanding utmost confidentiality - don't tell your banker!

Here's the Grinchy twist – customers are instructed to withdraw all their money and deposit it into a Bitcoin kiosk or wire funds, all in the name of protecting their funds. Learn More About this Scam
1/30/2024
Understanding Trigger Leads: How to Stop These Unsolicited Offers 
 
When you apply for a mortgage or seek pre-approval, your credit report is pulled by the lender. This credit inquiry information is then sold by the credit bureaus to other lenders as trigger leads. Fortunately, you have options to prevent or stop trigger leads. Learn How To Stop Unsolicited Lending Offers
3/20/2024
Tips to Eclipse Financial Stress
 
It's the perfect time to illuminate financial wellness and community banking as the April 8 solar eclipse offers a moment of cosmic pause.
 

5/3/2024

Money, Mental Health, and Resilience

Managing personal finances can often feel like navigating a minefield of stress and anxiety. What if I told you that with the right mindset and strategies, you could not only weather the storm but emerge stronger and more resilient?

Let's explore how a positive mindset and proactive mental health management can help you thrive in the face of financial challenges. READ MORE

05/14/2024
Money Mules: 7 Red Flags You need to Know
 
Unraveling the threads of financial crime reveals a central figure: the money mule. These unwitting accomplices play a crucial yet perilous role in facilitating the movement of illegally acquired funds, adding layers of complexity to investigations. But how can you spot the signs and protect yourself from becoming entangled in this web of deceit? Read More
A woman in a green shirt works on her laptop while pointing to a financial worksheet, with a calculator placed beside her.
08/24/2024
Debt Detox: Part 1
Understanding Debt

If the mere thought of debt makes your stomach churn, you’re not alone. Debt can indeed be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life.
This series will empower you with the tools to manage your debt—so it works for you, not against you. READ NOW
10/24/2024
Debt Detox: Part 2:
Debt Repayment Strategies


Looking to tackle your debt? Learn about the Snowball and Avalanche methods, two effective strategies for paying off debt, and get practical tips to help you stay on track. 
Explore Strategies






























Student wearing a backpack and exiting local coffee shop with an iced coffee.

3 Easy Ways to Establish Credit
Establishing credit is becoming even more important in today’s culture. And it  is beneficial for so much more than qualifying for a credit card, vehicle loan, or home loan. Start Establishing Your Credit Now

4 Easy Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early and Save
 
Paying off your mortgage early may seem like a daunting; it is more realistic than you think. Learn how now.
Loan officer and customer (two women) sign loan documents for customers first home purchase.

Why You Need a Loan Officer Before You Need a Loan
 
Kayla  journey towards home ownership began by building a relationship with a banker and growing her financial knowledge. Read Kayla's Story Now

Buying Land at Age 19
 
And at age 19, Trey invested in 10 acres of undeveloped land in Southeastern Indiana. Read his story now
Woman driving car with dog.

7 Tips for Buying a Vehicle from a Private Seller
 
Buying from a private seller comes with some additional risks and work. This tips ensure your car buying experience has a happy ending. Get Tips Now


Credit Cards vs. Personal Loans
 
Most people need (or want) to make a purchase at some point that is more than the cash they have available. Do you wait until you have the money saved, pull out a credit card, or go to the bank for a personal loan? Learn More Now

Tips for Building and Maintaining Solid Credit
 
These 7 tips can help you build and sustain good credit. READ TIPS NOW

How to Prevent and Stop Unsolicited Mortgage Offers 
 
These four actions can help prevent and stop unwanted calls, texts, and emails. Stop Unsolicited Lending Offers

3 Must-Dos Before Buying Your First Home
 
Are you daydreaming about your first home? Before diving into the exhilarating world of house hunting, take a moment to craft a strategic plan.

Here are three essential steps to ensure a seamless journey through the shopping and buying process:






























What is a Health Savings Account?
 
A Health Savings Account, HSA, is a tool that employees and employers have to improve their health care options. It is a tax-advantaged way to accumulate savings for medical expenses. LEARN HOW TO SAVE WITH AN HSA

20 Things Kids Need to Know for a Healthy Financial Life

Knowing how teach kids about money can be challenging.  Did you know, it is recommended to introduce the concept of money as early as age three? SEE 20 MONEY CONCEPTS FOR KIDS

How to Start an Emergency Fund
 
Building an emergency fund may seem overwhelming especially when finances are tight. It is okay to start small.  Getting started is the most important step. Get Started
Man leaning against brick wall using phone

Financial Prep for Your College Life

How prepared do you feel to manage your financial life? It is never too late (or early) to start developing financial skills for life after graduation. READ MORE

Checking vs. Savings

Have you ever considered the difference between the two most common bank accounts - checking and savings? Discover the difference
Woman putting decorations on fireplace mantal.

7 Essential Banking Tools for the Holidays (and Year Round

Use these digital banking tools and easily manage your finances for a stress-free holiday. See tools now. 







































Safeguarding Against a Cyberattack
 
Our staff also undergoes routine cybersecurity training to spot and thwart attacks, but another essential weapon in the fight against cyber threats is an educated consumer.
 

When It is Safe to Use and Not Use Mobile Payment Apps 
 
Digital payment methods are not all created equal for fraud prevention and protection. P2P apps are especially risky when not used for their designed purpose. These apps are created by third-party vendors (not banks) to simplify financial transactions between people who know and trust each other.
 

Protecting Yourself Online: 7 Easy Ways to Protect Yourself

Living in the digital age has many advantages. It can also make us vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams, but with a education, awareness, and action, we can protect ourselves. 


Debit Card Safety: Shopping Online

Debits cards are handy; although we recommend using a credit card for all online purchases. Debit card fraud, as a result of online use, is higher than in-person debit card transactions.
 

When Love Stinks - Romance Scammers' Dirty Lies
 
Romance scammers break your bankers’ hearts. They take advantage of your desire for love, belonging, and affection for one thing – your money.
 

How to Protect Your Parents from Financial Scams
 
Here are some steps fraud experts suggest taking to protect your parents and other older adults you care about from falling victim.


What is Spoofing? 
 
Spoofing is one of many tactics scammers use in their theft attempts. Arm yourself with the information and tools below to protect your financial life and stop scammers in tracts. Learn about spoofing 

Protect Yourself, Family, and Friends from Fraudsters
 
A Grinchy Plot: Customers receive a phone call claiming to be from The Friendship State Bank, stating that their accounts are under investigation or audit. The caller insists that it's a private investigation, demanding utmost confidentiality - don't tell your banker!

Here's the Grinchy twist – customers are instructed to withdraw all their money and deposit it into a Bitcoin kiosk or wire funds, all in the name of protecting their funds. Learn More About this Scam