Cybercrime dominated the headlines in 2016.  From the political accusations of foreign hacking to major hacks and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, the far-reaching and ever-evolving activities of cybercriminals grabbed the national spotlight.

Last week we talked about the variety of accounts that will safely store (and potentially grow) your hard-earned savings: traditional savings, money markets, Christmas clubs, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and certificates of deposit (CDs).

OK, so the title of this blog may be a trick question. Here's why...

Every year, millions of consumers fall victim to cybercrime. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2014, consumers lost more than $800 million from scams initiated through the web...and the holidays are a prime time for fraud.  We originally published this blog in June, but it's worth repeating during the busiest and most distracted month of the year.

It's the first week of December, and most of us are already knee-deep in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But while we're perpetually preoccupied with holiday shopping, tree-trimming, and cookie-baking, cyber criminals are laser-focused on taking advantage of our distraction.

An accountant, an attorney and a banker.  

These are the three critical relationships every small business needs to secure to ensure success.  But how do you know you've chosen the right one?

Family, friends, our health, a roof over our heads and a meal on our table...it's not difficult to come up with reasons we are thankful this holiday season. At Bank Independent, our Helping Hands program reminds us throughout the year of not only these blessings, but also those in our community who may not share them.

Ahhh...the empty nest.  At first, it's bliss. You finally have privacy!  You no longer have to stock the fridge with pizza rolls! Your laundry and dishwashing tasks are cut in half!  Soon, though, you notice that your voice is echoing through the empty halls and your spare rooms are growing spider webs.  Is it time to consider downsizing?

Sometimes it's smarter to buy certain items according to the season, like sweaters near the end of  winter and swimsuits in late summer. But what's the best season for buying a house?

I must admit I am ready for Christmas music.