Leaving the comfortable nest of your parents' home or college dorm can be exciting and frightening at the same time...whether you're moving into your first apartment or buying your first home.
One of the things we love about living in the Tennessee Valley is our rich agricultural heritage. As a matter of fact, Bank Independent was founded by a group of farmers in 1947 when the Leighton, Ala. farming community needed a financial institution. Our roots run deep in the Alabama soil, so helping our farm families thrive is in our blood.
Annual physical exams. Annual performance reviews. Annual closet clean-out. Lots of us perform "routine maintenance" on an annual basis just to review what's changed over the past year and to make sure we're up-to-date. Or we want to make sure we have everything we need and evaluate what we need to do differently going forward. But have you ever thought about doing an annual checkup on your mortgage?
How often do you hear this when checking out at a retailer: "Are you a member of our loyalty program?" or "Do you have your rewards card with you today?" These days, consumers can easily collect a keychain full of bar-coded fobs designating their loyalty to certain merchants. The programs aren't a passing fad. In fact, studies show that loyalty and reward programs are growing in popularity because of the benefits they offer to both businesses and consumers. The great news is that these programs are no longer just for the big box stores--there are some simple ways small business owners like you can show your customers how much you appreciate them, and keep them coming back!
Spending less and saving more is one of the top three New Year's Resolutions this year, but now that we're almost one-sixth of the way through 2016, most of us have long forgotten those pesky resolutions. (Except when the gym membership comes out of your account each month.) Just in time for spring, America Saves Week (#ASW2016) is here to get us back on track.
Spring is in the air (well, today anyway) and your cabin fever is at an all-time high. Maybe you're beginning to think about home improvement projects, or simplifying and downsizing, or maybe you're out of room and ready to move into a bigger space. If making these dreams a reality means a loan is in your future, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your credit is in good shape before you apply.
Animal shelters have been quite the controversial subject in northwest Alabama in recent years. Across our six counties newspaper headlines and social media posts have amplified the voices of animal advocates of all kinds who are passionately fighting for funding, facilities and support for the shelters...some of which are struggling to remain viable with the limited resources they are allotted. Most shelters rely upon community donations and support from volunteer groups and rescue organization to assist them with supplies and services and to help find homes for our furry friends. And although volunteer groups, shelter staff, and rescue organizations may disagree from time to time, when it comes right down to it, they are all working toward the same goal: to save the animals.
Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. Bank Independent recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe.
It's been said that in order to succeed in business, a small business owner should secure trustworthy relationships with three types of professionals: an accountant, an attorney and a banker. Each of these partners provide crucial services to help your business grow. But how do you know you've chosen the right one?
