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Education & Tips & Tricks

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Vacation Savings Tips Without Sacrificing Summer Fun

Summer is meant for making memories such as family road trips, backyard barbecues, and spontaneous adventures! But enjoying the season doesn’t have to mean overspending. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can stretch your dollars while still soaking up every moment of summer fun. Here’s how to save for vacation without […]

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Diverse group of young adults proudly wearing graduation gowns and caps.

Five Financial Lessons Every Teen Should Learn Before Graduation

Graduation is an exciting milestone. Whether your teen is headed to college, trade school, the workforce, or the military, one thing is certain: financial independence is right around the corner. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we believe financial education is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation. Before your teen tosses […]

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Spring-Clean Your Finances: 6 Tasks for a Fresh Start This March

As the weather warms up and we start clearing out closets and garages, March is also the perfect time to give your finances a thorough spring cleaning. A little organization now can help you save money, reduce stress, protect your accounts, and set yourself up for a stronger financial year. Here are six simple tasks […]

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Mature couple calculating bills at home using laptop and calculator. Couple working on computer while calculating finances sitting on couch. Mature man with woman at home analyzing their finance with documents.

Why a Budget Review in January Sets You Up for Success

As the holiday season wraps up and a new year begins, January is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and refresh your financial plan. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we believe a solid start in January can set the tone for a successful year and one of the best steps you can take is a […]

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Close up photo of a woman doing taxes with laptop and tax forms in a house

Smart Year-End Tax Prep Tips for Small Business Owners

As the end of the year approaches, it’s a critical time for small business owners to get ahead of tax season. Whether you’re wrapping up your first year or have been in business for decades, proactive tax planning can make a big difference when it comes time to file. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we […]

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Digital banking with F&M, online and mobile banking

Your Debit Card’s New Best Friend: Digital Wallets

Technology is changing the way we pay—and your Farmers & Merchants Bank debit card has a powerful partner. Meet your debit card’s new best friend: the digital wallet. If you’re not already using a digital wallet, you might be wondering what all the buzz is about. Let’s break it down and explore why this simple […]

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Stay Safe Online: Essential Digital Banking Safety Tips from Farmers & Merchants Bank

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, your financial security is always our top priority. With the convenience of digital banking comes the responsibility to protect your personal and financial information. As more people rely on digital banking tools for everyday transactions, it’s important to stay vigilant and informed about best practices for staying safe online. Here […]

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Karen Gillen and Sara Weber former Benton County Fair Queens

Crowns, Confidence & Community: Lessons from the Benton County Fair Queen Contest

Honoring 25 Years for Sara and 40 Years for Karen Every summer, fairgrounds across Indiana come alive with more than livestock shows and lemon shake-ups. They’re places where traditions are honored, confidence is built, and community shines brightest—especially on Queen Contest night. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re proud to celebrate two of our own […]

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Samantha Otten, Ag-Commercial Lender at Farmers and Merchants Bank

From the Show Ring to the Lending Desk: How 4-H Shaped My Passion for Agriculture

By Samantha Otten Ag-Commercial Lender at Farmers and Merchants Bank Every summer when the fairgrounds fill with the smell of sawdust and the hum of anticipation, I’m reminded just how much 4-H shaped the person I am today. Before I was an Ag Lender at Farmers and Merchants, I was a kid with a bucket […]

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Is It Time to Refinance? How to Decide If Refinancing Is Right for You

Refinancing your mortgage or other loans can be a great financial move but it’s not always the right decision for everyone. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we want to help you understand the benefits, potential drawbacks, and key factors to consider when deciding if refinancing is the right choice for you. What Is Refinancing? Refinancing […]

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Empowering Employees While Protecting Your Business: Smart Financial Controls for Fraud Prevention

As a business owner, you know that success depends on a strong, trusted team. Empowering employees with financial responsibilities can improve efficiency and operations but it’s also essential to have proper controls in place to prevent fraud. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re committed to helping businesses balance trust with security to protect their bottom […]

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7 Smart Money Tips from Farmers & Merchants Bank

April is Financial Literacy Month a perfect time to sharpen your money management skills and set yourself up for financial success. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re committed to helping our customers build strong financial habits that last a lifetime. Here are some simple, yet key tips to improve your financial literacy this month and […]

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Understanding Financing Options for Farm Loans from Farmers & Merchants Bank

Farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life and a vital part of our community. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a farm. Whether you’re looking to purchase land, upgrade equipment, or expand operations, finding the right financing option is essential for your […]

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Is Buying a Rental Property Right for You? Benefits and Tips to Getting Started

Investing in a rental property can be an excellent way to build wealth, generate passive income, and diversify your financial portfolio. But is it the right move for you? At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re here to help you weigh the benefits and navigate the process if you’re ready to take the leap. Here are […]

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Mature couple, sofa and laptop for planning finance, retirement funding and investment or asset management at home. Elderly people or man and woman reading information on computer for pension savings

New Year, New Financial Goals: Tips for Saving in 2025

As we turn the page to a new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and set a plan for success. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re here to help you make 2025 your most financially secure year yet. Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, building an emergency fund, or planning […]

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FM Bank Logo Graphic, Exciting Leadership announcement.

Donald Blume named New President, The Farmers and Merchants Bank

West Lafayette, IN (12-11-2024) The Farmers and Merchants Bank is pleased to name Donald Blume as President of The Farmers and Merchants Bank effective January 1, 2025, succeeding current bank President Grant Whaley. “It has been an honor serving as President, CEO & Chairman of The Farmers and Merchants Bank. I would like to personally […]

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Start a Christmas Club Account for 2025: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Holiday

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring financial stress if you’re not prepared. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we want to help you enjoy a more peaceful holiday season in 2025 by starting a Christmas Club account today. A Christmas Club account is an easy and effective […]

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Serious man using laptop sitting at the table in a home office, focused guy in casual clothing looking at the paper, communicating online, writing emails, distantly working or studying on computer at home.

How to File a Beneficial Ownership Report: A Guide for Businesses

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we’re dedicated to keeping our customers informed about regulatory requirements that impact their businesses. One such requirement is the filing of a Beneficial Ownership report, mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). If your business is required to file, understanding the process is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. […]

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Holiday Shopping Savings Tips from Farmers & Merchants Bank

The holiday season is near, and while it’s a time of joy and celebration, it can also lead to overspending if you’re not careful. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we believe in helping our customers make the most of their money, especially during the busiest shopping time of the year. Here are some smart savings […]

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Cyber Security Tips

In today’s digital age, protecting your personal and financial information is more critical than ever. At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we prioritize your security and are committed to helping you stay safe online. Here are some essential cybersecurity tips to safeguard your sensitive data: Use Strong, Unique Passwords We’ve said if before and we will […]

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Financial Literacy Month; A Great Time to Focus on Financial Education

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of financial education and the crucial role it plays in empowering people to make informed decisions about their money. In today’s complex financial landscape, understanding the basics of money management is more important than ever. Farmers & Merchants Bank is proud to stand with […]

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Revolutionizing Banking with FedNow: A Leap into Real-Time Payments

We’re excited to share groundbreaking news that’s set to transform your banking experience — FedNow. Developed by the Federal Reserve, FedNow is a real-time payment system designed to bring convenience and efficiency to your financial transactions. Let’s delve into what FedNow is and how it benefits you: Real-Time Payments, Real-Time Power. FedNow is revolutionizing the […]

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wrapped gifts on wooden table

6 Tips to Avoid Overspending this Holiday

Can you feel it? Fall is in the air. The leaves are turning into gorgeous hues of bright reds and orange. Football, fires, and fall festivals are in full swing!  That means the holidays are right around the corner. Before long, you’ll be making your holiday gift list! It’s easy to go overboard, but this […]

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Young Business Children Make Faces Holding Lots of Money

Financial Literacy Month – Importance of Financial Literacy for Youth

We talk about finance a lot in our day-to-day interactions, and we understand the importance of understanding basic finance concepts. But not everyone understands financial literacy and it’s an important part of our jobs to educate as much as possible. April is Financial Literacy Month and we’re outlining some important reasons for teaching our young […]

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Setting Yourself Up for Long Term Financial Success – 5 Tips

Happy New Year, we hope you had a very happy holiday season! With a new year, people often create new resolutions, dreams, and goals. Make this year a great financial year by following a few simple tips for financial success! Make budgeting a top priority in 2023: sit down and create a budget and stick […]

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Stock photo of the Business Man with a credit card and a laptop

Tips to Lower or Eliminate Credit Card Debt

If you’re carrying a significant amount of credit card debt, you’re not alone. It is estimated that the average U.S. household has nearly $7,000 in credit card balances. Although it takes time and dedication to reduce the balances or eliminate them altogether, there are steps you can take to get control and eventually free yourself […]

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Financial Literacy written on a notepad sheet. Education concept.

Commemorating Financial Literacy Month with Helpful Tips

April kicks off Financial Literacy Month which is dedicated to increasing financial literacy and promoting financial education in our communities and schools. This makes it a wonderful time to review your own finances and examine tips to help ensure you and your family are informed and equipped to effectively manage your money now and in […]

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Family saving money in piggy bank

Teaching Good Money Habits to Kids

Managing money is one of the most significant life lessons parents can teach their children. Instilling the value of budgeting, saving, and spending wisely sets your child up for future success in handling their finances. Let’s look at some ways to introduce good money habits to children. Basic Banking Opening a child’s first bank account […]

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Make the Most of Your Household Budget

Getting a clear picture of your household financial situation is always a good strategy. But getting it done can be challenging, particularly in an uncertain economic climate. The best way to manage your money (and hang on to more of it) is by creating and following a budget. It opens your eyes to your cash […]

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What to Know About Stimulus Payment Scams

As a second round of CARES Act stimulus checks makes its way to eligible Americans in the amount of $600 each, scammers have resurfaced to try to snatch them from unsuspecting and innocent citizens. There are few things to be aware of to ensure you don’t fall victim to these unscrupulous swindlers. The IRS is […]

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woman holding shopping bags walking down city street Christmas shopping

‘Tis the Season to Watch Your Spending!!

The holiday season is finally upon us and with it comes all the usual cheer and stress that the hustle and bustle of shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones brings. Following are a couple ways to keep your finances in check and get the most ‘bang for your buck’ while you […]

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A penny saved is a penny earned Message. Recycled paper note pinned on cork board.

Simple tips to stretch your money…

You know what they say about a penny saved, right? Well, pennies don’t go very far these days, but we have some tips that can help save you real dollars. Take a read and see if you can do any of these to stretch your dollars! Being Over-Insured Having insurance is a good idea to […]

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Stimulus Checks 101

If you are like most people in the US who have filed or paid taxes, had previously been employed and/or received retirement benefits, you should be receiving a stimulus check from the US Treasury due to the Covid-19 crisis if you haven’t already. To better understand what this payment represents, let’s briefly explore the government’s […]

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