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In observance of the holiday, Independent Bank offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

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At Independent Bank, we understand the great importance of teaching the value of financial literacy to our community members.

Financial literacy is an essential skill for everyone, regardless of income level or financial goals. Understanding how to manage your money effectively can help you achieve financial stability and independence. By developing financial literacy, you can learn how to create and stick to a budget, save for emergencies and future goals, invest wisely, and avoid common financial pitfalls. Whether you're just starting out on your financial journey or looking to improve your existing knowledge, there are many resources available to help you develop financial literacy. Take the time to educate yourself about personal finance and you'll be on your way to achieving your financial goals and living a more secure and fulfilling life.
 
No matter what stage of life you are in, we are here to help you Be Independent. Check out our financial literacy resources below.

 


ONE Wallet+

Need Help Budgeting?

Check out our free money management tool, ONE Wallet+, and access all of your financial information, from checking accounts and credit cards to mortgages and investments, in one convenient location within ONE Wallet Online and Mobile Banking.
 
Take control of your finances with a full financial view. Pull in your accounts, credit cards, and investments from other financial institutions. Create budgets, manage trends, and even set financial goals.

Learn More


Calculators

Plan for your future with our FREE loan calculators and more!

Whether you are looking to calculate your auto payment, a mortgage loan, a home equity line of credit, retirement/savings goals, or your business finances, we’ve got you covered.

 

Learn More


Blue Bridge Card

Every Little Bit Counts – Start saving with our Change It Up Program

Enroll in our free Change It Up program, and every time you use your Independent Bank Debit Mastercard° to make a purchase, we will round up the amount to the nearest dollar and deposit the difference into your savings account. Start saving without the hassle, and see how quickly all that change really adds up!

 

Learn More


SwiftSavers_ClubHouse

Swift Savings Account

Learning to save at an early age is important. Independent Bank’s eagle mascot, Swift, encourages young people under 18 to begin saving early. The account earns interest, plus there’s no minimum balance and no fees for children under 18.

 

Learn More


What is your financial GPA?

GPA is an acronym for grade point average, representing your overall academic performance. You're probably familiar with this term from report cards and college applications. But did you know that your credit score is like a financial GPA? 

 

Just like your GPA, your credit score is a cumulative number that represents what you have done in the world of credit. Your credit score is used as a predictor of how likely you are to be financially responsible and repay a loan.

 

How is your credit score calculated?

  • Your credit score is calculated in this way: 35% is based on payment history; 30% is outstanding debt and how much credit is already available, even if you haven't used it; 15% is based on the length of time a consumer has had credit; 10% is based on the amount of inquiries into a report; and 10% is based on current types of credit. 

  • Your credit score will be a number between 300 and 850, depending on the criteria above. A credit score of 720 or above is generally good, and may be able to help you to be approved for a loan and often at a better interest rate. 

How can you raise your credit score?

  • Pay your bills in full and on time.

  • Check your credit report at least once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com. Review for errors or inaccuracies and address any you find.

  • Stick to a spending plan and create a realistic budget. Start by writing down what you spend for a month or two--you'll be surprised how much you spend and where, and hopefully find ways to save.

Don't get fooled, be aware of IRS Scams

What Happens

Scammers claiming to work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may reach out via phone, email, or text message saying that you owe money to the government. Be aware of these scenarios:
  • Taxes - Fraudsters will say that you owe taxes, demanding that you pay right away. They usually require payment through a wire transfer, prepaid debit/gift card, or funds via a mobile payment app. Often, they will threaten arrest or deportation if you don't pay. 
  • Information Verification - The scammer will send you an email or text message that asks you to confirm or authenticate your personal information. The message often includes a link to click or another feature that connects you to a fraudulent form or website. 

What You Need To Know

  • Be wary of anyone claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will always contact you via postal mail before making a call about unpaid taxes.
  • The IRS will not threaten to arrest you for not paying a bill.
  • If the IRS does contact you, they will offer you time to submit an appeal. 
  • Scammers can spoof caller ID, changing the name that appears on your phone, so don't trust the caller just because it may show up as "IRS."
  • If you think that you owe back taxes, you can check with the IRS by calling 800.829.1040.
  • If you think you may have been scammed, be sure to report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov

What is Identity Fraud?


Identity fraud occurs when a criminal steals personal information about an individual and assumes his/her identity by applying for credit, running up large bills, failing to pay creditors, and overall ruining the victim's credit history.
 
How to Avoid Identity Fraud
  • When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
  • Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically.
  • Sign up for text or email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
  • Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
  • Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
  • Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

Whatever your financial goals, we are always here to help. If you would like to discuss any of the services we offer to help you start saving, learn how to grow or improve your credit, or how to stay financially savvy, one of our banking or investment representatives would be happy to assist you.*

*Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Advisory services are only offered by Investment Adviser Representatives. Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency.

 

Individuals affiliated with this broker/dealer firm are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives, who can offer both types of services.

 

Registered office address: 230 W. Main St., Ionia, MI 48846