Maximize Your Mobile Banking Experience

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Mobile banking is more than just a convenient way to check your accounts on the go – it’s a toolbox.

In fact, when you log-in to your account, you have dozens of tools at your disposal, and the best part, they’re free! If you’re enrolled in mobile banking, but not taking advantage of various alerts and account preferences, use the below tips to turn your digital banking into an aid for managing your money and monitoring your account activity.

Mobile banking is more than just a convenient way to check your accounts on the go – it’s a toolbox.

In fact, when you log-in to your account, you have dozens of tools at your disposal, and the best part, they’re free! If you’re enrolled in mobile banking, but not taking advantage of various alerts and account preferences, use the below tips to turn your digital banking into an aid for managing your money and monitoring your account activity.

1) Set Up Alerts

In the F&M Bank mobile app, customers can set up various text alerts based on account activity. Here are a few alert options you can access in minutes.

Balance

If you are not proactive at checking your account balance on a regular basis, you can receive a text either daily, or monthly, depending on your preference. This is a great way to ensure your checkbook and online account balances match!

  • Daily balance – This will send an alert of your daily balance for a particular account.
  • Monthly balance – This will send an alert once a month of your current balance on a particular day.

Balances Above/Below

You also can set up alerts that notify you when your account balance falls below or goes above and indicated amount. For example, if you establish an alert and indicate $1,000 as your preferred checking account balance, you will be alerted via text if an expenditure drops your balance to $950. This tool can serve as a wake-up call for overspending, or a pleasant surprise for those trying to achieve a savings goal.

  • Balances above/below – This will send an alert when your balance falls below or goes above the amount you define.

Transaction

This tool alerts you when certain transactions are made. You can select which transactions interest you (ACH, Debit Card, Wires, etc.), or, you can select all. A dollar amount must be established. For example, if you want to receive a text every time a debit card transaction is made greater than $50, you can set up that alert in minutes. This is a great way to monitor fraud, and ensure you are aware of the purchases being made on your account.

  • Transaction – this will send alerts when particular transactions are applied to your account.

To begin setting up alerts, visit the “Text Banking” tab in the mobile app.

2) Make Savings Automatic

Take advantage of the automatic transfer tool in online banking to build your savings. If you know your paycheck posts to your account every Friday, schedule a weekly transfer from your checking account to savings. If you don’t think you can afford to save a large amount each week, start small. By setting up an auto-transfer, you’re consistently saving, and that is what is important. Just click, the “Transfers” tab in the mobile app to get started.

3) Protect Your Accounts with Touch ID

F&M Bank’s mobile app is extremely secure – it uses 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect your information and we don’t store any information on your phone. You are required to log in each time you access your account information or bill pay services through Mobile Banking. Instead of entering your username and password every time, use your thumb print instead! Just visit the “User Options” tab to set up this feature.

4) Deposit Checks on the Go

Deposit checks quickly and safely with the F&M Bank mobile app!

  • Sign in to the app.
  • Click on “Mobile Deposit Capture”.
  • Choose deposit checks. Or, click transactions to view recent deposits.
  • Follow the prompts on your mobile screen.
  • Confirm the details are correct and press “submit”.
  • You will come to the final screen – press “I agree”, and you are finished.

 

How Much Does Owning a Pet Really Cost?

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So you’ve decided to get a pet. Aside from making sure you’re responsible and emotionally prepared to give your new friend a great life — no pressure — it’s crucial to consider the logistics. This means time — and, of course, money.

So you’ve decided to get a pet. Aside from making sure you’re responsible and emotionally prepared to give your new friend a great life — no pressure — it’s crucial to consider the logistics. This means time — and, of course, money.

Here’s what to expect in terms of expenses:

Bringing Fido home

The initial cost of getting a pet, including the necessary equipment, can range from less than $100 to several thousands, depending on the type of animal or breed. For example, a report from Rover.com finds the average one-time cost of getting a dog is $838.

But if you want a purebred puppy, you’ll pay upward of $2,000 at some breeders before going shopping for a dog bed and toys. Adoption is always a low-cost way to get a pet. At most shelters, the one-time fee ($0-$500) covers vaccines, spaying/neutering and a microchip.

Remember that dogs aren’t the only animals waiting for a forever home at shelters. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, and fish are occasionally available for adoption.

Recurring expenses

Your pet’s monthly expenses also depend on its size, age, health and behavior, as well as your location and the brand and type of supplies you buy. Fish are usually the lowest maintenance, requiring only food. Be prepared to shell out a couple hundred dollars for an aquarium when you first get Nemo, though.

For small mammals, budget for food, bedding and occasional toys or treats. This will total about $300 a year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Larger mammals, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, love lots of bedding that needs to be changed often and cost closer to $600-$700 annually.

Cats and dogs need food, treats and toys, yearly medical checkups, flea and tick prevention, and sometimes licenses. The ASPCA estimates that caring for a cat costs $670 per year, including an annual vet visit. Rover.com reports the average monthly costs of owning a dog to be $75, with a yearly checkup averaging $120. That works out to $1,020 per year.

Bump up your budget for big dogs that need (a lot) more food, animals that must be groomed often, pets that need walkers or sitters, and, depending on your animal’s health and behavior, medical bills.

Unexpected costs

With pets, accidents happen — and they could cost you thousands.

“Unexpected veterinary bills are the most surprising — and most costly — variables in dog ownership,” says Brandie Gonzales, director of corporate communications and PR for Rover.com. “While preventative care can go a long way, you’ll want to be prepared for any veterinary emergencies, like if a dog were to accidentally eat something he shouldn’t. Consider pet insurance, which will make unforeseeable expenses easier on your wallet.”

Of course, cats and other animals are subject to accidents and surprise vet visits, too.Owners might also be surprised at the cost of pets with behavioral problems, including a trainer. “Another unexpected cost would be replacing any household or personal items that your pet might mistake as a toy,” Bank says.

Add pet-sitting to your vacation budget next time you plan to go out of town, and a walker if you have a pup and are gone most of the day. These services can range from around $15 for a walk to about $65 for a night of boarding.

How to save

You don’t need a $325,000 dog mansion to give your pet its best life. There are plenty of ways to save on the things you need: Buy food and treats in bulk for a discount, search your local Craigslist for hand-me-down equipment such as aquariums and cages — just be sure to sanitize before using — and check for coupons from big-box pet stores online before going shopping. You can also wash your dog at home to cut down on trips to the groomers.

Thoughtful purchases will save you money. “Buy puzzle toys to feed your dog treats instead of giving them easily consumable treats,” Gonzales says. “The toys are a great game for your dog and you’ll spend less on treats.”

Just don’t skimp on high-quality, nourishing pet food; flea and tick medication; and veterinary care. “Preventative treatments, vaccinations and dental care keep your dog healthy and help you save in the long run,” Gonzales says.

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