F&M Bank and Visa Launch New Online Portal to Help Small Businesses Grow

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Running a business is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. From writing a business plan to managing cash flow, todayโ€™s entrepreneurs face countless challenges. Thatโ€™s why F&M Bank, in partnership with Visa, has launched the new Practical Business Skills portal to give small business owners the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

This free online hub is designed specifically for small and micro-businesses across Virginia, offering resources that are simple, practical, and ready to use.

Why Small Business Owners Need This Resource

Did you know that nearly 50% of new businesses close within their first five years? Many entrepreneurs struggle with limited time, resources, or guidance. The Practical Business Skills portal was built to change that.

By offering stage-based learning and ready-to-use templates, the platform helps business owners focus on what matters most: building sustainable growth.

What Youโ€™ll Find Inside the Portal

Whether youโ€™re just getting started or looking to expand, the F&M Bank’s Practical Business Skills portal has something for you:

  • Learning Modules & Videos โ€“ Covering business planning, finance, operations, and payments

  • Tools & Templates โ€“ From calculators and checklists to full business plan guides

  • Stage-Based Learning Paths โ€“ Resources tailored for startups, early-stage businesses, and growth-focused companies

  • Digital Payment Guidance โ€“ Insights on how to accept payments and integrate Visa solutions

Everything is designed to be practical, easy to follow, and immediately useful.

Backed by a Trusted Local Partner

Since 1908, F&M Bank has been deeply rooted in the Shenandoah Valley, committed to strengthening local communities. Partnering with Visa allows the bank to extend global best practices directly to Virginia entrepreneurs.

As John Sargent, Retail Banking Director at F&M Bank, puts it:

โ€œSmall businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. This partnership allows us to connect local business owners with world-class resources, helping them succeed in todayโ€™s competitive marketplace.โ€

How to Access the Portal

Getting started is easy and completely free. Simply visit the portal here:
fmbankva.practicalbusinessskills.com/en

Whether youโ€™re writing your first business plan, hiring employees, or preparing to scale, this hub is built to help you every step of the way.

Saving for College in the Shenandoah Valley: Is a 529 Plan Right for Your Family?

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Raising your family in the Shenandoah Valley comes with no shortage of fresh air, mountain views, and a strong community that you can rely on. But when youโ€™re the parents of young children, or youโ€™re expecting your first any day, youโ€™ve probably already started to think about their futureโ€”namely, their education.

 

One of the most popular options for college savings across the country is the 529 plan. For Virginia residents, the well-regarded Invest529 could be the right fit for your family. But exploring all of your options before you make a big investment in your childโ€™s future is important. Weโ€™re here to give you the rundown on the Virginia 529 plan, along with alternatives to find the best college savings plan in Virginia.

What is a 529 Plan?

The Basics of 529 College Savings Plans

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account thatโ€™s specifically designed to help families set aside money for future educational expenses. These plans are typically sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are available to residents of all 50 states.

 

There are typically two kinds of 529 planโ€”the prepaid tuition plan allows you to pay for future tuition at todayโ€™s rates (this isnโ€™t available in Virginia), and the education savings plan that gives you the option to invest your savings in a range of portfolios to grow over time. This is how the Invest529 in Virginia is set up.

How They Work and What They Cover

Funds in a 529 account can be used to cover tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board (if enrolled at least half time), computers and internet coverage, up to $10,000 a year in K-12 tuition, along with apprenticeship programs.

 

You can also use your 529 plan to cover up to $10,000 of student loan repayments. The money in a 529 is invested in portfolios of your choice, which may include options for age-based investments that adjust automatically as your child reaches college age. While investment returns arenโ€™t guaranteed, your contributions have a strong potential of growing over time.

Tax Advantages That Make 529s Attractive

One of the biggest reasons people invest in a 529 is their tax advantaged status. Your money will see tax-free growth, so earnings arenโ€™t taxed as long as withdrawals are used for educational expenses. Many states, Virginia included, also offer tax deductions and credits for contributions to a 529 plan.

Why Families in the Shenandoah Valley Should Consider a 529 Plan

College Planning in a Rural-Urban Mix

With numerous higher education institutions, and subsequent professional opportunities, nearby, the Shenandoah Valley offers the blend of rural living with urban benefits that many young families are looking for.

 

Whether your child is dreaming of attending James Madison University, wants to pursue a trade-based career from Blue Ridge Community College, or is looking further afield throughout the state, their 529 plan can support them.

 

Many local families appreciate the simplicity of a long-term plan like the 529, especially where your savings can go further once your children reach college age.

Access to Local Support and Financial Advising in the Region

Community banks like F&M Bank are here to offer guidance on education savings options. Our financial advisors and banking team have local knowledge to offer you the personalized support youโ€™re looking for, which is especially valuable for navigating state-specific benefits of education plans.

Education and Cost Trends in Virginia and Nearby States

College costs nationwide have been increasing over the last decade, with in-state tuition in Virginia now averaging over $13,000 a year at public universities. Trade programs and community colleges can offer more affordable options, but still come with costs for fees, equipment, and room and board.

 

By starting early, even with small monthly contributions, your child will have more options when it comes to affording college and avoiding debt as much as possible.

Spotlight on Virginiaโ€™s Invest529 Plan

Overview of the Invest529

When youโ€™re thinking about Shenandoah Valley college savings, the Invest529 plan can be a great option, thanks to its flexibility and ease of use. Previously known as the Virginia College Savings Plan, the Invest529 rebrand falls in line with the broader use of these funds outside of a traditional four-year college.

 

There are no minimum contributions required to open an account, with a wide range of investment portfolios available. Funds in the Invest529 plan can also be used for K-12 education and vocational training, along with traditional college degrees.

State Tax Deductions for Virginia Residents

For VA residents, the Invest529 plan offers a state income tax dedication up to $4,000 per account per year (so if you have more than one child, youโ€™ll benefit from each of the 529 plans you have open for them). If you invest more than $4,000 per year, you can carry over the excess to future tax years.

Flexibility and Investment Options Available

Portfolios within the Invest529 plan range from age-based options to static choices like stock, bond, and blended portfolios. This allows you to tailor your account to your comfort and risk levels.

Online Tools and Resources from Invest529

The user-friendly Invest529 website includes calculators, planning tools, and educational resources to help you make the most of your savings. You can easily set up automatic contributions or share a gifting link with family and friends to help them contribute to your childโ€™s future.

Alternatives to the Virginia 529 Plan

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESA)

Available through banks like F&M Bank, Coverdell ESAs are another popular option for tax-advantaged savings for education. These can be used for a wider range of K-12 expenses than a traditional 529 plan, while youโ€™ll also have greater control over your investment choices.

However, the annual contribution limit is only $2,000 per child, and income limits also apply for contributors. Your child must use the funds by the age of 30, whether theyโ€™re paying for a college class or repaying student loans.

Custodial Brokerage Accounts

Custodial brokerage accounts can be set up in your childโ€™s name and can be used for any purposes once they reach 21 (in Virginia). Thereโ€™s no restrictions on how the money can be used and these plans offer broad investment choices. There are, though less favorable tax benefits to these accounts and, crucially, can be counted as an asset for financial aid, which could lower your childโ€™s eligibility for aid.

Roth IRAs for Education

Although Roth IRAs are usually used for retirement, there is an option to make penalty-free withdrawals for qualified educational expenses. This can be a good backup plan for parents who also want to save for their own futures while supporting your children.

Traditional Savings and CDs

For those looking for a low-risk, guaranteed return, a high yield savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) can provide you with predictable growth. However, there are no tax advantages for these accounts and the chances of high returns are much lower than a 529 or ESA.

Tax Considerations: 529s vs Alternatives

Federal and State Tax Benefits of 529 Plans

A 529 plan offers both tax-free growth and withdrawal, along with a VA state income tax deduction. Earnings used for non-qualified expenses, though, are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty.

How Coverdell ESAs Compare on Taxes

When looking at Coverdell ESA vs 529s in Virginia, itโ€™s important to remember that Coverdell ESAs also allow for tax-free growth and withdrawals for educational expenses. There are some contribution and income limitations, which may make these plans less accessible for some families. But in many cases, the tax advantages and flexibility of ESAs is a great option.

Tax Treatment of UGMA, UTMA and Roth IRAs

UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors) are custodial accounts that allow adults to transfer assets to minors without needing to create a formal trust. The earnings in these accounts are taxable annually and withdrawals are not tax free. Roth IRAs have tax-free growth, but non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to taxes or penalties.

 

These options can be good for additional financial planning, but are typically not the best option for educational savings.

How Virginia Residents Can Maximize Tax Efficiency

To prioritize your tax efficiency as a Virginia resident, prioritize your Invest529 contributions up to $4,000 per account per year to take full advantage of the state tax dedication. From there, considering layering in a Coverdell ESA, particularly if you anticipate needing K-12 expenses to be covered as this is more flexible than a 529.

How to Get Started with a 529 Plan in Virginia

Opening an Invest529 Account Online

Opening an Invest529 account is easy โ€” simply apply online at Virginia529.com, where youโ€™ll need to fill out basic information about yourself and your child, or the intended beneficiary. These accounts can be opened with as little as $10.

Choosing Investment Portfolios

Consider your childโ€™s age when you open your accounts, alongside your comfort and risk level. For those with younger children, a more aggressive investment option may be best. Parents of older children who are closer to college age, a more conservative portfolio can help preserve the value of your contributions.

Automatic Contributions and Gifting Options

You can easily set up monthly contributions to an educational savings account. Many also have options to share a custom gift link so that friends and family can also contribute to the account. This can be a great option for holidays and birthdays.

Choosing The Right Path For Your Childrenโ€™s Future

Balancing Tax Benefits, Flexibility and Family Goals

Thereโ€™s no one-size-fits-all approach to saving for your childโ€™s future education. The Virginia Invest529 offers robust tax advantages and flexible options for your portfolio, making it an excellent starting point for many families in the Shenandoah Valley.

Local Financial Advisors and Resources in the Shenandoah Valley

If youโ€™re ready to start saving but arenโ€™t sure which is the best option for your circumstances, talk to the team at F&M bank today. Our local knowledge makes all the difference and weโ€™ll work with you to open a Coverdell ESA to take advantage of tax-deferred growth.

 

Visit us in branch to speak with a local banker about your college savings options, with localized knowledge about the educational landscape of the Shenandoah Valley.

Don’t Just Open a Bank Account- FOCUS On the Right One

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Opening a bank account might seem like a simple task, like grabbing a coffee โ€“ quick and easy. But it’s a far more crucial step in managing your finances, more like choosing a place to live. Whether you’re sticking with F&M Bank in the Shenandoah Valley or checking out other local banks, don’t rush into it! Choosing the wrong account can lead to unexpected fees that chip away at your savings, limited access that makes managing your money a hassle, and a general sense of financial frustration.

In this post, we’ll introduce the FOCUS method โ€“ a simple acronym to help you navigate the process and find the perfect bank account!

What is FOCUS?

FOCUS is your guide to smart banking. It’s a handy way to remember the key elements and questions to ask when choosing a bank account. It stands for:

  • Financial (Needs and Goals)
  • Options (Benefits and Limitations)
  • Clarify (Fees and Costs)
  • Understanding (Future Needs)
  • Security (Security Measures)

Let’s break down each element of FOCUS and explore the key questions you should be asking, turning you from a passive account opener into an informed financial decision-maker.

Financial: Know Your Needs and Goals

Before you head to the nearest F&M Bank branch, take some time for some financial self-reflection. Ask yourself:

  • What are my short-term financial goals? Are you saving for a new phone? Just trying to manage your everyday expenses? Knowing your immediate needs will help you determine the type of account and features you require.
  • What are my long-term financial goals? Are you dreaming of a down payment on a house? Planning for retirement? Your long-term aspirations will influence the kind of banking relationship you need.
  • What type of account best suits my needs? Do you need a simple checking account for daily transactions? A high-yield savings account to grow your nest egg? A money market account for larger sums? Understanding the different types of accounts is essential.
  • How often do I plan to use my account? Are you a frequent debit card user? Do you prefer online banking? Knowing your usage habits will help you prioritize certain features.
  • What features are essential for me? Is online banking a must-have? Do you need mobile check deposit? Are you looking for a bank with a robust rewards program? Make a list of your must-haves.

Knowing your financial needs and goals is the foundation of smart banking. It allows you to choose an account that actively supports your financial journey, not one that hinders it.

Options: Explore Your Banking Options

Now that you’ve defined your needs, it’s time to explore the vast world of banking options. Don’t just settle for the first account you stumble upon! Compare the specific account types available and their benefits and limitations.

Benefits

For each account you consider, evaluate the benefits:

  • Interest Rates: How competitive is the interest rate? Is it fixed or variable? How often is it compounded?
  • Fees: Are there any monthly maintenance fees? How can they be waived? What are the fees for ATM usage, overdrafts, and other services?
  • Online and Mobile Banking: How user-friendly is the online and mobile platform? Does it offer features like bill pay, mobile check deposit, and budgeting tools?
  • ATM Access: How extensive is the bank’s ATM network? Are there fees for using out-of-network ATMs?
  • Rewards Programs: Does the account offer any rewards, such as cashback, points, or travel miles?
  • Overdraft Protection: What are the overdraft protection options? What are the associated fees?
  • Customer Service: How accessible and responsive is the bank’s customer service?
  • Other Perks: Does the account offer any other benefits, such as free checks, discounts on other financial products, or financial planning resources?

Limitations

Be aware of limitations for each account you’re considering:

  • Minimum Balance Requirements: Are there any minimum balance requirements to avoid fees or earn interest?
  • Transaction Limits: Are there limits on the number of monthly transactions you can make?
  • Withdrawal Restrictions: Are there any restrictions on how often you can withdraw money from the account?
  • Limited Features: Does the account lack any features that are important to you, such as online bill pay or mobile check deposit?
  • Fees: We’ve mentioned fees before, but it’s worth reiterating. Pay close attention to all potential fees!
  • Accessibility: Are the bank’s branches and ATMs conveniently located? Is customer service readily available?

Consider creating a simple comparison chart โ€“ a spreadsheet or even a handwritten table โ€“ to weigh the pros and cons of each account side-by-side. This will help you visualize the differences and make a more informed choice.

Clarify: Avoid Fee Surprises

Fees can be the silent killers of your financial well-being. Don’t make the mistake of assuming any account is “free.” Carefully investigate all potential fees. Ask about:

  • Monthly maintenance fees (and how to avoid them): Many accounts charge a monthly fee, but often there are ways to prevent it. Find out the requirements (e.g., minimum balance, direct deposit).
  • ATM fees (in-network and out-of-network): Using ATMs outside your bank’s network can be costly. Understand the fee structure and look for accounts with broad ATM access.
  • Overdraft fees (and overdraft protection options): Overdrafts can lead to hefty charges. Understand how overdraft protection works and what the associated fees are.
  • Transaction fees (e.g., wire transfers, stop payments): If you anticipate needing these services, be aware of the costs.
  • Inactivity fees: Some banks charge a fee for accounts that haven’t been used for a certain period.
  • Account closure fees: While you hopefully won’t be closing the account anytime soon, it’s good to know if there are any fees associated with doing so.

Understanding the fee structure is crucial to avoid unexpected charges and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.

Understanding: Think Long term

Your financial needs are not static; they will evolve as you move through different life stages. Think about your future and consider the following:

  • Will my banking needs change in the next few years? Are you planning to get married? Buy a house? Start a family? These life events can significantly impact your financial needs.
  • Does the bank offer other financial products and services I might need in the future? Will you need a mortgage? A car loan? Investment accounts? Choosing a bank that offers a range of services can simplify your financial life down the road.
  • Will I need access to branches in different locations? If you anticipate moving or traveling frequently, consider a bank with a wide branch network or convenient online and mobile banking options.
  • Will I need international banking services? If you plan to live or work abroad, look for a bank that offers international transactions and ATM access.

Choosing a bank that can grow with you and adapt to your changing needs will save you time, hassle, and potentially money in the long run.

Security: Protecting Yourself

Protecting your money and personal information is non-negotiable. It’s like having a good security system for your house. Ask about the bank’s security measures:

  • Is the account FDIC insured? This is essential! FDIC insurance protects your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
  • What security measures are in place to protect my account from fraud and unauthorized access? Look for features like two-factor authentication, fraud alerts, encryption, and robust online security protocols.
  • What is the bank’s policy on data breaches? While no system is completely impenetrable, it’s important to understand how the bank will handle a data breach and protect your information.

Knowing your money is safe and your information is secure provides invaluable peace of mind and is a non-negotiable aspect of choosing a bank account.

FOCUS When Opening a Bank Account

By using the FOCUS method, you can transform the often-daunting task of opening a bank account into a strategic and informed decision. Remember to take your time, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and compare your options carefully.

At F&M Bank, we strive to offer banking products that meet your needsโ€”wherever you are on your financial journey. Ourย Basic Checking Accountsย provide a simple, free option for money management, with free online and mobile banking, free debit cards, free financial advisor consultations, and free e-statements. And when you’re ready to move on to a premium account, we haveย several options to choose from.

Stop by one at one ofย our locationsย in the Shenandoah Valley to learn more about our checking account choices, orย open an accountย online today!

Introducing Financial Health Suite: Your All-in-One Money and Identity Protection Tool

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At F&M Bank, we believe in constantly evolving our products and services to better serve our customers and strengthen our community in the Shenandoah Valley. Weโ€™re more than just a place to store your moneyโ€”weโ€™re your trusted financial partner, always looking for ways to help you manage your finances with confidence and security. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™re excited to introduce Financial Health Suite, a powerful set of tools designed to help you monitor your credit score, protect your identity, and oversee your subscriptionsโ€”all from one convenient location.

What You Get with Financial Health Suite

Imagine having full control over your financial well-being without juggling multiple apps or services. With Financial Health Suite, you can now access these features directly through F&M Bank:

ยท Credit Score Monitoring โ€“ Keep an eye on your VantageScoreยฎ 3.0 and track changes over time to stay informed about your financial standing.

ยท Dark Web Monitoring โ€“ We scan thousands of suspected fraud websites for any signs of your personal information, including your name, address, email, and more.*

ยท Personal Information Monitoring โ€“ See how much of your private data has been exposed on Data Broker sites in real time, giving you greater insight into your online privacy.**

ยท Subscription Tracking โ€“ View the online subscriptions debited from your F&M account in one place so you know exactly where your money is going each month.

Designed for Your Financial Security and Convenience

We understand that managing your financial health is about more than just checking your balance. Itโ€™s about feeling secure, informed, and in control. Weโ€™ve made it easy and free to access these tools because we believe that financial wellness should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few.

Does your current bank offer these kinds of proactive oversight? If not, maybe itโ€™s time to make the switch to a bank that prioritizes your financial health.

Getting Started is Easy

You can start using Financial Health Suite today by logging into your online banking or mobile app and scrolling to find the Financial Health card. In just a few taps, youโ€™ll gain valuable insights into your credit, security, and subscriptionsโ€”all in one place.

Weโ€™re committed to bringing you the latest innovations in financial security and management, because at F&M Bank, your financial well-being is our priority.

* Dark Web monitoring consists of searching for up to 1 Social Security number, 10 driver’s licenses, up to 10 credit and debit cards, up to 10 bank accounts, 10 passports, up to 10 phone numbers, up to 10 email addresses, up to 10 physical addresses, and 10 medical IDs. We partner with Constella Intelligence, which searches thousands of internet sites where consumer information is suspected to be bought and sold. While new sites are regularly reviewed and added to the search, there is no guarantee that every site can be located, as some are unpublished and frequently change. Dark Web monitoring may take several days to begin and may not occur during your trial or access period.

** Data Broker site monitoring scans a select list of known data broker sites; however, we do not crawl all data broker sites, and the list of sites being scanned may change over time.

Celero Recognizes F&M Bank as East Coast Region Partner of the Year

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Celero Commerce is pleased to announce Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank in Virginia as the recipient of the East Coast Region Partner of the Year award at our inaugural Celero Partner Awards.

The company held our first Celero Partner Awards on Feb. 14 and recognized bank partners in the West, East, and Central regions. F&M Bank has demonstrated a strong and collaborative partnership with Celero over the past five years, making them an obvious choice for this prestigious award.

F&M Bankโ€™s understanding of the value of merchant solutions and commitment to educating their team on Celeroโ€™s offerings have contributed to significant non-interest income growth. They consistently identify and pursue quality opportunities, increasing revenue for both organizations.

They enhance Celeroโ€™s market presence with co-created campaigns, internal employee recognition programs, and strategic integration of Celero’s sales team into bank-hosted events. Notably, they facilitated introductions between our Celero Account Executive and every branch within their network, strengthening our presence and credibility in the community as a trusted resource for merchant solutions.

“F&M Bank is honored to receive this recognition from Celero. Our partnership has allowed us to provide innovative merchant solutions that empower small businesses in our community. By working closely with Celeroโ€™s team, weโ€™ve been able to enhance our offerings, drive growth, and support the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels our local economy. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to deliver meaningful solutions to our business customersโ€ said John Sargent, Senior Vice President at F&M Bank.

โ€œWe have valued our partnership with Mike Wilkerson and the entire F&M VA team,โ€ said Jacqueline Porthouse, Vice President of Merchant Sales, Financial Institution Channel at Celero. โ€œTheir community first approach to banking paired with their passion for Main Street America small and medium-sized businesses has created an ideal alignment with Celero. I have been welcomed into the F&M family with open arms and look forward to our relationship growing in the future to better support the Shenandoah Valley.โ€

F&M Bankโ€™s dedication to growth, collaboration, and innovation has distinguished them as a leader within our financial institution partnership program. We are honored to recognize F&M Bank as our East Coast Region Partner of the Year and look forward to our continued collaboration.

About Celero Commerce

Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers small and medium-sized businesses payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. Celero is a top-ten non-bank processor of electronic payment transactions in the world. Visitย https://www.celerocommerce.com/ย to learn more.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank Corp. (OTCQX: FMBM) proudly remains the only publicly traded organization based in Rockingham County, VA, and since 1908, has served the Shenandoah Valley through its banking subsidiary F&M Bank, with full-service branches and a wide variety of financial services, including home loans through F&M Mortgage, and real estate settlement services and title insurance through VSTitle. Both individuals and businesses find the organizationโ€™s local decision-making and up-to-date technology provide the kind of responsive, knowledgeable, and reliable service that only a progressive community bank can.

Where is My Routing Number?

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Maximizing Efficiency and Security: Cash Management Solutions for Businesses

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Maximizing Efficiency and Security: Cash Management Solutions for Businesses

In todayโ€™s fast-paced business environment, having control over financial processes is key to success. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, managing cash flow efficiently and securely is essential. At F&M Bank, we provide insight into how cash management products can streamline operations, enhance security, and ultimately help businesses thrive regardless of your business size.

With the increase in fraud activity the industry has seen in recent years, we sat down with Robyn Good, our Vice President and Treasury Management Officer to discuss her recommendations for businesses wanting to remain proactive about managing their funds movement. Robyn is a lifelong Shenandoah Valley resident with over 35 years of banking experience; 17 of those years have had a specialized focus on business deposits and fraud solutions.

What are Cash Management Products, and Why are They Important for Businesses of All Sizes?

Cash management products offer businesses tools to simplify and streamline their financial processes. With real-time account monitoring, companies can reduce the risk of fraud and better manage day-to-day financial operations.

Robyn: “Every business, regardless of size, needs to protect their accounts and monitor activity with ease. With cash management solutions, businesses can oversee multiple transactions and spot potential fraud much faster, giving them more control.”

ย 

How Do Business Online Banking Solutions Simplify Cash Management?

Online banking solutions tailored for businesses go beyond the basics of consumer banking. Features like recurring payments, vendor payments, positive pay, and stop payments are invaluable for businesses looking to grow and maintain efficiency.

Robyn: โ€œCash management allows businesses to pay vendors electronically and manage payments seamlessly. This is vital for businesses looking to expand and build a reputation of reliability.โ€

ย 

Popular Cash Management Products for Businesses

Our most recommended products include:

  • Positive Pay: This service helps prevent check fraud by verifying checks presented for payment against checks issued by the business.
  • ACH Origination: This allows businesses to easily process electronic transactions, from payroll to vendor payments, providing speed and security.

The Benefits of Automated Clearing House (ACH) Services

ACH services help businesses mitigate risks associated with physical checks. By processing payments electronically, businesses can protect their sensitive account details and gain better control over payment timing.

Robyn: โ€œACH services offer speed and reversibility, making it a preferred option for many companies handling payroll or vendor payments.โ€

Streamlining Processes with Remote Deposit Capture

Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) simplifies the check deposit process for businesses. Instead of making a trip to the bank, businesses can scan checks and deposit them directly from their office.

Enhancing Security with Business Online Banking and Cash Management

Security is a top priority when it comes to online banking. From multi-factor authentication (MFA) to setting access controls for employees, businesses can secure their online transactions and banking activities.

Robyn: “Our online banking system allows businesses to set time-of-day and IP address restrictions, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot access sensitive financial information.โ€

 

Positive Pay: A Must-Have for Preventing Check Fraud

Positive Pay is a powerful tool in preventing check fraud. It matches details like check number, issue date, payee, and dollar amount against a list of checks authorized by the business. If any discrepancies arise, the business is immediately alerted to review and approve or reject the payment.

This system ensures that unauthorized or altered checks donโ€™t slip through, protecting your business from potential fraud.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Cash Management

Cash management services are often seen as complex or unnecessary, but they are designed to simplify processes. โ€œItโ€™s a value-add to the relationship with the bank,โ€ our team shares. โ€œThese services are user-friendly and provide a depth of visibility that businesses need for security and growth.โ€

The Future of Cash Management

As fraudsters become more creative, the importance of cash management products continues to grow. The future of cash management will focus even more on electronic transactions, reducing the need for checks and ensuring that businesses have the tools to safeguard their assets.

Robyn: โ€œWe expect ACH to become even more integral as businesses prioritize speed and security. “The right safeguards will keep businesses one step ahead.”

With the right cash management solutions, businesses can take control of their financial processes, mitigate risks, and set themselves up for growth.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Robyn today for a free consultation and discuss how our solutions can benefit your business.

Stay Informed and On Top of Your Finances with F&M

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At F&M, we are committed to providing you with actionable information to help you manage your accounts more efficiently. Our goal is to keep you informed and ahead of important financial milestones, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Courtesy Email Reminders for Dealer Loan Payments

Understanding the importance of staying current with your loan payments, we are pleased to introduce courtesy email reminders for upcoming dealer loan payments. These reminders will be sent directly to your email inbox, providing you with a convenient way to keep track of your payment schedule.

If you do not wish to continue receiving these email reminders, simply select “If you do not wish to receive future email, click here” at the bottom of the email and you will be opted out of future communications.

ย Example Email Reminder (click to enlarge):

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Text Alerts: Real-Time Updates at Your Fingertips

To enhance your banking experience, we offer convenient text alerts through our online banking platform. These alerts are designed to keep you updated on your account activity in real time, helping you stay on top of your finances. Here are some of the key features of our text alerts:

  • Balance Alerts: Receive notifications when your account balance goes above or below a specified threshold.
  • Transaction Alerts: Get instant updates on transactions made with your account.
  • Payment Reminders: Never miss a due date with timely reminders for upcoming payments.

Activating text alerts is easy. Simply log in to your online banking account, navigate to the alerts section, and customize the notifications to suit your needs.

 

Weโ€™re Here for You

Our commitment to delivering actionable information and timely reminders is part of our dedication to providing exceptional service. We believe that by keeping you informed, we can help you achieve your financial goals with greater ease and confidence.

If you have any questions or need assistance with setting up text alerts or managing your loan payments, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Thank you for being a valued F&M client.