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Did you know… The average FICO score in America is 695 and the average Vantage score stands at 673. [source] Less than 1% of the population has a perfect credit score of 850. [source] Only 41% of Americans understand that a credit score measures your risk of not paying a loan, according to a joint survey from the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore. Credit is important for pretty much all facets of adult life. Credit can be impacted by a number of different things....

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Did you know that there is more Monopoly money printed every year than actual cash? If only we could pay for things using Monopoly money! Unfortunately, we can’t just pass Go for another $200 and there is no such thing as Community Chest. Or is there? While your community bank isn’t going to give you $10 for winning 2nd prize in a beauty contest, there are some definite advantages to banking with a local, community bank. Here are some advantages you can expect to see when you bank with...

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The home buying market is hot right now. Summer is the perfect time to move, the economy is stable and buyer confidence is high. However, inventory is also a bit low and that means that houses are selling fast. If you are actively looking, you will want to be prepared to act quickly when you find that perfect property. That means having all your financing sources in-line. What’s the first step? Pre-qualification and pre-approval are two different terms used to describe the initial part of...

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Buying a home is right up there with some of the most impactful events in a person’s life. Unfortunately, many people become victims of mortgage scams and fraud.  Someone is always out there looking to make a quick buck. Criminals prey at a time you could be the most vulnerable. You’re distracted and excited about this next chapter of your life. The fact that you’re falling victim to a scam doesn’t even show up on your radar. Understanding mortgage fraud is critical to...

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Romance scams are on the rise, affecting good people of all ages. Scammers actively seek out vulnerable people via Facebook and various dating apps, typically targeting individuals who have recently been separated, divorced or widowed, or just lonely, looking for companionship. They are good at what they do. They’ll take their time, establishing a “relationship” and gaining your trust. Eventually, they’ll introduce some sort of financial involvement. Here are some ways to...

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Let’s clear the air here, not all contractors scam people. Most are hard-working and honest people that take pride in their work. Falcon National Bank is a large producer of construction loans and we have worked with many reputable builders. However, there are some contractors out there that you just shouldn’t trust. If something doesn’t feel right after meeting with a contractor, it probably isn’t. Being aware of common contractor scams and identifying red flags before...

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The headline of the first article in the February IRS newsletter reads: Don't be victim to a 'ghost' tax return preparer. Wow! What next! The IRS is now warning taxpayers about unscrupulous tax preparers, known as ‘ghost’ tax return preparers. These individual preparers do not sign the return, instead they are instructing the taxpayer to sign themselves and mail to the IRS. These preparers are making some quick fees based on their aggressive write offs and generous refunds. By...

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Identity theft is using someone else’s private identifying information without their permission, usually for their financial gain. In this day and age, it’s important to protect yourself from identity theft and the potential of a messy financial situation.  Here are 5 ways to keep yourself protected. 1.       Guard your Social Security Number Your Social Security number is the gateway to your personal information. Don’t carry your card...

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New year, new me. It’s almost time to push the reset button. Eating better, getting more exercise and other self-care resolutions top the list, but not far behind is financial wellness. Saving money has made the top 5 in almost all polls. Financial-focused resolutions live among the most popular people set for themselves before the new year rolls around. Changing our behavior and the way we operate can be tough, but it doesn't have to be. We have some ideas to help jumpstart...

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