Mortgage financial news
January 18, 2022
With the new year quickly approaching, it’s that time of year when many of us are focusing on making commitments to improve upon ourselves. If your financial health is part of your resolutions this year, here’s a tip to consider. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage products have become an essential part of home ownership in …
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Your 2021 tax preparation checklist
January 18, 2022
Gone are the days of using sharpened pencils and old college calculators for preparing taxes. Still, whether you utilize an online tax preparation program or a live tax preparer, there’s plenty to do to get ready for filing your taxes. The more organized you are, the more quickly and accurately you can file your taxes. …
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January digital banking card management tip
January 18, 2022
The Card management feature in Alpine Bank’s online banking and mobile app gives you more access and control on your debit card. Here’s how: 1) Activate a new card or reorder a worn-out debit card with ease. 2) Have you temporarily misplaced your card? You’re able to turn your card off and then back on …
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You don’t need to wait to give it away
January 18, 2022
Proposed changes to estate taxes may change the way that inheritance has traditionally worked In historic proportions, upwards of 10,000 baby boomers are crossing the retirement threshold each day. This segment of our population holds more than half the country’s wealth, at $68 trillion. Over the next 20 years, much of that fortune will be …
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Why a business banking relationship is important to your business
December 15, 2021
Consider the small business owner who’s on the verge of a significant breakthrough that could catapult their business to the next level, but they need money. Without a capital infusion, this person can’t hire the people or buy the needed equipment. This entrepreneur knows they need to secure a loan from a bank, but they’re …
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Essential planning for 2022
December 15, 2021
As we approach the end of the year, there’s no more important time for financial planning. It’s your last opportunity to review where you are with your 2021 goals, and it’s your best opportunity for starting off right with the new year. Most importantly, it’s a critical time to review your long-term goals to see …
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Let’s tie up those loose ends…
November 23, 2021
Attentiveness to financial planning, budgeting and sticking to a plan can feel overwhelming, but in order to start 2022 off on the right foot, it’s a must. Before the holiday season jumps into full swing, here are several reminders of the financial, saving and giving moves you may want to make before year-end. Put extra …
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Financial aid for college starts with FAFSA
November 23, 2021
If you have a high school senior in your household, your family has undoubtedly started to discuss what happens after graduation. For some families that means planning for higher education. If you have a college-bound student and are like most American families, you are likely looking at some type of financial aid, a loan or …
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Considerations for year-end charitable donations
November 23, 2021
As 2021 comes up on the holiday season, it is time to start thinking about gifts —and not just the ones that will be given to family and friends. With the end of the year right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about year-end contributions you would like to make to …
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The Basics of Retirement Investing
October 20, 2021
When it comes to investing for retirement, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There are, however, certain things that everyone should consider when it comes to choosing how and where to invest. Take the Long View Investing for retirement is a long-term proposition. Unless you’ve already met and surpassed your retirement-savings goals, this advice is foundational …
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Understanding SECURE Act Changes to RMD Age & Benefits of QCD
September 16, 2021
In December 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was passed into law, making substantial changes to retirement account rules—the most notable change being the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age. If you reached age 70 ½ in 2020 or later, you must take your first RMD by April 1 of the …
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Things to Know About the Child Tax Credit
September 15, 2021
As part of the American Rescue Plan—the $1.9 trillion expanded COVID-19 relief legislation passed by Congress back in March—families who are eligible for child tax credits have begun receiving payments and many of them are being directly deposited into bank accounts. But while most people receiving these payments are happy to have the extra cash, …
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Legacy Planning at Two-Year Mark in the Pandemic
September 15, 2021
There are a lot of things that are more fun than planning for the point in time when you’re no longer around. But if you have assets that you intend to pass along to loved ones, or that you hope to donate to a specific cause or organization, now is the time to figure that …
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The Importance of Revisiting Retirement Plans Following Major Events
August 18, 2021
Planning for retirement is an ongoing process that needs to be constantly revisited—particularly following significant events that could potentially alter your planning, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic. With the events of the past 18 months having impacted everyone in one way or another, now is the perfect time to reexamine your retirement portfolio and …
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Four Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan
August 18, 2021
With everything going on in the world today, it’s very easy to put off tasks that are future-oriented, like doing a will, or making sure the beneficiary designation for a retirement plan account is up to date. Sometimes it seems there are just not enough hours in the day to get daily chores done, much …
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Watch out for Payment Scams
July 19, 2021
As the public’s familiarity with QR codes increases, the possibility of fraud increases, that’s because scammers now deploy them in simple transaction situations that seem to make sense, offering a “more convenient” way to receive payment. The scam works like this: You put an item up for sale on a marketplace website. A scammer emails …
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Mortgage Fraud
July 19, 2021
As you might expect in a hot housing market, mortgage fraud is rampant. The mortgage industry is an environment for fraudsters because they can target both mortgage borrowers and mortgage lenders. When borrowers are targeted, it’s typically a corrupt bank officer, mortgage broker or loan originator who uses their authority to skim off cash or …
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Midyear Review
July 19, 2021
Summer is here! With the year already half over, now is the time to take a look at your financial situation and assess how you’re doing so far. Midyear reviews are always sensible, and with all the uncertainty around personal finances since the start of the pandemic, in 2021 a review is more timely and …
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Inflation is on the rise. What should I be doing to protect my portfolio?
June 16, 2021
Alpine Bank Wealth Management Q&A with Melissa M. Knutson, CFP®, Vice President Thanks to a decline in COVID infection rates, stimulus spending and historically low interest rates, the economy is ramping up. With this economic uptick, we’re beginning to see inflation in our everyday purchases and living expenses. Consumers are seeing higher prices on groceries, …
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Impending Estate Tax Changes
June 16, 2021
The changing of the administration at the White House and in Congress has already brought several significant policy changes, and it is likely to bring about more. While it is still unclear what specific changes can be expected on the tax front, when it comes to estate planning and the transfer of wealth now is …
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Debit Card Scams
June 16, 2021
Consumers in the U.S. are now using debit cards more than ever, and consequently debit card fraud is also on the rise. Consumers need to be especially vigilant in protecting their debit card because most issuers don’t provide the same liability protection as they do with credit cards. There are three ways in particular that …
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Synthetic Identity Fraud
May 12, 2021
Of all the methods fraudsters use to steal identities, synthetic identity may be the most sinister. That’s because it could take years before it’s detected, and by then, the damage has been done and the fraudster has moved on to other victims. Here’s how synthetic identity fraud works: Swindlers use a stolen Social Security number …
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And Baby Makes Three: Financial Planning Before the Little One Arrives
May 12, 2021
Dreaming of the pitter-patter of little feet in your home? If starting a family is in your near-term plans, now is a good time to take stock of your overall financial situation to determine any changes you may want to make before the addition of a new family member. Babies are irresistible, and there is …
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High School Graduation & Financing Higher Education
May 12, 2021
You’ve tossed the mortarboard in the air and been awarded your diploma. Congratulations! High school graduation signifies the end of an era for everyone, but for many students, they can be left wondering, ‘what’s next?’ Next steps can be particularly daunting if college tuition and the costs for higher learning aren’t funded by scholarships, college …
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Business Opportunity Scams
April 20, 2021
If you’re looking for new business opportunities, be sure to take an extra measure of caution to ensure it’s not a scam. Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. are scammed out of thousands of dollars they invested in what was described as an easy money-making scheme. If it seems too good to be …
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Wealth Management in Pandemic Times
April 20, 2021
The arrival of COVID-19 not only altered the way we live our daily lives, but it’s also changed the finances of most Americans in some way. From lost jobs and business closures to monthly spending declines—due to the fact that social distancing made it impossible to participate in many pre-pandemic activities—there are few individuals who …
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IRS Tax Fraud and Scams
March 23, 2021
No one wants to be on the wrong side of the IRS, which is why, each year, in the months leading up to the May 17 extended tax filing deadline, scammers come out in full force to take advantage of the worries and fears of American taxpayers. Tax scammers utilize three effective lines of attack—by …
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Keep Your Credit Score High: Here’s How
March 23, 2021
Even if you’re not using your credit cards much during COVID-19, it’s still important to pay bills on time and use less of your available credit for your credit score to remain high. Despite the financial difficulties that COVID-19 has created for countless individuals and small businesses across the country, on average, credit scores in …
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Financial Savvy and Saving is Easy, with Alpine Bank’s Rewards Program
March 23, 2021
Alpine Bank has a popular rewards program called Change Matters®, where each transaction made on an Alpine Bank Loyalty Visa® Debit Card is rounded up to the next whole dollar. The rounded-up amount is then transferred from a checking account into a designated Alpine Bank savings or money market account. Every quarter, Alpine Bank adds …
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Perfect Home, Perfect Loan Summit County!
February 22, 2021
Lot, Land, Construction & Permanent Mortgage Financing Options Looking for personalized, local guidance for your land or construction loan? Alpine Bank has flexible financing, local processing and knowledgeable lenders. In Summit County, Peter Ammon stands ready to help make your vision a reality. With Alpine Bank, you can be assured you get the right loan …
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Perfect Home, Perfect Loan Pitkin County!
February 22, 2021
Lot, Land, Construction & Permanent Mortgage Financing Options Looking for personalized, local guidance for your land or construction loan? Alpine Bank has flexible financing, local processing and knowledgeable lenders. In Pitkin County, Erin Earley stands ready to help make your vision a reality. With Alpine Bank, you can be assured you get the right loan …
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Perfect Home, Perfect Loan Garfield County!
February 22, 2021
Lot, Land, Construction & Permanent Mortgage Financing Options Looking for personalized, local guidance for your land or construction loan? Alpine Bank has flexible financing, local processing and knowledgeable lenders. In Garfield County, Susie Campbell stands ready to help make your vision a reality. With Alpine Bank, you can be assured you get the right loan …
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Perfect Home, Perfect Loan Eagle County!
February 22, 2021
Lot, Land, Construction & Permanent Mortgage Financing Options Looking for personalized, local guidance for your land or construction loan? Alpine Bank has flexible financing, local processing and knowledgeable lenders. In Eagle County, Brian Nestor stands ready to help make your vision a reality. With Alpine Bank, you can be assured you get the right loan …
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Alpine Bank Wealth Management Q&A with Amanda Miller, CFTA, Vice President
February 8, 2021
Life happens. Will you be ready? We all face life-changing events, both planned and unforeseen—from marriage and children, to finding a new job, sudden illness, divorce and caring for an aging parent. While you can’t always predict what lies ahead, one thing is certain: major life changes will require a reevaluation of your finances and …
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SBA Extends COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Deadline
February 8, 2021
With the enactment of a new COVID-19 relief bill, the SBA announces an extension of time to qualify for low-interest loans, as well as new and expanded PPP loan eligibility. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that it extended the deadline for small businesses to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan …
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Financing College in the Wake of a Pandemic
February 8, 2021
Financing a college education can be daunting even in the best of times. Add a global pandemic and the resulting job insecurity that many people are facing, and choosing which college to attend and how to pay for it can seem overwhelming, particularly when you are the one footing the bill. If college tuition is …
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Support, Scholarships & Student Loans from Alpine Bank
February 8, 2021
Alpine Bank places a high value on education, from early childhood to primary and secondary education; high school to higher learning. In fact, we have several programs in place to support youth and families in our communities with their educational activities and goals. Pays for A’s rewards kids for earning good grades twice each year, …
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Work at Home Scams
January 19, 2021
One thing can be said about scammers: they never let a good crisis pass them by. Such is the case with the COVID pandemic, which has led to an increase in the number of people looking for work-at-home job opportunities. While there are many legitimate work-at-home opportunities, it is essential to look at each one …
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Your 2021 Tax Preparation Starts Now
January 19, 2021
There is plenty of speculation regarding changes that may occur on the tax front for the 2021 filing year as a result of the new Biden Administration. Even if major tax changes are on the horizon, it will still take time for anything to be passed in Congress. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be …
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Your 2021 Finances
December 15, 2020
As what feels to many of us like the longest year ever finally draws to a close, it is time to start thinking about 2021. Even though there seems to be good news in the way of a viable vaccine, the unfortunate reality is that it will still be a while before the COVID-19 pandemic …
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Digital Banking: Key Tools for your Business during COVID-19
December 9, 2020
With COVID-19 changing the way we do things every day, it’s important to ensure that you can use all the tools at your disposal when it comes to taking care of your business-related finances. Digital banking has come a long way in recent years, and now it can offer many ways for you to stay …
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Q&A with Matt Michalski, Alpine Bank Wealth Management Vice President
November 23, 2020
Q: Given current uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, the economy and the government’s response, is it still a good idea to do year-end financial planning? A: It has been proven over time to be worth your while to update your financial plan to refocus on the future and revisit your long-term goals. Here is a year-end …
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PCs for People: Narrowing the Digital Divide
November 23, 2020
You may not know that 54,000 Colorado students lack computers or the internet connection they need for online learning, a challenge magnified by COVID. Alpine Bank wants you to know about a remarkable nonprofit, PCs for People (PCFP), which is helping bridge this digital divide. PCFP refurbishes used computers—assuring secure, certified data destruction and hardware …
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Update on the Small Business Economy
October 21, 2020
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Research Center recently released results of an industry-specific survey regarding the small business economy. It looked at the construction, manufacturing, retail and service industries. Holly Wade, NFIB director of Research & Policy Analysis, commented, “Small businesses are working hard to stay open while they continue to navigate the …
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Beware of Mortgage Fraud
October 21, 2020
Mortgage fraud is on the rise. It is especially prevalent during periods of economic chaos and upheaval in the housing market as more homeowners face foreclosure, and scammers target overwhelmed lenders. Unscrupulous lenders can also get into the act by targeting distressed homeowners. There are two types of mortgage fraud – fraud for housing, which …
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Don’t Put Off Legacy Planning
October 21, 2020
Death is a topic most people tend to avoid—particularly when it is their own. But global pandemics have a way of reminding people that none of us is immortal and that, like it or not, there will come a time when we are no longer around. Given this reality, coupled with fluctuating market conditions due …
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Don’t Let COVID Change Your Retirement Plan
September 16, 2020
Planning for retirement is never easy, but how do you do it in the middle of a global pandemic? Depending on where you are in your retirement planning, the best approach may be to stay the course you were already on. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down—impacting everything from people’s day-to-day routines …
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Q&A with Jesse Bopp, J.D., Alpine Bank Wealth Management Vice President and Client Executive
September 16, 2020
Q&A with Jesse Bopp, J.D., Alpine Bank Wealth Management Vice President and Client Executive Q: What happens if I die without a Will? A: As explained in our August Financial News article, having a Will, Trust, or other estate plan is always a good idea. Yet, what happens when a person dies ‘intestate’ (without a …
Read MoreSocial Security Can Provide Temporary Income
September 16, 2020
Social Security Can Provide Temporary Income The arrival of the coronavirus has resulted in job losses—from temporary furloughs to permanent layoffs— for millions of Americans. With no end government relief measures coming to an end, many people are scrambling for ways to make ends meet until the pandemic ends and the employment landscape improves. Until …
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Mind Your Money!
August 13, 2020
Your financial well-being is important, and Alpine Bank is committed to providing you with the resources you need to succeed. We are thrilled to introduce a new personalized financial education tool to help you mind your money. Learn more about important personal finance topics such as budgeting, investing, homeownership, retirement planning and more. Highlights of …
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