The ins and outs of tax loss harvesting
June 23, 2022
What is tax loss harvesting? What are the benefits? How might I utilize this strategy in my accounts? These are good questions to investigate for a person experiencing the impacts of declining investment values, who also needs a break at tax time. Down markets send many investors into a tailspin. Market volatility, however, may be …
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What’s your estate plan?
June 23, 2022
We spend our entire working lives saving, planning, accumulating, and protecting in preparation for our golden years. And, if we plan it right, there will be something to pass along to the next generations so they can have even better lives. That’s the ideal plan for many people, yet few actually do the planning necessary …
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First-time homebuyers can benefit from low-down-payment mortgage loans
June 23, 2022
Homeownership can be an important step in building one’s net worth. Between the appreciation in real estate values that homeowners often enjoy, and the increase in equity levels that happen with each monthly payment, it’s no surprise that homeowners tend to enjoy a higher net worth that renters. That said, the purchase of a home …
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Mobile wallet fraud
June 23, 2022
The popularity of mobile wallet apps for making non-cash transactions continues to surge, climbing to nearly $7 billion annual transactions around the world. That’s a target-rich environment for scammers who find ways to take advantage of remote transactions. You can avoid becoming the next victim of mobile wallet fraud by understanding how these scams work. …
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Credit card surcharge changes coming in July 2022
May 17, 2022
Until last summer, Colorado was one of just three states that banned merchants from adding surcharges to credit card transactions. Through a law enacted in July 2021 that takes effect on July 1, 2022, Colorado lifts the ban and will be the 48th state to allow surcharging. Connecticut and Massachusetts remain the only states to …
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Loan scams
May 17, 2022
Consumers lose billions of dollars a year to fraudulent loan practices. The primary victims are those most in need of a loan and most likely to fall for a fake offer because they are turned down by legitimate lenders. Here’s how loan scams typically work: No credit check scam: Legitimate lenders typically require a credit …
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Vacation plans? Travel notice alert ensures safe and interruption-free banking
May 17, 2022
If you plan on traveling this summer, you can avoid any hiccups — fraud alerts or failed payments in your account — by placing a travel notice through your online banking or mobile app. Adding a travel notice allows you to continue to use your card with ease while you’re away from home, and helps …
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Improve your credit score to score a favorable mortgage
May 17, 2022
Trying to quality for a mortgage loan? Your credit scores will play a large part in both qualification and the interest rates available to you. Credit scores are used to help determine the risk profile associated with extending credit, so proper management of your credit score through on-time payments and by maintaining a low credit …
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Level up your financial literacy
April 26, 2022
Financial Literacy Month, every April, is a national campaign organized by the Jump$tart Coalition, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about financial literacy and promote financial education. Financial Literacy Month’s mission is to promote and support financial literacy efforts across the U.S., especially for kids and …
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Digital banking tip: protect your business from ACH and check fraud
April 26, 2022
In the continually evolving digital world, check and ACH fraud remain a constant threat. We offer fraud solution services to our Alpine Online® business customers, including ACH Positive Pay and Check Positive Pay. These, and other services, are designed to help you catch fraud before it occurs. Did you know that businesses only have 24 …
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The time value of setting wealth management goals
April 26, 2022
For many families, 2022 is going to be a pivotal year. Following two years of pandemic chaos, there’s a feeling of renewed optimism among families that things can finally get back to normal. However, optimism is no substitute for having clearly defined, achievable goals — without which very little will get accomplished. Moreover, goals without …
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Can markets turn positive in the same year they are negative?
March 21, 2022
Yes, markets can turn positive in the same year they are negative. If you are invested, you have likely seen your investments decline in 2022. It’s unsettling. We recently wrote about volatility and encouraged investors to maintain a well-formed, long-term, diversified portfolio over surrendering to near-term market movement and emotion. But why? Using the S&P …
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How to set up a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus
March 21, 2022
You can’t know when you might become a victim of fraud or identity theft, but you can be prepared to act. When you suspect you’ve been victimized, the very first thing to do is to contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. That credit bureau is …
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Help for buying a home for retired parents or a disabled child
March 21, 2022
With all the wonderful amenities and beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, it’s no surprise that Colorado has experienced such a large population influx over the last decade. After all, who wouldn’t want to live in here? That said, the rising cost of living in Colorado has made it difficult for some to purchase …
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Financial management at your fingertips
March 21, 2022
A free program accessed through Alpine Online® and Alpine Mobile®, Spending Habits is a money management tool that empowers you to take control of your finances. In it, you can add savings goals, payoff goals and budgets to visually track your progress. You can also link accounts from other financial institutions to conveniently monitor all …
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Mortgage 101
February 15, 2022
The process of purchasing a home can be both an exciting and stressful time in life. There are so many factors for a potential homebuyer to consider that it can feel overwhelming. Is this the right home for me? Can I afford this home? Is the home in good condition? All of these big considerations …
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Keep ahead of rising college costs
February 15, 2022
The inflation we’re experiencing doesn’t bode well for parents who hope to see their children go to college. Historically, the costs of a college education have risen faster than the rate of inflation. But keeping ahead of rising education costs can be less formidable for parents who avail themselves of federal plans to incentivize college …
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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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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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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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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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