Looking Back on 2025 Together
If you ever wondered what it really looks like when a community bank says, ?We?re here for more than transactions,? this episode is it. In this conversation, our marketing team looks back on 2025 and walks through everything we poured our hearts into this year. From hands-on financial literacy events and community celebrations to moments that honored our employees and the people we serve, this episode pulls back the curtain on the why behind the work. It?s honest, a little reflective, and a great reminder that the best impact is often made in the in-between moments. Tune in for a look at the year that shaped us and the community we are proud to be part of.
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How to Give Thoughtfully Without Making a Tax Time Mistake this Holiday
The holiday season brings out the best in people. Everywhere you look there are toy drives, coat drives, Giving Tuesday posts, and countless opportunities to give back. But it is also the time of year when a lot of well-meaning generosity turns into confusion. What actually counts as a charitable donation? What does the IRS allow you to deduct? And how do you give in a way that truly makes an impact without creating a surprise at tax time? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Businaro, CPA and Chief Financial Officer of Farmers State Bank, to talk through how to give thoughtfully, what qualifies for a deduction, and the common mistakes people make during the biggest giving season of the year.
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The 50 Year Mortgage Rumor Everyone Is Talking About and What It Could Cost You
There is a lot of talk online about the idea of a 50 year mortgage. Nothing official has been announced and for now it is all just hearsay. But if it ever becomes reality, it could change the way families buy homes and the way communities grow. In this episode, we break down what a 50 year mortgage might look like, how it compares to a 30 year loan, the real cost hidden inside the monthly payment, and why it could leave buyers with very little equity for a long time. For what it is worth, we share our honest opinion on whether this would help or hurt homebuyers in the long run, and what you can do to protect yourself no matter what the future of lending looks like.
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Scammers Smell Tariff Dividend Money. Here's How They'll Strike
With all the talk about Americans receiving a tariff dividend check, scammers are already gearing up to strike. In this episode, we break down how fraud exploded during the 2020 stimulus payments and why the same schemes are almost guaranteed to circle back if tariff money ever becomes real. From fake IRS texts to AI voice calls to convincing look-alike websites, scammers will try anything to get between you and your check. We walk you through how the government actually distributes payments and the red flags to watch for so you keep every dollar that belongs to you. Stay informed, stay cautious, and tune in before the scam wave hits your inbox.
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Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" and What it Means for Business Owners
Tax expert Robert Baird sits down with us to walk through Donald Trump's proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and what it could mean for business owners here at home. Robbie has a real gift for taking complex tax topics and breaking them into simple, practical insights you can actually use. In this conversation, he explains the major pieces of the proposal, how it may affect private and family-owned businesses, and the key areas to keep an eye on as the conversation in Washington continues to unfold. If you're looking for clarity, direction, and a calm understanding of what may be ahead, this episode is a great place to start. Tune in to hear Robbie's full breakdown.
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