Monthly Archives: January 2019

Top Ten Cybersecurity Tips

cybersecurity

With our reliance on technology increasing in nearly every facet of our lives, it is more important than ever that you are educated on how to protect yourself and your assets from cyber threats. Hackers are interested in anyone and everyone’s information. It does not matter if you don’t think you have anything worth stealing. Your identity itself is incredibly valuable on the black market. Take the proper precautions and follow these simple cybersecurity tips!

  1. Put a lock on all of your systems.

We mean this not only for your devices but on your smart systems, too. If you don’t have a lock on your router, you want to get one immediately. A cybercriminal will be able to log onto your Wi-Fi and gain access to any device using your internet. This is another reason why you should never log on to any wireless internet that does not require a passcode. Every time you walk away from a device, whether it be your phone or a laptop, make sure that you have locked it with a passcode.

  1. Pay inside.

We know the weather isn’t exactly warm anymore and you want to get the chore of filling your gas tank over with quickly. However, pay at the pump services pose a risk. Like an ATM, gas pumps can have card skimmers. Take your card to the friendly face behind the counter inside.

  1. Always backup your data.

Ransomware is when a hacker takes your data and refuses to release it until a price is paid. We can say with a fair amount of certainty, they will never give you your data, no matter how much you pay. To avoid being in this situation, consistently remove data you don’t need and save what you do on a cloud-based system.

  1. Keep your friends close.

We are going against the notorious saying. Keep your friends close and your enemies as far away as possible. When you get a friend request from someone that you do not know, be suspicious. Play it safe and decline these persons unless you have at least 20 mutual friends.

  1. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

We are sorry to say it, but you can’t always trust that your friend will stay as up-to-date on security measures as you. However, you can certainly alert them to this blog! Until then, don’t use anyone’s devices but your own, as you can be hacked from unknown sources.

  1. Question before connection.

This ties into #4, but just because you are on LinkedIn, doesn’t mean it is a platform where cybercrime does not happen. Be wary of who is trying to connect with you, as they may be trying to steal basic information about you to use to hack your accounts.

  1. Smarten up your phone.

Your phone may have come with some automatic security measures, but you can take it further. Be sure to turn your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off when they are not in use. If you have sensitive information on your phone, you can install an encryption system as a safeguard.

  1. Get your apps together.

You likely have apps on your phone that you haven’t used in months. You probably haven’t done the necessary updates to the app and it may not be safe to keep storing it on your phone. More apps can equal more risk, so clean them up.

  1. Free Wi-Fi isn’t always free.

If you’re like most people, you connect with public Wi-Fi whenever it is available. We suggest not doing this, as it may not be secure. There may be criminals who try to access your device through the wireless internet to steal your information.

  1. Don’t say, “It can’t happen to me.”

Most importantly, you need to realize that no one is immune from a cyber attack. Cybercriminals will take whatever they can get. Don’t let yourself become the next victim.

Ignorance of this threat is not an option now that you know some great ways to avoid being hacked. Be sure you’re staying safe when online. Our Online and Mobile Banking services offer the security you need to bank efficiently.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

PEOPLES BANK & TRUST CO. ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. announced David W. Thompson is retiring as bank President and CEO. He will be succeeded by Justin St. Pierre, who most recently served as President of Lincoln County Bancorp. St. Pierre officially took on his new duties Jan. 1, 2019. However, to ensure a seamless transition, Thompson will remain working for a brief time before retiring from the bank on March 29, 2019. Thompson will retain his positions as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Lincoln County Bancorp and Peoples Bank & Trust Co. Scott Hufty has been selected for the office of President of Lincoln County Bancorp having served as Senior Accountant of Lincoln County Bancorp for the last 14 years.

“Now is the time for me to step aside and allow the next generation of bankers to take the helm,” said Thompson. “I have for several years been mentoring and training a team of wonderful individuals who are more than capable of advancing community banking to the next levels. They will serve Peoples Bank & Trust and Lincoln County Bancorp with distinction.”

Thompson, who joined Peoples Bank & Trust in 1977, has been a driving force in transforming Peoples Bank & Trust as a community bank with long-term, sustainable success. Under Thompson’s leadership, Peoples Bank has grown to $480 million in assets and expanded to a seven-branch bank with an eighth location opening in Cottleville, MO in Fall of 2019.

In addition to his leadership roles in the bank, Thompson has also devoted countless hours to many community and banking organizations including serving as Past President and Director of Missouri Independent Banker Association, Past Regent President and Regent of the Paul W. Barrett, Jr. School of Banking, Independent Community Bankers of America Committee Member, a founding board member of Lincoln County Missouri Habitat for Humanity, Director of the Lincoln County Resource Board and Director of the Mercy Health Foundation Board. In addition, Thompson was presented with the Troy Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award in 2018, in acknowledgment of his contributions to his local community.

In reflecting on his career, Thompson is most proud of the friendships he has gained over the last 41 years. “The daily interaction with customers and those that I work with has developed into lifelong friendships,” he said. “My employees are my family and I will honestly miss seeing them every day.”

Thompson plans to keep busy in retirement as he hopes to continue his involvement with civic organizations as well as become involved in the mission field through his church. He also looks forward to traveling and playing golf with his wife, Peggy.

About Justin St. Pierre

As President of Lincoln County Bancorp, Justin St. Pierre oversaw the operations of five community banks in Missouri: Peoples Bank & Trust Co., Bank of Louisiana, Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri, Peoples Bank of Altenburg and New Frontier Bank. In addition, St. Pierre managed a holding company staff which provides internal banking services to all the banks such as IT, audit, loan review, investments and marketing.

St. Pierre worked as a bank examiner for the Missouri Division of Finance in 1996, before coming to Peoples Bank & Trust in 1998 as a loan officer. He then transitioned to internal loan review within the bank holding company, Lincoln County Bancorp, before becoming President of the organization in 2014.

As President and CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust Co., St. Pierre will be leading over 130 employees into the future of community banking. “I am honored to be a part of this next chapter of Peoples Bank,” said St. Pierre. “We have a talented team of employees that are dedicated to their positions and it is an exciting time to be working at the bank.”

“I am confident Justin has the knowledge, skills and leadership needed to guide Peoples Bank into the future and continue our success as a community bank,” said David Thompson.

Justin St. Pierre, originally from Louisiana, MO, is a graduate of the University of Missouri (1994) and the Graduate School of Banking (2001). He currently sits on the Board of the Missouri Independent Bankers Association, serves as a member of the Independent Community Bankers of America Safety and Soundness Committee and is the Board Treasurer of the First Christian Church of Troy, MO. St. Pierre resides in Troy, MO, along with his wife Christy and two children: Katie and Griffin.

About Scott Hufty

Scott Hufty managed the financial and tax reporting obligations of all five banks under the holding company umbrella in his role as Senior Accountant for Lincoln County Bancorp. When he transitions into his new position of President, Hufty’s duties will shift into overseeing bank affairs at a macro level and ensuring the operational needs of each chartered bank are met.

“I have worked alongside Scott for over a decade now and I am confident he will continue to guide the banks of Lincoln County Bancorp to future success,” said St. Pierre.

Scott Hufty is a graduate of Lindenwood University (2004) and a licensed Certified Public Accountant (2007). He lives in his hometown of Silex, MO with his wife Kelly and two children: Connor and Claire.

About Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. is a full service, independent, community bank serving the Missouri market areas of Pike, Lincoln and St. Charles Counties through seven branch locations, with an eighth branch currently under construction and expected to open in Fall of 2019.

Since 1924, Peoples Bank & Trust continues to provide full service banking solutions while maintaining the highest level of customer service. For more information or to see a complete list of products and services, visit our website at www.pbtc.net and follow Peoples Bank & Trust Co. on Twitter and Facebook. Member FDIC.

About Lincoln County Bancorp

Lincoln County Bancorp is a $800 million bank holding company based out of Troy, MO. It is the parent company of five independent, community banks in Missouri: Peoples Bank & Trust Co., Bank of Louisiana, Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri, Peoples Bank of Altenburg and New Frontier Bank.

Money Savings Tips to Keep Your Finances On Track

saving

Does it seem like your savings plan always becomes derailed? Starting too big or having unrealistic goals can prove faulty. Once you do have some money saved, it may be difficult to know what to do with all of it – leaving you wondering where to go from there. Luckily, we have compiled a list of simple saving guidelines to keep your finances on track.

Stop spending money you don’t have.

This may be one of the hardest rules to follow. Even though that check is coming on Friday or you’ve been doing “so good” with savings, doesn’t mean you get to throw it all away. The money you accumulate all has a place it needs to go, so don’t convince yourself otherwise.

Use less than 30% of your income for your wants.

Wants include movies, shopping, restaurants and nights out on the town. While allowing yourself to have fun, you’re still able to save as you’ve put a 30% cap on your monthly limit.

Reevaluate all of your bills.

Be able to look through your bills and know if you’ve got the best deals. If you’re already getting the best prices, try to find places to cut expenses. Do you need cable or can you switch to a cheaper option? Is an unlimited data plan necessary or do you fall into a different category that may cost less?

50% of your income should go to necessities.

Groceries, housing, utilities, health insurance and your car payment all fall under necessities. Work on your budget to see how you can make these payments fit under your 50% cap. If you’re lucky and have some left over, put that towards an emergency fund or vacation fund. This will make you more motivated to meet these limits.

Create a budget and stick to it.

Creating a budget is easy – sticking to it is the tricky part. Be sure to make your budget realistic, which is why we mention the 30% of wants portion. You’re going to spend the money, so allocate for it. Downloading a budgeting app will also help remind you when you’re close to reaching your budget.

Set 20% of your income aside for financial priorities.

As the 50/30/20 budgeting rule goes, 20% of your income should go to savings. By auto transferring a portion of your paycheck straight into savings, you won’t even realize you have more money you could be spending! These savings could be used for a house down payment, tuition for a child or part of an emergency fund. When you put a name to your savings account, it will make it easier to save for.

Keeping your finances under control can be fun! Challenge yourself to see how long you can go meeting all of your budget goals. Find ways to skimp on expenses and become a super saver. If you’re looking for a place to store your savings, our accounts are a great option. Give our team a call at a location near you to set up a savings plan that fits your needs!

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Why Choose a Local Bank?

local

Whether in bustling cities or the rural Midwest, community banks improve lives in the communities they serve. This seems to be a popular notion across the nation, as can be seen by their large local support. According to the ICBA, community banks make up 96 percent of all banking institutions in the country. They are successful because they work and are a positive light in the community.

You take great care when it comes to choosing a financial institution that you trust. If you haven’t made the switch to a local bank yet, here are just a few reasons why you may want to make the switch.

They support community organizations.

While we can’t speak for every community bank, we make it a priority to give back to the area. We realize the importance of donating to local charities and even encourage employees to volunteer to local regions of need. Every individual at every level of service in the bank is personally connected to the community and wants to see it thrive.

They have the same state of the art resources of big banks.

Some may think that community banks are still in the Stone Age when it comes to technology. This could not be further from the truth. We know that the future of banking is online and we have made it a priority to meet our customers in a way that is easiest for them.

Customers can access their account information, make deposits or withdrawals when the office is closed or if they are traveling out of the area. Although, we still love to see your smiling face in person when you have a chance to come into one of our locations.

In addition to being technologically up-to-date, we have competitive individual and business services that a big bank has to offer, but likely at a better rate.

They have a personal approach to lending.

Unlike big banks, we know our customers. Our kids might play baseball with yours or we may have even gone to high school together. Whatever the case, our approach to lending is more personal, because it is personal. We take a more rounded approach to lending instead of simply seeing you as a credit number like a large bank might do. We are here to serve the average Joe and play no favorites.

They maintain great customer service.

Community banking is about relationships. With that comes a customer service approach that is caring and helpful. You will likely see the same people working there every time you need assistance and can develop relationships. You are able to really feel like your bank is looking out for you because they know you and have your family’s best interests at heart.

They invest in the community.

Because they are a small business themselves, community banks value local businesses and understand the benefit they have on the economy. When you invest locally, the entire community prospers. We aren’t interested in siphoning out investments to Wall Street. Right here is where we want to be and see the area grow.

We can’t wait to meet you. Stop by our bank to see all the benefits our products can offer you!

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Savings Resolutions For The New Year

resolutions

Now that we’ve welcomed a new year, we must also begin welcoming new saving habits. Setting reasonable resolutions isn’t always the easiest, which is why we wanted to offer some simple ideas to start. Begin promoting your financial positivity by picking one or two of these savings resolutions to implement for the rest of the year!

Make extra mortgage payments

Making your minimum payments on what you owe is completely fine. However, try stepping up your game by increasing the amount you pay towards your mortgage. We understand you can’t make extra payments each month, but when you can, put your cash towards that. You can even utilize a financial calculator to help!

Open a new savings account

We offer savings accounts that match your needs. Opening a new account will help you allocate money to a specific purpose. For example, one savings account could hold your normal funds while another is specifically for emergencies. Figure out what will work for you best and divide your money accordingly.

Save more for retirement

Until retirement hits, many people don’t think about putting plenty of funds towards it in their 20s and 30s. However, if you wait to save until you’re older, you won’t be able to have enough funds. Start thinking about how much you will actually need when the time comes to retire. A good rule of thumb for your 20s is to save 10% of your pre-tax income. When you come to your 30s and begin saving, you’ll need to save 15-20%. If you start saving in your 40s, 30% will be the number to save.

Track your spending

Many don’t realize the positives of tracking how much is spent each month. Knowing how much money you make and where it goes every month will help you budget better. This will help you realize where you are spending too much and find ways to save!

Build an emergency fund

If you don’t have an emergency fund, this should be your first item on your resolutions list. The unexpected happens, well, unexpectedly. Don’t get caught off guard without the money to fix your problem. A new HVAC system or car can be needed out of the blue, and you’ll want to be sure you’re prepared for random expenses. If you already have an emergency fund, great! But, you’ll want to work on growing it. That 500-1,000 dollars you have saved for emergencies won’t be enough to buy that used car you need when yours quits.

Only pick one or two of the above items to implement this year. Once you’ve locked down your resolution, begin thinking which one you’ll pick for the next year. With these ideas in mind, you’ll be able to get closer to your financial goals sooner than expected! If you need help growing your funds, contact us – we’d be happy to provide a solution for you.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender