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Owning a small business today can feel like David facing down Goliath, with the popularity of retail brands like Amazon and Walmart. However, if there’s one strength that small businesses have to compete against the convenience of online shopping or the ubiquity of big box retailers, it’s their ability to provide attentive, personalized customer service.

While all businesses seek to ensure all their customers have a positive experience, small business owners have the advantage of being able to get to know each and every one of their customers personally. Social media has made it easier than ever to communicate directly with consumers and cultivate brand loyalty. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool to grow your business, and happy customers are your strongest advocates.

Here are some tips for how you and your employees can leave the right impression with your customers.

Make it Personal

While it may be challenging to grow a business with a small customer base, you can use this to your advantage and spend more time getting to know the customers you already have. Big brands cannot possibly know their millions of customers personally. Small businesses, on the other hand, have the ability to learn each customer’s name, understand their preferences, and go the extra mile to create a personalized experience each time they walk through the door.

For example: a pet groomer could send reminders to their clientele when it’s time to trim their pet’s claws, with a link to set up an appointment. Employees at a coffee shop could keep track of its regulars, greet them by name and be sure to ask if they’d like their usual order when they walk through the door. Personalizing the experience strengthens your relationship with your customers and conveys that loyalty goes both ways.

Utilize Technology

I’ve already mentioned how social media is an excellent communication tool for your business. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms allow you to set up business profiles where your customers can follow you to receive regular updates, letting them know when their favorite product is back in stock or announcing upcoming sales and events.

Social media also allows customers to reach you directly with questions or feedback, allowing you to respond quickly to their needs. Just make sure you maintain awareness of how the things you or your employees post on social media reflect upon your business.

Invest in Your Employees

One thing small business employees will often hear when answering the phone is how happy the customer is to be speaking with an actual person. Most national brands maintain such a high call volume that they have opted either to outsource their customer support or have switched to a completely automated customer support line.

You need to make sure each of your employees is well-versed in your products and has the necessary skills to meet your customers’ needs. Because you have so few employees, each one of them is vastly more important to you than they would be working for a larger business. While this means you should be very selective with your hiring, you should also invest in proper training for each employee. Train your employees in customer service best practices and quiz them on frequently asked questions about specific products or services. A small business is only as strong as its weakest link.

Each employee should be knowledgeable to the point that you feel comfortable leaving them to their own discretion when handling customer issues, rather than requiring you to be on-hand at all times. Employees who understand all aspects of your business can provide personalized service and quickly meet a customer’s needs. Moreover, it shows a level of respect that can motivate them, as they feel like they contribute more to the business.

Listen to Your Customers

The best way to improve your product or service is to listen to what your customers have to say about your business. A customer is more inclined to do business with you if they feel like they are being heard. Proactively reach out to customers for comments and provide them with an outlet to submit constructive feedback, whether through a follow-up email, phone call, or even just a public request for responses via social media.

Make sure your customers know when and how they can reach you. Provide clear information on your hours of operation and contact information on your website. You should also make sure you are accessible wherever your customers are. If you have customers trying to reach you via Facebook Messenger, for example, make sure you are monitoring that channel regularly, so you don’t miss a message.

It's a competitive world out there, and every little bit counts when it comes to succeeding as a small business. Think creatively about how to implement your customer service strategy; small businesses can only get ahead by setting themselves apart. Personalizing customer service, using technology to reach your customers, training your employees to be knowledgeable, and listening to your customers are basic ways your business can build a loyal customer base and succeed.

New Tripoli Bank is proud of how we put our customers first each and every day. If you’re looking for help planning a growth strategy for your small business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced lending team. We have years of experience helping small business owners achieve their financial goals.

Kate Hart-Zayaitz is New Tripoli Bank's Chief Lending Officer and Senior Vice President. Kate has spent many years working for various community banks in our area. She was born and raised in Emmaus and has been involved with multiple banking and economic organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.

For many people, the most daunting part of any job application is sitting down for an interview with a potential employer. The impression you make on an interviewer can often outweigh your credentials; a good first impression can bolster an otherwise average resume while a poor interview can sink the prospects of even the strongest candidate. When you sit down for an interview, your poise, attitude, social skills, and ability to communicate are being evaluated as much as your experience and education.

An interview is a conversation between you—potentially a stranger to the employer—and an interviewer seeking to learn more about you. Through conversation and dialogue, the interviewer determines if you’re a good match for the position they’re trying to fill. Preparation is the key to nailing this interaction, and there are several good habits every job seeker should practice if they want to ace their next interview.

Arrive On Time

The interviewer is ready for your appointment before you walk in the door. You should show them the same courtesy and arrive 10-15 minutes early. Give yourself extra travel time in case you get lost or end up in traffic. This shows you can be relied upon to arrive on time for work.

Be Courteous

Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile. Make sure you know the interviewer’s name, its spelling and pronunciation. If you’re unsure, you can call beforehand and ask their secretary.

During the interview, maintain eye contact with the interviewer and practice active listening when they are speaking to you. Never speak negatively when discussing previous employers, teachers, friends, or your university; doing so indicates to the interviewer that you might speak the same way about them.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

Before the interview, spend some time researching the company and the position you are being interviewed for. Prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer; it is a dialogue, after all, and asking relevant questions will show your interest in the company and that you have done your research. Bring several copies of your resume and your transcript in an organized folder.

You can practice interviewing with a friend or family member before your actual interview. There are several questions you can expect during any interview, such as:

What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Why should we hire you?
Why did you leave your previous job?
What made you interested in the company?
How do you handle stressful situations?
What are your goals for the future?
What are your salary expectations?

Practice answering these questions in a way that sounds natural and stays on topic. Listen carefully to your interviewer and be sure you understand a question before answering; don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Practice Good Posture

Interviewing isn’t just about the things you say, but how you act during the interview! Your body language can communicate confidence or disinterest, so make sure you sit up straight and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Speak loudly and clearly when answering questions and watch your grammar when you speak. Don’t be afraid to talk slowly and correct yourself to make sure the interviewer fully understands what you are saying.

Stay Confident

Interviewing is a skill and like any skill it takes practice. Don’t be embarrassed if you are nervous during an interview, as you gain experience this nervousness will gradually decrease.

When talking about yourself, take pride in your accomplishments, your applicable skills, your positive attributes, and your willingness to learn. Never apologize for lack of experience—everyone has to start somewhere—and instead focus on your strengths and what you offer the organization.

Be Patient

Don’t expect a job offer after the first interview. Often you will be invited to a second or third interview before an offer is made. You are likely just one of several candidates interviewing for the same position. Make sure to note if the interviewer gives you a time frame in which you should hear back from them and only follow up if you don’t hear back within that period.

End On A Positive Note

Have you ever seen a movie that had a great beginning and middle but a terrible ending? How often do those movies stick in your head after you’ve left the theater? The same is true of an interview. It’s important to end on a positive note to leave a good lasting impression.

Thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the job. Ask what the next steps will be in the interview process and leave with a firm handshake and a smile. That same day, you should send a follow-up letter, email, or phone call to express your appreciation for the interview and to reaffirm your interest in the job. This last step can be the difference that gets you the job offer.

Ann Bavara is Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Marketing and Compliance for New Tripoli Bank. Ann has been part of the banking industry for the over 35 years, holding many positions including consumer lender, government affairs lobbyist, regulatory compliance, and human resources mergers and acquisitions.

Buying your first home is an exciting — and slightly intimidating — experience for anyone. The process can be overwhelming for a first timer who may not even know where to begin. Before you embark on your journey as a first-time homebuyer, it's important to do your homework so you can get the most out of your purchase.

With this article, I hope to help demystify the process for first time homebuyers with a rundown of what you should consider before you start home shopping.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Before you ever start looking, it's important to pin down how much you can afford to pay each month for your home. The price of a home is more than just your monthly mortgage payments; it includes things like utilities, maintenance, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. It's easy to end up “house poor” by borrowing more than you can afford for your first home, leaving little for you to spend on clothing, vacations, entertainment, and especially food. New Tripoli Bank's mortgage lenders can help you determine the amount you can afford.

In a competitive housing market, it can be to your benefit to shop on a smaller budget. If you shop at a lower price than what you can afford, it provides you with wiggle room to outbid other buyers when you find the house you really want.

Start Saving Early

When calculating how much money you need to buy a house, there are one-time expenses to consider in addition to the monthly mortgage payment. The down payment on a conventional first-time mortgage can range from as little as 5% to 20% of the purchase price or more, and closing costs typically range from 2% to 6%. Depending on how competitive the market is, you can sometimes ask the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs as part of the agreement, or even forego some expenses like home inspection to make your offer more competitive. You should also consider move-in expenses, which can run up to $2,500 depending on your area.

The best way to save for these upfront costs is select a target amount you are willing to spend, open a savings account, and schedule automatic transfers from your checking to this account. The earlier you start, the more you'll be able to take advantage of compound interest to grow your savings, helping you reach your goal in less time.

Clean Up & Monitor Your Credit

The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to lock in a lower interest rate on your mortgage. If you aren't currently using credit, consider opening a credit card or other line of credit and make regular use of it to build your credit score. Be sure to spend within your means and pay down your credit balances on time. It's not enough to have access to credit; banks want to see that you are able to make regular payments!

It's best to avoid opening new credit accounts or loans, racking up additional debt, or making large deposits into your accounts within two months of applying for financing. Many lenders have requirements to confirm that credit you've borrowed and funds you've deposited have been in your possession for at least 60 days, so they can verify it's legitimately yours and have proof of where the funds originated.

A popular rule of thumb is to keep your credit usage to 30% of your total credit or less. If you already have open lines of credit and your balance is over that 30% threshold, you should focus on paying down your debts to improve your creditworthiness.

Organize Your Paperwork

Before you're approved for a mortgage, your lender will need your financial records to verify your income, assets, and debts. You should have the following documentation ready before you apply for your loan:

Proof of income and employment. This includes tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and recent pay stubs.
Statements for any bank, retirement, or brokerage accounts.
Records of other debt obligations, such as student or car loans.

Explore Your Options

There are a variety of mortgages available, each with its own down payment and eligibility requirements to suit the needs of different consumers.

Conventional mortgages are the most common type of home loan. Many banks offer first-time homebuyer loans with more affordable down payment requirements and waived fees.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They are intended to assist buyers with limited savings or lower credit scores to secure housing by offering down payments in exchange for more stringent requirements for the borrower.

USDA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are meant for suburban and rural home buyers. VA Loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and intended for active and veteran military service members. Both of these loans usually require little or no down payment.

You also have options when it comes to mortgage terms and interest rates. Most homebuyers opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is paid off over 30 years with an interest rate that stays the same for the life of the loan, but loan terms can be as low as 15 years, which typically comes with a lower interest rate but higher monthly payments. Conversely, an adjustable-rate mortgage often begins at a lower introductory rate compared to fixed-rate mortgages, but that rate will increase (or decrease) over time, meaning your monthly payments can fluctuate.

You should also spend some time comparing different mortgage lenders, even if you only qualify for one type of loan. Pay special attention to each lender's interest rates and fees, and request quotes from different lenders to find the offer that's best for you.

Apply for Prequalification

Once you've done the preparation and selected your lender, you should apply for a mortgage prequalification. This is the lender's offer to loan you a certain amount under specific terms. The lender will confirm the documentation you provide by pulling your credit report, verifying your employment information, and calculating your debt-to-income ratio to determine the loan amount they are willing to offer.

Prequalifications are typically good for 30 to 90 days; you should verify with your lender how long their offer remains valid. If you have concerns about your debt or credit score, getting prequalified early can help you identify problem areas that you need to fix before home shopping. Once you receive a prequalification, avoid making any big purchases or opening any new lines of credit while you are shopping for a home.

Even after you've taken all these steps, there's still a long road between you and buying your first home. However, by preparing yourself properly for the adventure ahead, you'll be home shopping with the confidence of knowing your financial situation, what you can afford, and what kind of home you should be looking for. In future articles, I will go over what to expect during the home shopping process and after you've purchased your first home.

If you are interested in getting prequalified for a loan or have further questions about the mortgage lending process, you can always contact me or the rest of the mortgage lending team at New Tripoli Bank and we would be happy to assist you!

Gail Post is a Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer for New Tripoli Bank who has been working in finance for more than four decades.

Volunteers are the glue that holds the community together, offering essential support to worthwhile causes and people in need. Most nonprofit organizations and charities rely on the generous help of volunteers, as many don’t have the budget to pay the salaries of a staff of full-time employees. Volunteers allow these organizations to thrive and accomplish their goals.

It can be difficult for the average working person to fit volunteering into their busy schedules. Volunteering requires you to give up a limited portion of your time and energy toward a cause without any sort of financial reward. However, there are many benefits that come from volunteering, not just for the greater community, but for you as well.

Building Connections

Our modern world of digital shopping and commuting to work can feel very lonely and isolated. Volunteering offers an opportunity for you to widen your social circle and meet new people. After all, we find friends by seeking out individuals with similar interests and participating in activities with like-minded people, which can include volunteer work!

This is especially important when moving to a new area. Volunteering for a local food pantry or rescue mission exposes you to people with common interests, helps you become more familiar with neighborhood resources, and provides fulfilling activity while strengthening your ties to the community.

Improving Your Health

There are obvious mental health benefits to volunteering, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem through doing good things for others. The sense of accomplishment that comes from helping your fellow citizens coupled with the sense of camaraderie that comes from regular contact with members of your community has been shown to reduce the risk of depression, which is often worsened by social isolation.

In addition to mental health benefits, volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates than people who do not, as well as lessening the symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease. If you find yourself struggling to involve yourself in regular physical activity, volunteering is a great way to keep yourself moving.

Benefits to Your Career

Many who dedicate their free time to volunteering find a passion for things they would have never considered. Volunteering for causes you believe in provides you with new experiences that may help you discover a career path that better aligns with your ideals. Volunteer work allows you to dip your toe into other possible careers without having to dive head-first into a long-term commitment.

Even if volunteering doesn’t change your professional trajectory, it can provide you with valuable on-the-job training and work experience. One of the benefits community service offers you is a chance to improve skills which are important in any workplace, such as communication and organizational skills, teamwork, planning, problem-solving and task management.

Increased Social Awareness

Everyone feels strongly about at least one issue, but it can be difficult to make the meaningful changes you want to see in the world. If you've ever found yourself asking you can make a difference, volunteering provides an avenue for you to improve your community and make an impact.

Moreover, community service broadens your perspective on social issues by directly exposing you to the problems we face as a society. Simply reading about an issue or listening to news commentary about a social problem isn’t the same as getting personally involved. When volunteering, you interact on a personal level with families and individuals in need, earning firsthand experience and greater understanding of the difficulties these people face.

Volunteering Is Fun & Fulfilling

The most important benefit of volunteering is that it is a fun activity that provides a fulfilling outlet to explore your passions and interests. It provides a change of pace from your day-to-day routine of work, school, and family commitments and can help get you out of a rut if you feel that your daily life has become too mundane.

Many people volunteer to make time for hobbies outside of work. Volunteering can renew your creativity, jump-start your motivation, and provide you with a sense of purpose that will carry over to everything else in your life. It’s important when jumping into volunteering to focus on causes that you’re passionate about—you’re more likely to stay committed to the work if it’s something for which you care deeply. No matter what you do, it’s important to make sure that you’re enjoying the work that you do!

Michele Hunsicker is an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for New Tripoli Bank. She has been part of the Bank's finance department for over twenty years and has worked in banking for over thirty-five. Michele serves on the board of the Northern Lehigh Food Bank and regularly volunteers with her local church.

As a small business owner, you may not consider yourself likely to become the target of a cyber-attack. You might think your business is too small for cyber criminals to take notice, or that you don't have anything valuable enough to be worth the effort. However, small businesses, like any other business, have information that is valuable to criminals, including employee and customer records and bank account information. Moreover, small businesses often have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity, so criminals don't have to put as much effort into hacking them compared to larger corporations.

Cybersecurity doesn't require a large monetary investment from your business; what it does require is a company culture that embraces and proactively promotes cyber-secure practices both professionally and personally. Studies have shown that companies who engage employees in cybersecurity training both in the workplace and at home experience increased identification of potential threats, reduced incidents, and a greater ability to recover after a cyber-attack.

If you are the owner or CEO of a small business, cybersecurity starts with you. Here are things you should do to help promote cybersecurity in your organization.

Make Cybersecurity Part of Company Culture. Discuss cybersecurity in regular, direct communication with your staff and be sure to outline security initiatives with your leadership. You should stress to your employees that security should be an "all-the-time" consideration.

Select a Security Manager. Once you have goals in mind and your leadership team has set objectives, identify someone in your organization to manage your security initiatives. This person doesn't necessarily need to be a security expert or IT professional, you simply need someone responsible who can spearhead the program and ensure it is implemented as intended.

Create an Incident Response Plan. The Security Manager should draft a written IRP for your leadership team to review. This is your plan of action before, during, and following a security incident. Make sure to involve leaders from throughout your business, not just the security manager and IT team (if you have one). Customize parts of the IRP based on the needs of individual departments.

Keep Your Network Up to Date. Make sure any applications, web browsers, security software and operating systems in your business network are updated regularly. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Make sure your network's systems are protected by a firewall and, if your employees work from home, ensure they follow these same practices with their home system(s).

Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud.

Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee. Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and make strong passwords a requirement. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.

Train Your Employees. Promote basic security policies for your staff, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish safe internet usage guidelines. Emphasize to your employees the importance of protecting not only customer data but their own sensitive information. Employees who are encouraged to practice cybersecurity in their personal lives are more likely to prevent cyber-attacks while on the job.

The best protection for any business is knowledge, both for the owner and the employees. Any cybersecurity initiatives should be tailored to your organization's needs, whether that's something more involved like formal training or as simple as a monthly email with tips and tricks. The key is to make cybersecurity a constant consideration for members of your organization.

Many low-cost and free resources are available for businesses looking to get started with cybersecurity training. You can find free training kits from the Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency which provide an excellent jumping off point for business owners who want to keep their employees engaged. Once you get started, you'll find it gets easier to keep security at the forefront of your employees' minds all year long and strengthen your business' defenses against cyber-attacks.

Stephanie Barton is a Senior Vice President and New Tripoli Bank's Chief Information Officer. She has been working for New Tripoli Bank for over thirty years and has overseen the maintenance and upgrading of the bank's digital infrastructure and security.

This fall will be the first time living away from home for many young people as they pursue college education. Some students will find it easy to adapt to their newfound independence while others may find themselves struggling to handle the added financial responsibility.

Rising tuition costs saddled on young adults, who may be unprepared to handle the stress of financial independence, can be a recipe for disaster. In 2023, the average graduate in America leaves college with more than $37,000 in debt, including federal student loans and the number can be even higher for those with private loans. When it comes time for a young person to leave the nest, financial literacy skills (budgeting, money management) can make all the difference.

Here are some tips for those high school graduates preparing to take the leap into financial self-reliance.

Learn How to Create a Budget

Budgets are your friends, and they are easy to make! First, calculate your expected income per month, including paychecks (if you have a job), grants, loans, and family contributions. This gives you an idea of how much money you have available each month and allows you to plan your spending on needs such as groceries, transportation, and so on. Once you have your needs accounted for, whatever is left can be used for saving, trips, or simple pleasures, ensuring your college experience is enjoyable without worrying about whether you can pay for basic needs.

Don’t Rack Up Debt

The idea of a student credit card sounds appealing but can be a trap for the unprepared. With proper credit card usage, a young adult can establish a record of credit card payments that help them build credit, making future loans and purchases easier. However, if the student treats their credit card like an infinite source of cash, high credit balances and missed payments could prolong the time it takes for them to get on their feet after graduation.

Some simple rules to follow when signing up for a credit card:

Start with a prepaid card to get into the habit of budgeting. You can keep an actual credit card handy in case of emergencies.
Research spending limits, interest rates, and terms to find the best credit card for your needs. Make sure you are aware of fees and other hidden costs that come with each card.
Only spend what you can afford to pay back, and make sure to pay off your card in full each month.

Get a Part-Time Job

A part-time job is not only a great way to help mitigate the costs of higher education; it also provides valuable experience and helps young adults to build community and sharpen organizational skills. Even entry-level jobs require you to have some work experience and a part-time job is a great way to show initiative on your résumé.

Take Classes on Financial Wellness

Many colleges and universities offer financial literacy programs for their students. You can also reach out to administrators and academic advisors who may have information on extracurricular programs open to students.

Choose the Right Bank

College is an opportune time to find a bank that shares your values. These days, community banks boast the same mobile and online banking tools as large national banks while maintaining strong ties to the communities they serve and holding themselves to higher ethical standards. Many of these banks also offer deposit accounts with lower or zero fees for account maintenance, no minimum balance requirements, overdraft protections, and competitive interest rates. New Tripoli Bank’s Smart Start Checking Account is tailor-made for the college-bound graduate. Our mobile and online banking platform mean no matter which college you head for, you’ll have your bank account right at your fingertips.

PHEAA Student Loans

New Tripoli Bank has also teamed up with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to offer private student loan options for students pursuing higher education. These loans are designed to reduce the financial strain placed on college students by waiving many of the fees associated with loan applications and offering low fixed interest rates.

Keep these tips in mind for those who are college bound. By learning good financial habits early, they will develop the skills they need to become financially secure well into the future.

Sundra Sherwin is Vice President of Branch Administration for New Tripoli Bank. She has over 25 years of banking experience and has been with New Tripoli Bank for 15 years, working in various positions at the Bank. She has been promoting financial literacy in our community through her work with the Bank for years.

If you’ve ever wondered if it matters where you deposit your hard-earned money, let me assure you it does.

We know there are more options for where to bank today than ever before. But consider this: community banks like New Tripoli Bank offer benefits to consumers that you can’t find at regional or national banks. Whether you’re looking for personal banking options or services for your business, here are some reasons why your best decision is to bank locally.

Personalized Attention

Do you feel like you’re just an account number in a sea of account numbers, or that you’re always having trouble getting someone to pay attention to you? You’re at the wrong bank.

Community bank employees dedicate more time to the customer. They can respond to your needs with personalized solutions that fit the situations you face because they face the same situations in their own lives. That’s why customers prefer local banks, where customer service truly matters.

Faster Decisions

At a community bank, you speak directly with the people who make the decisions, and we keep those decisions local. You won’t have to wait for your request to make its way through an internal bureaucracy only for someone you’ve never met to weigh in on your request. That’s not fair to you and often leads to bad, poorly informed decisions.

Fewer & Lower Fees

Did you know that large banks have reported making nearly $2 billion annually just through overdraft charges? Or that 75% of large banks don’t offer a checking account without fees? This is just one of the reasons why large bank customers end up feeling like they’re just another name on a ledger.

Community banks charge lower fees than national banks. The most common types of fees—overdrafts and nonsufficient funds fees—are 13-19% lower for small banks compared to large banks. We also don’t look to layer fees upon fees, and work with you to avoid these situations, giving you access to a host of tools to help you manage your money and avoid unnecessary fees. It’s not in either of our interests to charge fees for everything. Additionally, 44% of small banks have checking accounts without monthly maintenance fees—and New Tripoli Bank is one of them!

High Quality Service

Large banks would have you believe that they alone can offer the most convenience and the latest technology, but nothing could be further from the truth. Community banks offer the same services and products as our competitors and often without charging you extra for their use! New Tripoli Bank has world-class online and mobile banking options to improve our customers’ experience, with features such as account alerts, online account opening, automated bill payments, and more.

Ethics & Stability

If the last two decades have taught us anything, it’s that scandals strike larger banks with a fair amount of regularity. The same cannot be said for community banks, who are deeply rooted within the communities they serve and have a personal stake in the financial well-being of their customers. Reputation is important to community banks, and we hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Keeping Money in the Community

Most importantly, your local community bank puts your money to work fueling small local businesses. As small businesses themselves, community banks recognize their key role in keeping their local economy strong. This is why, year after year, community banks are responsible for the lion’s share of small business loans and often serve as the only physical banking presence in one-third of counties in the United States.

Now that you understand the benefits and importance of community banking, the only question left is “how do I get started?” Luckily, New Tripoli Bank’s free checking account is a great way to take advantage of the convenience and simplicity of community banking, and you can set it up 100% online or at any of our three offices. No matter which way you come in the door, we’re happy to have you here!

I hope this article has been helpful at illustrating the positives of community banking and no matter where you choose to bank, just remember to keep it local.

These days, it seems like we use our computers and the internet for everything. Whether it's sending mail, shopping, checking the news, or keeping in touch with friends and family, chances are you're staring at a computer screen when you do it. While there are many benefits for consumers—faster and convenient services, for example—it is important to be aware of the dangers of the internet.

Wherever you find consumers willing to spend money or divulge personal information, you will find criminals seeking to exploit them for personal gain, and the internet is no different. Every year, millions of people fall victim to frauds and scams that begin with an email, text message, or phone call. The cost on consumers is immense, but they suffer more than just the financial losses: fraud can cause damage to their credit history and can lead to a lost sense of security.

This is why New Tripoli Bank is dedicated to promoting cybersecurity. Strong cybersecurity requires smart internet use—you may have the best security systems installed on your computer, but one wrong link click can lead to you becoming the target of identity thieves!

Here are some tips to stay safe while surfing the web:

Be suspicious of unexpected requests for personal information. It doesn't matter how legitimate the email or website looks—only open emails from people or organizations you trust and, even then, be cautious if anything looks questionable. Keep an eye out for typos or other obvious mistakes—scammers send purposefully sloppy emails to isolate the most gullible targets.

Don't share personal information unless you initiated contact. Do not share info over the phone, through the mail, or via the internet in response to an unsolicited request. If you receive a message that appears to be from an organization you recognize instructing to you call a phone number or click a link, ignore the message, and instead visit that organization's website to use their verified contact information.

Thoroughly review your account statements. Make sure you recognize and can account for every transaction that appears on your end-of-month statements and make sure to contact your bank or credit card servicer if you notice any irregularities or unexpected charges.

Use strong passwords. Avoid using birth dates, phone, numbers of Social Security numbers for PIN codes. Don't create a password based on information that can be found on your social media profile or easily guessed.

Be careful what information you share publicly. It's best to show discretion when using social media; any information you share can be exploited by scammers to make them appear as if they are someone who knows you.

Keep your computer updated. All consumer PCs come installed with security software that you should update regularly to guard from the latest malware and viruses.

Avoid unsecured networks. Be careful about where and how you conduct your financial transactions. Unsecured public wi-fi networks can be intercepted by malicious hackers, and you never know who could be watching you enter personal information while you're out in public.

A smart consumer is more than someone who can find the best deal. They know their spending limits, understand their rights and responsibilities as a consumer, and do research before making a purchase. Smart consumers aren’t tempted by impulse purchases or eye-catching red tag sales; they’re focused on finding a reasonable deal on a product that will last.

Here are some tips for you to make the best decisions when you’re shopping online or at a retail store.

Before Purchasing

Know what you can afford. Keep track of your monthly finances and determine how much money you can afford to spend after paying for groceries, bills, and other necessities. Once you have a number, stick to a spending plan to make sure you don’t live beyond your means.

Research the product. It may feel like a lot of work for something as simple as making a purchase, but proper research can help you avoid buying a product or service with a history of complaints or missing a lower price for the same product. Check product reviews for common issues people have with the product. Investigate the company selling the product and make sure you are buying from a reputable seller; check the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the company.

Beware social media ads. There are many ads that pop up on Facebook and Instagram with great deals. Be sure to do your research before you buy. Use Google search to verify the product and seller. There may be scammers that use Facebook ads, advertising great deals to trick you into entering your card information.

Read the fine print. Before you sign a contract for a big purchase or hire someone for a service, make sure you read and understand everything you are agreeing to. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re unsure about something and never sign until you are 100% comfortable. Make sure you get everything in writing, and never pay in full until the job is done and you are satisfied with the workmanship.

While Shopping

Make sure to compare prices. Being a consumer in the age of smart phones means instant access to information that consumers in previous generations could only dream of. If you see a product that you’d like to purchase at a retail store, take the time to look it up online and see if other stores are selling it at a better price. Some retail stores offer price matching, so you don’t even need to make another trip!

Be careful with financing options. Companies sometimes offer 0% financing options for larger purchases (for example, window installations and furniture), which can be great for staying within your budget. However, make sure you understand the terms of any contracts you sign, as these offers usually come with extremely high interest rates that you will be required to pay if you fail to make your minimum monthly payment.

Though most shopping still happens in retail stores, many people have switched exclusively to shopping online since the pandemic, which can come with a whole host of problems for consumers who aren’t careful! When shopping online:

Stick to secure, reputable sites. Look for URLs that start with https://. These websites use encryption to protect your sensitive data. Keep an eye out for red flags such as spelling mistakes, malfunctioning features, or a lack of contact information. When in doubt, search the site’s name to see if the search results are filled with articles about frauds related to the site.

Avoid shopping on public wi-fi or public computers. Hackers will often target users on public networks with keyloggers or other methods to steal your information. You also never know who is watching you in a public place, so it is best to avoid entering personal information in such situations.

Make sure to read all contracts and agreements. Don’t click the check box without reading the documentation. It is especially important to read a website’s terms of use to understand how the company plans to use your data and if they share it with other companies.

Look for a return policy. Any reputable company will have a link to their return policy somewhere on the front page of their website. It’s important to understand your rights as a consumer before you buy.

After Buying

Keep a copy of any receipts, warranties, or service contracts. Consider creating a binder to hold all this documentation, as you may need it later to make a claim or in the event of a recall. You should make copies of any receipts printed with ink that could fade quickly.

Be a responsible borrower. If you financed a purchase or used your credit card, make sure you have a plan to pay it back quickly! Try to pay down outstanding balances immediately if you can. You can also contact a credit counseling service for additional help managing debt.

Make a complaint. If you’re not happy with your purchase, contact the seller and give them a chance to fix the problem. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may want to consider making a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission.

It’s easy to be a smart consumer if you arm yourself with the proper tools. A New Tripoli Bank checking account gives you access to our mobile banking tools such as email/text alerts that are customizable to you, which makes keeping track of spending and budgeting even easier. You can download the CardValet app to help monitor your accounts for fraud. Just make sure the next time you go shopping to keep these helpful tips in mind!

Jen Moyer is an Assistant Vice President and head of New Tripoli Bank's Deposit Operations. She has been a member of the New Tripoli Bank team for nearly twenty years and has worked in multiple departments within the Bank.

The start of each new year is a time for us to reflect on the past year and plan for the next. 2022 was a challenging year for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was record-high inflation that had plenty of people tightening their budgets. As we head into 2023, I'd like to offer some tips to help you establish and maintain good credit so you can enjoy a brighter financial future.

Open a Checking Account

While a checking account can't help you improve your credit score, it does help you balance your budget while you're establishing a credit history. By making credit card and loan payments with your checking account, you will see all of your monthly transactions on a single bank statement rather than having to compare several different statements in order to get a full view of your financial situation.

Another benefit of checking accounts is that most come with a debit card. Using a debit card along with your credit card is safer than paying with cash, since banks offer fraud protection and card controls to help prevent negative impact to your credit if your card is lost or stolen. Make sure to monitor your credit and bank statements regularly, so you can correct any errors and detect signs of potential identity theft.

Automate Bill Payments

One of the easiest ways to damage your credit is to fall behind on loan or credit card payments. Thankfully, most banks (New Tripoli Bank included) offer automatic bill pay through their online banking platforms to ensure that your monthly bills are paid.

An emergency fund is helpful for staying ahead of your bill payments. A good rule of thumb is to set aside enough money to pay for six months of living expenses so that, in the event of an emergency, you can absorb unexpected expenses and avoid penalties for late payments. Thankfully, most banks' online banking platforms allow you to set up automatic, recurring transfers between accounts, so you can set aside a portion of each paycheck for a rainy day into a dedicated emergency savings account.

Show Stability in Your Credit Use

As you work to maintain your credit, you should seek to develop a good mix of credit—for example, paying down a mortgage loan plus credit card payments—to demonstrate that you can manage different types of credit, which can improve your credit score. It is also better to pay down your credit gradually instead of immediately paying off your debt all at once, as it shows you are capable of making payments on time.

If you are planning to use credit for a large purchase, you should adjust your credit usage leading up to the purchase. For at least three to six months prior to your purchase, you should focus on paying down existing debt and avoid incurring new debt.

By establishing these spending and saving habits early, you'll be able to make your money work for you so you can speed up your recovery from temporary financial roadblocks and remain financially healthy. If you are concerned about your financial wellness, New Tripoli Bank offers checking, savings, and lending options to help you navigate pivotal financial milestones and plan for your financial future. Reach out to one of our friendly community bankers who can help steer you in the right direction for 2023.

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