Have you visited our new website?

We are so excited for you to visit our new website, which was launched last month.  We hope that our new look makes you feel right at home.  Do not hesitate to contact us if you notice any inconsistencies that need to be addressed.  We appreciate your patience with this transition. 

A High Country Bank Facebook page is coming soon!

  We look forward to educating our community, keeping things current, and having a little fun.
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Dear High Country Bank Customers, 

SEPTEMBER IS COLLEGE SAVINGS MONTH

As college students head to campus for the fall semester, money management should be on their personal syllabus.  High Country Bank would like to share money-saving tips to help your college students get an early start on securing their financial future.

1.  Create a budget.  You're an adult now and are responsible for managing your own finances. The first step is to create a realistic budget or plan, and stick to it.
2.  Watch spending. Keep receipts and track spending in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.  Pace spending and increase saving by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping, so that your money can last throughout the semester.
3.  Use credit wisely. Understand the responsibilities and benefits of credit.  Use it, but don't abuse it.  How you handle your credit in college could affect you well after graduation.  Shop around for a card that best suits your needs.
4.  Take advantage of your bank's resources. High Country Bank offers online banking tools to manage your account night and day.  Use these tools to check balances, pay bills, deposit checks and monitor transaction history.  
5.  Lookout for money. There's a lot of money available for students -- you just have to look for it. Apply for scholarships, and look for student discounts or other deals.
6.  Buy used.  Consider buying used books or ordering them online.  Buying books can become expensive and often used books are in just as good shape as new ones.
7.  Entertain on a budget. Limit your "hanging out" fund.  There are lots of fun activities to keep you busy in college and many are free for students.  Get the most from your student ID.  Use your meal plan or sample new recipes instead of eating out.
8.  Expect the unexpected.  Things happen, and it's important that you are financially prepared when your car or computer breaks down or you have to buy an unexpected bus ticket home.  You should start putting some money away immediately, no matter how small the amount.
9.  Ask. This is a learning experience, so if you need help, ask.  Your parents or your bank are good places to start, and remember-the sooner the better.  We are here for you!

"It's important for college students to take control of their financial future by saving wherever and whenever they can," said Gail Granzella, Executive Vice-President of High Country Bank.   "They should treat personal finance like a second major and avoid unnecessary expenses now to reduce financial burden when they graduate."

High Country Bank offers the following resources to help college students form a strong foundation for money management:

Utilize our Mobile Banking app!  Simply navigate to www.highcountrybank.net from any smartphone or tablet. Choose the option that you want to complete and log in using the same credentials you would for online banking. Upon logging in for the first time, you will need to review and agree to our Mobile Banking terms and conditions, and will then be taken to a list of your accounts. Mobile Banking will allow you to have all of your accounts at your finger tips. 

Also, our MoneyDesktop offers secure, easy to access personal financial management tools through High Country Bank's online banking. It empowers you to take control of your finances, manage all of your money from one place, and ultimately, simplify your life.

  • Account Aggregation: All your financial accounts in one place. 
     
  • Budgeting: Create relative budgets based off your actual spending, income, debts, and expenses. 
     
  • Categorize Spending: Categorize and track spending from your various financial accounts. 
     
  • Financial GPS GuideMe: A GPS for your finances that keeps you on the path to financial freedom and well-being. 
     
  • Manage Debt: A customized plan just for you based off your debts, income, and budget. 
These resources will help you build your financial literacy, and empower you to be your own money manager.  Your hometown bank is here for you, every step of the way. 

High Country Bank is a full service bank that continues to offer home mortgages for purchases, refinance, and new construction.  We also provide financing for second homes, second mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans.  High Country Bank has been servicing the Arkansas River Valley for 130 years.  Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.   NMLS# 419324. 
Service to Our Community

High Country Bank is proud to announce its September Charities of the Month; Sunset Home Salida), Buena Vista Pregnancy Center, and Canon City Pregnancy Center.  High Country Bank has been choosing a Charity of the Month for over 20 years.  All notary fees for the given month are donated to this charity, along with a $100.00 donation to that organization.  There are also donation jars next to each teller window which allow the public to make a donation to the organization as well. 

Walk for Hope

High Country Bank was pleased to participate in the Canon City Walk for Hope.  This yearly event is sponsored by the Orchard Of Hope in Canon City. Orchard of Hope does incredible things for cancer patients in Fremont County. They assist the hospice program and also help with many different things that cancer patients and their families need.Visit them at  http://www.orchardofhope.org/.
 
 

Pictured left to right...Gina Grisenti - Mortgage Loan Officer, Roco Passarelli, Lynnette Passarelli - AVP Operations/Branch Manager, Mindy Hilbert - Teller III, Kristy Brownfield - Teller III













Salida Fiber Festival

High Country Bank is a proud sponsor of the Salida Fiber Festival.  This event will be held on September 10th and 11th at Salida's Riverside Park.  Please come out and join our creative community while they weave, knit, crochet, and display the most elegant of fibers. 

Crest Crank
Please come out and support this meaningful event.  The Alliance Against Domestic Abuse is one of this county's most admirable organizations, and they do a fantastic job of putting on this high altitude event.  High Country Bank sponsors this event with pride.  Join some of our staff out on the single-track.  We look forward to seeing you out there.

Chaffee County United Soccer Club

Chaffee County United Soccer Club, a non-profit organization, was formed to promote and foster the development of soccer for players of all ages in Chaffee County, western Fremont County and other adjacent counties. The highest standards of competitive and recreational  play are encouraged through unity, sportsmanship, professional and volunteer coaching and ongoing education conducted in a safe and enjoyable environment.  High Country Bank is a major sponsor of this club that serves over 200 youth in our region, year-round.  





Pictured left to right...  Back Row...Joe Smith, Tim Mann, Sara Bowers, Tom Mansheim
Front row - Larry Smith, Nick Tessitore, Jade LiVecchi, Val Kononen, Danielle Webster, Rachel Helmer, Gail Granzella, Niki Tracy, LeaAnn DePetro
Seated, representing Chaffee County United Soccer Club, Molly Pitts and Chad Gorby










Salida High School Girls Basketball

High Country bank is excited to support the Salida High School Girls Basketball Team in their purchase of a Noah Basketball System. This shooting system will be installed in the gym, and will be able to be used by youth athletes, club teams, and all high school basketball players.  We are thrilled that so many children and adults in the community will be able to take advantage of this wonderful tool.

Salida High School Cheer Team

We are proud to make a donation to the Salida High School Cheer Team, so that they may attend a state spirit competition this winter.  Go Team!  

 
High Country Bank presents...October Fest!!!

On October 2, 2016, High Country Bank will be partnering with the Salida Steamplant and hosting the 1st annual High Country Bank October Fest.  This event will be held in the Steamplant courtyard from 11 am - 5 pm.   Besides food and libations, there will also be some rockin' polka. Come on out to this family-friendly affair and let's make this event Salida's local favorite! 



 
We are grateful to have the opportunity to engage our neighbors and work with them in "Building Futures Together."  Visit us at www.highcountrybank.net Member FDIC.
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