In This Issue

• Community Shred Day at the Main Office  - Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.-noon.
• Community Shred Day at the Imlay City Office - Saturday, August 24, from 9 a.m.-noon
• Community Shred Day at the Main Office - Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.-noon.

  

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I rolled over my 401(k) into the football pool.

      

Featured Product

You are in line waiting to buy a coffee or getting ready to make a purchase and you wonder "What is my checking balance?" Once you have  Text Banking set up, you simply text Bal to 89549.

 

Voilà ... your balance is at your fingertips in seconds. 

 

To sign up, simply log on to Online Banking. In the options tab, under mobile banking, click "Settings for Text Mobile" and complete the form. You will receive a confirmation text message. Once you reply, you will be enrolled in Text Banking. 

 

To check your balance, text Bal to 89549. To see the five most recent transactions, text Hist. 

Customer Spotlight

Dan Agnew and his team at Victory Auto and Trailer Sales is ready to set you up with a trailer for all your hauling needs.

The snow might still be flying, but it is officially Spring. That means it's time to start moving things. From horse and livestock trailers to motorcycle and ATV to farm equipment to race car trailers, Victory Auto and Trailer Sales is ready to help you get things rolling.

 

"It's a family business," said Owner and General Manager Dan Agnew. "My mother-in-law, Dee Mahuta, runs the office. My father-in-law, Dennis Mahuta, is our technician. My cousin-in-law, Chris Hettinger, handles race car trailer sales. And my son, Tyler, who is still in high school, helps part time in the shop and office."

 

Victory Auto and Trailer Sales carries new and used trailers, as well as a variety of used cars, trucks, trailers and accessories.

 

Victory Auto and Trailer Sales is open from Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment.

 

Get in touch with Victory Auto and Trailer: They are located at 3537 S. Lapeer Rd., Ste. 1, in Metamora. You can also reach them online at www.victoryautoandtrailer.com or call 810-678-2727.  

Security News

 

The FCC, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, recently released a list of 10 tips for smartphone users security. The visitors to the FCC website can view a customized guide for their smartphone. Guides are available for Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows phones. 

1. Set PINs and passwords. To prevent unauthorized access to your phone, set a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your phone's home screen as a first line of defense in case your phone is lost or stolen. When possible, use a different password for each of your important log-ins (email, banking, personal sites, etc.).
2. Do not loosen your smartphone's security settings. Do not alter security settings for convenience. Tampering with your phone's factory settings, "jailbreaking," or rooting your phone undermines the built-in security features offered by your wireless service and smartphone, which may make it more vulnerable to attack.    
3. Backup and secure your data. You should backup all of the data stored on your phone - such as your contacts, documents, and photos. These files can be stored on your computer, on a removable storage card, or in the cloud. This will allow you to conveniently restore the information to your phone should it be lost, stolen or otherwise erased.  
4. Only install apps from trusted sources. Before downloading an app, conduct research to ensure the app is legitimate. Check the legitimacy of an app by: checking reviews, confirming the legitimacy of the app store, and comparing the app sponsor's official website with the app store link to confirm consistency. Many apps from illegitimate sources contain malware that once installed can steal information, install viruses, and cause harm to your phone's contents. Additionally, there are apps that warn you if any security risks exist on your phone.  
5. Understand app permissions before accepting them. You should be cautious about granting applications access to personal information on your phone or otherwise letting the application have access to perform functions on your phone. Make sure to also check the privacy settings for each app before installing.  
6. Install security apps that enable remote location and wiping.  An important security feature widely available on smartphones, either by default or as an app, is the ability to remotely locate and erase all of the data stored on your phone, even if the phone's GPS is off. If your phone is misplaced, some applications can activate a loud alarm, even if your phone is on silent. These apps can also help you locate and recover your phone when lost. Visit CTIA for a full list of anti-theft protection apps.
7. Accept updates and patches to your smartphone's software. You should keep your phone's operating system software up-to-date by enabling automatic updates or accepting updates when prompted from your service provider, operating system provider, device manufacturer or application provider. By keeping your operating system current, you reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats.  
8. Be smart on open Wi-Fi networks. When you access a Wi-Fi network that is open to the public, your phone can be an easy target of cyber criminals. You should limit your use of public hotspots and instead use protected Wi-Fi from a network operator you trust or mobile wireless connection to reduce your risk of exposure, especially when accessing personal or sensitive information. Always be aware when clicking web links and be particularly cautious if you are asked to enter account or log-in information.  
9. Wipe data on your old phone before you donate, resell or recycle it. Your smartphone contains personal data you want to keep private when you dispose your old phone. To protect your privacy, completely erase data off of your phone and reset the phone to its initial factory settings. Now having wiped your old device, you are free to donate, resell, recycle or otherwise properly dispose of your phone.  
10. Report a stolen smartphone. The major wireless service providers, in coordination with the FCC, have established a stolen phone database. If your phone is stolen, you should report the theft to your local law enforcement authorities and then register the stolen phone with your wireless provider. This will provide notice to all the major wireless service providers that the phone has been stolen and will allow for remote "bricking" of the phone so that it cannot be activated on any wireless network without your permission.

Money Matters

The Wealth Management Group covers two aspects of financial services - the Trust Department, which handles trust services, institutional and personal investments; and CBC Financial Services (Securities offered through Infinex Investments Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC), which is a full service brokerage and insurance organization and includes financial, education and retirement planning.

 

"Some of the first trusts come from when English land holders fought in the crusades," said Vice President and Senior Trust Officer Gary Drainville. "The owner went off to fight and left a trusted individual in charge of their property - someone to serve as the owner, pay the taxes, manage the day-to-day operations, etc. Today, we just offer a more modern version of those services." Corporate Trustees like LCBT's Wealth Management Group can pay bills, manage assets, pay taxes, administer and act as the executor of estates.

 

"Trusts go beyond investing," said Assistant Trust Officer Dave Warrington. "When we act as a trustee for a trust or an executor for an estate, we make sure that the wishes of the client are followed. It's especially helpful for people who don't have close relatives, or who have a complex family dynamic. Having someone who is a third party act as executor also takes the burden off of grieving family members."

 

The Trust Department of Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. can administer many different kinds of trusts and investments for individuals, as well as for foundations and endowments.

CBC Financial Services Financial Advisor and Infinex Investment Executive Erin Landers is also ready to help with financial questions.

 

"I'm here to help my clients reach a goal," said Landers. "Whether that goal is education, retirement or financial stability."

 

Financial planning isn't just for those starting out either, Landers pointed out. "With people on a fixed income, we can budget for anticipated expenses and make a plan for assets to cover future expenses. With any client, I take into account their income and expenses before determining what options help them best attain their goals."

 

Through CBC Financial Services, Landers can provide a wide variety of financial programs, depending on what will best serve her client's needs.

 

"The key is finding out what's right for the client. Each person is different - their needs and goals are different and that leads to different investment choices," said Landers.

 

The Wealth Management Group is assisted by Trust Operations Administrator Susan Osentoski and Investment Administrator Beth Mercier. Both women use their 27 years of combined experience to help trust clients with their day-to-day account details.

 

Vice President and Senior Trust Officer Gary Drainville has more than 35 years of banking experience and has led top performing teams and organizations, providing strategic guidance, training and support to a wide variety of clients. 

 

Assistant Trust Officer Dave Warrington has spent more than ten years in the banking industry, almost seven of those with Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co., administering trusts and aligning client needs with the most appropriate investment products and financial services.

 

Investment Executive Erin Landers has been with Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. for 12 years and has her Series 7, 66 and insurance licenses.

CBC Financial Services - Securities offered through Infinex Investments, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Infinex and Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. are not affiliated. Not a deposit. Not FDIC insured. Not insured by any federal government agency. Not guaranteed by the Bank. May go down in value.