Blogs & News

With more shopping occurring online this year, and with the holiday season upon us, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reminds shoppers to remain vigilant. Be especially cautious of fraudulent sites spoofing reputable businesses, unsolicited emails claiming to be from charities, and unencrypted financial transactions. CISA encourages online holiday shoppers to review the following…

Parenting is expensive. From formula and diapers to sports and cars, there is always something in the budget. With so much going on right now, it is hard to even think about the future. However, saving for your child’s future is one of the most beneficial things you can do for them and it’s important…

WHAT IS IT? As business tries to return to this new normal, you have probably gone to various stores, restaurants, and other businesses and saw this sign at each door: “Due to the national coin shortage, please pay with exact cash or cards.” This is another problem caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the problem…

An unfortunate side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been high numbers of people needing to file unemployment claims. While unemployment insurance exists to help people manage difficult financial situations, it can also be a target for cyber-criminals to commit fraud. To help educate consumers, we have some tips to avoid becoming a victim of…

Did you receive a pre-paid debit card in the mail? If your answer was “yes,” don’t throw it away or cut it up. The IRS is actually sending out Economic Impact Payments (aka Stimulus Payments) in the form of prepaid debit cards to some people. According to the US Treasury News Release, “[the] Treasury and…

In a high-tech, digital focused world, it is not surprising that so many people are heading online or into an app to do their banking. But did you know that utilizing this resource can actually help you save money? Well, here’s how to save money with mobile banking:   Online Alerts Through online and mobile…

With the global COVID-19 pandemic looming over us all, many individuals’ personal and business financial situations are uncertain at this time. However, there is hope. We have devised a complete financial guide specifically for Iowans that covers how to handle your finances during COVID-19. It has valuable information for business owners and individuals with personal…

Lately, a lot of people have been participating in challenges and questionnaires on social media that encourage you to post information about your personal life.     Some recent ones include, “Share a picture of every car you have ever owned,” or “Share the last ten cities you have lived in.” These posts seem fun,…

Below is information about the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. This information is subject to change by the SBA with no prior notice. Information provided is valid as of 4/2/2020. Borrower Information Fact Sheet The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program Document Checklist & Certifications SBA Borrower Application Form…

In light of the announcement that Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon today.   Grinnell State Bank will provide drive-thru service only at all of our branch locations, effective March 17, 2020 until further…

Because of the uncertainty of when and how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact our communities and families, as well as your finances, we felt it was important to connect with you and share what we’re doing to keep you, our team members and our communities safe and healthy.   Taking care of our customers and…

One thing Grinnell, Iowa isn’t short on is talent, and that is apparent when you go to a Shults & Co. show! Frank and Sherry Shults founded the singing group Shults & Co. in 1995 and fill the cast with local talent, year after year. One of those locals is Grinnell State Bank President, F.…

Welcome to 2020! A new year and new decade offer new chances and a new start for people. In fact, 28% of Americans said that they have a New Year’s Resolution. Of that 28%, 49% made saving money their goal. The best way to keep a New Years Resolution is to make a goal for…

In the most recent fraud attack, a fraudster sends out a text message to a cardholder and requests they call an 800 number because their account is “locked”. When the cardholder calls, they are asked to enter personal information such as their PIN, Social Security Number, or other personal info. Here are some tips to…

Who doesn’t love the holiday season? We get to see family from out of town, get a couple days off work, eat some fantastic food, and we get to SHOP! While GSB and SHAZAM are always working on ways to make sure your information is safe, here are some things you can do this holiday…

You see an ad for a new FREE trial of a ‘Groundbreaking Weight Loss Supplement’ or a ‘Miracle Skincare Product Guaranteed to Erase Your Wrinkles’ and you think, “it’s a free trial, why not?” Well, let me tell you why you should be cautious… Most free trials make you enter your credit or debit card number because all you…

The time has come. Millennials have joined the workforce. This brings in a brand-new set of obstacles for banks to overcome to reach this technical and fast-paced generation. Millennials are one of the first generations to grow up surrounded by technology from acquiring their first Nintendo to their first smartphone, and expectations are different for…

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly… Shoot, I still need a gift for Holly… It’s almost that time of year, when we begin planning our Holiday shopping lists and start saving so we don’t get that lovely notice in the mail from our bank that we’ve spent too much. (Darn those NSF fees). While you’re…

Banking local may not seem like a big deal to your average person, but what most people don’t realize is that when you choose a local bank, you are also investing in your community! When you deposit with Grinnell State Bank, your money genuinely stays local. Your money helps fund loans in your community for…

Elderly Financial Abuse is one the most rapid growing issues in Banking today! This is just one reason why we all should Know our Banker. Here at GSB we are your contact for everything!   Who are the perpetrators? Family members to include sons, daughters, grandchildren or spouses Individuals who “seek out” vulnerable seniors with the…

In 1954, when the Jones family gained ownership of Grinnell State Bank, the very first advertisement was a newspaper ad that stated, “The nearest postbox will serve as a teller’s window” to inform customers of the convenience of mailing their deposits as another alternative to coming into the bank. It has always been important to…