Standard Bank Blog

I bet you know someone that has been the victim of identity theft – perhaps a friend or even a relative.  They were probably the victim of credit card fraud, internet fraud or mail theft.  This probably proliferated into all sorts of complications in their life including compromised credit.  Identity theft is our country’s fastest growing crime.  The FTC reported that last year, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of this crime costing nearly $5 billion. 

There are some simple things you can do to protect yourself against fraud.  The U.S. Postal Inspector, who is a leader in fighting against identity theft, suggests that you:

With Mother’s Day being on Sunday we thought we would talk a bit about the history of Mother’s Day.  The majority of countries that celebrate Mother's Day do so on the second Sunday of May. On this day, it is common for Mothers to receive presents and special attention from their families, friends and loved ones. 

• A-Arrive about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time…no earlier unless instructed.  Showing up too early can throw off the interviewer’s day and schedule.
• B-Bring your resume and reference information, make sure your resume includes your previous work experience and educational/training background.  It’s a good idea to bring a few copies…you never know who you might meet that day.
• C-Call if you are running late…nothing is worse than showing up late to an interview.  Leave plenty early to make sure you are there on time (but not too early), if you are lost…call, everyone has a phone number and explain the situation.  Lastly, if you are late to the interview apologize for the inconvenience…everyone’s time is valuable.
• D-Directions ask for them and even drive to the interview location prior to your interview.  D also stands for…your DRIVE!  Show the interviewer your drive through your body language and your verbal communication.  
• E-Evaluate yourself…know your strengths, weaknesses, goals, objectives, skills and performance prior to the interview.  Remember, that is what an interview is for…to find out about you, so know yourself!

Standard Bank prides itself on finding some of the best talent, right in the neighborhoods that we service.  We hope this interviewing information is useful to anyone who is looking for a new career.  To view a list of Standard Bank’s current job openings click this link  www.standardbanks.com/careers or the banner below:

It’s Time!  Uncover the Harley and polish the chrome until it shines.  Get your Runabout out of winter storage and check its sea worthiness from stem to stern.  Hose down the Jayco, check the tires, and call your favorite campground to reserve your spot for the season.  Oh and one last thing, call your insurance agent and review your protection for all of your recreation vehicles!

Summer adventures are right around the corner and it is important to protect all of the toys that enhance your summer fun.  Whether it is two wheeled, four wheeled or no wheels at all, your recreational vehicles need to be protected in a similar manner to your vehicles and home.

Did you know that your auto and home policies rarely provide protection for your recreational vehicles?  And if they do, it is quite limited and restrictive. 

I speak to individuals almost every day about credit issues.  It may be a college graduate who has not yet established credit, or someone who became unemployed during the last few years and could not meet all of their obligations.  I recently spoke to an individual who was denied a home loan due to not having enough trade lines.   One thing that is very important to me as a mortgage banker and as a former teacher is to share relevant information on topics related to credit.  I want to help people achieve their financial goals.  Some can be achieved very quickly, but some require a plan of action.

I began my career in banking as a result of buying my first home.  I was referred by a family member to a mortgage broker in order to apply for a loan.  Being a first-time homebuyer and not knowing what to expect, coupled with the fact that as it turns out, the mortgage broker was more interested in a commission than me; the process wasn’t enjoyable to say the least.  Fortunately for me, I went with another mortgage lender that walked me through the loan process, from start to finish.  Not long after moving into that home, it came to me, there are a lot of Veteran’s out there just like me buying their first home; and they could benefit from having one of their own, committed to walking them through the process.  So, after serving in the Marine Corps, Infantry, and majoring in Political Science in school; on a whim, I applied for a home lending position with a bank.  Needless to say, I got that job and thus began my career in banking.  Over the years, I had the opportunity to help many individuals and families buy their first home, refinance their existing home and help them achieve their financial goals.

Mule train!! (Hyah, hyah)
Mule train!!
Clippety cloppin' over hill and plain
Seems as how they never stop, clippety clop, clippety clop
Clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety cloppin' along

-    Mule Train, Boxcar Willy

More and more, Fraudsters are targeting the swollen account balances of commercial banking customers and hiding behind the more frequent account activity present in business-to-business transactions. The larger amounts and frequency of fund movements common between organizations are making fraud harder to detect by financial institutions and their customers until the money is gone. As with consumer banking fraud schemes, the crooks rely on money mules to break the final bottleneck – getting the money out. However, because of the complexity of corporate transactions, fraudsters are employing human actors earlier in the process… and closer than ever to the victimized company.

Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, 2012.  Every year on Earth Day, events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.  Earth Day is coordinated globally by Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 175 countries by the united voices of more than one billion people.  

Renewable Energy for All and a sustainable future for our planet are incumbent upon each and every one of us to step in and participate in any way that we can big and small.  The Earth Day movement is comprised of individuals of every age from all corners of the Earth, and calls upon local, national, and international leaders to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies, embrace renewable energy technology, improve energy efficiency, and make energy universally accessible.

Did you know that there are many advantages to banking with a neighborhood bank?  There is more to a bank than the number of ATMs they provide you.  Let us look at a few reasons why.

Benefiting the local community - Neighborhood banks drive small business through loans and other financial expertise.  Small businesses help build the economy and get people jobs.  Nationwide banks are spread everywhere and lose the local focus that provides the neighborhood benefits.

Customer service - At a small bank you are more than a number.  Community banks know you and understand your needs because the employees and management are from the area, not some corporate office across the country.