If you’re feeling anxious about your financial health during these uncertain times, you’re not alone. That’s why the three national credit reporting agencies are giving people weekly access to monitor their credit report — for free.

This is some helpful news, because staying on top of your credit report is one important tool to help manage your financial data. Your credit report has information about your credit history and payment history — information that lenders, creditors, and other businesses use when giving you loans or credit.

Now it’s easier than ever to check your credit more often. That’s because everyone is eligible to get free weekly credit reports from the three national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. To get your free reports, go to AnnualCreditReport.com. The credit reporting agencies are making these reports free for the next year.

If you’re one of the many Americans struggling to pay your bills right now because of the Coronavirus crisis, here’s what you can do:

• Contact the companies you owe money to. Ask if they can postpone your payment, put you on a payment plan, or give you a temporary forbearance.
• Check your credit report regularly to make sure it’s correct — especially any new payment arrangements or temporary forbearance. The recently passed CARES Act generally requires your creditors to report these accounts as current.
• Fix any errors or mistakes that you spot on your credit report. Notify the credit reporting agencies directly. You can find out more by reading Disputing Errors on Credit Reports.

Find more advice and tips on handling the financial impact of the Coronavirus, and subscribe to the FTC’s Consumer Alerts.

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Ware, MA (May 5, 2020) – As the pandemic continues to disrupt business activities both nationally and in Massachusetts, Country Bank today announced a $75,000 series of donations designed to assist organizations on the frontline.

As the latest installment in a string of recent financial support, the bank will be facilitating donations to select organizations throughout its market from Springfield to Worcester. The Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Western Mass will receive $25,000 each to provide additional grant funding for critical needs programs. These programs offer support for vulnerable seniors, those without stable housing, limited English, and with compromised health conditions, including mental health and drug addiction.

Other programs receiving a contribution include: Friends of the Homeless and The Springfield Rescue Mission; Abbey’s House, Saint John’s Food Pantry, and the Boys and Girls Club in Worcester. These donations will assist in continuing to meet the ever-changing needs in their communities. Many non-profit organizations are not only combating reduced financial support as many businesses are closed, but they also are faced with a lack of volunteers. They are having to continually evolve how they support their clients while keeping everyone safe, on a limited budget and with limited resources.

“This is an uncharted time for our bank, our customers, and our local business community. As part of our effort to assist those most affected by COVID-19 Country Bank has already donated $400,000 to help local hospitals, first responder recovery centers, food pantries, homeless shelters, veterans, children and community foundations,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. “We continually look for opportunities where we can help make a difference in the health and well-being of the people in our communities”

Country Bank continues to be one of the many businesses that have been supporting these organizations and so many others out there who are fighting a good fight.

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The best banking options for your finances, in today’s digital world.

Technological advances in the ways we obtain credit, make payments, and manage money can provide convenient ways to access some financial products and services that no longer require going to a physical bank branch; traditional banking, was once the only option we had. With digital and mobile banking now widely available and even newer technologies on the horizon, you might be asking, “Am I ready for digital banking?”

So what is digital banking?

The key features of digital banking are affordability, convenience, and instant access to information. These features help consumers understand their financial standing in real-time, as well as plan for long-term goals and unexpected emergencies. Online and mobile banking enable consumers to manage their finances remotely from anywhere, including depositing checks, transferring money between accounts, and even paying friends and family electronically through peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms.

The FDIC provides insurance for the funds that you deposit in FDIC-insured banks, like Country Bank. This means that, if your FDIC-insured bank fails, the FDIC will protect you against the loss of your insured deposits.

Depositors in FDIC-insured banks also benefit from other consumer financial protections. State and federal regulators supervise banks to protect consumers from certain practices, including those involving overdraft fees and correcting account errors.

What other services, other than digital, do banks offer?

In addition to traditional banking services like depositing money and withdrawing cash, banks generally offer services such as providing money orders and notarizing documents, which involve in-person interaction with a teller or other bank employee. Many banks also offer safe deposit boxes, which customers can lease for storage of valuable items. It is important to note that the FDIC does not insure the contents of safe deposit boxes.

What does digital banking offer?

Banks that offer online and mobile banking services give you the ability to do some or all of your banking on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. These digital banking services might include transferring funds, depositing checks, viewing account statements, and paying bills. Some online bank services allow you to open deposit accounts and apply for loans, tasks that once required a visit to a physical location. These options may streamline the exchange of loan application information and may lead to faster loan decisions. Some banks also provide budgeting tools to help you manage your finances.

To use digital banking services, customers typically sign up and create account information that enables you to access your accounts on the web or mobile device. Check with your bank to find out what digital banking features they offer and how to sign up for them. It’s also a good idea to make sure you know how your bank is protecting your digital banking data.

Do your homework.

Before engaging with any bank, it’s important to make sure you are working with a legitimate FDIC-insured bank. Make sure it isn’t a fraudulent website set up by criminals to mislead and entice people into transferring money or disclosing personal information for use in committing identity theft. To confirm that a financial institution is an FDIC-insured bank, check the FDIC’s online database, BankFind.

So digital banking is for everyone?

Yes! Banks provide the opportunity to build a personal relationship and have personnel who can go over loan terms or address account issues in person. This relationship is important to some consumers, and others may simply like knowing the bank has a physical presence and commitment to their community. In some circumstances, banking online or on a mobile device may not only be a convenience but a necessity when face to face interaction is unavailable, even if it is only temporary.  The best news is that multiple options are available to access your money (traditionally and digitally) and keep your funds FDIC-insured.

At Country Bank, we know that working together to support the needs of our community has never been more critical. The bank continues to look for ways to make a difference for those on the front lines as they battle COVID-19.

Click here here to learn more.

Giving back to our communities is something that we do on a daily basis, however, in times of uncertainty the need is even greater.  We are proud to be able to provide for those that serve and protect us on a daily basis when they need it the most.

Click here for the full article.

Country Bank President and CEO, Paul Scully, is pleased to announce recent staff promotions.

Kendra Radner, who has been with the Bank for seven years, has been promoted from Credit Officer to Vice President, Credit Portfolio Officer. Ms. Radner has extensive experience in the credit risk management area and has been an integral part of the credit team. Ms. Radner holds an MBA from Western New England University in Business Administration and Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Finance from Florida State University.

Jennifer Bujnevicie and Laura Dennis have been promoted from Regional Officers to Assistant Vice Presidents. Collectively both ladies contribute 34 years of experience at Country Bank; both began their professional banking careers as tellers and have grown within the organization to oversee the Retail Banking division. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to the retail branches and are focused on providing the Bank’s customers with exceptional customer service throughout its branch network. Both Ms. Bujnevicie and Ms. Dennis hold Associates Degrees in Business Administration and Management from New England College of Business and have attended the New England School for Financial Studies.

Newly appointed officers include Dianna Lussier, Nicole Goncalves, and Antonio Palano. Ms. Lussier has been promoted from Risk Manager to Risk Management Officer. During Ms. Lussier’s 15 year tenure with Country Bank, she has worked within various roles, including Accounting Representative and Financial Reporting Analyst. Ms. Lussier holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from Worcester State College and has attended the New England School for Financial Studies.

Nicole Goncalves has been promoted from Accounting Manager to Accounting Officer. During Ms. Goncalves 19 year tenure with the Bank, she has worked in various roles, including Reporting and Business Analyst, Profitability Administrator, Loan Servicing Representative, and Data Analyst. Ms. Goncalves holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Western New England University and has also attended the New England School for Financial Studies.

Antonio Palano has been promoted from Loan Servicing Manager to Loan Servicing Officer. Mr. Palano began his banking career with Country Bank 12 years ago as a Teller and has grown within the organization in various roles that include Collections Representative and Loan Servicing Supervisor. Mr. Palano has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Springfield Technical Community College.

Country Bank’s philosophy is to promote from within when possible and is committed to providing opportunities for continued learning and development to all of its staff.