Archive for category: Bank Products and Services

Are you new to the Shenandoah Valley and having trouble deciding on where to bank? Unhappy with your current financial institution and looking to switch? Whether you’re looking for a financial institution for personal deposit accounts, mortgage financing, or business banking needs, it can be tough to decide whether to choose a large bank that you see across the country or a local bank with roots in your community, such as F&M Bank. In this article, we’ll help you understand what makes local financial institutions stand out, along with some perks of community banks that you may not be aware of.

What are the different types of financial institutions?

Banks are a crucial part of the U.S. monetary system because they move U.S. currency and provide necessary liquidity to personal and business entities. There are two sets of bank regulators, Federal and State. At the federal level, The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), part of the Treasury, charters and supervises national banks. At the state level, banks that don’t work across state lines can be state-chartered. The FDIC oversees state-chartered banks that aren’t members of the Federal Reserve System.

F&M Bank can be traced to 1908, when it started its operation as a state-chartered bank; in 1983 F&M Bank was incorporated in Virginia and became a registered bank holding company. As a bank holding company it is a full-service financial institution, offering complete consumer, business, and financial services – including a full array of digital banking capabilities as well as physical branch locations for your banking needs (as opposed to institutions such as Internet-only banks and credit unions). You will even find that F&M Bank’s online services offer the same capabilities as national banks!

• Internet banks: No physical branches, just a website and mobile banking app. Online banks may not have national charters themselves, instead partnering with a traditional bank to hold customer deposits.
• Credit unions: Financial institutions that are owned by their members and have certain criteria for membership.

Differences between banks and credit unions

Working with a local financial institution like F&M Bank will likely be your best option. When deciding on where to open a bank account, consider some of the key differences between banks and credit unions:

• Credit unions typically have fewer branch locations and financial products/services than banks.
• Local community banks like F&M Bank benefit their community through local partnerships, events, and volunteer opportunities.
• F&M Bank offers the most convenience and resources through digital banking on your mobile or other personal devices, along with a variety of options for nearby, conveniently located physical branch locations.
• Local banks like F&M Bank offer unrivaled expertise related to your community, understanding how to resolve your specific needs for personal and business banking and lending that credit unions or nationwide banks are unable to provide.

Benefits of banking local for your personal deposit accounts

When it comes to your checking and savings accounts, it’s nice to have branch locations conveniently located near your house or job. And not just any branch, but one staffed with friendly employees who live and work in the same community as you. For example, F&M Bank has developed a lot of local expertise over the years. We’ve been supporting personal banking needs in the Shenandoah Valley since 1908. Local banks like F&M also offer branch services like on-site safe deposit boxes and in-house notary services.

Of course, web-based banking tools mean you don’t have to visit a branch just to deposit a check or transfer money between accounts. Local banks have embraced technology in recent years and now offer the same tools as the bigger banks. Enjoy the convenience of banking where and how you want with online banking, mobile banking, person to person payments, and mobile wallet. F&M Bank’s rating in the App Store is 4.8 out of 5 stars – higher than you will find for other options both nationally and locally.

Benefits of banking local for your lending needs

Applying for a loan can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time. The friendly loan officers at your local bank can guide you through the process, turning it from stressful to smooth and pleasant. Whether a home, car, or personal loan, they’ll help you review your options to find the right loan with a payment plan you can afford.

Mortgage Lending

While there are national trends in real estate, it’s still a very local business. The housing market can vary widely from community to community, so working with a local mortgage lender gives you access to local expertise, as well as more flexible lending options. Learn more about the mortgage loans offered by F&M Bank.

Personal Loans

Whether you need an Auto Loan to finance the purchase of your next vehicle, or a general consumer loan to use for a variety of expenses, local decision-making helps you get the right loan. Enjoy swift and local application processing, and greater flexibility in approving loans, from your local bank. When you come to a local lender like F&M Bank, we aim to put you at ease with the loan application process. Learn more about our personal loans.

Benefits of staying local for Wealth Management

Choosing a financial advisor is all about trust. Will they put your best interests first? Do they have experience working with clients who share your background, such as small business owners, blended families, etc.? Whether you are in Harrisonburg or closer to Broadway and Edinburg, you can find local financial advisors who will offer a higher level of service and possess a wealth of local knowledge.

Staying local for Wealth Management means working with a financial advisor who understands your community and can recommend local investment opportunities such as those on our Local Market Dashboard.

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. F&M Financial Services is a trade name of F&M Bank. Osaic Institutions and F&M Bank are not affiliated.

Securities and Insurance Products:

Not Guaranteed by the Bank | Not FDIC Insured | Not a Deposit | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | May Lose Value Including Loss of Principal

Bank local with F&M!

Now that you understand the benefits of banking locally, you probably want to find a local financial partner who understands your needs. At F&M Bank, you’ll find personalized attention with customizable solutions for your personal banking needs. In-house decision-making simplifies loan applications and local financial planners understand the community they serve. Get started now! Contact us or visit your nearest branch location in Harrisonburg, Augusta County, or Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley.

Are you wondering if you should refinance a small business loan? Many businesses experienced the unexpected last year, and now it’s time to get back on track or strengthen your existing operation. Small business debt consolidation or refinancing could be an important part of your strategy this year. In this article, we’ll explain how to refinance business debt, cover the pros and cons, and show you how to get started. If you have any questions, call us at (540) 896-8941.

What is Debt Refinancing?

When you refinance debt, you take out a new loan (usually with better terms and/or interest rate) and use it to pay off the old loan. The main benefits of refinancing include saving money on interest, reducing your monthly payment amount, and/or changing the loan term.

When it comes to business debt, consolidating your existing loan(s) with a lower-interest commercial loan can boost your cash flow by lowering your monthly payment and shortening your repayment period.

What to consider before refinancing small business debt

There’s more than one reason to consider refinancing your small business loan(s). Perhaps the payments you’re making on your current business loan primarily go toward interest rather than principal. Refinancing your business loan, also known as debt consolidation, can help you qualify for a longer-term loan with more affordable rates. Here are the most important factors to consider before applying:

• Debt refinancing does involve paying interest on any interest already compounded in your current loan.
• Does the loan you’re looking to refinance have prepayment penalties? Check the fine print first.
• Have interest rates fallen since you took out your current loan? Consolidating your business debt into a lower interest loan could free up extra cash to put toward other needs and expenses.
• Has your total debt level changed since the original loan was made? Business lenders will want to know the debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) for your company. DSCR is used to calculate your business’s solvency and ability to repay your debt. So if you’ve taken on more debt recently, you may have trouble qualifying for an attractive refinance loan.

Now that you’ve considered different factors, your ultimate decision should depend on what you’re hoping to get out of your debt refinance. For example, in spite of a downside, loan consolidation may still be the right move for your business if you’re looking for a longer repayment term, lower interest rate, and/or less frequent payments.

5 Questions to ask your business lender about debt refinancing

When pursuing any kind of business loan, including debt refinancing, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your business lender is here to help you review all business loan options and find the best solution to meet your needs. Here are some of the things you may have questions about:

• How long will my new loan term be?
• What are the closing fees?
• Will the loan have a fixed or variable interest rate?
• Is there a prepayment penalty?
• If I don’t qualify for debt refinancing now, what can I do to improve my application next time?

Debt Consolidation vs. Refinancing

While debt consolidation and debt refinancing can be used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know:

• Debt consolidation is a type of debt refinancing.
• The purpose of debt consolidation is to take several different loans or credit card balances and pay them all off with one new loan.
• Debt refinancing generally takes one loan and replaces it with a new one to achieve a better interest rate and loan terms.
• The process of applying for debt consolidation or refinancing is the same. You’ll need to provide basic information about your business’s financial situation and credit history. You’ll also need to list the debt(s) you will be paying off with the new loan.

Pros and Cons of Debt Refinancing

As with any big financial decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons first.

Potential Downsides of Refinancing

• Prepayment penalty: Does your current loan have a prepayment penalty? If so, how much? You may still save more in interest by refinancing, but it’s something to check out. Also, if you really need to reduce your monthly debt payment to improve your cash flow, it may still be worth paying the prepayment penalty.
• Getting stuck in a debt cycle: If this isn’t your first time refinancing, you may want to take a closer look at your business’s financial situation. Will refinancing this time help you pay the debt off or are you just perpetuating a debt cycle for your business?

Benefits of Debt Refinancing

• Lower your monthly payment to improve cash flow and invest in your business.
• Lower your interest rate to save money and off your debt faster.
• Potentially improve your credit score
• Refinance into a larger loan to take “cash out” and invest in your business or meet working capital needs.

How does debt refinancing work?

To start the debt refinancing process, apply for a new business loan from your business lender. At F&M Bank, we offer a variety of business loans, including small business financing through the SBA and traditional term loans for qualified borrowers. And as a longtime community bank, we are dedicated to investing in and supporting small businesses throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Our business lenders pride themselves on building lifelong relationships with clients.

Learn more about debt refinancing from F&M Bank!

Since 1908, F&M Bank has been offering business banking services in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Trust the future of your business to our expert lending team. Wherever you are in the Shenandoah Valley, from Harrisonburg to Staunton, you can contact a member of our team or visit one of your local branches in Augusta, Page, Rockingham, or Shenandoah county to learn more about debt refinancing or to apply for a new business loan today.

Our friendly and experienced business lending team is ready to answer your questions and help you make the best choices for your company. Have questions? Get in touch today!