Knights of old knew a sturdy suit of armor was their best protection in battle, and so they kept theirs in good repair.
When it comes to safeguarding your financial life against the growing ranks of scammers and fraudsters, updating to digital banking is the best armor. We offer a full suite of digital services, and each piece offers the enhanced protection you need in today’s world.
If you’re still using traditional banking tools, here are three updates that we urge every customer to make.
1. Monitor Accounts Digitally
Whether you use online banking or our mobile app, you have immediate access to your accounts and can easily monitor them for any suspicious activity. The staff at your local branch are happy to assist you with any concerns, but our digital services offer real-time transaction information 24/7, and take your security to the next level.
2.Switch To E-Statements
When it comes to safeguarding your financial life, updating to digital banking is the best armor.
SECURITY REMINDERS
✔ Update your contact info. Make sure the bank has your preferred email address and cell phone number so that we can reach you for notifications or if we suspect fraud on your account.
✔ Never share your digital banking credentials. It is a red flag if anyone asks for them.
✔ Make sure you’re storing logins and passwords securely. If you keep them on your computer, use a password protected file. Keep physical password reminders in a safe location, so that someone can’t easily spot them casually going through your house.
If you’re still receiving paper bank statements through the mail, we recommend switching to e-statements. Thieves can steal your statement
by TODD ADAMS chief executive officer
from the mailbox and learn information such as account balances and your complete bank account numbers if you’ve written any checks. It’s all data that can be used to scam you. Because e-statements are protected by login credentials and bypass the mail, they offer much more security.
3. Be Cautious Using Checks
If you’re still writing physical checks, we encourage you to look at online payment methods. The bank provides Billpay as a free service to consumer accounts. Set up ACH payments for vendors for which you have monthly payments like utilities, internet, and other routine payments.
Writing checks can be less secure because mailbox raiders can intercept checks, wash them, and replace payee names and check amounts. Your financial security is so important to us. If you only make a few digital banking updates in the coming year, these would be the top three we recommend.
Make sure your financial armor is in tip-top shape, because the criminals are just waiting to joust with you.
QUICK TIP FOR TAX SEASON: You can now access tax information and forms within your Adams Bank & Trust online banking profile. Yet another reason to use online banking!
OUR NEW SBA LENDING DEPARTMENT
We have exciting news for the dreamers and doers in our communities as we wrap up the first quarter of 2025.
AB&T has launched a dedicated Small Business Administration (SBA) lending department to expand support and financing options for the small independent businesses that are the backbone of the areas we serve.
Why will this be so impactful? Small
JASON WALTERS svp - director of sba lending
“Small businesses are always going to go through cycles,” says Jason Walters, director of SBA Lending at Adams Bank & Trust.
“They’re always going to have good times and rougher times. That’s why it’s incredibly important for business owners to have a true relationship with a bank—to have the support they need after the loan closes. I give a lot of credit to AB&T’s leadership for their deep understanding of the importance of relationship banking.”
Jason says this philosophy contrasts sharply with the way some online banks lend to small businesses.
“Not only can the rates be higher at times, the loan process can be very transactional. So when the business invariably goes through a tough time, they don’t have someone to talk to and brainstorm with,” he says. “Maybe they need that second line of credit or advice on ways to
businesses need more support than ever in today’s environment. Many of the challenges we saw in the economy in 2024 are carrying over to this year. Interest rates and inflation remain headwinds for every sector. But there are opportunities in any environment, and we’re ready to help you leverage them.
As your community bank, we fill the gaps in service left by big banks and online lenders who don’t want
reduce expenses or labor costs. There’s no one there to help.”
AB&T offers the ideal combination of resources and relationships, Jason says. Small businesses have access to the capital they need through the SBA 7(a) loan program, with a relationship banker walking them through every step.
“It’s incredibly important for business owners to have a true relationship with a bank—to have the support they need after the loan closes.”
Jason says, “At AB&T, you’ll not only know the lender for your loan, you’ll know everyone from your treasury management officer to your retail banker to the tellers at your branch. It’s a full support system that you can call or email when you have questions.”
by STEVE KRAUSE president
to devote the needed resources to small business lending.
Jason Walters, a small business lender with over 25 years of experience, is directing our new SBA lending department. He is passionate about helping his clients prepare for growth, acquisition, and succession planning while exploring various financing tools. We hope you’ll get to know Jason and share the dreams and ideas you have for your business.
Why don’t all banks originate and service SBA loans? Jason says the procedures manual that banks must follow has become quite complicated. “It takes a great deal of resources and education to administer properly.” He adds it’s important for small business owners to understand all the consumer protections built into the SBA loan program. “Borrowers are shielded from aggressive collection tactics and given ample opportunity to repay or restructure their loan if needed. Contracts from ‘hard money’ alternative lenders aren’t protected in the same way.”
From interest rates and inflation to labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, small business owners are facing many challenges.
Despite these, Jason says, “The entrepreneurial spirit has really been enabled in the markets we serve. We invite small business owners to come explore the versatility of SBA loans with us.”
Please scan to learn more about our SBA lending department and to connect with Jason Walters.
5 YEARS
Financial Services Representative
10 YEARS
RICHARD JOHNSON FORT COLLINS | 2.17.2015 SVP - Business Development
JAKOB BURKE
As the bank continues to grow, we appreciate the talented employees we are able to have on our team. We want to recognize these employees who have recently celebrated milestone anniversaries.
Each quarter we will recognize employees by showing their years of service, photo, title/position, office location, and hire date.
| 3.18.2025 VP - Ag Banking JOHN BERKHAUSEN FORT COLLINS | 3.24.2020 President - Commercial Banking
TIM STRAND REMOTE | 2.17.2015 Project Manager JASON GLAZEBROOK
| 4.1.2015
Network Administrator
TAMMY
ADAMS
CASH
BANK & TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024
Cash in our vault, plus cash on demand from other banks where funds are deposited. $ 145,666,002
GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY BONDS
Marketable investments in bonds and other securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies. 369,625,133 FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD
Funds loaned to other banks for daily cash needs and payable on demand. 0 LOANS AND LEASES
Total of all money loaned to customers for all types of loans, such as agriculture, commercial and consumer. 858,188,416
BUILDINGS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES
Book value (after depreciation) of buildings, computers, equipments, etc. 16,555,331
OTHER ASSETS
Interest on loans earned but not collected, expenses that have been prepaid, etc. 23,164,618
TOTAL ASSETS 1,413,199,545 DEPOSITS
Money on deposit by customers of the bank in the form of checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. 1,148,687,968
OTHER LIABILITIES
Borrowings by the bank, interest on deposits that has accrued, payable at a future date, other expenses accrued but not yet paid, deferred taxes, etc. 78,281,576
CAPITAL
Par value of the investment of the stockholders for the purchase of stock. 41,000,000
SURPLUS
Additional money contributed by stockholders to provide extra financial strength. 17,000,000
UNDIVIDED PROFITS AND RESERVES
Bank earnings left in the bank to provide added strength to meet possible future losses on loans and to replace buildings and equipment as they wear out. 128,230,001
TOTAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
Total capital available for the safe operation of Adams Bank & Trust. 186,230,001
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL ASSETS 1,413,199,545
RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. MEMBER FINRA/SIPC
7 IMPORTANT WAYS TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT
Retirement success starts with being intentional about your future. Many people wonder how much they should be saving. Putting away 15% of your annual income is a great goal to have, but that may not always be possible.
So how do you save for retirement? The most important strategy is to begin saving based on what fits your life today. You can always adjust that number as time goes on.
For example, if you get an annual raise of 2 or 3%, can you afford to put that towards your retirement and work up to 15% that way?
The years between your twenties and forties are very important because of the time value of money and compounding interest. So even if you’re only able to contribute a small dollar amount each month, consistent savings earlier in life is going to add up and have a big impact on your long-term success.
No matter your age or stage, there are many types of accounts you can use to improve your retirement.
No matter your age or stage, there are many types of accounts you can use to improve your retirement.
1. Take advantage of your 401(k) plan at work.
A 401(k) plan through your employer is one of the easiest ways to save for retirement and one of the most universally available. Most companies will match
by JACOB HOVENDICK rjfs branch manager
what you contribute to a certain level, and it makes sense to take advantage of that. They’re essentially giving you a bonus if you just contribute a portion of your paycheck.
2. Fund your own individual retirement account (IRA).
If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement savings plan, or if you want to add to your savings, opening your own IRA is a good option.
You can contribute up to $7,000 tax free ($8,000 if you are age 50 or older) to an IRA for 2025. Contributions can be made at any time during the year up to the taxfiling deadline, not including extensions, generally April 15.
The Roth IRA can be a very powerful tool to put away wealth. You pay taxes now on your contributions, and the money that grows will be completely tax-free when you retire.
3. Think about opening a Roth IRA.
The Roth IRA can be a very powerful tool to put away wealth. You pay taxes now on your contributions, and the money that grows will be completely tax-free when you retire.
With both traditional and Roth IRAs, the ability to contribute is phased out if your income exceeds certain levels.
Adams Bank & Trust is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
A Roth IRA is especially important for younger people to consider. Hopefully, your income will go up as time goes on. With our current federal debt level, it’s likely that tax rates are going to go up in the future. If you can save for your own retirement now and accumulate funds that you won’t have to pay taxes on later, you will have a big advantage.
4. See if your spouse is eligible for spousal IRA contributions.
This is a great option for spouses who may be taking some working years off to raise a family or for whatever reason. They can fund their own traditional or Roth IRA based on your compensation if you file jointly.
5. If you’re self-employed, look into a simplified employee pension plan IRA (SEP-IRA) or solo 401(k).
The SEP-IRA may be easier to administer but you have to show fairly considerable income to make the maximum contribution of $70,000 for 2025. The solo 401(k) may be a little costlier and more difficult to administer, but you can basically contribute dollar for dollar income into your 401(k) up to the maximum amount.
6. Explore a Rollover IRA.
If you’ve changed jobs, a Rollover IRA allows you to consolidate balances from your old employer plan(s) into a single account, while
If you have a high deductible health plan, an HSA can be another great way to save for the future.
avoiding the taxes and penalties that come with cashing out.
7. Consider the flexibility of a health savings account (HSA) .
If you have a high deductible health plan, an HSA can be another good way to save for the future. In effect, an HSA can become its own IRA when you reach age 65. During your working years before retirement, you’re contributing to your HSA and using the money for your family’s medical expenses. Any money you don’t need
continues to grow tax deferred. When you turn 65, you no longer have to use this money for health expenses. You pay taxes on withdrawals but there is no penalty for using the money for other purposes.
Use these retirement accounts to find your best recipe for success.
These types of tax-advantaged accounts will likely serve as the cornerstones of your retirement income, but you’ll also want to have additional savings on hand for emergencies and financial flexibility.
Retirement planning can be like preparing a dish with many components. There may be room for some improvision but to produce the most enjoyable results, there’s no substitute for careful planning with key ingredients.
Opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change. This information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. This information is not intended as a solicitation. The material is general in nature. Investing involves risk; investors may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy or strategies employed. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will ultimately meet its objectives. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit nor protect against a loss. Working with a financial professional does not ensure a favorable outcome.
For assistance in reviewing or creating your investment plan, please call any Adams Bank & Trust office or call toll free at 800.422.3488 for an appointment with a Raymond James Investment Representative. Jacob Hovendick , RJFS Financial Advisor and Branch Manager Khara Martinosky, RJFS Financial Advisor
