The Feminine Side of Banking

Finding a Banker Who Thinks Like You

local schools, a local doctor who can relate to us. Chain stores and online shopping have their place, but when it comes to the basics of life, we want more than commodities — we want relationships.

2. Keep it up to date. Not all local banks are created equal. Choose one that is current on technology. This is crucial, not only for your convenience with things like mobile banking and online services, but especially for security. Make sure your bank has the know-how and staff to keep your financial information secure.

3. Keep it personal. In today’s complicated financial climate, having a one-on-one relationship with a personal and/or business banker can make a huge difference for your family or business. If you miss a payment, find suspicious account activity or lose your credit card, can you call the bank and get a real person who will help you immediately? Will that person be familiar enough with you to quickly assess your needs?

4. Keep it flexible. Look for a bank that offers a wide variety of services beyond just the basics of checking, savings, and mortgages. Services like identity protection, person-to-person payments, children’s accounts, life insurance, investments and financial planning can provide a one-stop financial relationship.

Business Banking for Women

Credit resources are a lifeline for growing businesses — and choosing the right bank can make a vital difference. Again, depth is key. Does the bank offer a wide variety of loan products — secured and unsecured, lines of credit, lease programs, government-backed options such as SBA, debt consolidation and refinance? Is the banker willing and able to tap into all these resources to craft a package that works for your business?

The greatest service a banker can provide for women who own or manage businesses is the ability to analyze their big financial picture in light of their particular market and give them development tools and projections that can actually work.

Here’s where the feminine touch can really shine. Women are naturally inclined to share wide-angle goals and realities along with the details of our financial picture. Whoever your banker is, find one who can view your big picture and frame it to your best advantage. D