Your Interests First
First Bank Financial Centre's eNewsletter - March 2010

Buying a new home? Refinancing? FBFC offers local service and competitive rates.

As a customer of First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) you may be unaware of our home lending expertise and capabilities. Whether you are looking to become a first time home buyer, building a house, or currently own a home and are looking to refinance, FBFC offers a variety of home lending products to suit your needs.

FBFC offers the same home lending solutions as the big banks including FHA, WHEDA, conventional terms, and ARMs.  But what really sets us apart is the personal service you receive from your local banker who truly understands how to develop a solution that meets your individual needs.

With the FHA lending program and the newly introduced WHEDA program, homebuyers have the ability to finance a home with exceptional terms including “no down payment” options.  Not all banks, and few community banks, have the capability to offer these great products so FBFC is proud to be able to offer these to our customers.

A trusted lender for more than 150 years, FBFC prides itself on servicing your loan locally.  This means, if you have a question, you will work with your local banker directly, and not someone half a world away.

Additionally, FBFC offers low closing costs, competitive rates, and distinctive personal service that only a community bank can provide.  Our commitment to our customers is what sets us apart from our competition.

As a valued customer, our home lenders want to partner with you on what may be your single largest financial decision, whether you currently have a home loan with FBFC, or are in the market.  We appreciate your business, and look forward to meeting your financial needs now, and in the future.

 

Mark W. Mohr
President, First Bank Financial Centre

 

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT:  Lorleberg True Value Hardware & Just Ask Rental

Lorleberg True Value Hardware has been a staple of the Oconomowoc community since 1870.  Opened by Hugo Lorleberg more than 140 years ago, it was purchased from the Lorleberg family by Jerry Burchardt in 1972 and is now run by Jerry’s son, Jeff.

As a leading dealer of Simplicity, Stihl, and Echo power equipment, Weber grills, lawn and garden supplies, power and hand tools, rental equipment, party supplies, housewares, and much more, Lorleberg’s is a business that doesn’t just sell goods, they are an important part of many Lake Country residents’ lives.

Lorleberg’s has put their trust in First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) for many years.  As the only business in Oconomowoc older than the hardware store, one might say the two have grown up together.  Owner Jeff Burchardt said, “It’s a big help to the business, and important to me, to have a bank that’s locally owned; that has a strong focus on its customers, like First Bank Financial Centre.”

If running a successful business wasn’t enough, Lorleberg’s contributes to area groups in the community as well.  Employees are involved with organizations like the Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund, Oconomowoc Lions Club, Summit Fire Department, and MS Ride For the Cure, to name a few.  If you would like more information on Lorleberg True Value Hardware, please call (262) 567-0267, or visit their Website at lorleberg.com.

Lorleberg True Value Hardware and Just Ask Rental
900 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-0267
lorleberg.com 

To be considered for a future Customer Spotlight article, please contact Becky Miller in the Marketing Department at 262-560-2077, or email.

 

Managing Spring Allergies

It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid spring allergies if you live in an area where plants grow. However, you can ease sniffling, sneezing, and watery eyes by avoiding your main allergy triggers. Here are a few tips.

  • Try to stay indoors whenever the pollen count is very high (pollen counts usually peak in the morning).
  • Keep your doors and windows closed whenever possible during the spring months to keep allergens out. An air purifier may also help. 
  • Clean the air filters in your home often. Also, clean bookshelves, vents, and other places where pollen can collect. 
  • Wash your hair after going outside, since pollen can collect there.
  • Vacuum twice a week. Wear a mask because vacuuming can kick up pollen, mold, and dust that is trapped in your carpet.

Article provided by WebMD

 

2010 Travel Calendar

(Day trips September – December, 2010 not shown here, but are available. Itinerary subject to change.)

May 20
Smokey Joe’s Café
Broadway Revue, Wisconsin Dells, WI

June 1
Chicago Gardens and River Cruise
Chicago, IL

June 17
Home on the Range and the Farm
Near Buffalo Lake, WI

July 19
Lakeside Spirit and Villa Loretto
Fond Du Lac, WI

August 24 - September 2 
Extended trip to IRELAND

October 10 – 16 
Extended trip to NEW ENGLAND

If you would like additional information on any of these trips, or are interested in signing up, please ask a First Bank Financial Centre employee for a reservation form, or stop in to the YMCA at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Sawvel at (262) 560-2069, or email.

 

IRA Contribution Reminder

In most cases, IRA accounts opened, and contributions added through April 15, 2010,
can be applied toward your 2009 taxes.  For more information on your IRA contribution(s), please contact your tax advisor.

 

Mortgage Center

Looking to buy or refinance?  Apply online at FBFC’s Mortgage Center. It’s quick, easy, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.  Click here to visit our Mortgage Center.

 

Top Ten Tax Time Tips

With the tax filing deadline coming soon, here are the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) top 10 tips to help your tax filing process run smoother.

1.    Gather your records: Round up any documents or forms you’ll need when filing your tax receipts - cancelled checks and other documents.
2.    Be on the lookout: W-2s and 1099s will arrive from your employer.
3.    Try e-file: When you file electronically, the software will handle the math calculations for you.
4.    Check out Free File: If your income is $57,000 or less you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing. Visit IRS.gov to learn more.
5.    Consider other filing options: Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find the one that best suits your needs.
6.    Consider direct deposit: If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
7.    Visit IRS.gov: The official IRS Web site is a great place to find forms, tips, answers to frequently asked questions, and updates on tax law changes.
8.    Remember this number – 17: Check out Publication 17 on IRS.gov. It’s a comprehensive collection of information for taxpayers highlighting everything you’ll need to know when filing your   return.
9.    Review, Review, Review: Don’t rush. Be sure to double-check all the Social Security numbers and math calculations as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
10. Don’t panic: If you run into a problem, remember the IRS is here to help. Try IRS.gov or call customer service at 800-829-1040.                                             

Tips provided by the official IRS Website