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By Amy Miller, AFC® at America Saves

Big dreams are exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. Whether it’s buying your first home, paying for education, starting a family, or funding a special life experience, achieving these milestones requires more than wishful thinking. It takes a plan, patience, and consistent action.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. By breaking down what matters most and focusing on meaningful life milestones, you can create a clear roadmap, set achievable targets, and take manageable steps that build momentum over time.

Why Big Dreams Require Big Plans

Outlining the milestones that are most important to you helps you channel your energy and resources. A focused plan turns an abstract goal into something tangible and something you can work toward every week, month, and year.

Small Steps Lead to Big Progress

Even modest, consistent savings add up. Setting up automatic transfers into a dedicated account for your milestone ensures your progress keeps growing, without having to think about it constantly. Remember, the journey to your goal is made up of small, intentional steps.

Stay Flexible and Celebrate Wins

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Adjust your milestones or timeline as needed, but keep moving forward. Celebrate every milestone along the way, no matter how small. These wins reinforce positive habits and keep you motivated.

Action Step: Pick Your Milestone

Today, we encourage you to choose one (or more) life milestones you want to save for. Use it as your focus for the rest of the year. Then, map out your steps with the Financial Goal Setting Worksheet. It’s a simple tool to help you plan, track progress, and stay on target.

Take the Pledge

Small, intentional steps lead to BIG results. Commit today to saving for your milestone and start turning your dream into reality. Take the America Saves Pledge. We’ll be your partner and will send you tips, tools, and resources to help keep you motivated and on track.

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By Amy Miller, AFC® at America Saves

Every financial story has its plot twists…those moments when life throws something unexpected your way. A flat tire. A medical bill. A surprise home repair. Even the most carefully crafted plan can take a hit when the unexpected happens.

The truth is, it’s not if, it’s when. Emergencies are a part of everyone’s financial story. The key to handling them with confidence is being ready before they happen.

Your Emergency Fund: The Unsung Hero of Your Financial Story

Think of an emergency fund as your personal safety net. It doesn’t have to be huge to make a difference. Even a small cushion (like $500) can protect you from relying on credit cards, dipping into a different fund (like for essentials or retirement), or feeling stressed when something goes wrong.

That first $500? That’s your first win. From there, you can build toward a larger goal, like one month of living expenses, and eventually three to six months. The beauty is that each deposit, no matter how small, builds not only your savings but also your sense of security.

Start Where You Are (Because That’s Exactly Where You Should Be)

Don’t let the idea of saving for emergencies feel overwhelming. You don’t have to build your entire safety net overnight.

Start small by setting aside a manageable amount from each paycheck - $10, $20, whatever fits your current situation. Then, make it automatic.

By setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account, you remove the temptation to skip saving and make progress effortlessly over time.

Taking small, steady steps today means less worry and more confidence tomorrow.

Check Your Goal or Set One Today

If you already have an emergency fund, take a moment to check in:

If you haven’t started yet, this is your moment. Choose a realistic first goal, open or designate an account for emergencies, and take that first small step.

Because while you can’t predict life’s surprises, you can plan for them.

Your Next Step

Even small savings can lead to big peace of mind. Your emergency fund might start small, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ll ever have to own your financial story with confidence.

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Why Direct Deposit Here?

When you file your taxes, you get to choose where your refund goes. Make sure it lands in the account that supports your goals.

With direct deposit to your Katahdin Trust account, you get:

Your refund can be an opportunity. Let’s help you make the most of it.

How to Direct Deposit Your Refund

It only takes a minute. Before you file your taxes, enter your Katahdin Trust routing number and the account number for the account you want your refund deposited into.

Katahdin Trust Routing Number:

011202392

Where to Find Your Account Number:

You can locate it:

Choose the Account That Fits Your Goals

Savings AccountBuild momentum by depositing your refund directly into savings.

Checking Account: Keep your funds available for everyday needs.

Split Deposit: Want to save some and spend some? Most tax software allows you to send your refund to multiple accounts.

Filing Soon? Keep Your Info Handy

When you're ready to file, make sure you have the correct routing and account numbers nearby so you can easily enter them into your tax software.

Please consult your tax advisor.

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A Helpful Guide to Protect Yourself and Your Information

If you allowed someone remote access to your computer, tablet, or phone and later realized it was a scam, don’t panic. Follow the steps below to help secure your information and prevent further harm.

1- Disconnect Your Device

This immediately stops the scammer from accessing your device.

2. Contact Your Bank Right Away

Let your bank know what happened. We can:

3. Change Your Passwords (From a Different Device)

If practical, use another phone or computer to update your passwords—don’t do this on the affected device or network.

Update important accounts such as:

4. Remove Any Remote Access Software

If you installed programs like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickAssist, LogMeIn, or others, uninstall them immediately.

5. Run a Security Scan

Run a full antivirus or anti‑malware scan on the device to check for harmful software.

If anything is found, follow the removal steps provided by your antivirus program.

6. Consider a Professional Device Check or Reset

If the scammer installed software, viewed sensitive information, or you’re unsure what they did, it may be safest to:

7. Check Your Email and Other Accounts for Changes

Scammers sometimes set up:

Review your account settings to make sure nothing has been changed.

8. Stay Alert for Follow‑Up Scams

Scammers often try again. Watch out for:

If you’re unsure whether a call or email is real, contact your bank directly.

9. Report the Scam

You can report the incident to:

Reporting helps protect others from similar scams.

We’re Here to Help

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure about a call, email, or request: Contact us first. We’re always happy to help you stay safe.

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This article is published by Am Miller from the America Saves team, STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR SPENDING & SAVINGS PLAN, https://americasaves.org/resource-center/insights/staying-on-track-with-your-spending-savings-plan/, 2023

Here are some tried-and-true strategies that can help keep you focused and on track with your plans.

Life happens (no matter what plans you may have) and can set our finances off in a tailspin if we let it. Even with the most thought-out plan, things can get in the way and cause us to fall off track with our finances from time to time.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to stay on course and keep your finances in line – even when life has thrown you a curveball - or two! Here are some tried-and-true strategies that can help keep you focused and on track with your plans:

Get on the right track today! Take the America Saves Pledge if you haven’t already and we’ll be your partner along the way. You’re future self with Thank You!

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This article is published by  the American Bankers Association, Protect Yourself and Your Money, ABA.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/protect-your-money/fake-check-scams, 2024

Fake checks continue to be one of the most common instruments used to commit fraud against consumers. Before you deposit a check you weren’t expecting or wire funds to an unknown recipient, here is what you should know:

How do Fake Check Scams Work?

There are many variations of the scam. It usually starts with someone offering to:

Fraudsters issue you a check or money order worth more than the amount owed to you and instruct you to wire the excess funds back to them before receiving your lump sum payment. After you’ve sent the money, you find out that the check or money order is bogus.

Tips to prevent fake check scams:

What should you do to protect yourself?

This Scam Happens Way Too Often. Learn How to Prevent it.

The ABA Foundation and the FTC seek to raise awareness of the growing fake check scams.

VIEW THE FAKE CHECK SCAMS INFOGRAPHIC

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Call on Katahdin Trust to help you

At Katahdin Trust, we take financial security and safety seriously. While anyone can be a victim of fraud, many ways exist to minimize your risk. For example: 

Reach out to us today to contact any of our customer representatives.

Katahdin Trust Company. Community Banking at its best since 1918.

EOE/M/F/VET/DISABLED
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

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Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. In this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. The Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $8.8 billion to phishing scams and other fraud in 2022—an increase of 44% over 2021. 

It’s time to put scammers in their place.

Online scams aren’t so scary when you know what to look for. And at Katahdin Trust, we’re committed to helping you spot them as an extra layer of protection for your account. We’ve joined with the American Bankers Association and banks across the country in a nationwide effort to fight phishing—one scam at a time.

We want every bank customer to become a pro at spotting a phishing scam—and stop bank impostors in their tracks. It starts with these four words: Banks Never Ask That. Because when you know something sounds suspicious, you’ll be less likely to be fooled.

These top 3 phishing scams are full of red flags

According to financial planners, there are three pitfalls to avoid when spending around the holidays.

  1. Text Message: If you receive a text message from someone claiming to be your bank asking you to sign in, or offer up your personal information, it’s a scam. Banks never ask that.
  2. Email: Watch out for emails that ask you to click on a suspicious link or provide personal information. The sender may claim to be someone from your bank, but it’s a scam. Banks never ask that.
  3. Phone Call: Would your bank ever call you to verify your account number? No! Banks never ask that. If you’re ever in doubt that the caller is legitimate, just hang up and call the bank directly at a number you trust.

You’ve probably seen some of these scams before. But that doesn’t stop a scammer from trying. For tips, videos, and an interactive quiz to help you keep phishing criminals at bay, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com. And be sure to share the webpage with your friends and family.

Katahdin Trust Company. Community Banking at its best since 1918.
EOE/M/F/VET/DISABLED
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

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This article is published by the American Bankers Association, Protect the Elderly from Financial Exploitation, ABA.com/advocacy/community-programs/consumer-resources/protect-your-money/elderly-financial-abuse, 2023

You, or someone you know, could become the victim of a growing crime in America — financial abuse of older Americans. Seniors are increasingly becoming targets for financial abuse. As people over 50 years old control over 70 percent of the nation's wealth, fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of retiring baby boomers and the growing number of older Americans. Senior financial abuse is estimated to have cost victims at least $2.9 billion last year alone.

What is Elder Financial Abuse?

It’s a crime that deprives older adults of their resources and ultimately their independence. Anyone who sees signs of theft, fraud, misuse of a person’s assets or credit, or use of undue influence to gain control of an older person’s money or property should be on the alert. Those are signs of possible exploitation. Older Americans that may have disabilities or rely on others for help can be susceptible to scams and other fraud. Advances in technology can also make it difficult for seniors to know who to trust and what's safe.

Despite these threats, taking simple steps to safeguard personal information and being aware of warning signs can protect aging men and women from financial abuse.

Tips for Seniors

What should you do to protect yourself?

What should you do if you are a victim of financial abuse?

Tips for Family and Friends

What are the warning signs of financial abuse?

The key to spotting financial abuse is a change in a person’s established financial patterns. Watch out for these “red flags”:

What should you do if you suspect financial abuse?

Remember
Never give your Social Security number, account number(s), or other personal financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call.

For more information, check out the FBI's Elder Fraud in Focus.

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Call on Katahdin Trust to help you

At Katahdin Trust, we take financial exploitation seriously and are always available to you if you suspect any fraudulent dealings are taking place in the name of an elder person you care about. For example: 

Reach out to us today to contact any of our customer representatives.

Katahdin Trust Company. Community Banking at its best since 1918.

EOE/M/F/VET/DISABLED
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

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When Maine Cash Access (MCA) was formed in the year 2000, there were more than 16 community banks offering 230+ surcharge-free ATMs. Over the years, several banks have exited the alliance and today there are only 10 member banks with 130 ATMs.

What is happening on January 19, 2023? 

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, the ten member MCA banks will no longer offer surcharge-free access to their ATMs. You will, however, be able to continue to use all 16 Katahdin Trust ATMs with a Katahdin Trust debit card surcharge-free!

What other alternatives do I have to access cash without paying a fee?

With this change, we also want to remind you there are other ways to access cash without paying a fee, like:

We are here to help you at all times. Please let us know if you’d like to talk about other account options we offer that provide surcharge-free ATM access. We are only a call away at 1-855-331-3221.

Thank you for banking with Katahdin Trust.

At non-Katahdin Trust ATMs, a $2 fee plus terminal owner charge may apply.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Katahdin Trust Company. Community Banking at its Best! Since 1918. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. 

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With inflation still at an all-time high and the rise of fuel and grocery prices not letting up, the smartest way to get your holiday budget under control is to plan ahead now—and not burn up your budget with last-minute shopping.

A budget, simply put, is a spending plan based on your income and expenses. If you start now in November, estimating how much surplus money you’ll have for holiday gifts and parties, you’ll be financially better off when January rolls around.

Three biggest spending mistakes

According to financial planners, there are three pitfalls to avoid when spending around the holidays.

  1. Not setting up a spending budget per person, per gift. The common rule of thumb is to plan on spending between $50 and $100 on a gift for a family member and between $20 and $50 for a friend.
  2. Opening store credit cards. While it seems smart at first to get a discount on an item with a new store card, it actually hurts you in the long run as it spurs a hard inquiry on your credit score, which could knock it down a few points.
  3. Two words: Black Friday. This year, it’s Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving. And even if there is a sale you can’t resist, check to make sure the item is in your holiday budget. Otherwise, that sale leads to overspending on an item you can’t afford, which cancels out the whole purpose of the sale price.

Avoid holiday scams

The holidays are a time of year when people are feeling generous and in the giving spirit—and scammers prey upon those feelings. Beware of what’s called non-delivery and non-payment crimes. The first instance is when you pay for an item or service online, but the goods are never received. In the second case, you’re the one shipping goods or offering services, but you never get paid. Last year, these two scams alone cheated more than $337 million dollars out of good-hearted people.

The FBI urges computer users to check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate. Do an extra bit of research and check the company’s reviews before making a purchase. And always be wary of getting any suspicious links or attachments in your email or through social media. You could inadvertently download malware to your device.

With the ever-evolving tactics of cybercrime, there are multiple ways perpetrators attempt to swindle people online. The FBI reported that $6.9 billion was lost through internet crimes in 2021. Be sure to browse our past blog: How to Protect Yourself Against Cybercrime and Scammers and protect yourself and people in your life who might be vulnerable to these crimes.

How Katahdin Trust can help you prepare

With a solid holiday budget in place, put the power of Katahdin Trust in the palm of your hand with our mobile banking app. Check your daily spending limits with an Instant Balance Feature, get instant access to your Transaction History, or transfer money from one account to another with one click. To stay on top of your spending plan, you can also receive custom account and activity alerts and establish transaction controls for dollar amount limits. Going in on a gift with a family member or friend? You can send money to friends and family with Zelle®.

Additionally, you can start early by opening a special Christmas Club account, which only requires a $1 minimum to open and no monthly fee. Deposits are automatically transferred from a Katahdin Trust checking or savings account so you can “set it and forget it.”

Another way to save money is to use your debit card to purchase everything on your holiday list, rather than use a credit card, which has higher interest rates. If you’re interested in opening an account with Katahdin Trust, you can walk into a branch today and get a card to use immediately. Use the tips featured in this blog to keep your spending on track this holiday season and reach out to our customer service representatives if you have any other questions. We’re here to help!

Our mobile banking app is free but message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Please refer to Katahdin Trust's Fees for General Services brochure for additional fees that may apply. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Katahdin Trust Company. Community Banking at its best since 1918.
EOE/M/F/VET/DISABLED
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender

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