Blog
What Matters Most – July 2020 Economic Update with Brad Bolyard
In today’s episode, What Matters Most is an economic update for July 2020 with Brad Bolyard, portfolio manager in First United’s Wealth Management department. Brad talks about the positives and negatives impacting current market conditions.
What Matters Most – Home Buying & the Mortgage Process with Cody Sustakoski
In this episode, we discuss the Mortgage process with Cody Sustakoski, Mortgage Originator at First United in Morgantown. Cody explains how it all works, his role in the process, best practices, what to expect when getting buying a home, as well as answering some listener questions!
First United Successfully Emerges from Proxy Contest; Continually Focused on its Shareholders & Communities
First United has released the results from the recent annual meeting proxy contest that occurred on Thursday, June 11, 2020. The Company announced the reaffirmation of, and vote, that confirmed all its director candidates.
6 Pointers to Help Seniors Live at Home Longer
The vast majority of older Americans want to remain in their homes as they grow older, also known as aging in place. First United Bank & Trust is offering tips for those considering this option.
What Matters Most – Content Marketing for Businesses with Shondell Varcianna
In today’s episode, we discuss content marketing, best practices, tips and how it works and can benefit small businesses with Shondell Varcianna, CEO of Varci Media
To Buy or Not to Buy: 5 Questions to Consider Before Purchasing Your First Home In recognition of June as American Housing Month
“Owning a home is a great investment,” said Scott Hostetler, Vice President and Residential Lending Relationship Manager . “But before jumping into the market it is extremely important for consumers to consider the costs involved and budget accordingly to ensure they’re able to meet all of their financial obligations.”
What Matters Most – Economic Update with Sean McCreery
In this week’s episode, Sean McCreery, Wealth Investment Officer at First United Wealth Management joins us to give an update for the current market conditions impacting our economy.
CISA Cyber Essentials Toolkit
The Cysbersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched a toolkit! The toolkit contains modules which break down Cyber Essentials into bite-sized actions. Each module is will aid IT and C-suite leadership work toward full implementation of each Cyber...
First United Offers 7 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score In recognition of June as American Housing Month
“Whether you’re renting or buying, your credit score is significant,” said Scott Hostetler, Vice President & Residential Lending Relationship Manager. “It is important for you to responsibly manage your debt levels and maintain good credit reports so that you are more attractive to leasing agents and mortgage lenders.”
What Matters Most – CARES Act Impact on Retirement Accounts with Brian Boal
In this episode, we talk to Brian Boal, CPA regarding the CARES Act Impact on Retirement Accounts, along with listener questions regarding stimulus payments and student loans! This episode is full of the latest and most helpful information regarding these changes and how they might impact you.
First United Offers 6 Tips to Save for a Down Payment In recognition of June as American Housing Month
First United is highlighting six tips to help you cut the extra costs and save a substantial amount for your down payment.
What Matters Most – Teaching Children to Save
In this episode, we talk about teaching children to save with Tara Baldwin and Ryan Dotson, Relationship Advisors at First United offices in Morgantown, West Virginia. Tara and Ryan spearheaded a virtual outreach effort using remote teaching tools: videos and printable items, to help teachers and parents with financial education tools during the pandemic.
What Matters Most – Marketing in Uncertain Times with Sean Hockenbery
Is now a good time to be advertising your business? In this week’s episode, Sean Hockenbery, President of Financial Marketing Solutions (http://financialmarketingsolutions.com) joins us to chat about tips, ideas and best practices related to marketing and advertising for your business during uncertain times.
First United Lends Over $146 million through the Paycheck Protection Program
As of May 22, First United has processed over 1,000 Paycheck Protection Program loans, totaling over $146 million in funding supporting nearly 17,000 jobs throughout Allegany, Garrett, Frederick, and Washington Counties in Maryland and Berkeley, Monongalia, and Harrison Counties in West Virginia.
U.S. Secret Service: “Massive Fraud” Against State Unemployment Insurance Programs
A well-organized Nigerian crime ring is exploiting the COVID-19 crisis by committing large-scale fraud against multiple state unemployment insurance programs, with potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new alert issued by the U.S....
What Matters Most – Cybersecurity with Joyce Flinn
In this week’s episode, Joyce Flinn, Vice President, Information Security & Disaster Recovery Officer at First United joins us to discuss best practices to staying safe and secure from cyber threats during the pandemic, when security threats have risen fourfold.
What Matters Most – Economic Update with Megan Kinsinger
In this week’s episode, Megan Kinsinger, Portfolio Manager at First United Wealth Management joins us to give an update for the current market conditions impacting our economy.
What Matters Most – PPP Loan Forgiveness with Brian Boal
In this week’s episode, we discuss the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness with Brian Boal, CPA, principal and founder of Boal & Associates, PC, located in Oakland, Maryland. In our discussion, we discuss the questions currently surrounding the PPP program, and specifically what portion of the loan is forgivable and the best practices to ensure your business will be able to maximize that forgiveness.
Bulls & Bears Newsletter – April 2020
The latest Bulls & Bears Newsletter from our Wealth Management advisors can provide you the latest insights into the market, trends and impacts. Download and print right from our website.
What Matters Most – Understanding Credit with Sarah Warchola
In this week’s episode (recorded pre-pandemic), we discuss credit at a high level with Sarah Warchola, community relationship manager at First United’s Sabraton office in Morgantown, WV.
What Matters Most – Mental Health with Colleen Kradel
In this week’s episode, we discuss mental health and wellness during the pandemic with Colleen Kradel, LICSW, owner of Be Well Counseling Services (https://bewellbetter.com) in Martinsburg, WV.
What Matters Most – Businesses in Times of Crisis with Josh Bosley
Conversation with Josh Bosley, VP & Director of Lending at First United regarding small businesses facing a time of crisis, during the pandemic. Topics covered include SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP Loans) and other programs and advice for businesses to manage during a difficult time.
The Daily Record Names Carissa Rodeheaver of First United to “Maryland’s Top 100 Women”
Carissa Rodeheaver, CEO, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, has been named one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” by The Daily Record.
What Matters Most Podcast – Economic Update for April 9, 2020
This week’s economic update with Sean McCreery helps shed light on some of the impacts of the coronavirus seen in the economy. Please note, due to recording this remotely, the audio quality is reduced.
First United Honored by 2020 Women on Boards for Female Board Representation
First United Corporation has been recognized as a “Winning (W)” company by 2020 Women on Boards, the premier global education and advocacy campaign committed to increasing the number of women on corporate boards.
Helping You Fight Fraud
Digital fraudsters have developed COVID-related scams to take advantage of consumers during this very challenging time. Be cautious and follow these tips to keep yourself and your finances safe and secure.
What Matters Most Podcast – Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention
Please note that this episode was recorded in the weeks prior to the pandemic. However, new fraud attempts are on the rise related to this crisis, we encourage individuals and businesses to remain vigilant and contact your financial institution if you are uncertain of a request for your information or for money. In this episode, we discuss fraud and identity theft on a broad scale with Eric Goff and Jennifer Kreighbaum from the First United Compliance and Fraud Department.
Financial Literacy: Compound Interest
Understanding interest is crucial when investing your money. Given the option to earn simple or compound interest, you should always choose the latter. To understand compound interest, you first need to have a good understanding of simple interest. Here at First United Bank & Trust, we strive to make wealth management as easy as possible, so we’ve put together a helpful guide that clearly outlines how compound interest works.
What Matters Most Podcast – Human Resources in a Pandemic
Discussion with Chuck Olsson; Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at First United regarding human resources management during a pandemic and his thoughts on how small businesses can best support their employees during this challenging times.
Press Release: MD Banks Poised to Help Customers Experiencing Hardship Due to Coronavirus Emergency
MBA Press Release Contact:Mindy Lehman, Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Communications 443-837-1613 / mlehman@mdbankers.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020 Maryland Banks Poised to Help Customers Experiencing Hardship Due to...
Allegany County health department launches COVID-19 call center
The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 (H.R. 6074) expanded the Small Business Act’s definition of a disaster to include Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the SBA will be able to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) under a Governor’s Certification Disaster Declaration.
A Message from the US Small Business Administration
The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 (H.R. 6074) expanded the Small Business Act’s definition of a disaster to include Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the SBA will be able to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) under a Governor’s Certification Disaster Declaration.
What Matters Most Podcast – Financial Markets & the Coronavirus
An update from Keith Sanders, Senior Vice President in Wealth Management from First United Bank & Trust regarding the financial market volatility currently being seen as it relates to the Coronavirus, COVID-19.
Financial Reactions to the Global Spread of the COVID-19 Virus
Financial markets are reacting to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. While we are tasked with focusing on the economic and market impacts of the virus, our first concern continues to be around those impacted and the brave health care workers helping the afflicted. Investors are feeling anxious as markets are moving sharply lower so our team wanted to keep you informed and try to cut through the market noise.
What Matters Most – March 2020
We’re changing up the format starting this month, however, in this latest installment of the What Matters Most podcast, with First United Wealth Portfolio Manager, Sean McCreery, offers the latest in investment news.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
Investing is like life: nothing ventured, nothing gained.If you're planning to buy a home, you probably have good reasons for your decision. It may be that you share the feeling that owning your own home is a key part of the American dream. But there are also...
Join the 2020 Pay It Forward Initiative!
First United Bank & Trust, in partnership with the Maryland Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, will be conducting a FLEECE BLANKET DRIVE beginning now through March 31. All donations will go to the non-profit, London's Legacy. Their mission is to...
The Buyer’s Guide for First-Time Home Owners
In a perfect world, you would find a house you loved, make a reasonable offer, and head to the bank to sign your loan papers. For many buyers, though, buying a home turns into a nerve-racking process. This can easily happen to you if you don’t educate yourself on the steps involved in buying a home.
What Matters Most – February 2020
Listen to the latest installment of the What Matters Most podcast, with First United Wealth Portfolio Manager, Brad Bolyard, offering the latest in investment news.
An Uncommon Story – March-Westin
Phil Weser shares the inspiring, uncommon story of March-Westin. We celebrate the uncommon stories from our community! Our collective stories bind us, strengthen and empower us. It’s why, at First United, we’re so committed to helping your story take shape and seeing it play out.
Phone Scam Concerns
Every day, fraudsters are increasing their efforts to acquire account information. At First United, we have a strong commitment to keeping your personal information secure.
Best Ways to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Fast
Committing yourself to a strategy is the key to getting out of credit card debt fast. When you stick to your goal, your commitment translates into an overarching lifestyle where you no longer have to concern yourself with tackling your credit card payments every month.
What Matters Most – January 2020
Listen to the latest installment of the What Matters Most podcast, with First United Wealth Portfolio Manager, Megan Kinsinger, offering the latest in investment news.
Cut the Cost of Your Loan Debt
Loans give us the ability to pay for things we otherwise could never afford. Can you imagine if you couldn’t get a loan for a car or a house? If mortgages weren’t a thing, most Americans wouldn’t ever own a home. Loans and mortgages are definitely good, but only when you use them responsibly.
What Matters Most – December 2019
Listen to the latest installment of the What Matters Most podcast, with First United Wealth Investment Officer, Sean McCreery, offering the latest in investment news.
Be Cautious – Watch for Scams this season!
The security of your personal information is important to us, especially during this holiday season. Large amounts of electronic transactions and notifications occur this time of year, increasing fraudulent activity. Awareness should be at a...
5 Major Investing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s equally as important to learn about investment mistakes as it is to bone up on investment tips and tricks. Whether you’re looking for good investments for beginners or you’re a seasoned investor who has doubled your earnings in the past year, staying up-to-date with the latest investment missteps is key to solidifying your wealth management.
What Matters Most – November 2019
Listen to the latest installment of the What Matters Most podcast, with First United Wealth Management Portfolio Manager, Brad Bolyard, offering the latest in investment news.
An Uncommon Story – FCX Systems
FCX Systems co-founders, Allen Wright and Matt Howell, share their uncommon story. At First United, we celebrate the uncommon stories from our community! Our collective stories bind us, strengthen and empower us. It’s why, at First United, we’re so committed to helping your story take shape and seeing it play out.
The 10 Best Car-Buying Tips!
A vehicle is a major investment. Even used cars have an average price of $20,000 and if you finance, your monthly payments could be $400 or more. So, before you begin shopping for a new car, consider these 10-best car-buying tips.