Author: admin

Categories
Blog

Meet Brian Utley

Brian Utley, Market Executive serving the Gray community, brings 27 years of banking experience and commercial lending expertise to the Vallant Bank team. 

Brian began his banking career with a regional financial institution and has spent nearly three decades helping businesses and individuals reach higher. He specializes in commercial lending and construction financing, working closely with customers to provide solutions that support growth and long-term success.

A Macon native and graduate of Georgia College with a degree in Business Administration, Brian enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting and cheering on his kids at their soccer games.

Thank you for all you do, Brian!

Categories
Blog

Meet Justin Bradley

Justin Bradley, SVP and Market Executive serving the Macon-Bibb community, brings 12 years of banking experience and commercial lending expertise to the Vallant Bank team. He is a graduate of the Georgia School of Banking and holds both an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance from Georgia Southern University.

Starting as a banking and governmental auditor, Justin first transitioned into commercial banking as a credit analyst. He later moved into commercial lending and now leads Vallant’s efforts across the Macon-Bibb market, helping businesses with lending, treasury management and deposit solutions that support long-term growth.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys coaching his son and daughter’s ball teams, golfing, shooting sporting clays and running.

Thank you for all you do, Justin!

Categories
Blog General News

Meet Patricia Vitt

Patricia Vitt, Business Banker serving South Hall and Gwinnett, brings 35 years of banking experience and a passion for helping businesses grow to the Vallant Bank team.

Patricia began her banking career shortly after moving to Georgia, building a career centered on relationships, community involvement and helping local businesses succeed.

At Vallant, she enjoys connecting with business owners, supporting community organizations and sharing what makes community banking different. Patricia is an active member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Buford Business Alliance and has volunteered with organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Night to Shine.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, playing tennis and pickleball, hiking, e-biking and spending time with family, friends and her granddaughter, Vivienne.

Thank you for all you do, Patricia!

Categories
Blog General News

Meet Andrew Jones

Andrew Jones, Branch Manager at Vallant Bank’s Peach Orchard location, brings 15 years of banking experience and leadership to the team.

Andrew began his banking career serving the Evans, Georgia, community as a Teller Manager, Branch Manager and as an SVP Senior Quality Assurance Analyst, supporting banking operations across the Southeast.

At Vallant Bank, Andrew oversees in-branch operations and risk management, ensuring customers receive exceptional service in a safe and well-managed environment. He is passionate about coaching team members, building strong customer relationships and helping Vallant give back to the community.

Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage children, playing golf, watching the Atlanta Braves, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and supporting his alma mater, the Georgia Southern Eagles.

Thank you for all you do, Andrew!

Categories
Blog General News

Welcome Home | Vallant Bank

At Vallant, “Welcome Home” is more than a warm greeting; it’s a promise. No matter who you are, where you’re from or your background, we believe everyone deserves the keys to opportunity.

 

Transcript:

0:02

At Vallant Bank we love saying “welcome home”.

0:06

And we love saying it to all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds.

0:12

Because no matter who you are or where you’re from, we all deserve the keys to opportunity.

0:18

With lending options like ours, “welcome home” belongs to everybody. Vallant Bank.

0:26

Local strength. Limitless reach.

 

Categories
Safety & Security

Online safety tips for the holidays

While all may be jolly and bright during the holidays, some criminals find it to be the perfect time to scam innocent victims. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provided the following tips to protect you and your business from holiday scams and malicious cyber campaigns.

When using email –

    • Don’t open emails or ecards from people you don’t know.
    • Don’t open attachments or click on links from unsolicited emails.
    • Don’t provide personal or financial information via email – legitimate business won’t solicit sensitive information in this way.

When shopping online –

    • Shop with reputable, established vendors – don’t be tricked by someone claiming to be something they aren’t.
    • Verify a charity’s authenticity before making any online donations.
    • Take note of the phone number and physical address of any online merchant you use in case there’s a problem with your transaction or bill.
    • Make sure the information you provide online to make a purchase is encrypted – either “https:” or a padlock icon will be located in the URL. Please note that some cybercriminals will create a fake padlock icon to trick you, so make sure the icon is in the appropriate place for your browser.
    • Use a low-limit credit card to make online purchases as you’ll get more fraud protection than paying with a debit card and limit the exposure of the funds in your checking account.
    • Consider using a payment gateway (PayPal, Google Wallet or Apple Pay) to make purchases – you’ll only enter your credit card information once and the online merchant will never see it.
    • Use only reputable shopping apps and check your settings to ensure your data is secure.
    • Review your statements regularly and keep copies of your receipts or confirmation pages. If there is any discrepancy, report it to your financial institution immediately.

If you’ve found an unauthorized transaction in any of your Vallant Bank accounts, please contact us immediately at 877.759.7939.

Categories
Blog Personal

Six tips to help seniors live at home longer

At Vallant Bank, we understand the importance of maintaining independence and comfort in your golden years. The vast majority of older Americans wish to remain in their homes long after retirement, a concept known as “aging in place.” 

If this is something you or a loved one is considering, we’re here to offer practical tips and financial guidance to make that possible:

Take a hard look at your finances

Arrange a meeting with a trusted family member or friend and a banker. It’s critical to understand your financial resources, how long they’ll last and what housing options are the most cost effective for you. Be sure to consider all costs associated with aging in place, including:

    • Home modifications, home insurance and property taxes
    • Transportation to medical appointments, shopping and other errands
    • In-home caregiver for house upkeep and medical purposes

Assess your home and determine what modifications are necessary

While staying in your home is preferable for many, there are often design changes that must be made to ensure it’s also safe and comfortable.

    • Make sure there is at least one step-free entrance to your home or consider installing an outdoor ramp. 
    • Update lighting inside and outside of the house so that all walkways and stairs are well lit. Clear pathways throughout the house and firmly secure all carpets to the floor to prevent tripping.
    • Utilize lever style handles for doors and faucets to ensure easy movement.
    • Ensure there are accessible switches and outlets for people of any height.
    • If a bedroom and bathroom does not or cannot exist on the first floor, consider installing an elevator or chairlift. At a minimum, make sure you have handrails on both sides of your stairs.
    • Install grab bars in the bathtub, shower, or near the toilet. 

Make security a priority

Older Americans are often targets for scams and other criminal behavior. Be cautious about who you allow in your home and disclose sensitive information to.

    • Install up to date and easy to use locks. Make sure your front door has a peep hole or a security monitor so you can see who is outside.
    • Consult someone you trust when hiring a contractor, financial advisor, etc.

Look into community resources

If mobility is limited, look into services offered in your area. Many communities have established non-profit programs that offer transportation and food delivery to assist older Americans at a reasonable cost. 

Be prepared for possible emergencies

    • Keep a list of all emergency contacts on your refrigerator or by phone.
    • Consider a Personal Emergency Response System. Transmitters can be worn as a bracelet or around your neck and require the simple push of a button to send a signal to a call center.
    • Have your address number visible from the street so emergency responders can easily identify your home. 

Reevaluate every six months to make sure all needs are being met

As you age, your needs inevitably change. Take time twice a year, or as needed, to sit down with your trusted family or friend and make sure your current living situation is still the right one.

We hope these six pointers have provided valuable insights and actionable steps to support you or your loved ones in aging in place. At Vallant Bank, we’re committed to being your trusted partner through every stage of life. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate financial planning, home modifications and community resources to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience at home. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in creating a secure and comfortable living environment. 

Together, let’s make aging in place easier than ever.

Categories
Blog Home Buying & Refinancing

Why mortgage rates just jumped (and why most people missed it)

Mortgage rates just made a sharp move, jumping roughly 0.50% in just a few days.  Last week, people were celebrating rates in the 5s. Now we’re back in the mid-6% range. It’s the fastest move we’ve seen in months and the highest levels in the past six months. If that caught you off guard, it points to a bigger issue. Most people are watching the wrong things.

The biggest misconception about mortgage rates

Most people believe mortgage rates follow the Federal Reserve.

They don’t.

The Fed has cut rates multiple times over the past couple of years, and mortgage rates have still moved higher at different points during that same stretch. So if you’re waiting on the Fed to “bring rates down,” you’re relying on a signal that doesn’t directly control what you care about.

What actually moves mortgage rates

Mortgage rates follow the bond market, specifically mortgage-backed securities and Treasury yields.

And the bond market reacts to:

    • Inflation
    • Jobs data
    • Economic growth
    • Global events

Right now, one of the biggest drivers is energy prices, particularly oil, combined with the ongoing global conflict.

What just happened (in plain English)

Here’s the chain reaction we just saw:

    • Oil prices spiked
    • Inflation fears increased
    • Investors sold bonds
    • Bond yields rose
    • Mortgage rates jumped

That sequence happens faster than most people realize, and when it does, rates can move aggressively in a short window. That’s exactly what we just experienced.

Why rates never move in a straight line

This is where people get tripped up. Mortgage rates don’t move in a clean, predictable trend.

They spike.
They pull back.
They repeat.

That’s the cycle.

What this means if you’re in the market to buy a new home

Trying to “time the bottom” on mortgage rates is a losing strategy. By the time it feels safe, the opportunity is usually gone. The better strategy is simple:

Be ready before the next move.

That means:

    • Getting pre-approved early
    • Understanding your payment range
    • Being prepared to act when rates dip, even briefly

Because in markets like this, windows don’t stay open long.

What you should actually be watching

If you want to anticipate where rates are going, focus on:

    • Inflation reports (CPI, PCE)
    • Jobs data
    • The 10-year Treasury yield
    • Oil prices and global tensions

These are the real drivers, not just headlines about the Fed.

Bottom line

Mortgage rates didn’t jump randomly, and they didn’t move because of the Fed. They moved because the bond market reacted to inflation concerns. And they’ll continue to move in cycles, up, down, and back again.  

Your Vallant Bank mortgage team is trained to understand the markets & equipped to advise and guide you through the mortgage process. Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be glad to help. 

Categories
Blog Safety & Security

Safeguarding your finances: The importance of checking safety

Vallant Bank’s commitment to your financial well-being extends beyond just providing excellent services—we’re here to help you protect your assets too. Today, let’s discuss an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of financial security: using checks safely.

A lesson from your home security system

Think of your checkbook as part of your security system. Just as you wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked or your alarm system deactivated, you shouldn’t leave your checks vulnerable. Here are some key points to remember:

  1. Store your checks securely like you would your valuable documents.
  2. Never sign blank checks. It’s like handing over a signed, blank contract.
  3. Use a pen with indelible ink when writing checks. Consider it your financial fingerprint.
  4. Always fill in all fields of a check, leaving no blank spaces. Think of it as closing all your windows before leaving home.

Banks never ask that!

Remember this golden rule: Vallant Bank, or any legitimate bank, will never ask for sensitive information through unsecured channels. If you receive a call, email or text asking for your account details, passwords or other private information, be cautious. It’s likely a scam. We value your trust and will always prioritize your security.

The role of checks in modern banking

While digital payments are on the rise, checks still play a significant role in certain transactions. According to recent financial reports, check-related fraud remains a concern. That’s why at Vallant Bank, we’re committed to helping you stay informed and protected.

Protecting uour financial home

Here are some additional tips to keep your financial home secure:

    • Regularly review your account statements like you would check your home’s exterior for signs of trouble.
    • Report any suspicious activity immediately—we’re here to help.
    • Consider using our online bill pay services for added security.
    • Shred old checks and statements before disposing of them. Think of it as clearing out old keys to your house.

Vallant is more than just your bank; we’re your partners in building and protecting your financial future. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can help safeguard your finances against check-related fraud and scams.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Vallant Bank branch or our customer service line at 877.759.7939.

Categories
Blog Safety & Security

Protect your money: A guide to recognizing and avoiding financial scams

Vallant Bank is committed to keeping your hard-earned money safe. As your trusted local financial partner since 1934, we want to help you recognize and avoid phishing scams and other types of financial fraud. Let’s explore how to protect yourself from various deceptive practices targeting you and other Vallant Bank customers.

Email scams: Red flags for bank customers

    • Unusual email addresses: Be wary of emails that don’t come from our official Vallant Bank domain.
    • Misspelled words: Vallant Bank communications are professionally written. Poor grammar or spelling is a clear sign of an impostor.
    • Scare tactics: Vallant Bank won’t send emails warning of urgent account closure or security breaches. We prefer direct, calm communication.
    • Suspicious URLs: We won’t ask you to log in via email links. Always access your account through our official website (Vallant.Bank) or mobile app.
    • Unexpected attachments: Vallant Bank doesn’t send unsolicited email attachments. These could contain malware.

Text message scams: Stay alert to bank imposters

    • Strange phone numbers: Be cautious of texts from unfamiliar numbers claiming to be Vallant Bank.
    • Urgent warnings: Our text messages won’t create panic or urge immediate action.
    • Requests for personal information: Vallant Bank will never ask for sensitive data, such as account numbers, PINs or passwords, via text.
    • Suspicious links: We rarely send links via text. Always verify by visiting Vallant.Bank or calling us directly. Find our phone numbers under Locations at Vallant.Bank.

Phone call scams: Recognizing genuine bank calls

    • Unusual Caller ID: Be skeptical if the number doesn’t match our official contact information. Find our phone numbers under Locations at Vallant.Bank.
    • Scare tactics or threats: Vallant Bank representatives will never pressure you or threaten negative consequences.
    • Requesting personal information: We do not ask for account details during unexpected calls.
    • Unexpected calls: Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls. We typically only reach out if you initiate contact first.

Payment app scams: Protecting your bank accounts

    • Unexpected requests: Be cautious of strangers asking for money through payment apps linked to your Vallant Bank account.
    • Sending money to yourself: Vallant Bank will never ask you to send money to yourself. It’s 100% a scam.
    • Overpayment claims: Be skeptical of requests to refund alleged overpayments to your Vallant Bank account.
    • Pressure and urgency: Vallant Bank doesn’t create false emergencies. Take your time to verify requests.

Strengthen your defenses with Vallant Bank

    • Enable multi-factor authentication on your Vallant Bank online account.
    • Use strong, unique passwords for all your Vallant Bank accounts.
    • Keep your devices updated and use our latest mobile banking app version.
    • Install and maintain antivirus software on your computer.

If you’ve been scammed

    • Contact Vallant Bank immediately at the number on the back of your card. 
    • Change your Vallant Bank online banking password.
    • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
    • File a police report if you’ve lost money.

If you ever have doubts about a communication you’ve received, please contact your local Vallante Bank branch or call us directly at 877-759-7939. Find our additional phone numbers under Locations at Vallant.Bank.