For some, the month of June means that summer is here. School is no longer in session and frequent visits to the pool or lake are on the minds of most. The smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs fill the air and the sounds of baseball ring throughout town. It could even mean taking that vacation you’ve patiently waited for all year. But if you’re a dad, there is a good chance that June means even something more. Father’s Day…it’s a time to recognize and a time to be recognized for everything that being a father entails.

Recognition of an employee who has significantly contributed to the overall success of Astra Bank - that is the mission of the Shining Star program. This award is given out on a quarterly basis to an employee who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their day-to-day work. They are also nominated by their fellow peers.  Astra Bank is pleased to announce the three recipients of the “Shining Star” award for the 1^st quarter of 2018 are Cindy Eichman, Kameron Schmidt, and Lynn Dejmal!

Older Americans are increasingly becoming popular targets for lottery and sweepstake scams. According to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, lottery scams rank second on the list of fraud offenses reported by older adults, claiming thousands of victims each year.

Financial caregivers play a major role in ensuring that their loved ones maintain the best quality of life possible and that all finances - from routine to complex - are managed wisely. In recognition of Older Americans Month in May, Astra Bank is offering tips to help financial caregivers better understand and execute their role as fiduciaries. 

The next time you receive a frantic call from someone saying they are your grandchild and asking for money, make sure it’s actually your grandchild who’s calling. According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2016, impersonation scams ranked second as the most common consumer complaint, with more than 400,000 reported. The “grandparent scam,” is a form of financial abuse that deliberately targets older Americans using impersonation tactics.