Coastal Community Bank

Great news for those savvy savers! The IRS has announced the new contribution limits for 2025: 401(k): Up to $23,500 (with an additional $7,500 for those 50+ and $11,250 for those aged 60-63). IRA: Remains at $7,000 (with a $1,000 catch-up for those 50+). HSA: Individual limit is $4,300, and family limit is $8,550. Take advantage of these increased limits to boost your retirement and health savings. Start planning now to make the most of your future contributions! #Retirement #401k #IRA #HSA #FinancialPlanning #MoneyTips #Savings

Check fraud is one of the most significant threats facing businesses today. Criminals are targeting U.S. mail to steal checks, leading to substantial financial losses. Real-Life Example: A small business owner in Everett mailed a $30,000 check at the local post office, only to have it intercepted and altered by fraudsters. The check was cashed, and the funds were lost. Protect Your Business: Use checks with security features like void indicators and chemically reactive paper. Consider electronic payment options like ACH or wire transfers. Verify account information by phone, not email, to avoid business email compromise. Enroll in Positive Pay and monitor it daily. Learn more about how to safeguard your business from these threats here --> https://lnkd.in/gysgN_bU Stay vigilant and protect your business! #FraudPrevention #BusinessSecurity #CheckFraud #EmailCompromise #SecurePayments #ACH #WireTransfers #PositivePay #BusinessTips #FinancialSafety #Scams #SmallBusiness

ATM Adventures: Stay Safe and Jolly This Holiday Season! The holidays are here, and that means more trips to the ATM for some festive cash! Keep your ATM adventures merry and bright with these fun safety tips: Scope Out the Scene: Give a quick glance around before you hit the ATM. If anything feels off, trust your gut and find another machine. Secret Agent PIN: Channel your inner spy and shield that PIN like it's top secret. Bright Lights, Big Safety: Stick to ATMs in well-lit, busy spots. Nighttime withdrawals? Make sure you're in a safe, glowing area. Stash and Dash: Tuck your cash away pronto and save the counting for later in a cozy, secure spot. Stay Focused: Keep your eyes on the prize (and the ATM). Save the texting for after your transaction. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy a hassle-free holiday season! #ATMSafety #HolidayFun #StaySafe #SmartBanking #FestiveTips #HolidaySeason #MoneyTips #Holidays #HolidayShopping #Hackers #Scams

🔒 Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Annoying but Worth It! 🔒 In today’s digital world, passwords alone just don’t cut it anymore. Enter Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – the superhero of online security! 🦸♂️🦸♀️ What is MFA? MFA is like adding extra locks to your digital doors. It requires more than just a password to verify your identity. Think of it as a combo of: 🔑 Something you know (password) 📱 Something you have (smartphone) 👆 Something you are (fingerprint) Why Bother with MFA? Sure, it might seem like a hassle, but here’s why it’s totally worth it: Increased Security: Makes it super tough for hackers to get in. Identity Protection: Keeps your personal info safe, even if your password is leaked. Compliance: Meets industry standards for protecting sensitive data. Where to Use MFA? 📧 Email Accounts 💳 Financial Accounts 📱 Social Media 💼 Work Accounts ☁️ Cloud Storage Choose your method: SMS codes, authenticator apps, or biometrics. Enable MFA in your account settings. Follow the setup instructions. Backup your methods. Test it out! Why the Annoyance is Worth It 🧘♂️ Peace of Mind: Sleep easy knowing your accounts are secure. 🚫 Reduced Risk: Prevents account takeovers and the chaos that follows. 📲 Modern Convenience: Quick and easy with today’s tech. 🔮 Future-Proof: Stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. So, yes, MFA might add an extra step, but it’s a small price to pay for top-notch security. Embrace the annoyance today for a safer tomorrow! 🌟 #CyberSecurity #MFA #StaySafeOnline #DigitalSecurity #TechTips

Many small to midsize businesses use Quickbooks to manage their finances and bookkeeping. It is a great tool! But, beware. As the adoption rate grows - cybercriminals will take every chance they can to trick you into handing over sensitive information that could take your business down! Here are a few tips that can help: Email Source Verification. Check the sender’s email address. Official emails from Intuit will come from a verified domain. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable 2FA on your QuickBooks account to add an extra layer of security. Educate Your Team: Spread the word and train them on what to look for. Check URLs: Scammers often use URLs that look similar to the official QuickBooks site but have slight variations. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your QuickBooks software and any security tools you use. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious email or notice unusual activity in your account, report it to Intuit immediately. Refer to the Quickbooks Help web page for more information. For more information and more details, visit our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/gQCAmy7f Be safe out there! #scams #becareful #smallbusiness #business #businesstips #hackers #cyvercrime

Come join the many other 'accidental bankers' here at Coastal. We are hiring! Take a few minutes to learn about Coastal and cruise through our many new job postings ---> coastalbank.com/careers #jobs #careers #opentowork #hiring #banking #wearehiring #apply #jobpostings

Is Your Small Business Ready for Anything? Disasters come in all shapes and sizes. Being prepared is key to keeping your business running smoothly. From minor interruptions to major catastrophes, having a solid plan can make all the difference. In our latest blog post, we dive into three essential banking elements to help you stay resilient: Payment Resiliency: Ensure you can process payments even when the unexpected happens. Credit Access: Have quick access to capital when you need it most. Cash Reserves: Build a rainy-day fund to keep your business afloat during tough times. Discover practical tips and pro advice to safeguard your business against any interruption. Don’t wait for disaster to strike—get prepared today! Read the full blog post here -->https://lnkd.in/gTWpKqzB #SmallBusiness #BusinessResilience #DisasterPreparedness #BusinessTips #StayPrepared

Coastal is honored to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines in presenting Member Impact Fund grants totaling $586,500 to eight local nonprofits. These grants will provide critical financial support for job training, affordable housing, financial literacy, food banks, youth programs, and community development initiatives and will allow them to serve more people and have a greater impact in the community. Compass Health Providence General Foundation Cocoon House Workforce Snohomish Arlington Community Food Bank Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation & Development Association Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County Community Foundation of Snohomish County

Natural disasters don’t send invitations — is your business ready to face the unexpected? Small businesses everywhere, not just in high-risk areas, need a robust disaster plan. According to the Washington State Emergency Management Division, about 40% of businesses don’t reopen after a major disaster. That’s a shocking statistic! In our latest blog post, we help you define potential threats and prepare your business for any disruption, from earthquakes to wildfires. Key Highlights: Defining Threats: Learn about the diverse types of natural disasters that could impact your business. Business Impact Analysis: Identify how disasters could adversely affect your revenue, customer satisfaction, and growth. Mitigating Adverse Outcomes: Get tips on how to balance insurance costs and coverage to protect your assets. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxqiuPq6

🛡️🔒 Protect Your Business & Customers from Cyber Threats! 🔒🛡️ Time to boost your defenses and help your customers stay safe. Ensuring your business and customers are shielded from cyber and fraud threats is a must all year round. 🚨 Did You Know? In 2023, there were 2,365 cyberattacks affecting a whopping 343 million victims. Email remains the #1 malware delivery route. Don't let your business be a statistic! ⚠️ Quick Tips to Mitigate Risks: - NEVER share account numbers, PINs, or passwords if asked. - Avoid clicking on links in messages; go directly to the organization’s website. - Use unique, complex passwords for each account. - Sign out after accessing accounts on shared devices. - Check URLs carefully to avoid copycat sites. - Contact customer service via mobile apps, not phone numbers in messages. - Confirm bank details over the phone, not via email. Stay Informed, Stay Protected! Criminals use urgency to their advantage. Always “pump the brakes” on hasty requests for personal info or money transfers. Plan Ahead! In case of a data breach, know the steps to take. Notification within 30 days is required in Washington State. Be prepared to inform your customers promptly and accurately. Empower Your Team & Customers: Encourage a culture of vigilance. Educate your staff and customers about common cyber threats and best practices. Together, we can reduce risks and protect what's important! Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s make the digital world a safer place for everyone! 🌐💪 Learn more in our blog, https://lnkd.in/gUAQj8hp #Cybersecurity #FraudPrevention #SmallBusiness #StaySafeOnline