Avoid the Debt Trap This Holiday Season

The holiday season can get expensive fast, especially as shoppers face higher prices and economic uncertainty this year. But with a thoughtful budget, a well-planned gift list, early deal-hunting, and smart use of rewards programs, it’s possible to enjoy the festivities without ending up in debt. From taking advantage of local Small Business Saturday events to creating meaningful homemade gifts, small strategies can make a big difference. And if you need help saving or exploring responsible financial options, First National Bank and Trust Company is here to support your holiday planning.

Social Engineering Scams: How to Protect Yourself and Your Finances

Many scams today rely less on hacking and more on human manipulation—a tactic known as social engineering. In this blog, First National Bank and Trust explains how scammers use deception, urgency, and fear to trick people into revealing sensitive information through phishing, pretexting, and baiting. By learning how these scams operate and following simple prevention steps—like verifying sources, avoiding suspicious links, and protecting login details—you can safeguard your personal and business finances.

Creating a Marketing Plan for the Holidays for Your Business

The holiday season can be the most profitable time of year for small businesses—but it also brings challenges. With shoppers planning to spend less and start buying earlier, a solid marketing plan is key to standing out. In this post, we share practical strategies to help your business make the most of the season, from reviewing last year’s performance and improving customer experiences to using CRM tools and preparing your team for the rush.

FNBT offers Cash Management Services, Merchant Services, Digital Payments, and flexible financing options to help your business thrive through the holidays.

7 Ways Small Businesses Can Give Back to the Community

Discover how small businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois can give back while growing stronger. From partnering with local nonprofits to mentoring entrepreneurs, this blog outlines seven meaningful ways to invest in your community—and how doing so builds loyalty, visibility, and long-term success.

How to Safeguard from Fraud with ACH

Protect your business from ACH fraud with FNBT. Learn how ACH Blocks & Filters, Positive Pay, and multi-factor authentication help safeguard accounts across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.