We have finally arrived at the end of our Hex Sign Design Contest! With 534 votes cast for the 24 entries to the contest, we are happy to announce that the grand prize winner is Mya Conti with 96 votes!

Our runners-up were Sharon Martucci in 2nd place with 78 votes and Lisa Pollock with 57 votes!

The winning design will be sent to Claypoole Hexsigns to be handcrafted into a real hex sign, which will be on display at our Bank branches for one week.

Thank you to everyone who submitted designs to the contest and thank you to everyone who voted for your favorite designs. Check back later this month when we will have the finished hex sign on display at our branch offices!

An Executive Order issued on March 25, 2025, mandates that the U.S. Treasury no longer issue paper checks for federal disbursements—including tax refunds, Social Security benefits and vendor payments—as of September 30, 2025. The federal government will transition to making electronic payments instead.

Who is impacted?

The three main groups impacted are:

1. Social Security and other federal benefit recipients: This includes anyone currently receiving Social Security or veterans benefits. The Social Security Administration estimates that 69 million Americans receive an average of $1,700 in monthly benefits.
2. Taxpayers receiving their refunds by check: Those who receive IRS tax refunds by check are estimated to be 2/3 of Americans, with an average amount of just over $3,000.
3. Government contractors: This includes businesses or individuals who are paid by the federal government for any contracts or grants.

The mandate is intended to prevent fraud and reduce cost. U.S. Treasury checks are 16 times more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned deliverable or altered than electronic payments. Estimates show that discontinuing the use of paper checks could result in annual savings of $750 million.

While the Executive Order urges federal agencies to transition incoming payments to electronic methods, it does not establish a firm end date for accepting paper checks from businesses or individuals. Agencies are instructed to move inbound payments to digital ‘as soon as practicable’ under existing law.

What You Need to Do

Proactive transition to alternative payment methods can enhance efficiency, lower costs, and safeguard cash flow. More importantly, the transition to digital payments offers greater security through encryption and authentication, greatly reducing the risk of theft or alteration of paper checks.

Individuals receiving federal payments

• Sign up for direct deposit or other electronic payment method: If you receive payments by check, provide a bank account for direct deposit or enroll in an approved prepaid debit card program to access benefit payments without a bank account. You can do both online or call the Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Contact Center at 877-874-6347.

Businesses sending or receiving federal government payments

• Enroll in electronic funds transfer systems: If your business receives federal payments via paper check, enroll through U.S. Treasury systems like sam.gov or asap.gov. If you're already enrolled, ensure your account information is accurate in order to avoid delayed payments. If you make payments by check to the federal government, shift to electronic payment channels instead.
• Communicate with your finance teams: Alert your internal teams to the impending change so they can update systems and shift to reconciling payments electronically.

With an increased focus on mobile banking and commercial customer experience, New Tripoli Bank continues to expand its suite of digital cash management offerings that are designed to provide a convenient and secure commercial client experience. This includes electronic/digital payables and receivables solutions such as ACH, remote deposit capture, cards, and digital checks. In addition to offering fraud detection and protection tools, the Bank works closely with clients to help them optimize workflows, reduce payment costs, and mitigate risk during this transition.

Contact New Tripoli Bank or call Michael Koch, Business Development Manager, at (484) 224-3742 to learn more about our commercial digital banking options.

Beware of Potential Scams

As with any change affecting large groups of people, there is a potential for misinformation and scams. You should remain vigilant when you encounter any links to websites or receive emails from individuals offering to assist you with transitioning to electronic payment methods.

You should always contact your financial institution directly in order to set up direct deposit or other electronic payment methods. Financial institutions will never contact you directly asking for your account information.

In addition, avoid anyone who asks for money in exchange for helping you to set up direct deposit or electronic payments. Most financial institutions do not charge a fee to set up these services for their customers.

If you have been the victim of fraud or have been contacted by someone attempting to scam you, alert your financial institution and file a fraud report at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

The Internet is much more than a tool for casual browsing. It’s ingrained in everything we do—from paying bills to shopping for a home. Among all generations of home buyers, the first step in the home search process is to look online for properties, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Home Buyer and Seller Generation Trends report.

With so much information available at your fingertips it can be hard to make sense of it all—especially for a process that can be as protracted and complicated as the purchase of a home.

The report also found that all home buyers surveyed in 2024 used the internet to search for a home. 24% of all home buyers last year were first-time buyers, with the median age of first-time buyers at 38 years old. With one-quarter of all home purchases being made by older Millennials, it's more important than ever to educate potential home buyers on the factors involved in purchasing a home and ensure new home buyers have a firm understanding of the process.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. both have resources to help demystify the homebuying process. But having a working knowledge of the process and available programs to assist first-time homebuyers is not enough to determine the right loan to meet a consumer’s unique financial needs and budget considerations.

That’s where a community bank like New Tripoli Bank comes in. Our expert lenders can help explain not only what you can afford and what to expect during the process, but other factors to consider when determining the right time to buy a home.

For those who are ready, there are several options available in addition to conventional loans, including mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans only require a 3.5 percent down payment and typically have higher loan-to-value ratios and lower credit score requirements than conventional loans (though buyers will have to refinance if they want to avoid paying private mortgage insurance for the life of the loan).

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers generous borrowing terms to servicemembers, veterans and surviving spouses, often requiring no down payment or mortgage insurance. While the VA has only a few requirements for things like debt and sufficient income, VA lenders may add their own requirements.

In addition to available federal homeownership and home-buying assistance programs, there are numerous programs sponsored by state and local governments, as well as other organizations, that make homeownership more affordable.

New Tripoli Bank also offers assistance for first-time homebuyers. Qualified borrowers can apply for our first-time homebuyers program, which offers a low introductory rate and waives processing and document preparation fees. We understand that not everyone’s financial situation is the same and tailor our payment options to fit each borrowers’ unique needs. Our mortgage checklist provides potential homebuyers with information on what they will need to complete the application process and we have put out a number of blogs in the past that go over various aspects of the homebuying process.

During National Homeownership Month, New Tripoli Bank wants to remind you to contact us for help with the homebuying process. And if you are not ready to take the plunge just yet, we can help you to establish a budget and set financial targets, so that when the time is right, you’ll have the know-how and the confidence to secure the keys to a home of your own.

Christine Pierce has been with New Tripoli Bank since 2021. She is part of the consumer mortgage team and has years of experience helping homeowners finance their home purchases. When she's not working, Christine enjoys spending time with her family and making home improvements.

NMLS: #797163

We have received reports from New Tripoli Bank customers that they have been contacted by unidentified individuals claiming to be employees of New Tripoli Bank. Moreover, the phone number that appears when customers are contacted is our customer service number. These individuals are contacting customers asking for personal or bank account information, or trying to initiate wire transfers. THIS IS A SCAM!

Please keep the following in mind:

• New Tripoli Bank will never contact you in order to ask for personal or bank account information.
• You should never initiate a wire transfer with anyone who you have not met in person or whose identity you are unable to verify.

If you or someone you know is contacted (via phone, text, email, etc.) by individuals claiming to be from New Tripoli Bank, please hang up immediately and contact our security team at (610) 395-8834 to report the incident. We take our customers' security very seriously and we are looking into this matter to ensure we continue to protect our customers from potential fraud.

by Greg Turner

You’ve made the decision to join the military. Congratulations! As a new service member, you’re about to have plenty of new experiences and responsibilities thrown at you in a short amount of time, and it’s important to not let yourself become overwhelmed. One of the best things you can do is to get a handle on the things you can control right now, so you have a solid foundation in place as you progress through your military career.

One of the places where preparation is the most important is your finances. A career in the military brings with it a great deal of responsibilities, one of which is money management skills. Here are some tips to help you prepare financially so you can focus on serving our country.

Learn How to Budget

This applies not only to military recruits but to anyone entering the workforce. For many new recruits, especially those enlisting just out of high school, this may be the first time you are responsible for your own finances. A budget is a monthly spending plan that helps you manage your income and expenses, as well as identify areas of potential savings. Start tracking your income, bills and discretionary expenses and learn how to set spending limits for yourself so you can start saving money for the future.

Service members in particular have additional benefits compared to the civilian workforce. In addition to your pay, your budget should consider any benefits such as a basic housing allowance or special duty pay, as well as expenses unique to military recruits. Members of the military also have special access to free personal financial counselors, and some military installations have their own personal financial management services.

Find a Bank to Help Manage Money While Overseas

Online banking has made it easier than ever for consumers to monitor and transfer funds from anywhere and anytime. However, military members deployed abroad may encounter some difficulties when trying to access their bank accounts while overseas thanks to anti-fraud protection measures many financial institutions have put in place. Make sure before you deploy that your Bank is aware, so they can help to protect your account for potential fraud.

Research the Housing Market Where You Are Stationed

Depending on how long you are going to be deployed, you will need to decide whether it is better for you to rent or buy a home. No matter what you choose, make sure you research the housing market where you’ll be stationed before deciding.

Look into the availability and applicability of a basic allowance for housing, if one is provided. While not intended to cover all housing costs, BAH can provide uniformed service members with equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided.

Build an Emergency Fund

As part of your budgeting plan, you should set money aside in an emergency fund to prepare yourself for the unexpected. If you’re eligible for an enlistment bonus, you should put that money away into an interest-bearing savings account rather than spend it on an immediate big purchase. Most financial advisors suggest having a savings cushion of at least three months’ living expenses.

If you find yourself struggling to maintain an emergency fund while paying for monthly expenses such as food, rent, and other essentials, consider reaching out for help. The military provides recruits with free financial management services that can help you get a better handle on your budget.

Minimize Debt & Build Good Credit

This is another tip that applies to more than just those entering the military. Wise use of credit will help your credit score, which will make it easier for you to make large purchases in the future. It can be easy to see credit as free money, however spending within your means is encouraged.

Part of your budget should include paying down debt at the end of each month. If you’re having trouble achieving a zero balance, look for areas where you can cut back on spending and put some more of your monthly budget into paying down your debt.

When you’re planning on taking out credit, it’s important to comparison shop for the best interest rate. You will want to keep an eye out for government-supported assistance for military members and their families, such as VA loans. Additionally, you should research GI Bill benefits, which may help you to pay for school and cover certain expenses while you are training for a job.

Save Money Every Day

Military members have access to certain benefits that your average consumer doesn’t. You will find discounts in areas including insurance, travel, dining out, sporting events, and other recreational activities. Don’t pay full price if you can avoid it! Take the time to shop around and search for sales or other discounts.

Certain military installations offer free services to enlisted individuals. Many installations have their own public library where you can check out free books, music, magazines, and videos. You can also access these resources via the MWR Digital Library. You should consider taking advantage of your installation’s gym and keep an eye on the installation newspaper for free activities that are only available to service members.

These are just some of the skills you will want to develop in order to achieve financial wellness, not only as a member of the military but as a consumer in general. The most important thing to remember is don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, whether it’s from financial advisors provided by the military or your local community banker. Like any life skill, budgeting, saving, and comparison shopping are not something you can get good at overnight; they require you to develop good habits that make practicing these skills second nature.

Greg Turner has been at Community Banker with New Tripoli Bank since 2024 and has over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and has served as a Signals Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force. He enjoys skiing, racing go-karts, watching motorsports (especially Formula One racing) and hockey, and going to museums and Broadway plays.

Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of New Tripoli Bank announced Sundra Sherwin's promotion to Senior Vice President, Branch Administration. Sundra has been with New Tripoli Bank for over 18 years and has over 26 years’ experience in the banking industry. She joined the Bank in 2007, beginning her career as a Teller. Sundra has held many additional roles over the years, including Head Teller, Customer Service Representative and Relationship Banker. In 2014, Sundra was promoted to Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager, and since 2018 had held the title of Vice President, Branch Administration.

Commenting on Sundra's promotion, John Hayes said, “Sundra has been an invaluable part of maintaining New Tripoli Bank’s positive relationship with its customers. She’s done an amazing job at organizing and motivating the Bank’s retail staff, preparing the next generation of community bankers and branch managers that will carry the Bank into the future.”

If you and your children have a mobile phone, you’ve probably received texts from friends and family. If you’ve opted in to receive texts from retailers, you get these too. But what do you do when you receive a text, and you question the source?

The answer matters because your response to a questionable text might keep you safe from a scammer — or lead you into a trap.

Text Message Scams on the Rise

New data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that in 2024, “consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages. This amount is five times higher than what was reported in 2020, even though the number of reports declined.”

How Text Scams Work

Below is a simplistic example of how a spoofed message can be sent to you.

Step One. Threat actors obtain your phone number on the Dark Web or generate your number with an auto-dialer tool.

Step Two. The scammer creates a message. Many scam texts sound urgent to get victims to react without thinking — “invoice overdue” or “your account has been breached” are common ruses.

Step Three. The scammer sends the text and hopes you bite.

Prevention Tips

• Don’t reply to unexpected text messages. The text may push you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and think it through.
• Never click links in unexpected messages. You might download malicious software (malware) that will compromise your device, and scammers often create real-looking websites to draw you deeper into the trap.
• Don’t assume a text from a known company or organization is legit. Double-check by contacting the company. Don’t use information from the text — get a phone number or email address from the company’s website.

Filtering Unwanted Texts

There are many ways to filter unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you.

Take Action – Report Texts

• Forward spam messages to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
• Report potential scams on either the Apple iMessages app or Google Messages app for Android users.
• Report potential scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

​​​​​​​If you’ve lost money to a scam, reach out to the company that transferred the money right away to see if there’s a way to get your money back. Then report the scammer at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If You’re a Victim?

Immediately change any passwords you might have revealed. Consider reporting the attack to IC3.gov and the police, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Getting Help

If you identify suspicious activity involving your financial institution, contact them immediately.

*Information provided by the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC).

In order to combat a rise in property and mortgage fraud in Lehigh County, the Clerk of Judicial Records has released a new, free alert system for residents of Lehigh County.

The program is called Record Alert and it allows any resident in the county, or anyone with property in Lehigh County, to receive alerts via text or email when a document is recorded involving their property.

The Recorder of Deeds office is required to record any document that is presented to their office when all the required data is properly executed and payment is received alongside the document. Once a fraudulent document is recorded, the fraudster may use your name as collateral on a mortgage or attempt to sell your home to an unsuspecting buyer. There is no way for the Recorder of Deeds office to know that the document is being used for fraudulent purposes without being alerted by the legitimate property owner.

By registering for Record Alert, you will receive alerts when a document is recorded which involves your property. The notification will come via text or email stating the parcel number, instrument number, document type, and the date it was recorded. You can then contact the Recorder of Deeds and inform them of the fraudulent document before the criminal can use your name or property.

This service also allows you to monitor the status of legitimate documents that you've filed with Lehigh County, such as after you finish with a closing, or when you take out or pay off a mortgage.

Residents of Lehigh County can register for this free service at https://www.landex.com/recordalert/lehigh

by Chelsea Grohgans

In today’s fast paced world, passive income has become a growing trend. It allows for more financial freedom, while not having to be chained to the normal 9 to 5 workday. But what exactly is passive income, and how can your bank help you generate it?

These are the questions I intend to explore in this blog article, highlighting practical ways you can start building passive income, and discussing the various financial products and services that can help you achieve your goal of financial freedom!

What is Passive Income?

Passive income is money earned with minimal ongoing effort after an initial investment of time, money, or resources. Unlike active income, such as a salary earned by spending hours working for an employer or money earned through self-employment, passive income flows in even when you’re not actively working—like when you’re sleeping or on vacation! While this requires an upfront investment of time and/or capital, the goal is to create streams of revenue that eventually require little to no attention after the initial set up.

How to Earn Passive Income

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to reaching a point where you can live partially or entirely off passive income. You’ll want to try different strategies to find those that fit your lifestyle and needs. If you’re looking for a place to start, here are some strategies you could consider:

CD’s, Money Market and Savings Accounts – Don’t overlook the power of compound interest! Whether you’re saving a small amount or a small fortune, any amount of money has the ability to earn interest at a guaranteed rate. Unlike more volatile assets, after your initial account opening, these products typically require little to no effort to watch your savings grow. New Tripoli Bank offers a variety of savings products that can help you get started earning interest with your existing savings.

Rental Properties – Real estate can be a powerhouse for passive income, provided you have the capital to invest. Buy a property, rent it out and collect the monthly checks. Unlike the previous example, rental properties are not fully hands off. Your properties will need repairs, and you will need to manage your relationship with your tenants. If you have the flexibility to do so, you can always hire a property management company to help lighten the load.

Stock Market Investments – Investing in stocks or Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) that pay dividends is a straightforward way for you to earn passive income. You buy shares in a company, and those companies regularly pay back a portion of any profits they may make. To make the most of your dividends, you could store them in a savings or money market account and earn interest while you plan your next investment move!

Online Content Creation – Do you have a knack for writing, designing, or teaching? Consider creating a blog about your favorite topic or a page on your favorite social media platforms! With a little luck, your content could have the ability to earn money through advertisements, sponsorships, or even your own online sales.

Why Banking Products Matter

Your bank can be your ally when it comes to earning passive income. Banks exist to protect and grow your money, so you can stay focused on earning new revenue streams.

Savings & Money Market Accounts – Start earning interest at any point in your passive income journey. At New Tripoli Bank, you will earn interest on your savings account with as little as $20 to start. What about those of you who already have plenty of income saved? A Money Market account can help you earn more with tiered rates starting at $1,000.

CD Ladders – Instead of opening one big Certificate of Deposit, spread your money across multiple CDs with different maturity dates for steady, predictable income. When each maturity date arrives, you can make the choice to withdraw your money or re-invest in another CD, depending on your financial situation at the time.

Interest Checking Accounts – New Tripoli Bank offers an interest-bearing checking account for customers who keep $500 or more in their daily balance, helping to turn everyday funds into a mini stream of income. These accounts are perfect for consumers looking for the easy access that checking accounts provide while still looking to maximize their earnings potential.

Taking the First Step

Starting your passive income journey doesn’t require a fortune or endless free time. Begin with what you have—whether it’s $10 or $10,000—and invest in a savings account, rent a spare bedroom out, or invest in some stocks. Thoroughly research your options, set clear realistic goals, and take advantage of interest-bearing products offered by your local community bank. The key is consistency: small actions today compound into big rewards tomorrow!

Please note this is not intended to be tax or investment advice. You should consult with your tax professional and/or investment advisor before making any large financial decisions.

Chelsea Grohgans has been a member of the New Tripoli Bank team since 2020. She currently serves as Deposit Project Specialist for the Bank, working closely with our Branch Administration, Deposit Operations, and Marketing teams to launch new products. When not working for the Bank, she spends her free time with her husband and raising their young daughter.

New Tripoli Bank is happy to announce our April Animal Shelter Donate-a-thon! For the month of April, we will be collecting donations of pet food, treats, toys, and other necessities at our branch offices. At the end of the month, the Bank will send your donations to four animal care organizations in our area: Forgotten Felines and Fidos, Peaceable Kingdom Inc., The Sanctuary at Haafsville, and Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley. Just look for the basket with the donate-a-thon sign in each of our branch lobbies.

Please make sure your pet food containers are unopened and any non-food donations are new or good-as-new. Bring your new and unopened pet food, pet toys, and blankets to your local New Tripoli Bank branch by Wednesday, April 30th. We are accepting all donations, but participating shelters are most in need of:

Cat Food

• Purina One Indoor Cat Chow
• Purina One Kitten Dry Food
• Purina One Sensitive Dry Food
• Friskies Canned Food
• Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dry & Wet Food
• KMR Kitten Formula
• Jars of Chicken or Turkey Baby Food

Dog Food

• Merrick Dog Food
• Fromm Family Dog Food
• Caesars Wholesome Bowls
• Science Diet Chicken & Barley
• Bully Sticks
• Purina One or Pro Plan Dry Small Bites
• Nyla or Bene Bones
• Salmon Treats
• Greenies Pill Pockets

Other

• Miracle Nipples for Kittens
• Cat & Dog Treats
• Poop Bags
• Small/Medium Martingale Collars
• Leashes
• Blankets

Your donations will ensure these organizations have the supplies they need to feed the cats and dogs in their care. Show your support for the fuzzier members of our community this April!