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It’s hot out there in the housing market. New construction and current inventory are low. Demand is high following the safer-at-home orders of 2020, due in part to the transition of many jobs to a virtual office environment. Buyers outnumber sellers, and many are making cash offers, sometimes even above the asking price--and prices are skyrocketing. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) data shows house prices are rising at the fastest pace since 2006. As a prospective buyer, how can you keep a cool head and succeed in this harried housing pursuit?

The recent low-rate environment and tighter housing supply have created a strong sellers’ market, which can be a good thing for your home equity. Third quarter 2020 data shows that about one in every four homes is considered “equity rich,” according to ATTOM Data Solutions, a real-estate data firm. Home equity is the difference between your mortgage balance and the value of your home. Owners of homes that fit the “equity rich” definition hold 50% or more equity in their properties.

A mortgage is likely to be the largest and longest loan of your life. As a home buyer, you’ll want to be in the best financial shape possible to qualify for a good rate and get the right loan for your needs. It can be hard to know where to get started, but we’ve got you covered. Here are three ways to make sure you get the best possible mortgage.

Even with wills and careful estate planning, families can still be left with difficult problems after a loved one dies. A detail missed or vital account that can’t be accessed complicates their path forward during a sad and difficult time. A letter of last instruction isn't a legal document, but it can be the key to making sure everything is accounted for and accessible to the family members left behind. What should you include?

The U.S. Postal Service recently announced a cost-cutting plan that will slow down some first-class mail beginning Oct. 1. The changes are expected to affect long range deliveries most, especially those that have to be flown to their destination, but USPS has warned that it could take up to five days for any first-class mail to be delivered. What does this mean for your finances?

President Biden’s three-part tax program has been released as part of his fiscal year 2022 budget. The first phase, the American Rescue Plan, was enacted in March 2021 provides a child tax credit advance in addition to some other temporary tax relief measures. The other two components to Biden’s tax proposal are the American Families Plan and the American Jobs Plan. Before becoming law, Congressional approval is required. As currently proposed, here is a summary of what President Biden has requested.

Open enrollment season for employer benefits can be stressful. It only happens once a year, and with changing options and plans plus the time pressure of the deadline, it can feel overwhelming. You’re choosing plans for the entire upcoming year, and features vary widely, so how do you make the best choice when it feels like you’re comparing apples to oranges?

If you’ve ever been asked to submit documentation for expenses on your flexible spending account (FSA), health reimbursement account (HRA) or dependent care account (DCA), you may have wondered, “Why do I need to provide a receipt when it’s my money in the first place? And why do they ask some times but not others?” Some very good reasons are behind this.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) both help you reduce your taxable income by putting money away for healthcare expenses. However, there are some major differences between the two.

Managing open enrollment for your employees can stressful. It happens every year, but plans change and employees turn over, so it often feels like you're starting from square one. Add in compliance regulations and deadlines, and your benefits team can feel overwhelmed. We have tips for managing the stress and helping your employees get signed up with ease.

M&A is already incredibly complex whether it involves your company or one of your vendors, like your retirement plan provider. Losing sight of any detail can set a trap that springs even after the transaction has closed. Before you make any commitments, take a closer look into the hidden corners where complications could lie.

eCommerce and contactless payments were a lifeline for many businesses in 2020. Now they can become a permanent part of the revenue stream to help your company grow. Choose the right tool to help you manage day-to-day digital sales and take full advantage of the opportunities they can provide.

Beyond the security of all Pinnacle systems and technologies, there are some very simple ways that Pinnacle clients can monitor their accounts to be sure they are free of fraud.

Pinnacle places the highest importance on protecting our clients’ funds and information. Read this for information on how we accomplish that.

Learn about the channels Pinnacle relies on to communicate with our clients.

Financial fraud has surged, with crooks working banks and their clients. According to Banking Journal, fraud attempts have as much as tripled since early 2020, with an ever-widening variety of new scams. Human vigilance is your front-line protection, but it's not perfect. Better to have some block-and-tackle services to help tighten security and prevent fraudulent transactions. Here are five to consider.

“Business Email Compromise” (or BEC), is becoming an all too common scam executed by cyber thieves. Criminals work to understand and monitor your business processes, request forms, and partners involved over a period of days or weeks, then they generate a highly targeted attack designed to fool you into thinking you are working with a legitimate business partner. Often times these types of scams result in a significant financial loss to the business.

Owner-operated businesses are an ideal target for identity theft. As a sole-proprietor, the owner and the business are considered one in the same. Here is what you should do if you are the victim of a breach.

It has come to our attention that several people have received unsolicited emails appearing to come from Pinnacle Financial Partners. The emails contain bogus transaction information and ask the recipient to check attachments for additional details.

The SBA has released a complete and detailed list of all PPP loans and borrowers. Everyone who took a PPP loan should be on the lookout for fraud and unwanted solicitations. The level of detail involved gives scammers all the information they need to create very convincing fraud emails and phone calls. Here's how to outsmart them.

Cons make their living stealing a small amount of money thousands of times, and some get away with hundreds or thousands of dollars at a time. Banks all over the country have seen a dramatic spike in scams and frauds in 2020. Below are just a few of the most common scams we see.