Banking online offers everyday convenience, from checking balances to paying bills on the go. Staying secure is just as important. Safer Internet Day is a reminder that protecting your finances is a shared effort between you and your bank.

At Guaranty Bank, your security is a top priority. We combine trusted technology, ongoing monitoring, and personal service to help protect your information while also giving you tools and guidance to stay informed.

How We Protect Your Accounts

Guaranty Bank offers built in security features through online and mobile banking to help you stay aware of your account activity, including:

• Account alerts that notify you of activity in real time
• Card controls that allow you to turn your debit card on or off at any time
• Travel alerts that let you notify us when you are traveling to help avoid transaction disruptions
• Ongoing monitoring designed to help identify unusual transactions
• Secure online and mobile banking platforms

These tools are designed to give you visibility, flexibility, and peace of mind if something doesn’t look right.

Understanding Legitimate Bank Calls

Knowing how your bank communicates with you is one of the most effective ways to avoid fraud.

If Guaranty Bank calls you first:

• We will not ask for sensitive personal information such as full account numbers, online banking passwords, or one time passcodes.
• We already know who we are calling and are reaching out to help protect your account or confirm activity.

If you call Guaranty Bank first:

• We will follow verification procedures to ensure we are speaking with the correct person.
• This step protects your information and helps prevent unauthorized access.

Understanding the difference can help you recognize legitimate communication and avoid imposters.

Watch for Common Scam Tactics

Scammers often create urgency by asking you to act quickly or share information. Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts, or emails requesting personal or financial details, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and contact us directly using a verified phone number.

Stay Proactive

Simple habits can add an extra layer of protection, including reviewing transactions regularly, enabling account alerts, using card controls when needed, and keeping your devices up to date.

Your peace of mind matters. This Safer Internet Day and every day, Guaranty Bank is here to help you bank confidently and securely with the support of a trusted local team.

Taking care of your finances is one of the most practical ways to care for your future. Financial confidence isn’t about getting everything right all at once; it’s built over time through simple habits that create stability, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Here are a few everyday habits that can help you feel more confident about where you are and where you are headed.

Build a Safety Net

An emergency savings fund helps prepare you for the unexpected, whether it’s a car repair, medical expense, or temporary change in income. Even small, consistent contributions can add up over time and help reduce financial stress when surprises arise.

Having the right savings account at Guaranty Bank makes it easier to build this habit and keep your funds accessible when you need them.

Make It Automatic

Automating savings and bill payments can remove the pressure of remembering every detail. When your finances work quietly in the background, it becomes easier to stay on track, even during busy seasons of life.

Guaranty Bank online and mobile banking tools can help you manage accounts, monitor balances, and keep your plan moving forward with less effort.

Set Goals That Fit Your Life

Financial goals look different for everyone. You may be planning for a home, a vacation, or simply more breathing room month to month. Clear goals give direction to everyday decisions and help turn long term plans into manageable steps.

Breaking larger goals into smaller milestones can make progress feel more achievable and motivating.

Check In and Adjust

Life changes, and your financial plan should be able to change with it. Regular check ins help ensure your accounts, savings, and goals still align with your priorities.

Reviewing your finances from time to time can uncover opportunities to adjust, simplify, or strengthen your approach as your needs evolve.

A Trusted Partner Along the Way

At Guaranty Bank, we believe financial confidence grows when you have both the right tools and the right people supporting you. Our products and services are designed to meet you where you are, and our local teams are here to offer guidance, answer questions, and help you plan with confidence.

You don’t have to navigate your financial journey alone. We’re here to help you build habits that support today and the future you’re working towards.

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Guaranty Bank Location Near You

This January, Guaranty Bank is partnering with Coats4Kidz in Batesville to help provide warmth to children and families during the winter season. Throughout the month, we will be collecting new and gently used coats at participating Guaranty Bank branches to support neighbors across our communities.

Winter can be especially challenging for families in need, and access to warm outerwear can make a meaningful difference. By donating a coat, you’re helping ensure someone stays warm, comfortable, and cared for during the coldest months of the year.

All donated coats will be distributed through Coats4Kidz, a local organization dedicated to providing winter clothing to children and families throughout the Batesville area and surrounding communities. This partnership allows us to keep donations local and impact those who need it most.

Coat donations will be accepted January 1^st through January 31^st, with clearly marked collection areas available inside participating Guaranty Bank branches. New or gently used coats of all sizes are welcome.

Participating branches include:

• Oxford Jackson
• Oxford University
• Senatobia
• Batesville East
• Batesville West
• Greenwood
• Saltillo
• Fulton Main

At Guaranty Bank, supporting our communities goes beyond banking. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Coats4Kidz and thankful for every customer and community member who helps us turn small acts of generosity into real impact this winter.

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Guaranty Bank Branches Launch Community Toy Drive This December

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Spreading joy across our communities.

This December, several Guaranty Bank branches are coming together to help make the holidays brighter for children and families in need. Our branches are partnering with local organizations to host a Community Toy Drive, inviting customers, neighbors, and friends to donate new, unwrapped toys throughout the month.

At Guaranty Bank, supporting our communities is more than a tradition; it’s who we are. Each year, our branches look for meaningful ways to give back, and this holiday season, we are proud to continue that commitment through a cause that brings joy to so many.

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Participating Branches

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Toy collection boxes will be available at the following GBT locations:

· Tishomingo

· Fulton

· Cleveland

· Greenville Hwy 1

· Belzoni

· Amory

· Calhoun County

· Pontotoc

· Greenwood

· Senatobia

· Starkville

· Batesville East

· Batesville West

· Corinth

· Hollandale

· Booneville

· Hernando

Each participating branch will donate collected items to local charities and community partners who work directly with families in their area, ensuring every gift stays close to home and makes an impact where it’s needed most.

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A Season of Giving, Together

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We are grateful for our customers and communities who show up year after year to support local families. Thank you for helping us make this season a little brighter for children across our communities. If you have questions about the toy drive or want to learn more about how to give, please stop by your nearest participating branch.

Belzoni, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Walker has joined Guaranty Bank as a Mortgage Loan Officer serving the Vicksburg market.

Jennifer approaches every client relationship with genuine care, recognizing that purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions most families will ever make. She is committed to providing a smooth experience through clear communication, honest guidance, and loan solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals, whether it’s a first home, refinance, or moving into their next chapter. Jennifer values building long-term relationships and strives to ensure every client feels confident, well-informed, and excited throughout the homebuying journey.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Walker to the Guaranty Bank mortgage team, said David Umsted, President of the Mortgage Division. “With Jennifer now serving clients in Vicksburg and Ridgeland, we’ve strengthened our presence across Central Mississippi. Her expertise and client-first approach align perfectly with our mission to make home financing faster, easier, and truly local for Mississippi families.”

“We are excited to welcome Jennifer to our team,” said Eddie Reed, VP & Regional Mortgage Sales Manager. “With 15 years of mortgage lending experience in the Vicksburg market, she brings strong relationships, a passion for helping families achieve homeownership, and a track record of being heavily involved in the community. Jennifer is exactly the right fit to represent our clients, our community, and our bank.“

Outside of the office, Jennifer can often be found at the ball field cheering on her children. She is an active member of the Warren County Vicksburg Board of Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae, and a proud JAV Life Member.

About Guaranty Bank:
Guaranty Bank is rooted in community and built on relationships. We’re here to offer personalized financial solutions with a hometown touch. Whether you’re opening your first account, buying a home, or growing a business, we’re proud to be the bank you can count on gbtonline.com.

Guaranty Bank has identified a series of fraudulent phone calls targeting customers. These calls originate from individuals who are impersonating Guaranty Bank employees and using spoofed phone numbers, including numbers belonging to our call center. Their goal is to obtain sensitive financial or login information.

This activity is not isolated and appears to be part of a broader fraud attempt. We are sharing the following details to ensure all customers understand how this scheme works and how to protect your accounts.

What Is Happening

Fraudsters are using technology to spoof Guaranty Bank phone numbers, including our call center line. This means a call may appear to come from a legitimate Guaranty Bank number even though it does not. During these calls, the individual claims to be from Guaranty Bank and may say they are attempting to “verify activity” on your account or services. The caller will be persistent.

The caller’s objective is to gather critical information such as:

• Online banking usernames and passwords
• Verification codes
• Company or account details
• Authorized user information
• Payment activity or transaction details

Sharing this information can provide criminals access to accounts and potentially lead to unauthorized transactions or account compromise.

How to Protect Your Account

To help prevent fraud, please follow these guidelines:

• Do not share any login information with anyone who calls unexpectedly.
• Do not provide verification codes, PINs, passwords, or one-time passcodes under any circumstances.
• If something feels unusual, end the conversation immediately.
• Call your Cash Management representative or Relationship Banker directly using a known, verified phone number.
• Never rely on caller ID alone. Spoofed numbers can appear legitimate.

These steps apply to both business and consumer accounts.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you believe you have received a fraudulent call:

1. Hang up immediately.
2. Contact Guaranty Bank using the phone number on our official website or your Cash Management documentation.
3. Report the incident so our team can assist you with next steps and account monitoring.

Our Commitment to Your Security

Guaranty Bank continues to monitor this activity and take steps to protect our customers from fraud. We encourage all customers to remain alert and to contact us with any concerns. Protecting your financial information is our highest priority.

Additional Consumer Protection Resources

National Consumer Week: Protect Yourself from Fraud

Belzoni, MS— Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Wendy Witherspoon, Vice President and Relationship Banker, has been named the “Best Banker” of 2025 in Washington County by the Delta Democrat-Times.

Wendy serves customers at our Greenville Highway 1 location, where she is known for her dedication to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service. Her commitment to her clients and community has earned her this special recognition.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Wendy shared. “It is a privilege to serve our customers in Greenville and across Washington County. This recognition reflects the trust and support of the community I’m proud to be part of.”

The Delta Democrat-Times “Best of the Best” awards highlight outstanding individuals and businesses across the Delta, chosen by the community through reader votes. Wendy’s recognition as Best Banker is a testament to her professionalism, customer-first approach, and impact in Washington County.

Guaranty Bank congratulates Wendy on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her continued leadership at the Greenville Highway 1 location.

About Guaranty Bank

Guided by a commitment to community banking, personal relationships, and customer service, Guaranty Bank continues to invest in the people and places we call home. www.gbtonline.com

At Guaranty Bank, we believe that being rooted in our communities means more than just banking—it means stepping up to meet real needs in meaningful ways. This October, our branches are proud to participate in Socktober, a nationwide movement with a simple but powerful mission: collect socks and undergarments for neighbors in need.

What Is Socktober?

Socktober began as a grassroots campaign to raise awareness for those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Shelters and local aid organizations consistently list new socks and undergarments as their top requested items, yet they’re often overlooked in donation drives. By participating in Socktober, communities across the country are making sure those essential items reach the people who need them most.

Why It Matters

It may seem small, but a new pair of socks or undergarments can make a meaningful difference in someone’s daily life. From comfort and warmth to restoring dignity, these items help meet basic human needs.

By joining Socktober, Guaranty Bank’s participating branches are strengthening ties to their local communities by partnering with local organizations. Each branch that takes part has selected a community partner to receive and distribute donations, ensuring that your contributions stay close to home and directly benefit neighbors in need.

How to Get Involved

If your local Guaranty Bank branch is participating, you’ll find a Socktober collection box in the lobby throughout the month of October. Simply drop off new socks and undergarments in any size (children, women, or men).

Not every branch is participating this year, but those that are will proudly display information about their chosen community partner and how the donations will be used.

Branch Partnerships

• Fulton Main → partnering with Salvation Army
• Belmont → partnering with South Tishomingo County Food Pantry
• Starkville → partnering with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, Oktibbeha County
• Hernando → partnering with Healing Hearts

(Check back soon for more updates!)

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Socktober is more than a donation drive—it’s a reminder that small acts of kindness add up to big impacts. We’re proud to support this cause and invite you to join us in bringing comfort and dignity to those who need it most.

Bring your socks. Bring your undergarments. Bring your heart. Together, we can make a difference.

Credit can either be a steppingstone or a stumbling block, it all depends on how you manage it. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can take back control, reduce stress, and save serious money in the long run. Here are some practical ways to think differently about your credit and debt.

Understand Interest vs. Principal

Every time you make a loan payment, part of it goes toward interest (what the lender charges you to borrow money) and part of it goes toward principal (the amount you actually borrowed). Early in the loan, a bigger share of your payment usually goes to interest. That means progress on the principal can feel slow.

The key: always know how much of your payment is going where. Many online loan portals will show you a breakdown. When you understand this, you’ll see how even a small extra payment toward principal can tip the balance in your favor, reducing the total interest you’ll pay.

The Power of Extra Payments

When you pay more than the minimum, that extra goes directly to reducing your principal balance. Less principal means less interest accrues and that can take years off your loan term. For example, on a 30-year mortgage, even one extra payment per year can shave off several years and thousands of dollars in interest.

The strategy: add a little each month. Be sure to specify “apply to principal” when you make the payment so the lender doesn’t treat it as an early payment for next month.

Consider Debt Consolidation Carefully

Juggling multiple payments across different credit cards or loans can feel overwhelming. Consolidation rolls them into one loan, often with a lower interest rate. This can simplify your finances and reduce stress.

But there’s a catch: if the new loan stretches out your payoff period too long, you could end up paying more in total interest, even with a lower rate. Before consolidating, compare the total cost over the life of the new loan versus what you’re currently on track to pay.

Set a “Debt-Free Date”

Debt feels endless when you don’t have a finish line. That’s why setting a “debt-free date” is so powerful. It gives you a clear target and motivation to stick with your plan.

Work backward: figure out how much extra you’d need to pay each month to hit your date. For example, if you want to be debt-free in five years instead of ten, run the numbers with an online calculator. Suddenly, your dream becomes a realistic plan, not just a hope.

Refinance Only If It Makes Sense

Refinancing can lower your interest rate and monthly payments, but it’s not always a slam dunk. That’s because refinancing isn’t free. It typically comes with closing costs, appraisal fees, and other expenses that you pay upfront or roll into the new loan. This is where the idea of a “break-even point” comes in. Your break-even point is the moment when the savings from your lower monthly payment finally outweigh the cost of refinancing.

Ask yourself: how long do you plan to stay in the loan? If you’re likely to sell your home, trade in your car, or pay off the loan early, refinancing may not pay off. If you’ll be sticking with it past the break-even point, though, it could be a smart move.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Credit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By paying attention to where your money is going, making strategic extra payments, setting a clear payoff date, and carefully weighing consolidation or refinancing options, you can move from feeling trapped by debt to being in control of your financial future.

Small, consistent actions add up. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll reach your “debt-free” moment.

At Guaranty Bank, we believe saving shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why this National Get Smart About Savings Day is the perfect time to talk about not only how to save smarter, but also how our tools can help you get there faster.

Your Savings Goals Made Simple

Inside our mobile app, you can set up customized Savings Goals for anything you have in mind: a family vacation, a new car, home repairs, or simply peace of mind. Each goal has its own fund, and you can personalize them with nicknames like Disney Trip, Rainy Day, or New Roof.

Why does this matter? Psychology shows that money feels more secure when it’s connected to a specific goal. You are less likely to touch funds labeled New Car than you are to dip into something called Savings. Our app helps you put this into practice by keeping your savings organized, your goals clear, and your progress easy to track—all right from your phone.

Smarter Saving Strategies You Can Start Today

1. Increase Savings When Income Grows

When you receive a raise or bonus, it’s tempting to upgrade your lifestyle with nicer dinners, new gadgets, or pricier vacations. Instead, commit to increasing your savings first. For example, if your paycheck grows by $200 a month, set up an automatic transfer of at least $100 into your savings account. You were already comfortable before the raise, so channeling that extra money into your goals helps you build wealth without feeling deprived.

2. Split Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

CDs are a safe way to grow savings, but locking everything into one term can limit flexibility. A smarter strategy is called “laddering.” Split your money into several CDs with different maturity dates such as 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. This way, you will always have some funds coming available without penalties while still taking advantage of higher interest rates on longer terms. It balances access with growth.

3. Turn Debt Payments into Savings

Paying off a loan is a huge win. Now, do not let that momentum fade. Redirect the same monthly payment amount into your savings account. For example, if you were paying $350 on a car loan, keep “paying” yourself $350 each month. You are already used to living without that money, and this simple habit can snowball into a significant emergency fund or down payment in just a few years.

4. Add Healthy Friction

Sometimes the easiest way to save more is to make spending harder. Consider opening a separate savings account at another bank, ideally one that does not come with a debit card. The slight inconvenience of transferring money back before spending can be just enough to stop impulse buys. Friction is not a bad thing when it protects your goals. It builds in a pause before every “should I buy this” decision.

5. Write Down Your “Why”

Money itself is not motivating. It is the reason behind it that matters. Write down your personal “why” for saving such as a secure retirement, a dream trip, or the peace of mind that comes with having an emergency fund. Keep it visible, maybe as a note in your wallet or background on your phone. When you are tempted to splurge, reminding yourself of that bigger purpose can help you stay the course.

6. Use the 50-30-20 Rule for Windfalls

Windfalls like tax refunds or gifts can disappear quickly if you are not intentional. Try this simple formula: 50% into savings, 30% for fun, and 20% toward debt or essentials. This balance lets you enjoy the moment while still fueling your financial future. For example, if you get $1,000, you will have $500 strengthening your savings, $300 for guilt-free enjoyment, and $200 making your life easier.

7. Save First, Spend Second

Most people pay bills and spend money first, then save what is left if anything. Flip the script. Set up an automatic transfer into savings as soon as your paycheck lands, even if it is just a small percentage. By prioritizing savings, you guarantee progress toward your goals and train yourself to live within your adjusted budget. It’s like paying yourself first.

8. Try a “No-Spend” Weekend

Commit to one weekend a month where you only spend on true essentials such as groceries, gas, and bills. Skip eating out, shopping, or entertainment that costs money. At the end, move the leftover funds into your savings account or a specific goal in the Guaranty Bank app. These small experiments can save you $50 to $150 in just a few days while showing you how much fun can come from free activities.

9. Open Multiple Savings Goals in the App

Guaranty Bank’s Savings Goals feature makes it easy to organize your money with purpose. Instead of keeping all savings in one lump sum, create personalized goals with nicknames like “Vacation 2026,” “Home Repairs,” or “Emergency Fund.” Breaking it down this way helps you track progress clearly and stay motivated. Plus, seeing each goal grow is more satisfying than watching a single, vague balance.

10. Adjust Your Plan Regularly

Your life will not stay the same, and neither should your savings plan. Every few months, check in with your priorities. Maybe you have welcomed a new child, started planning for a wedding, or decided to remodel your home. Adjust your Savings Goals in the app to reflect these changes. Regular check-ins ensure your money is always working toward what matters most right now, not what mattered a year ago.

Why It Matters

We know saving is more than dollars and cents. It’s the comfort of knowing you can handle a car repair, the joy of finally booking that dream trip, and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared. Our Savings Goals feature is designed to make saving smarter, simpler, and more personal—because your goals matter, and so does the path you take to reach them.

Ready to Get Started?

This National Get Smart About Savings Day, open your Guaranty Bank mobile app and set up your first Savings Goal. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how quickly your future begins to take shape.

Because at Guaranty Bank, we’re not just about banking. We’re about building brighter futures, one smart savings step at a time.