2024-10-22

We all need community, whether that’s your tight knit group of neighbors or greeting familiar faces at your favorite grocery store. That’s what humanity is all about.

What many don’t know is that mutual banks – especially mutual Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) – put their neighbors first, too, further amplifying the meaning of community.

As someone who is deeply engrained in my community, being part of a mutual MDI and making decisions that directly impact my local neighborhoods fulfills me. So, what exactly does mutuality mean?

In short, when you deposit your money into a mutual bank, that money then gets reinvested into the local economy and community that helps people start their dream businesses or buy their first home. When we talk about mutual MDIs, that means we’re also providing the financial education and tools that our local residents need. Now that’s what I call the true definition of being there for each other – mutually benefiting each other so we can all thrive.

If you’re looking for that sense of community, look no further than your nearest mutual bank. You never know what you might find.

Robie K. Suggs
President and CEO Find me on LinkedIn: @robiesuggs

On the Meaning of Mutuality

We all need community, whether that’s your tight knit group of neighbors or greeting familiar faces at your favorite grocery store. That’s what humanity is all about.
View Resource On the Meaning of Mutuality

2024-10-22

Did you know that a Minority Depository Institution (MDI) can be either a mutual MDI or stock MDI? Let me explain.

When it comes to mutual MDIs, like us, we’re in it for our community two-fold. That means we’re not only reinvesting deposit dollars into our neighborhoods, but we’re also putting the residents first by offering financial services and products that best fit their needs. Plus, our leadership and board teams are local to our area – we live, work and play in Cincinnati just like our customers do.

On the contrary, stock MDIs might have an executive team that may live in different cities and states altogether, so it may be harder for them to fully understand the communities in which their banks serve.

While both MDIs serve their communities the best way they know how, the most important thing when it comes to choosing a banking partner is finding what environment you best connect with. Either way, we’ll be here ready to welcome you.

Robie K. Suggs
President and CEO

Find me on LinkedIn: @robiesuggs

On Mutual MDIs vs. Stock MDIs

When it comes to mutual MDIs, like us, we’re in it for our community two-fold. That means we’re not only reinvesting deposit dollars into our neighborhoods, but we’re also putting the residents first by offering financial services and products that best fit their needs.

View Resource On Mutual MDIs vs. Stock MDIs

Our goal is to keep you in your home, foreclosure will only be considered after all other options have been exhausted.

We want you to have the facts about your options. There are several payment alternatives available that you may qualify for that may help you stay in your home.

Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender takes possession of the mortgaged property when the borrower fails to make monthly payments in a timely way or otherwise violates the loan agreement. We never want to foreclose on a customer’s home. Only when all other options are exhausted will we initiate the foreclosure process. Foreclosure will affect your credit score and possibly your ability to obtain financing in the future.

Forbearance
The action of the lender to refrain from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt. An example would be a temporary reduction or suspension of payments on a loan, followed by an arrangement to cure the delinquency.

Repayment Plan
This is a type of Forbearance in which an arrangement is reached to repay past due amounts over a period of time in conjunction with regular monthly mortgage payments.

Modification
One or more of your existing loan terms may be changed in order to help. This could include: a change in mortgage loan type (such as from an adjustable to a fixed), an extension of the mortgage terms, a step rate, capitalization of delinquent amounts, and/or reduction of your interest rate.

Partial Claims
For FHA Loans only, your lender may be able to work with you to obtain a one-time payment from the FHA Insurance Fund to bring your mortgage current.

Scam artists have stolen millions of dollars from distressed homeowners by promising immediate relief from foreclosure or demanding cash for counseling services when HUD-approved counseling agencies provide the same services for FREE.

If you receive an offer, information or advice that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, help can be found FREE.

How to Spot a Scam – beware of a company or person who:

  • Asks for a fee in advance to work with your lender to modify, refinance or reinstate your mortgage.
  • Guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or have your loan modified.
  • Advises you to stop paying your mortgage company and pay them instead.
  • Pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven’t had a chance to read, and you don’t fully understand.
  • Claims to offer “government-approved” or “official government” loan modifications.
  • Asks you to release personal financial information online or over the phone.


How to Report a Scam – do one of the following:

  • Go to  and fill out the Loan Modifications Scam Prevention Network’s (LMSPN) complaint form online and get more information on how to fight back.
    • ​Note: you can also fill out this form and send to the fax number/email/address (your choice) on the back of the form.
  • Call (888) 995-HOPE (4673) and tell the counselor you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam or you know someone who has.

Pre-foreclosure or Short Sale
Occurs when a property is listed for sale and proceeds of the sale are accepted in exchange for a release of the lien, even if those proceeds are less than the amount owed.

Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure
This option voluntarily transfers the title and possession of the property to the Lender in order to satisfy the mortgage loan debt and avoid foreclosure.

Am I eligible?
Every situation is unique, and will be reviewed carefully to determine if foreclosure is the only possible remedy. Use this list as a general guideline of the information we look at to determine if you qualify for a payment alternative.

  • You must demonstrate an involuntary inability to pay
  • Account in question must be a mortgage or home equity line of credit (no overdraft lines of credit)
  • Home must not be vacant or condemned
  • Property must be a 1 – 4 family dwelling

Credit scores are a concern for most of us.  can help you understand what makes up a credit score, what affects it and what you can do to maintain good credit.
Be advised that as a lender/servicer, we are required to report the current status of your loan. Any missed payments or loss mitigation option will affect your credit.


The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided an extensive list of HUD-approved credit counseling agencies who can help evaluate your situation and address your needs. They can help you develop a budget, provide recommendations for freeing up cash, and provide housing counseling assistance.


Visit the official HUD.gov page containing tips for avoiding foreclosure as well as summaries of various government programs designed to help lower your monthly mortgage payment, modify or refinance your loan, transition to more affordable housing and more.


KnowYourOptions.com is an official Fannie Mae website filled with helpful information about every phase of home ownership, including detailed advice and resources for avoiding foreclosure, deciding whether to stay in your home or leave it, understanding reverse mortgages, and helpful advice for those who are already in foreclosure.


This site provides step-by-step information on how to become financially literate in order to make informed financial decisions. Learn about credit reports and scores, see the true cost of owning a home, compare the costs of renting vs owning, and get in-depth, easy-to-read home loan product information.

County Resources
Visit your county’s official web page to learn about the financial programs and related resources they may have to offer.


An official program from the Department of the Treasury and HUD, this site is filled with helpful information and valuable programs that can help you avoid foreclosure, lower your monthly mortgage payments, modify a second mortgage or apply for mortgage assistance if you are unemployed.


This site provides information on taxes, grants, housing finance reform, the Recovery Act, the Making Home Affordable program and much more. You’ll also find links to other helpful government bureaus.


Visit the official site of United Way’s 2-1-1 / First Call For Help initiative. This free community service provides confidential information and referrals for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more. Click to visit the site, or simply call 2-1-1 to get started.

Foreclosure Prevention

View Resource Foreclosure Prevention

Do you know what it means to be a mutual bank? It is at the heart of everything we do!

What’s a Mutual Bank?

View Resource What’s a Mutual Bank?

So, you’re ready to buy a home, but don’t know how much you can afford? Discover the simple steps you can take to determine the right amount!

How Much Home Can I Afford?

View Resource How Much Home Can I Afford?

Making an extra mortgage payment reduces the interest you pay over the life of your loan, but does it make sense for you? We lay out the pros and cons.

Is It Worth Making An Extra Mortgage Payment Each Year?

View Resource Is It Worth Making An Extra Mortgage Payment Each Year?

A HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit, is one way homeowners can borrow money. Let’s dig into the pros and cons.

Is a HELOC Right For Me?

View Resource Is a HELOC Right For Me?

When interest rates drop, how do you know if you should refinance your mortgage? These tips will help you decide if a refi is right for you.

Is a Refi Worth It?

View Resource Is a Refi Worth It?
Credit cards provide you with financial freedom. However, if you do not use them correctly, these cards can also leave you with mounds of debt and a bad credit score. The problem? If you charge items on your credit card and then don’t pay them off when your next statement arrives, you’ll be charged interest. That interest can add up more quickly than you think. Interest Say you purchase an item — anything from a TV to an audio system to a home computer — that costs $1,000. Even if you have an attractive rate of 10 percent on your card, you might still pay more than $100 in interest charges depending upon how quickly you pay off your purchase. For example, if you pay only the minimum monthly balance on your credit card of $40, it will take you 29 months at an interest rate of 10 percent to pay back your $1,000 purchase. While paying this back, you’ll be charged $126 in interest. This means that your $1,000 purchase actually cost you $1,126. It gets worse with higher rate credit cards. Consider if you made the same purchase with a card with an interest rate of 25 percent and you made just the $40 minimum monthly payment. It would take you 36 months to pay back your purchase. Over that time, you’d be charged $427 in interest, making the total cost of your purchase $1,427. Minimum payment This is why it is always important to pay more than the minimum monthly payment. The University of Minnesota says that most credit card companies charge a minimum monthly payment of 4 percent to 6 percent of the card’s total debt. This means that, depending on the size of your debt if you make only the minimum payment each month, you might not pay off your credit card debt in your lifetime.

Understanding Credit Costs

View Resource Understanding Credit Costs
You’ve made bad financial decisions in your past, and now you have the debt to show for it. You’ve maxed out your credit cards and can no longer afford your minimum monthly payments. Alternatively, maybe you’ve financed a car that you could not afford, and you’ve fallen behind on your car loan payments. Large amounts of debt can easily overwhelm you. Fortunately, you do have some options. You might be able to work with your creditors to reduce the amount of money you owe. Alternatively, you might be able to persuade your creditors to give you more time to pay back the money you’ve borrowed. Before negotiating Before starting negotiations with your creditors, take a honest look at your financial situation and your debts. You need to know before you begin talking with your creditors exactly how much money you can afford to pay each month to reduce your debt. To do this, create a household budget. Determine how much money comes into your household each month. Then total the amount of money you need to spend on expenses each month. This can include mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, car payments, insurance and other items that you must pay each month. Once you compare your monthly debt obligations to your monthly income, you’ll see how much you have left over. You can then decide how much of this money you can dedicate to paying back your creditors. Don’t enter into negotiations with creditors until you know this number. What to negotiate Once you are ready to talk with your creditors, you can ask for several concessions to help you repay your debt. For instance, you might be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card company; something that will reduce the amount of money you must pay them each month. You might be able to negotiate new terms with the lender who provided you with your car loan, maybe persuading this lender to extend your payback period, lowering your monthly payments in the process. Maybe a creditor would be willing to allow you to skip two payments without penalty to help you catch up on what you owe. You might even be able to negotiate bigger-impact solutions. Many lenders might agree to a settlement that would allow you to pay 50 percent of what you owe them. Others might decide to set up a repayment plan that allows you to pay what you owe over a timeframe that works for you and without any added interest or fees. Don’t, though, expect to get off without having to pay anything back. Your creditors remember, don’t have to negotiate with you at all. Don’t ask for everything; if you do the odds are higher that you will not get anything. Tips There are certain tips you should remember while negotiating with creditors. The first is that federal law protects you from harassment from your creditors and collection agencies. Your creditors are not allowed to call you several times a day or at odd hours. They also are not permitted to threaten you. You also can’t be jailed for failing to pay back your debt. The United States does not have debtors’ prisons. Don’t be impatient. Negotiating with creditors is a complicated process. These negotiations can last for weeks and include several rounds of offers and counter-offers. Finally, always remember what you can afford to pay back each month. Never agree to a settlement that requires you to pay more each month than you can afford. This will just get you in more financial trouble.

Working with Creditors

View Resource Working with Creditors