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There are nearly 17 million 529 accounts across the U.S., holding a combined $525 billion in savings. That number reflects a clear priority for families: education matters, and planning for it early makes a difference.

In Florida, a 529 plan can be a valuable piece of your broader financial strategy, helping children or grandchildren pursue their goals without the weight of excessive debt. But education savings don`t exist in a vacuum. They work best when considered alongside retirement planning, wealth transfer, and your overall financial picture.

At Cypress Bank & Trust, we help you connect those pieces. Our advisors work with you to build a plan that supports both the goals you have today and the opportunities ahead for the people you care about most.

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Between travel, dining out, camps, and activities, summer spending has a way of adding up quietly. Before fall arrives with its own set of costs, take an afternoon to reset:

1. Look back honestly. Total up what summer actually cost. No judgment, just awareness.
2. Catch up on anything that slipped. A crept-up balance or a bill you let slide is easier to fix now than later.
3. Name your fall expenses. Back-to-school, higher utility bills, sports registration, and early holiday shopping are all around the corner. Put them on paper now.
4. Start a holiday fund today. Setting aside even a small amount each month between now and December means you`ll shop from a plan, not a panic.
5. Reset your daily spending. Recalculate what`s safe to spend each day after bills and savings. One clear number keeps you on track through a busy season.

Fall doesn`t have to feel like an ambush. A little planning now buys months of breathing room. Your Cypress Bank & Trust advisor can help you build a plan that works for your family.

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We`re proud to recognize Luis Barrios and Owen Straub as the first graduates of Cypress Bank & Trust`s Commercial Banking Associate Program.

This achievement represents months of learning, mentorship, and professional growth, and marks an important milestone for both our graduates and our organization.

When reflecting on the journey, Luis shared a quote that inspired him throughout the program: "If you can`t fly then run, if you can`t run then walk, if you can`t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." — Martin Luther King Jr.

Owen described graduation as "a milestone I`m proud of and one that has helped prepare me for my next chapter as a Commercial Banker and Assistant Vice President." He also expressed gratitude for the mentorship and opportunities he`s received at Cypress and his enthusiasm for continuing to build meaningful client relationships and contribute to our growth.

At Cypress, we believe developing talent from within is one of the most meaningful investments we can make. The success of Luis and Owen reflects not only their dedication and hard work, but also the strength of a culture committed to mentorship, leadership development, and creating opportunities for our team members to grow.

Congratulations, Luis and Owen. We look forward to all you will accomplish in the years ahead.

Help our Cypress tree grow. Join Florida`s #1 Best Company to Work For. https://lnkd.in/emgm25mW

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Maria Rodammer, Luis Barrios and Mercedes McCall from our Maitland office recently closed a $1.2 million guidance line of credit for a construction company in Orlando, FL, providing the financing flexibility needed for equipment and vehicle purchases as their business continues to grow.

Helping businesses build with the right financial foundation behind them.

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School supplies, new clothes, electronics, activity fees. Back-to-school season adds up fast, but a little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.

1.Start with what you have. Check closets, drawers, and last year`s supplies before buying anything new. You`ll likely find more than you think.
2.Set a budget before you shop. Know what you can afford to spend and prioritize needs over wants. Involve your kids in the process. It`s a great teaching moment.
3. Shop early and compare prices. Don`t wait for the last minute. Start now, compare retailers, and look for bulk or generic options where it makes sense.
4. Take advantage of tax-free weekends. Florida`s back-to-school sales tax holiday is a real opportunity to stretch your budget further.
5.Track your spending as you go. Use an app or a simple spreadsheet to stay on target and avoid impulse purchases.

A little structure goes a long way. If you`re looking to get your family`s finances organized before the school year starts, your Cypress Bank & Trust advisor is here to help.

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Cypress Bank & Trust recently closed a $2 million investment-secured loan, providing our client with flexible financing backed by their existing portfolio.

Congratulations to Maria R. Rodammer, Mercedes McCall, Sascha Rizzo, and Lisa Amoroso for their collaboration in making this happen. When your bank understands your full financial picture, the right solutions follow.

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QR codes are everywhere now. Restaurants, parking meters, event check-ins, even direct mail. And scammers know it.

Fraudulent QR codes can redirect you to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials, payment information, or personal data. Some are placed over legitimate codes in public spaces. Others arrive in emails or text messages that appear to come from trusted sources.

How to stay protected:

1. Before scanning, look closely. If a QR code appears to be a sticker placed over another one, don`t scan it.
2. Preview the URL before opening. If the web address looks unfamiliar or doesn`t match the expected source, stop.
3. Never enter banking credentials or personal information on a site you reached through a QR code you didn`t expect.

The convenience of QR codes is exactly what makes them effective for fraud. A few seconds of caution can save you from a serious problem. If anything feels off, contact your Cypress Bank & Trust team directly.

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Building wealth takes more than saving. It takes a strategy.

At Cypress Bank & Trust, our advisors take the time to understand your financial goals, assess your risk tolerance, and build an investment approach tailored to your life. From there, we stay engaged, reviewing your portfolio regularly and adjusting as your needs evolve.

Investing with confidence starts with having the right team behind you. We`re here when you`re ready.

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Another successful closing for the Cypress Bank & Trust team. Maria Rodammer and Luis Barrios completed a $2.03 million refinance of a commercial property in Orlando, FL anchored by Starbucks.

Strong relationships. Smart lending. Real results.

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Cypress Bank & Trust is proud to join the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Attorney General`s Office in a statewide fraud prevention awareness campaign to help protect Florida families and communities.

Floridians lose more than $1 billion annually to scams and financial exploitation, with older adults and vulnerable populations among those most affected. As your local bank, we take that personally.

Here`s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting personal or financial information.
2. Verify any urgent request by contacting the source directly through a number you trust.
3. Never share passwords, PINs, or security codes with anyone.
4. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it.

At Cypress Bank & Trust, protecting our clients is part of who we are. If you suspect fraud or have questions about your account security, contact your banker directly.

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Thom Wolek came to Cypress after serving as Head Examiner at the state level, bringing with him a deep commitment to integrity and collaboration.

During his time leading the trust company, he helped strengthen services, navigate key challenges, and relocate the team to the office space that remains home today.
"It wasn`t just my effort; it was everyone`s. Together, we built something more substantial, and that spirit continues to define this organization."

Thank you, Thom, for helping shape the foundation we continue to build on.