Better, Together.


Your financial well-being is our priority. Beyond our valuable products and services, we're happy to provide informative articles on a variety of financial topics, and tips you can put into action.

person working on tax filing
Marissa Scott
Money Management

Your 2023 Tax Preparation Checklist

Tax season rolls around like clockwork every year, so it's smart to prepare ahead of time. Using a tax preparation checklist can help streamline the filing process.

Ivis Espinoza, Bristol County Commercial Cleaning logo
Marissa Scott
Local Business Spotlights

Local Business Spotlight: Bristol County Commercial Cleaning

Ivis Espinoza dreamed of branching out on her own in the commercial cleaning industry. Nine years later, Ivis is the proud owner of BCCC.

The Ski House
BankFive
News

BankFive Offers Assistance to Local Business Through FHLBank Boston's Jobs for New England Program

BankFive is pleased to announce it has assisted a local resident to purchase The Ski House, a small business based in Somerset, Massachusetts.

Marissa Scott
Credit

Why Is Your Credit Score So Important?

It’s important to keep in mind that borrowing money – and paying it back – has a direct impact on your credit history. 

person meeting with business banker
Marissa Scott
Business

Benefits of Working with a Dedicated Business Banker

A local business banker can do more for your business than you may realize. Here are some of the benefits of working with a business banker from a local community bank.

person doing finances
Marissa Scott
Money Management

Year-End Finances to Review

Looking at last year’s financial picture can help you stay on track and better manage your spending habits in the year ahead. 

person preparing to ship out boxes
Marissa Scott
Business

Selling on Amazon as a Small Business

Selling on Amazon has its benefits, but there are some potential downsides as well. Before you decide, here are a few things to consider.

person looking stressed about finances with piggy bank
Marissa Scott
Money Management

Paycheck Advance Apps: Is There a Catch?

If you are on a tight budget, a paycheck advance app may be worth considering, however it is important to fully understand how they work before you sign up.

person organizing network blocks
Marissa Scott
Business

Tips for Building a Business Support Network

If you're feeling the strain of "going it alone," it may be time to reach out and widen your circle of support. Here are some tips for building your business network.

people's hands in a circle with text "#bettertogether"
BankFive
News

BankFive Foundation Supports Local Food Pantries This Holiday Season

The BankFive Foundation, a fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation, has announced contributions totaling $12,000 to several non-profit food pantries.

Anne Tangen - BankFive President & CEO
BankFive
News

BankFive and SouthCoast Community Foundation Launches $1.2 Million President’s Scholarship Fund

BankFive and the SouthCoast Community Foundation have teamed up to create the President’s Scholarship Fund.

Marissa Scott
Money Management

Potential Tax Benefits of Purchasing a Rental Property

A multi-family or rental property could potentially provide you with steady cash flow and long-term property appreciation. There are also tax advantages to consider.

people working on business planning at desk
Marissa Scott
Business

Preparing Your Business for an Emergency

While you can’t prevent the unexpected, there are steps you can take to prepare your business for emergencies ahead of time.

person signing loan handing over figurine home
Marissa Scott
Loans

What Does it Mean if My Loan Requires Collateral?

Take a deeper dive into exactly what collateral is, and what should be used as loan collateral if you have the option to negotiate it. 

person on business social media
Marissa Scott
Business

5 Tips for Building Your Social Media Presence as a Small Business

If used correctly, social media can be a powerful and relatively inexpensive marketing and engagement tool for your business. 

Hand & Halo floral preservation block
Marissa Scott
Local Business Spotlights

Local Business Spotlight: Hand & Halo

Caitlin Cabral, owner of Hand & Halo, says she didn’t set out to start her own business. Four years later, Caitlin's products have evolved into resin preservation. 

people looking over documents at table
Marissa Scott
Loans

What’s the Difference Between a Secured and Unsecured Loan?

Whatever the reason for a loan, borrowers should understand the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan.

business owner on laptop
Marissa Scott
Business

Do I need an EIN for My Business?

Obtaining an EIN is something that should be on every new business owner’s to-do list when starting out. Take a closer look at what an EIN is, and when it’s required.