Six Financial Benefits of Getting Married

Posted on May 20, 2016 by vcnbfamily

While love is its own reward, the many financial benefits available to married couples can have you both feeling especially joyful. Here’s are six ways getting married can save you a ton of money.

1. Tax-related breaks
Our legal system definitely has a soft spot for married couples, offering financial advantages including:

Joint tax returns: Married couples often benefit by filing jointly.
Estate tax exemptions: After the death of one spouse, the survivor is permitted to inherit a sizeable estate tax-free.

2. Increased borrowing power
When it’s time for a major purchase like a home, married couples have an advantage due to having two incomes in the household. Applying for a mortgage through a financial institution like VCNB as a two income couple means potentially qualifying for nicer or more expensive home than maybe you could afford with just one income.

3. Lower health insurance costs
Most employers not only shoulder part of the cost of an employee’s health coverage, they also offer options for spousal coverage as part of their benefits package. Paying the premiums and deductibles for one family policy is almost always more affordable than paying for two individual policies. That’s especially true if one spouse has been self-insured and has paid the entire cost of coverage, without any contribution from an employer.

4. Cheaper auto and life insurance
You’ll probably notice your insurance bills going down once you’ve tied the knot. Statistically, married people, particularly men, are less likely to be involved in car accidents than singles, so most auto insurers offer a marriage rate reduction. The difference in auto insurance premiums is most dramatic for couples in their 20s, and it tapers off with increasing age.

Life insurance premiums also tend to be lower after marriage because, on average, married people choose less risky lifestyles than their single counterparts. Additionally, taking advantage of multiple policy bundling discounts brings even further savings.

5. Reduced college tuition and more
One of the most surprising financial benefits of getting married is that it can sometimes knock down the cost of college tuition. As long as the couple’s parents don’t continue to claim them as dependents, marriage supplies the proof of independence many schools require as qualification for reduced in-state and even out-of-state tuition. That independent status can also affect the amount of financial aid that students can get by reducing the income and assets they have — compared with the assets of their parents — and by making them eligible for scholarships aimed at married students.

6. Enhanced Security benefits
Marriage insures that both spouses qualify for Social Security, even if one of them has never paid taxes into the Social Security System. If you should die first, your spouse will receive whichever amount is greater — the sum that you were eligible for at the time you died, or the amount that he or she is qualified for.

Roberta Pescow, NerdWallet

Pursuing a Dramatic Passion

Posted on April 22, 2016 by vcnbfamily

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It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week! This is a time to recognize those volunteers who keep the non-profit organizations, churches and civic groups humming across the nation every day. At VCNB we encourage our employees to embrace volunteer projects that they think are important or that they find engaging. While we have a lot of great volunteers in our ranks, there’s one in particular who goes far above and beyond, giving hundreds of hours each year to a project she considers a true labor of love.

Longtime Friendly Bremen Banking Center employee Dee Conrad has spent more than ten years volunteering with the Lancaster High School Drama Department, starting when her middle son became involved with the productions. Her official title is Costume Mistress for major productions at LHS but when she describes her work, she clearly does much, much more than the job title suggests.

Lord Farquaad – Shrek The Musical

The Drama Department puts on two major shows every year: a fall play and a spring musical. Each production requires countless hours of research, searching through the costume storage, Goodwill, Salvation Army, eBay or people’s attics and basements to then manipulate or alter a costume piece or sew something from scratch to make each costume just right for the role and the time period. Dee explained, “We are responsible for every little thing each person needs from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet. That may mean a hat, eyeglasses, jewelry and, of course, the correct shoes in addition to the clothes they wear.”

But first she works with the Director on the production they will do and is involved in the audition process where a committee gives their input to the Director who ultimately decides who gets the roles in the play that may involve anywhere from twenty-five to fifty young people. Each cast member could require as many as five to ten costumes per show. Sometimes the shows are double-cast which allows the less seasoned actors to have a major role for the Thursday night show and also act as understudy for the more senior actors who perform on Friday and Saturday nights. Because these two actors may not be of the same height and build, two separate sets of costumes may be needed.
Once the cast is set, then the real work begins. Along with the help of another long-time volunteer who is the Art/Prop Mistress, each student is measured and their pictures taken. If the show takes place in a time period within the last 100 years, many of the current clothes in stock can be manipulated to fit. If the show is a “fanciful” show like last year’s “Shrek, The Musical” or this year’s “Monty Python’s Spamalot”, Dee takes as many modern pieces as possible and transforms them into period costumes. “For ‘Xanadu’ a few years ago, I used a bridesmaid dress and turned it into the costume of a Greek Goddess. Sometimes it isn’t the actual clothing but the logistics of a show that make it difficult. In “Drowsy Chaperone’, my leading lady had to appear to change into seven different outfits while singing and dancing, all in one musical number. There were many hours of thought and discussion with the Director and Choreographer about how she could accomplish this feat. I was able to finagle and maneuver each piece of clothing just right for her to get this done,” she said.

Donkey and Fiona – Shrek the Musical

Sometimes Dee even sews a costume from scratch, often without a pattern but perhaps working from a picture. She cited one example where a small girl needed a “Madeleine” costume. Working off pictures of this famous literary character, Dee was able to create the collared dress, cape and hat.

Along with research on the right look for a period costume, she may need to learn about period accessories, how to distress a specific type of fabric to make a costume look old or dirty or how to clean and style a wig. Then there is the endless fitting, fixing and adjusting to make each costume look and stay correct. “I assist the actors with their hair and stage make-up, plus I try to look at the actors before they go on stage. Some of the changes the actors must do are so quick that another set of eyes to make sure a collar is down, a shirt is tucked in, a hat is on straight, etc., help to make the production go smoothly.”

The list of responsibilities and the work required for each production seems to be a mile long but Dee takes it all in stride when she says, “It does require a lot of creativity, thought, planning and work. But it always gets done somehow and the results are always spectacular! Our philosophy is that we don’t put on what people might think of as ‘high school’ productions. We do professional work that anyone would pay to see. We strive for excellence in everything we do, from the acting and dancing, to the sets, costumes, lighting and sound quality. Each of our young performers work extremely hard and put in hundreds of hours of their time to memorize their script, learn their blocking, sometimes learn a different accent, perfect their dance moves, etc. I applaud each one!”

Being Costume Mistress is clearly a labor of love for Dee but her efforts don’t stop with clothing and accessorizing the drama students. “I love these kids! I love working with them, seeing them grow from nervous Freshman to confident Seniors! We are family! I do try to be a positive adult role model for them. I try to encourage, teach, laugh and cry with them. I really enjoy seeing them grow and move on to whatever college or career choice they make,” she explained.

She mentioned that this family is looking for a new member as the Drama Department is seeking someone to build sets for future productions. The gentleman who has built spectacular sets for the group for many years is retiring from that position, providing an opportunity for someone else to become involved in the group.

Dee, who was a Theater major at the University of Hawaii, said that she has always loved the theater. She was also good in math at school, so when she needed a job when she moved to Lancaster, she landed a position in banking and has never left. Starting as a bank teller about 38 years ago, she has been with our VCNB family for nearly 18. Dee works as a Retail Banker in our office at W. Fair Ave. in Lancaster. “God puts you where He wants you. I’m a firm believer in that and I believe that I’m here for a reason,” she explained.

She credits her husband Steve for supporting her involvement with Drama all these years. He is also involved with LHS as Asst. Varsity Soccer coach as well as the official photographer for the drama productions. She said, “I’m very grateful to my husband for putting up with so much! A lot of things don’t get done at home when I am in the thick of a show. This time we had a stuffed cow on the dining room table for a few weeks and sequins tracked all over the house. The other day I apologized for all this and he said ‘I just love watching you do the things you love’. And I really appreciate him for that!”

The couple have three sons: Dan and John who both live in Austin, TX and Mike (along with his wife, Mayela) who is stationed with the Air Force in Tucson, AZ. Mike and Mayela are still involved in Community Theater there in AZ. Dee is also a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lancaster as a Sunday School teacher and in the church choir.

“I really do love working with the kids! They’re a lot of fun and keep me younger!”

We thank Dee for being such a spectacular influence on young people at Lancaster High School and congratulate her for finding a passion that she so clearly loves. We believe the drama students at LHS are very lucky to have her. Great job Dee!

Small Business Spotlight: Bella Zari Hair Studio and Day Spa

Posted on April 18, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Bella Zari Hair Studio and Day Spa is located at 112 South Court Street in downtown Circleville.

Nestled in charming downtown Circleville Ohio is a spa experience unlike any other. Bella Zari Hair Studio and Day Spa is a full service salon that offers clients a peaceful, relaxing experience in an ever hectic world.

Owner operator Mindy Verito attended Paint Valley High School and friends there would remember her as Mindy Yoe. After high school she attended Shawnee State University for Business Management and while finishing her degree also attended Cincinnati School of Medical Massage. After working in a couple of spas in Columbus, and even a hospital, she now uses her education and experience to run Bella Zari and act as their Licensed Massage Therapist.

Bella Zari has an array of offerings for clients. Hair Services are provided by the stylist of your choice and can be performed on men, women, and children. Cuts, colors, and waxing can be done by all stylists but each one has a specialty including color and certain types of cuts.

Clients with a special event like a school dance or wedding may wish to book both a special event hairstyle and makeup. Makeup can be natural and simple or full glamour with false lashes and everywhere in between. Massages make up another portion of the salon and range in length from 30-90 minutes. Hot stone, deep tissue and even maternity massages are available and customizing is always an option. Manicures and pedicures round out the list of services offered and can be anywhere from basic polishes to gel nails.

Regal colors and lots of shimmer adorn the Spunk and Sparkle area inside Bella Zari.

Verito says that what really sets Bella Zari apart from other full service salons is a portion of the business called Spunk and Sparkle. Spunk and Sparkle is a spa experience geared toward girls 12 and under. The idea is kid approved by Verito’s seven year old daughter Layla, but if you ask Layla, she’ll take the credit for the concept.

The menu of offerings ranges from hair, nails, and makeup to chocolate facials. Packages can be purchased to treat someone to a special day or for a fun Mommy and Me activity. The salon can also be rented out for parties with up to ten girls. Who doesn’t need a bit more sparkle in their life?

To see the full range of services offered at Bella Zari Hair Studio and Day Spa visit www.bellazari.com/ or find them on Facebook. Verito welcomes guests to stop in their salon at 122 South Court Street in Circleville.

Open A New Account In Five Easy Steps!

Posted on April 8, 2016 by vcnbfamily

VCNB has made some big changes to how customers open accounts on our website. We are pleased to say that the online account opening process has been streamlined to just five easy steps!

It’s easier and quicker so you can open that new account and be on your way without a hassle.

We also have introduced a new promotion for Rewards Checking for folks who open online or in any of our seventeen branch locations. Customers who qualify for a Platinum Visa® card in any of our locations will receive a bonus through this promotion as well.

If you aren’t familiar with Rewards Checking, this account rewards customers for using bank products including their debit card for purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, experience tickets, merchandise and more! To read all about Rewards Checking including the ways you can earn points, account terms and more, click here to visit our website.

Combining Rewards Checking with a VCNB Platinum Visa provides more ways to earn even more points!

Want to learn more about our current offer? Click here.

Visit us online to get started with opening your new Rewards Checking or other VCNB account in just five easy steps!!!

What to Do With Your New Raise

Posted on April 6, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Did you get a raise in 2015? According to PayScale’s annual Compensation Best Practices survey, more than 85% of large and medium-size companies gave raises that year. In 2010, only 30% of companies gave their employees a pay boost, the lowest percentage since PayScale began its survey. So raises are on the rise.

If you got one or are expecting to get one this year, what will you do with it? Here are five smart moves for that additional money.

Pay off debts
Eliminating debt and reducing the money you pay in interest should be the first step. Say your raise was $5,000 and you’re paid twice a month. You’ll be earning an additional $200 before taxes each pay period. If you earmark $300 for your credit card debt each month, you’ll pay it off faster, save on interest, improve your debt-to-credit ratio and raise your credit score.

Build your emergency fund
Now that your credit card debt is paid off, it’s time to build up your emergency fund so that when stuff happens, such as major medical expenses or unexpected job loss, you don’t have to run up your credit card bill. Financial experts say a good emergency fund should cover between three and six months of living expenses. If you normally spend $2,500 a month, you would want build up about $15,000 for a six-month emergency fund.

Because an emergency can strike at any time, having quick access to your cash is crucial. Savings accounts are a good choice because they’re low-risk investments that allow you to withdraw your money without hassle. This emergency stash should be a separate account from one you use daily so that you’re not tempted to dip into your reserves.

Community banks, such as VCNB, offer several types of savings accounts that can suit consumers’ specific financial needs.

Invest for your retirement
Concern about having enough money for retirement is the No. 1 personal finance worry for Americans, according to Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey. Don’t be part of that crowd. If the company you work for offers a 401(k) with an employer match, be sure that you’re contributing enough to get the maximum match that’s offered. The money you contribute will reduce your current tax burden, and the match that your employer provides is essentially free additional retirement income for you. Then, consider using the remainder of your salary increase to open an Individual Retirement Account for your future. Along with assuring you a more comfortable retirement, IRAs can also offer you tax benefits.

Give to charity
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d give more to charity if I had more money,” well, now you do. You could make a donation to a charity, your alma mater or a good cause. You’ll feel good about helping others and, as long as it’s a qualified charity, you’ll be able to deduct your donation from that year’s income tax.

Live a little
Treat yourself to something fun to celebrate your raise. After all, you earned it. Dinner at a special restaurant or a relaxing day at a spa won’t eat up all your new income. Just remember that your raise isn’t a lump-sum bonus: It’s coming paycheck by paycheck, and you should invest or spend it that way.

Ellen Cannon, NerdWallet

Preparing For Unexpected Expenses

Posted on March 29, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Studies show that the majority of American households don’t have enough money in their rainy day fund to cover an unexpected expense.

It’s a fact of life. Emergencies pop up, things break and life costs more than you think it should. That’s why it’s important to be prepared. You can’t prepare for every possible emergency but stashing away a few dollars every paycheck can help.

Some expenses are truly unforeseen like a car accident, death or health problem. However, there are some that you may see coming. It’s a good idea to look around your home and consider the state of your possessions. Is your furnace starting to make a noise? Are the tires on your car showing their age? How old is that refrigerator anyway?

These things are all expensive to replace or repair but are imperative to have. You can’t survive the winter without heat in your home. You require some way to keep your food cold or frozen so you have to act quickly when the fridge dies.

Make a list or at least a mental note of what could go wrong and add up the costs. The total will probably scare you but might provide some tangible reasons to start saving for emergencies.

Now stop and think about how much you can save each paycheck or each month. If you can stash $100 a month, you would have $1,200 saved in a year. Can’t save that much? That bonus at work or tax refund could go a long way toward padding your emergency fund and securing your budget in a crisis. Put away what you can and try to remember that this money shouldn’t be touched for anything less than an emergency.

Just a reminder: a Passbook Savings account at VCNB is a convenient place to save. If you have a checking account as well, it’s easy to transfer funds between accounts or even automate your savings with automatic transfers from your checking to savings.

If you have to take from your emergency fund, be sure to replace the money as soon as you can and continue building that safety net for future problems.

Want to read more about the reasons you need an emergency fund? Click here.

Small Business Spotlight: Sundowner Aviation

Posted on March 24, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Being a small business owner is a tough job. That’s why we spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

Lonnie Watts and Pat Rooney pose with a plane at the Fairfield County Airport. They operate Sundowner Aviation, a flight school based at the airport.

If you have dreamed of following in the footsteps of America’s great aviators, there is a business in Lancaster that can help. Sundowner Aviation is a flight school based at the Fairfield County Airport that can make your dream of flying a reality.

For some, becoming a student here is a step toward a career in aviation. Others are crossing a dream off their bucket list or just doing it for fun. Regardless of the student’s intent, the instructors at Sundowner are happy to teach others to do something they personally love.

Lonnie Watts and Chief Pilot Pat Rooney recently talked aviation and gave VCNB a tour of their facilities. “The flying community is less than one percent of the population of the United States. You might say it’s an elite club because when you get your license it’s earned, not given and it’s for a lifetime,” Lonnie explained. “Anyone who tries it usually can’t get enough.”

They will celebrate their fourth year in business this June, offering lessons, plane rental and even maintenance services. In 2013, they took over the management of the airport as well. Pat said the company was founded as a means to support a hobby. It wasn’t until the business had taken flight, so to speak, that they could see the 10,000 foot view: a flight school was a much needed service in the community. “It’s costly to store a plane so we decided to start teaching to offset the costs. Then we found out that people really needed us and it got a lot bigger than we thought it would ever be,” Rooney recalled.

The flight school began in a 50×50 foot hangar that doubled as a classroom. It truly got off the ground when they took over airport management. “We started with two airplanes and now we have six. We can give you almost any license you want and we offer maintenance. Not a lot of people do that,” Pat explained. “We’ve had people come from all over – from Kentucky, Ohio – we’ve had them from Tennessee, Texas and even a guy from China. There just aren’t a lot of flight schools around.”

Pat began flying with the United States Air Force in 1973. In the 43 years since, it seems that he has done and seen everything. He served the Air Force for 25 years, spending more than 17 years as an instructor. He served three years as a B-52G Aircraft Commander based in Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. After the Air Force, Pat flew the Boeing 737, 757 and 767 on international routes for a major airline.

His eyes sparkled when asked what it is like to fly. “It depends on what plane you’re flying. The super sonic? It’s great fun to have all that power and speed,” he laughed. “But take a beautiful, clear day and you can see forever. On a clear, cold winter night, cruising along at 30,000 feet, the stars are like diamonds.”

Describing the clouds as “cathedrals in the sky,” he concluded “there’s a lot of magic in it.”

Lonnie has been flying for twenty years and said it was a lifelong dream. “I’ve been obsessed with planes and flying since I was a little kid,” he said while explaining that a lot of their students also consider flying a lifelong dream. “I went up once and was head over heels for it forever.”

The school tends to have fifty to sixty students at a time. The average age, according to Pat, is late thirties to mid-forties but they currently have a student who is 15 and another who is 82. Before committing to flight school, individuals can take what they call a “Discovery Flight” which allows them to see what flying is like and to even take the controls.

Hours in the cockpit and in a simulator give students ample time to learn the skill. Plus they are required to understand the plane. “Knowledge is power,” Pat said. “You have to know the rules of the road, you have to know how instruments works, how planes fly. You need to know about aeronautics. You have to know things inside out. Remember, if something goes wrong when you’re driving a car, you just pull off the side of the road. If things go wrong up there,” motioning upward, “you have to know what to do.”

Visitors to the airport terminal will notice some interesting things. “When someone completes their solo, we cut off their shirt tale. They sign it and we hang them up around the room,” Pat explained. “Then when they earn their license, they visit the lemonade stand.”

The lemonade stand is a slightly damaged propeller, displayed on a wooden stand that features countless signatures from students who are invited to sign the propeller after receiving their license.

The Airport Pilots Association periodically hosts events for the public including movie nights and cookouts. Many events feature a Young Eagle component where kids 7-17 are introduced to aviation for free. “It’s good for the airport and it’s good for everyone to invite the community in and give them a chance to interact with the pilots and have a little fun,” Lonnie explained.

Discovery Flights are available year round and gift certificates can be purchased. For more information on Sundowner Aviation, the Fairfield County Airport, or upcoming events, find them online at www.sundowneraviation.com or call 740.475.8188.

See below for more pictures from our visit to Sundowner Aviation.

Taking Flight.

Poetry in flight.

The Lemonade Stand.

Lemonade Stand up close.

Flight Simulator

Measuring distance.

Lonnie Watts & Pat Rooney

VCNB: We’re The Bank For You

Posted on March 21, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Construction - FBBC (Nauman Digital)

Doug DeLong is a Lender at the Salt Creek Banking Center in Laurelville

If you’ve seen one of our billboards or heard our current radio spot, you know we say that if you want to redo your home or build new, we’re the bank for you. We hear from countless customers that building a home with VCNB financing is easy or that they love our Home Equity Line of Credit. So we chatted with one of our lenders to find out what he believes our customers like best about financing these types of projects with us.

Doug DeLong is a Loan Officer in our Salt Creek Banking Center in Laurelville. He has worked in this office for thirteen years and is a favorite among customers around Laurelville. He expressed excitement about the construction and home equity loan specials VCNB is currently offering. “There are many things that set our bank apart, and these products are at the top of the list,” DeLong said.

Building a home can be an intimidating process for the customer but DeLong said he works to make the financing part as easy as possible. “We pride ourselves on being available to the customer and their contractor for communication during the important building process,” he said. “Frequent communication is necessary. We inspect the home each time a contractor requests a draw from the loan. We also speak to the customer before releasing the funds to the contractor to make sure the customer is happy with the work thus far.”

One thing that sets apart VCNB from many other banks is the turnaround time for loan draws. “There are typically no cumbersome delays in the draw process, as there are at many of the larger banks. Quite often, we can have an inspection done on a home and have the draw disbursed the same day! I doubt this is ever the case at the large banking institutions,” DeLong ventured. “We make it a priority to be prompt, knowing how important it is to the customer.”

He indicated there are many advantages when it comes to the VCNB Home Equity Line of Credit as well. “No closing costs is one big plus.* The rates and easy ability to access your money are others. And, as always, the great customer service continues to set us apart.”

VCNB does have a HELOC special that makes this project even more rewarding for the customer at this time. Click here to read about the special which expires May 15, 2016.

DeLong expressed how easy it to is love his job when he feels like the customer comes first and the loan products are good for the customer. “I like seeing dreams come true for my customers. A new home is one of the biggest dreams people have in life – it’s rewarding being involved in that process. These are just a few reasons I am proud to work at VCNB, a bank that truly cares about our customers’ well-being!”

*There are no closing costs unless the amount of the loan is over $100,000. Borrowers will be assessed fees for title, insurance and survey. If the loan is closed within three years, borrower will be assessed a $500 fee.

Twin Oak Forest Products Finds Balance Between Domestic and International Sales

Posted on March 16, 2016 by vcnbfamily

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The following appeared in the 2015 annual report for VCNB’s parent company Community Bancshares, Inc.(CBI). We thought our blog readers would enjoy learning about this homegrown local business.

When Randy and Polly Young started Young’s Logging, their daughter Marcie was just three and son Hunter was only six months old. That was in 1980 and the business, like their kids, is all grown up.

Today they operate as Twin Oak Forest Products. Since recently consolidating locations to one large, scenic spot on Pumpkin Ridge in Vinton County, they seem to have hit their stride.

Twin Oak is a multifaceted operation that offers an impressive variety of products appealing to a retail customer and to commercial buyers who come from across the region and even across the world to take advantage of their superior products and services.

VCNB visited with the family on a snowy February day and learned the story of how the business came to be what it is today. Randy, who has a degree in Forestry from Hocking College, explained that he began his career working as a log buyer for other companies. “In 1980, I opened my business because I had reached my peak with the company I was with at the time,” Randy noted.

Polly added that they bought their first dozer at 24% interest and set out hoping to do well enough they could make the payments. Fast forward 14 years and the company had not only survived, they were growing. In 1994, the company began sawmilling and was able to expand their product line.

Today the company employs seventeen people including Polly, who does the bookkeeping, and Hunter who is very much following in his father’s footsteps. “He and Marcie used to ride in the log truck with me,” Randy laughed as the pair reminisced about their children and the business. “Hunter worked every summer from the time he was fourteen,” Polly said. “He went to school for Forestry and graduated in 2000.”

On the logging side of the business, Twin Oak exports logs to countries across the globe including Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain and beyond. “We work with a broker on some and do some of the deals ourselves,” Randy said. “There’s a German customer here today and Japanese customers coming in.”

When asked if cultural differences cause challenges in international business, Randy explained that it hasn’t made a difference. “We’ve worked with them long enough, we know what they want so it hasn’t been a problem,” he added.

On the lumber side of business, they sell a lot domestically and continue to grow in that area. This lumber can have many uses but is typically used for furniture and cabinetry. “Probably eighty percent of it goes to neighboring states. Pennsylvania, West Virginia,Kentucky and here in Ohio,” Randy said. “A smaller percentage goes south to places like North Carolina and Tennessee.”

He noted they also sell a lot to a company in Newark, Ohio where the veneer log is sliced and is often sold internationally.Twin Oak offers a number of finished products that are sold to customers in Southern Ohio too.

Wood flooring and paneling are popular items. “They can come in to choose their paneling and their flooring. The paneling is so popular we try to keep it in stock,” Randy said. They are also known for log cabin kits and timber framing. Randy said they can provide kits and materials for everything from a garden shed to an elaborate dream home.

In addition, the company sells grade lumber and railroad ties. They also buy timber and typically have two or three contract crews in the woods at one time.
Randy commented on the ever changing American economy and the boost his business has experienced by expanding to international dealings. “It’s definitely a world economy, it’s not just us in this country now,” he said. “We’d certainly be lost without the international economy.”

Randy and Polly were also complimentary of their relationship with Vinton County National Bank. “It’s been a good relationship. The bank has stood with us through thick and thin, the good days and the bad days. And there certainly have been some bad days,” Randy said. “We’ve been with you since we started out in 1980.”

When they aren’t busy with their business, Randy and Polly enjoy spending time with their family including five grandchildren who are their pride and joy.

One of the most rewarding things about community banking is getting
to know customers. We are proud of the hard working Young family and Twin Oak Forest Products!

Tax Tips to Help New Parents Save Money

Posted on March 14, 2016 by vcnbfamily

Congratulations, new mom or dad! Now take out the checkbook, because your bundle of joy comes with a bundle of new expenses. But all those day care costs and pediatrician bills can bring new tax deductions that can help you ride out the first years of parenthood without going broke.

Here are the major ways your tax situation may change now that you’re a parent.

Child tax credit

This credit is worth up to $1,000, and you can claim it if you have a dependent child living with you who is under age 17. There are income limits that start phasing out this benefit at $110,000 for couples, according to criteria on the Internal Revenue Service website.

Child care credit

If you pay for someone else to look after your child who is under age 13 while you work or look for work, you may qualify for a child care credit of $600 to $1,050 on as much as $3,000 in costs, depending on your taxable income. The care provider can’t be a spouse, and there are other qualifying rules.

Earned income tax credit

You don’t need a kid to get this credit, but when a couple has a child, they can have a much higher income before being disqualified. For example, a married couple’s 2015 taxable income can’t top $20,330 to qualify, but that limit rises to $44,651 when they add a child to the family. The limits increase for families with more children. The credit can be as much as $3,359 for a couple with one child.

Health care expenses

Paying for health care may affect your tax bill in a few ways. First, 2014 was the first year in which taxpayers had to document that they had adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents or face a penalty. Also, if you added your newborn to your workplace health insurance plan, you may be paying higher premiums than you did before. Since the costs are deducted from your pretax pay, your taxable income may come down. If you pay significant medical expenses out of pocket, they have to exceed 10% of taxable income before they’re deductible — and even then you must itemize your deductions to claim them and cut your taxes.

Parenthood is rewarding — and it may also help you out at tax time. A tax advisor can help you learn more about how parenthood affects what you owe Uncle Sam. The savings may take the sting out of the child-induced increase in your expenses.

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