When it comes to entrusting your finances to an institution, you don't want to play a guessing game. But with an increasing number of financial services, varying fees and types of financial institutions to choose from, picking one to handle your unique needs can seem like a daunting task. Evaluating your needs and determining what is most important to you in a banking relationship can make the process simpler.

Consider points such as whether or not you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, and whether establishing a long-standing relationship is important to you. Once you've evaluated your needs, comparing financial institutions and picking the one that's right for you will be a much easier task.

Various financial institutions have different traits, qualities, strengths and weaknesses. Community banks, for instance, have a unique relationship to their local environment. If you want to develop a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank, this type of institution could be the right choice for you. These organizations are known for their personal touch, excellent customer service and knowledge of the local economic landscape. They often go above and beyond, in response to needs in their local community.

For instance, in the aftermath of the recent fires that ravaged the San Diego area, San Diego-based Landmark National Bank worked with San Diegans who experienced fire losses by offering special loan terms to assist with rebuilding their lives. While many losses were covered in large part by insurance or special government assistance programs, claims take time to process. Victims of this wildfire tragedy needed funds immediately to start their recovery.

Landmark offered loans from $10,000 to $250,000 at the prime rate (currently 4 percent), waiving the usual fees and points. Interest is only charged on the amount of the loan actually used, and there is no penalty for payment at any time during the term. Because many San Diegans' records may have been lost, Landmark worked with those affected by the fires to create a loan application -- with a minimum of time and effort on their part.

Community banks build their reputation on such responsiveness and on the strength of their relationship to the local community. A community bank's job is to offer personalized service and financial options. It's your job as a consumer to determine whether or not those are the types of services you need.

About Landmark National Bank

Landmark National Bank offers traditional full-service banking to individual customers, professionals and small- and medium-sized businesses. In addition to a variety of deposit accounts, the bank offers a mix of loan products that include commercial, professional and industrial lending packages, as well as Small Business Administration loans and consumer, installment, home equity, construction and real estate loans.

Submitted by Landmark National Bank