Aging is a time of growth, reflection, and new possibilities. As priorities shift and life evolves, having the right information and support can make all the difference.
Noozhawk’s Senior Life: Living Well and Aging Wisely highlights the resources, insights, and local experts who help older adults stay informed, engaged, and confident in this stage of life. Through conversations with community leaders and professionals, Noozhawk’s purpose is to share practical guidance and inspiring perspectives on aging well.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Michele Blackwell, AVP- Marketing Manager of American Riviera Bank, to learn how this local bank supports seniors in our community.
American Riviera Bank
Question: Year the business was established?
Answer: It was established in 2006.
Q: What inspired you to start your business, and how does it cater to the needs of the 55+ community?
At American Riviera Bank, community means everything to us. From the day we opened in 2006, we’ve built our bank around a simple idea, local people helping local people. That means client deposits stay close to home, supporting local homeowners, small businesses, and neighbors. When clients bank with us, they’re not just opening an account or getting a loan. They’re strengthening the heartbeat of our community.
Q: What unique products or services do you offer that help seniors live well and age wisely?
A: We know everyone’s financial journey looks different, especially in retirement. That’s why we offer smart solutions designed to make life easier and more secure. Unlike a fintech, when you bank with us your deposits are protected by FDIC insurance. We also offer Individual Retirement and Health Savings Accounts that help our clients plan ahead. Our goal is to find the right solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
We offer our Simply Checking account, with a low $25 minimum deposit to open and waived monthly service fees as well as waived paper statement fees for clients age 65 and over.
We also reimburse for out-of-network ATM fees, and provide contactless debit cards, enhanced debit card fraud protection with MasterCard’s Zero Liability policy, and check discounts, all of which helps make banking more seamless for seniors.
In addition, with our debit card controls, you can turn your card on and off within our mobile banking app or set spend limits or limit the locations where your card can be used. This helps to ensure that your card is only used when and where you authorize it.
Additionally American Riviera Bank provides Carefull (a $299 value), a financial protection service, at no additional charge for clients. Carefull’s benefits include $1 million identity theft fraud protection, a Legacy Kit financial planning tool for organizing critical financial documents, family collaboration features where you can invite trusted family members or caregivers for view only access to your accounts, and live customer support for assistance when you need to report fraud.
We also have an experienced, dedicated fraud team here at American Riviera Bank so you can speak with a local expert when you suspect fraud on your account.
Q: How does your business support seniors in staying active, healthy, or engaged in their community?
A: Financial wellness is just as important as physical wellness, and we take that seriously. Our fraud team provides ongoing education to help clients stay informed and avoid scams or fraud. We offer access to trustworthy resources, articles, and workshops that promote financial safety and confidence. It’s all part of being a local banking partner. We’re here to empower, educate, and protect our clients every step of the way.
Q: What trends are you seeing in the senior market, and how is your company adapting to meet those needs?
A: Unfortunately, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the rise in financial exploitation targeting older adults. Scammers are getting smarter and more aggressive, often going after those who’ve spent a lifetime building their savings.
Since people over 50 hold more than 70% of the nation’s wealth, we’re making financial safety one of our top priorities. Through education, staff training, and partnerships with local agencies, we help seniors recognize red flags and respond quickly when something doesn’t feel right.
Q: What advice do you have for seniors looking to improve their quality of life or achieve their goals?
A: Protecting your finances is one of the best ways to protect your peace of mind. Here are some simple steps that can make a big difference:
Relationships:
- Build a relationship with your bank.
- Establish relationships with legal professionals.
- Locally, you can start with:
- Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County or
- San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation.
Education:
- Familiarize yourself with these red flags, and how criminals solicit victims through text, phone, or email.
- Urgent requests to send money
- Being told to lie about transactions
- Unsolicited messages or “wrong number” texts
- Requests for gift cards or cash deposits at crypto ATMs
Financial Emergency Contact
- Designate a trusted contact person that can be reached in the event of a financial emergency, or if fraud is detected on your account.
- Hold regular meetings to discuss how you want to handle your finances.
Legal Safeguards
- Research legal safeguards, such as appointing a POA or establishing a will or trust.
- Use debit cards in lieu of cash to keep a paper trail and coverage under consumer protection laws for unauthorized transactions.
Establish Resources in Advance
- Find trusted tech support before you need it—ignore suspicious pop-ups
- Identify a trusted person for second opinions on financial decisions
- Keep a list of official numbers for banks, utilities, and credit cards
- Always hang up and call back using your trusted contact list when asked for personal information
- Know where to report financial crimes: local police, your bank, IC3.gov, identitytheft.gov, and FTC.gov
Communication
- Create open lines of communication with loved ones when financial emergencies arise.
- If someone tells you, “Not to tell anyone”, it’s a red flag. Spread the word about scams through clubs, volunteer efforts, faith communities, or community presentations.
Tools For Protection
- Investigate anti-malware and computer scanning services.
- Sign up for services that monitor your account activity and online presence, like Carefull.
- Consider separate devices for browsing the internet and logging into online banking.
- Establish multi-factor authentication, like one-time passwords, and never give them out to anyone.
- Establish robocall blocker apps, research call blockers with your wireless provider, and confirm spam blocking settings on your phone.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726
Q: How does your business prioritize accessibility, affordability, or personalization for older adults?
A: We think of ourselves as financial first responders. Our job is to protect and empower our customers, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to scams or pressure. Through staff training, partnerships, and community education, we work closely with local agencies to spot suspicious activity early and take fast action when needed. We also offer public presentations and online learning tools for financial education.
Our Simply Checking account offers a low $25 opening deposit, no monthly or paper statement fees for clients 65 and older, reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees, plus contactless debit cards, enhanced fraud protection, and check discounts—making banking easier for seniors.
Q: Are there specific programs, events, or offers you’d like our readers to know about?
A: Yes, American Riviera Bank offers Carefull, a $299-per-year financial safety service provided free to clients. This innovative platform includes the Carefull Companion App, which helps detect scams, prevent fraud, and simplify account management for individuals and families.
Clients also receive the Carefull Legacy Kit, offering technology and resources to organize financial details and respond swiftly when needed. Both tools are great ways to stay informed and confident about your finances.
Q: How can readers learn more about your business or get started with your services?
A: Clients can visit any of our seven convenient branches across the Central Coast or explore our resources online at www.arb.bank. Whether it is an in-person conversations conversation or online convenience, we’re here to make banking simple and personal. Person conversations or online convenience, we’re here to make banking simple and personal.
Financial Services
Q: What steps should seniors take to ensure financial security during retirement?
A: Retirement should be about enjoying life, not worrying about financial threats. Many of the same safety tips apply. We encourage clients to plan ahead, secure their information, and ask for help when something feels uncertain. Building relationships with trustworthy professionals (bankers, advisors, attorneys) ensures seniors have a team looking out for them at critical moments.
Q: How does your company help seniors navigate challenges like estate planning, budgeting, or long-term care expenses?
A: We take a supportive, team-based approach. Our staff works closely with clients and their families to connect them with trustworthy professionals, and community resources, so they always have the right information before making big decisions.
Staying proactive and informed is the best defense against confusion or vulnerability later.
Q: Are there financial tools or resources you recommend for seniors looking to manage or grow their savings?
A: Absolutely! Our Insured Cash Sweep® (ICS®) offers convenient access to up to $50 million in FDIC insurance for money market deposits through the IntraFi® Network. Deposits are automatically divided among multiple FDIC-insured banks, so clients can work directly with American Riviera Bank while enjoying full liquidity, a single consolidated statement, and easy online account access.
Click here to learn more about American Riviera Bank.