The Latest | May 2026
Chairman’s Message
Spring Housing Market Perspective
Spring is traditionally a time when many in our community begin thinking more seriously about buying or moving. This year, the decision may feel more complex. Interest rates are higher than the historic lows of recent years, though still in line with longer-term averages. At the same time, home prices have continued to rise, but at a more moderate pace.
At Liberty Bank, we understand that today’s market isn’t about rushing into a decision—it’s about being prepared to make the right one.
That’s where guidance matters. Taking the time to understand what you may qualify for, what documentation you’ll need, and how the process works can help you move forward with confidence when the timing is right. For example, having a fully underwritten pre-approval in place can make a meaningful difference in a competitive situation, giving you the ability to act quickly without added uncertainty.
At the same time, there are signs of opportunity. As interest rates begin to ease gradually, buyers may find more favorable entry points than in recent years. Even small changes in rates can have a meaningful impact on monthly payments, making it worthwhile to explore your options and understand how timing may affect your purchasing power.
As a portfolio lender, we’re able to offer competitive rates while continuing to take a long-term, relationship-based approach. Just as importantly, our team is here to have real conversations—answering questions, explaining options, and helping you build a plan that fits your goals.
For over 125 years, Liberty Bank has been part of this community. That means we’re here not just for a transaction, but for the long term—supporting our neighbors through every stage of homeownership.
If you’re thinking about buying a home this season, we encourage you to start with a conversation.
Schedule time to check rates and talk through your options with Svetta or Damian.
Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 787575
Protecting Your Investment
As you think about buying a home, it’s also important to consider how you’ll protect it. Homeowners insurance plays a key role in safeguarding your investment and providing peace of mind.
Working with Liberty Insurance Agency* can help simplify the process—ensuring your coverage is in place when you need it and aligned with your home financing from the start.
Planning ahead—and having the right guidance—can help you move forward with confidence from day one.
*Liberty Insurance Agency, Inc. is a subsidiary of Liberty Bank for Savings. Insurance products and services are not bank products or services nor are they FDIC insured or insured by any federal government agency. They are not a deposit or obligation of or guaranteed by Liberty Bank for Savings and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Applicants are individually underwritten and some individuals may not qualify.
William J. Smigiel
Chairman and CEO
Liberty Bank for Savings
Checking That Keeps Up With Your Day
Most people don’t think much about their bank—until something slows them down. Your checking account should make everyday banking easier, not harder. That’s why we’ve built simple digital tools to help you handle everyday banking—from depositing checks on the go to paying friends and staying on top of your account—quickly, securely, and when it’s convenient for you.
Simple Tools. Real Support
Manage Your Money |
Move Your Money |
Stay Secure & In Control |
All of these tools are accessible from all Liberty Bank checking accounts—designed to make everyday banking simpler.
Getting started is simple, too. You can enroll in online banking on your own in just a few steps, and added security like one-time passcodes helps keep your information protected.
Ready to get started?
Or, if you want to talk through the options, we’re here to help, 773.384.2030.
Our Liberty Community
Before joining Liberty Bank, Olivia Arroyo, Foster Branch Manager, spent part of her career working with a Pilsen-based nonprofit that helped individuals navigate the path to U.S. citizenship. That experience strengthened her belief that patience, clarity, and respect can make a meaningful difference—values she brings to her work every day at Liberty.
At Liberty Bank, Olivia appreciates the ability to build real relationships and provide personalized guidance. “Customers want to feel valued, heard, and respected,” she says. “I strive to make every interaction positive and to offer real solutions to their financial challenges. I treat every customer the way I’d want my own parents to be treated.”
Life outside of work
Olivia enjoys spending time with her children and creating meaningful memories together. She also loves reading and staying active, and her travel bucket list includes Iceland, Hawaii, Japan, and Bora Bora.
Favorite local dining spots
Nami Sushi, Dino’s Pizza, and House of Cakes—home of her favorite pizza bread.
Olivia’s top three financial tips
- Create a realistic budget—and stick with it. As your income grows, save or invest the difference rather than letting expenses rise with it.
- Separate your bill money. Using a dedicated account for bills makes tracking easier and allows you to automate payments to avoid missed due dates.
- Keep beneficiaries up to date. Reviewing them regularly helps ensure your plans reflect your intentions and protect the people you care about.
In the neighborhood? Stop by the Foster branch to say hi—Olivia and the team would love to see you.
Your Questions, Answered.
Staying Ahead of Scams
By David Kreiman, Chief Experience Officer
I’m often asked about the latest scams—especially since they seem to change all the time. The reality is, fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, which makes staying informed one of the best ways to protect yourself.
One simple step I recommend is signing up for alerts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These updates share timely information about emerging scams, identity theft trends, and practical tips to help you recognize red flags before they become a problem.
The alerts are easy to understand and delivered right to your inbox—no searching required. Whether it’s a new text scam, phishing email, or impersonation attempt, you’ll know what to watch for.
If you’d like to stay one step ahead, you can sign up here.
This link is also available on our security center.
Remember: If something doesn’t feel right in an email or a text, don’t click any links and don’t respond. Unfamiliar or suspicious phone call? Don’t answer and/or hang up. Verify any questionable requests by contacting the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.
Have More Questions?
If you have questions about Liberty Bank or one of its services, please visit Liberty Bank’s Feedback page and share your thoughts. Then look for this Q&A for the most common questions in every issue of The Latest e-newsletter. Or, for a more immediate response, you can contact our Senior Vice President – Chief Experience Officer David Kreiman directly at 773.489.4624 or [email protected].
Tech Corner
AI: Harness Its Power, Proceed with Caution
Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from “future tech” to an everyday tool. It can summarize information, draft writing, organize ideas, and spot patterns in large amounts of data—often in seconds.
Used thoughtfully, AI can save time and make everyday tasks easier.
But it’s also powerful enough to be misused. The same tools that generate helpful answers can also generate convincing misinformation, fake images, and even realistic “voice clones” that scammers use to impersonate loved ones.
What can AI do for me?
Chances are, you’re already using AI in search, navigation apps, spam filters, and voice assistants. You can also use modern AI tools (like ChatGPT, Google Gemini—formerly Bard—and Microsoft Copilot) to:
- Explain a topic in plain language (and give you a quick summary of what to read next)
- Help draft a message (emails, cover letters, thank-you notes, condolence notes)
- Brainstorm meal ideas, workouts, travel outlines, or a home project checklist
- Organize a budget or compare “what-if” scenarios (retirement, savings goals, debt payoff)
- Create an outline for a presentation, flyer, or community update
Helpful rule of thumb: AI is great for drafting and direction—but it’s not a substitute for verified facts or professional advice.
Understand the privacy and scam risks
Before you “paste and ask,” remember: many AI services store your prompts and responses unless you change settings. For example, Google’s Gemini Apps Activity is set to auto-delete after 18 months by default, and you can adjust or turn that off in settings.
And when it comes to fraud, consumer protection agencies have specifically warned about AI-powered impersonation—like the “grandparent scam,” where a caller sounds like a loved one and pressures you to send money immediately.
Four smart don’ts
- Don’t assume it’s private. Review privacy settings and data controls. (Many services let you delete history and limit how your data is used.)
- Don’t share sensitive personal or financial info. Particularly account numbers, Social Security numbers, tax documents, passwords, PINs, or copies of IDs.
- Don’t trust urgent requests for money—especially by phone. If a caller claims to be family or a professional, hang up and call back using a number you already know. Consider setting a family “safe word” for emergencies.
- Don’t rely on AI alone for major decisions. Use it to prepare questions—but confirm details with trusted sources (your doctor, tax professional, attorney, or financial professional).
If you ever have a question about keeping your information safe, give us a call at 773.384.2030 —we’re here for you.
We Want to Hear from You
Have a question, idea for a future topic or seminar, or feedback to share? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts.
