consistent with our evaluation. Changes in the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations by the authorities and newly issued or enacted statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, impact accrued taxes and can materially affect our operating results. We regularly evaluate our uncertain tax positions and estimate the appropriate level of reserves related to each of these positions.
As of September 30, 2021, we had net deferred tax assets totaling $3.7 million. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If currently available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. Management believes, based upon current facts, that it is more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable income in future years to realize the deferred tax assets. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets are inherently subjective and are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance that results in additional income tax expense in the period in which it is recognized would negatively affect earnings. Our net deferred tax assets were determined based on the current enacted federal tax rate of 21%. Any possible future reduction in federal tax rates, would reduce the value of our net deferred tax assets and result in immediate write-down of the net deferred tax assets though our statement of operations, the effect of which would be material.
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021
Summary. Total assets increased $533 thousand, or 0.1%, to $822.9 million at September 30, 2021, from $822.4 million at June 30, 2021. The increase in total assets can primarily be attributed to a $43.9 million increase in total investments, a $2.2 million increase in bank-owned life insurance and a $2.4 million increase in other assets, partially offset by a $40.8 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents and a $7.0 million decrease in net loans.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $40.8 million, or 24.2%, to $127.9 million at September 30, 2021, from $168.7 million at June 30, 2021. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily driven by a $43.9 million increase in total investments, a $7.0 million decrease in advances from the FHLB and a $2.2 million increase in bank-owned life insurance, partially offset by an $8.1 million increase in deposits and a $7.0 million decrease in net loans.
Investments. Total investments increased $43.9 million, or 35.1%, to $169.1 million at September 30, 2021, from $125.2 million at June 30, 2021. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company invested a portion of the excess cash in available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and other securities. The Company remains focused on maintaining a high-quality investment portfolio that provides a steady stream of cash flows both in the current and in rising interest rate environments.
Loans. Net loans decreased $7.0 million, or 1.5%, to $454.2 million at September 30, 2021, from $461.2 million at June 30, 2021. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Company originated $23.8 million of new loans that were more than offset by $30.8 million of loan paydowns and payoffs. The COVID-19 pandemic and low interest rate environment have created a highly competitive market for lending. The Company maintains conservative lending practices and is focused on lending to borrowers with high credit quality within its market footprint.
As of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, the Bank had $843 thousand and $1.5 million of outstanding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to 24 and 44 new and existing customers, respectively, that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration and mature in two years. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Bank modified approximately $49.8 million of existing loans in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 CARES Act to provide its customers with monetary relief. Generally, these modifications included the deferral of principal and interest payments for a period of three months, although interest income continued to accrue. The three-month deferral period has ended on a portion of the loans on deferral and the Bank received payments of principal and interest on a portion of the loans on deferral and, as of September 30, 2021, $1.8 million of loans remain on deferral under the CARES Act. For more information, see note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Bank-owned life insurance. Bank-owned life insurance increased $2.2 million, or 6.4%, to $37.4 million at September 30, 2021, from $35.2 million at June 30, 2021. Management purchased $2.0 million of bank-owned life insurance during the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Management believes that bank-owned life insurance is a low-risk investment alternative with an attractive yield.