Banknotes

By: Mark DeBiasio, Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer

Homebuyers and investment property buyers alike can take advantage of the winter doldrums to realize the biggest discounts on home prices.  Based upon national sales data of single-family homes and condos from 2013 to 2017, there are 10 specific days that show the greatest home price discount.

Many parents worry about their ability to fund all or part of their children’s college experience…but what if someone else paid for college?

Below, our college financial planning experts share some other sources to explore for college funding besides your own pocket.

By:Alyssa J. Chance, J.D., Vice President & Personal Trust Officer

Is 2019 the year?  If so, congratulations!  Whether your plan is to stop working cold-turkey or ease into retirement slowly, there are a few things that will help make the transition easier and more stress-free.

By: Kim Schaller, Card Services Officer

By: Bruce Whiting, Security Officer

It is that time of year again, when the fraudsters try to gain access to your funds and personal information. These tips from the Better Business Bureau gives you an overview of several different Holiday Scams.

Marc McMerty, Assistant Vice President - Commercial Relationship Manager

How you think about your bank can impact your business

Early in my career as a commercial banker, I was surprised to learn that some businesses think of their banking relationship as a necessary evil.  They need the bank for financial reporting and sometimes a loan or line of credit, but mainly they want their bank to leave them alone.  "They'll let us know when they need us."

I was surprised, I think, because I know what goes on behind the scenes at our bank and the conversations that take place in sincere support of our customers.  Our greatest asset as a bank is our customers.  We only succeed if you succeed.

For those affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and landslides occurring August 17th, 2018 through September 14th, 2018 located in Wisconsin counties of Crawford, Dane, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon; for economic injury only in the contiguous Wisconsin counties of Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Rock, Trempealeau and Wood; for economic injury only in the contiguous Iowa counties of Allamakee and Clayton; and for the economic injury only in the contiguous Minnesota counties of Houston and Winona.

Buy-sell agreements or buyout agreements are often referred to as prenuptial planning for business partners.  What happens to the business if a partner dies, becomes incapacitated or wishes to leave are all things that can be addressed with solid upfront planning.  It is extremely valuable having an attorney draft an agreement that deals with situations that could disrupt the business’ continuity.  A solid buy-sell agreement provides a value of the business and partner’s interest as well as terms dictating how the business continues while providing proper consideration to the departing partner or his/her estate.

By: Bruce Whiting, Security Officer

This month’s article touches on Telemarketing Fraud – Warning Signs and Tips for Avoiding Telemarketing Fraud. The article was originally printed on the www.fbi.gov website.

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud. 

By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer

Your employer’s retirement plan is a valuable fringe benefit.  It will likely be your primary source of retirement income security years down the road;  therefore, avoiding certain fundamental investment errors is a must.  Here are eight for your consideration.