Banknotes

By: Brent Landrum, Personal Banking Specialist

Topics: Online & Mobile Banking, Credit Card, Digital wallet

By: Bruce Whiting, Security Officer

Mistakes on your credit report are more common – and costlier – than you may realize. Learn how to identify the most common discrepancies, as well as how to resolve them, in this article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Topics: Credit Score

By: Jordon Geiger, Vice President and Trust Officer

What is a legacy? Is it the continuing operation of your business? It can be. Your personal wealth? Your family’s wealth? The brand image and reputation you’ve built? The lifestyles and careers of your children or other successors? Yes to all.

There is no formula a business owner can use to address the emotional side of succession. But there are strategies and leading practices an owner can use to confirm that his or her legacy isn’t left to chance.

Topics: Wealth Management, Succession Planning, Retirement, Business Plan, Business Valuation, Retirement Planning

By: Bruce Whiting, Security Officer

As we are now more than a full month into 2019, we will soon be filing our 2018 Income Tax Returns. This month’s article, taken from the website www.moneytips.com, addresses the risks associated with thieves attempting to fraudulently obtain your personal information, and steps you can take to help stop this growing crime.

Topics: Security & Fraud, Tax

By: Diana Bunnow, SBCP Customer Support Center Representative

Managing your finances can sometimes feel like a full-time job. However, organization of your finances can greatly reduce the amount of time you spend worrying about them and will help contribute to your long-term financial success. Here are some tips and tricks to get you organized and help you be financially fit in 2019.

Topics: Financial Planning, Online & Mobile Banking, Saving, Debt, Budget, Credit Score

By: Bruce Whiting, Security Officer

This month’s article discusses the topic of being a money mule. The article, taken from the website www.fbi.gov talks about the signs you may be acting as a money mule, protecting yourself and how to respond to solicitations that may open you up to this type of activity.

Topics: Security & Fraud

By: Mark Drachenberg, CFP®, Vice President and Trust Officer

If you are a fan of the mundane things in life, then 2018 was not your kind of investment year.  On the other hand, if you thrive on the wild side, then the markets did their best to take you along on an adventure.  A challenging year to say the least.  The same might be said about 2019 once it is in the books. 

Topics: Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, DJIA, Economy

By: Jeff Supple, Vice President and Trust Officer

Cost of living increase will kick in during the 2019 tax year which means individuals can save more money in tax-advantaged plans prior to their retirement. 

Here are some key numbers:

Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Tax, Retirement Planning

By: Jeff Ellestad, Treasury Management Sales Officer

Many businesses today are becoming more and more aware of the risks associated with payment fraud.  And, quite frankly, they should be.  While the network of fraudsters only continues to get larger, these savvy individuals and networks are always on pace, or even a few steps ahead of the game, and are ready to attack.  They have become so sophisticated on their efforts to successfully intercept corporate funds, that by the time a company thinks they might be a victim, it’s far too late.

Topics: Business Banking, Commercial Banking, Treasury Management, Security & Fraud, Payments, Merchant Services

By: Dan Savage, Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer 
and Cathy Durham, Shareholder, Capital Valuation Group

If you own a business, odds are that it is your single largest asset. This has profound, long-term implications for you and your family’s financial well-being. 

Every business owner should develop a clear and accurate understanding of the value of his or her business.  I often find myself discussing this topic with valuation expert Cathy Durham, a shareholder of Madison-based Capital Valuation Group. 

Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Succession Planning, Retirement, Estate Planning, Business Valuation