Bank News & Financial Literacy

Undoubtedly, you’ve been in a class, attended an informational gathering, or participated in an orientation meeting where the presenter requests that you ask any questions you may have while learning about the new subject or process. Invariably, you are given the assurance that “there are no dumb questions”. While I’ve proven that statement wrong on occasion, what I have found is that other folks in the room almost always do have the same question(s) you’d like to ask.

June is National Homeownership Month, the perfect time to reflect on how owning a home can shape your future in more ways than one. If you're weighing the pros and cons of buying versus renting, here are a few key benefits to keep in mind.

For nearly three decades, Sportsman’s Bar & Grill has served as a community hub in Somerset, offering delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a slice of the town’s rich history. Located at 217 Main Street, this beloved establishment is not only the oldest business in Somerset but also one with a story as rich as its menu.

Credit and debit card fraud has become an unfortunately common issue in today’s digital age. According to a Federal Reserve survey, debit card fraud accounted for 39% of all fraud losses in 2024. These losses can occur from physical card theft, the misuse of card information online, or techniques such as skimming. Recognizing red flags and understanding fraud methods can go a long way in protecting yourself and your financial assets.

We live in an amazing technological age. The answer to almost any question you might have can be found in your pocket. Artificial intelligence is advancing at lightning speed and has already moved from merely taking over menial tasks to the point where its capabilities are expanding the frontiers of humanity’s knowledge daily. You can’t read an article about AI without mention of a day when it will be able to “think” for itself.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local communities, driving both economic vitality and social connection. As we celebrate Small Business Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight their importance and the incredible impact they have on our lives every day.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, expanding operations often means constructing new spaces or renovating existing ones. A commercial construction loan can be the solution you need to fund these improvements while keeping your finances in check. Here are key advantages to choosing a commercial construction loan for your business:

This month is Financial Literacy Month, the perfect time to reflect on your financial habits and take meaningful steps towards financial wellness. Learning to handle your finances effectively begins with a commitment to change and an openness to better habits. A solid budget or spending plan is the foundation of financial success. Why? Because it tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Let's break this down into steps.

I’m willing to bet you’ve been in a situation where it has fallen to you to round up volunteers for a charitable cause, a school or workplace event, a sports team, etc. With credit to the economics teacher seeking a student response in 1986’s “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (a must-see if you haven’t, worth watching it again if you have--it holds up), it can be a lonely place. It is also the most accessible way to make a difference; most everyone can do it at some level. Those who can’t participate are likely to need the services volunteers make possible.

April is Community Banking Month, a time to honor the spirit of community banks and our commitment to the neighborhoods we serve. Community Banks are more than just places to keep your money safe; we are essential to the backbone of our cities and towns, helping local economies thrive and fostering meaningful relationships with residents and businesses alike.

Building a home is a milestone that offers unparalleled opportunities. Whether you're designing your first house or upgrading into your dream space, constructing your own home comes with many distinct advantages.

Anyone who has grown up or lived in a small town knows that its main street is the center of the universe there—every location is identified by its proximity to that road: “It’s a block north of main behind the pharmacy” or “it’s on main right next to the bakery.” It’s easy to think that the concept of “Main Street” is an antiquated notion, and that it’s all about having the latest concept come to the outskirts of your town.

March is National Credit Education Month—the perfect opportunity to discuss an essential life skill with your teenager: building and maintaining good credit. While likely not top-of-mind for most teens, understanding credit early can lay the foundation for financial independence in the future. Guiding them at this stage ensures they’ll enter adulthood with the tools to make informed financial decisions.

Each year, National Consumer Protection Week takes place as a dedicated time to inform and empower individuals about their consumer rights. It’s not just a week to promote awareness—it’s an opportunity for you to strengthen your knowledge about avoiding fraud and scams.

On February 20th, FNC Bank proudly hosted our 3rd Annual FNC Bank Reality Fair at St. Croix Falls High School, welcoming Junior students from both Osceola and St. Croix Falls High Schools.

It is not a stretch to say most everyone agrees good health is vitally important--particularly for those who don’t have it or who have regained it after some sort of illness. While Merriam-Webster includes the “freedom from physical disease or pain” in its definition of “health”, it is so much more than that. In the second part of its definition listing, it defines it as “a condition in which someone or something is thriving or doing well.” It is, in fact, a term that describes someone’s status at a point in time. But if health is a state, how do you get there, and how do you maintain it?

Emergencies happen—there’s no way to predict them, but there is a way to prepare for them. Whatever unexpected costs arise; a well-built emergency fund can be your financial lifesaver.

On January 29th, FNC Bank was honored to attend The New Richmond Chamber Annual Gala as a proud Platinum sponsor! With a glamorous "Oscars" theme, our table of 12 was dressed to the nines to celebrate a night dedicated to community and excellence.

The New Year is the perfect time to reflect on your accomplishments and set clear, actionable goals for the road ahead. For business owners, there’s one resolution you don’t want to overlook—separating your personal and business finances.

The start of a new year brings with it not only a reflection upon the last one, but also a natural tendency to take stock of where you are in life in an overall sense—within your family structure, in the progress of your career, as a citizen of the area you call home, or in any number of other respects.