Bank News & Financial Literacy

Bank-related scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, prompting the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) to issue a warning to consumers. These fraud schemes, often carried out by criminals pretending to be legitimate banks, are becoming more advanced, employing tactics like phone number spoofing. Phone number spoofing is when fraudsters will try to manipulate Caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from a trusted bank.

The end of summer always comes with both great football memories and lots of anticipation for the upcoming season. My subconscious mind knows when all levels of training camp start, without so much as a glance at the calendar. Football becomes a regular focus of conversation whether you’re at work, with friends, or even amongst strangers. This can be true even for those who might not consider themselves football fans—frankly, no one can escape it.

Every year on August 14, we celebrate National Financial Awareness Day – a day dedicated to understanding the importance of financial literacy. More than just numbers and spreadsheets, financial awareness affects nearly every aspect of our lives. Yet, too many people struggle to manage money effectively, leading to stress and long-term financial instability. Improving your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes over time. Below are some practical steps to help you get started:

Selling a timeshare can be challenging, and scammers often exploit this difficulty. These fraudsters pose as legitimate resellers or real estate agents, claiming to have buyers or guaranteeing a sale at a great price. They use fake credentials, websites, and documents to appear credible, sometimes even having prior knowledge about the timeshare. Once they hook you, scammers request upfront payments for fees like closing costs or taxes—typically via untraceable methods like wire transfers. Once paid, they may demand additional funds for unforeseen expenses, ultimately leaving victims with no sale and having lost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

There was a time when a “business” was almost exclusively a bricks and mortar structure—a place where employees were required to be physically present every day, and somewhere customers needed to personally visit to access the goods or services they sought. While this does not seem too long ago for the more “experienced” among us, there are now entire generations that would find that kind of world not only quite strange but also very inconvenient. Regardless of age, however, I’d venture to say that most consumers today would generally agree with that statement—at least on the convenience front.

Helping your child transition to financial independence in college is a significant step. For many students, this is their first experience managing money, and the learning curve can be steep. With the right tools, guidance, and encouragement, you can set them up for success. Here are some practical tips to get started.

When it comes to expanding or launching a business, one of the pivotal decisions to make is whether to buy an existing commercial property or build a new one from scratch. Both options have their own set of advantages and considerations. Below, we explore the key factors to help you make the right choice for your business.

Wisconsin Bankers Association Recognizes New Richmond Banker Tom Mews for Board Service. Tom Mews, president of FNC Bank, New Richmond, was recently recognized by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) for his service to the industry.

It’s easy to assume that everyone has some sort of banking institution they use to handle their finances. Truth be told, there are about 5.6 million households (4.2%) that don’t have a bank account or access to banking services, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

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.

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. Think mega indoor golf facilities, gaming arcades, large national retailers, big box home improvement chains…you get the picture. All those businesses are certainly good things if they are in the right place and serve a variety of residents’ needs and wants.

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.