Bank News & Financial Literacy

Presenting a vision of what the future might look like has been an obsession for creative minds in science, literature, and popular culture for centuries. In recent years, an endless string of movies has been produced by Hollywood depicting various forms of the apocalypse, whether in the form of a natural disaster, an alien invasion, worldwide epidemic, or just about anything else you can imagine. My personal favorite is the classic “The Terminator”. In the highly unlikely event you haven’t seen it, the plot centers on the premise that an artificial intelligence (AI) system named Skynet becomes “self-aware” and on its own initiates a nuclear holocaust.

In April, FNC Bank President, Tom Mews, celebrated his 25-year anniversary with the bank. The Board of Directors congratulated Tom on this monumental achievement thanking him for his loyalty and significant contributions over the years. Tom's steady leadership and dedication over the past 25 years have made a lasting impact on our staff and the communities we serve.

FNC Bank hosted a Diaper Drive in March, and we are happy to share that we collected a total of 3,529 diapers and wipes at our branches and online store. For the second year in a row, we’ve exceeded our goal of collecting 3,500 items – thanks to you, our wonderful customers, employees, and community members.

For the past few years, many potential homebuyers have found themselves in a holding pattern. You might have watched from the sidelines as interest rates fluctuated and inventory vanished, wondering when the right moment to jump in would finally arrive. If you have been waiting for the clouds to part, we have good news: the forecast for 2026 looks significantly brighter.

Every business looks for opportunities to streamline the way it does business, whether that be reviewing its product options, examining how its staff works, or re-evaluating how it connects with its customers. Manufacturing firms which engineer and refine highly technical products depend on having the latest and greatest equipment so they can produce state-of-the-art products for business consumers who demand nothing but the very best for their own enterprises.

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It can affect your ability to get a loan, secure the best interest rates, and even influence job opportunities. Despite its importance, credit is often misunderstood—leading to myths that can hurt your financial wellness.

On February 3rd, FNC Bank proudly hosted our 4th Annual FNC Bank Reality Fair at Osceola School District, welcoming Juniors from both Osceola and St. Croix Falls High Schools. This interactive event gave students a hands-on experience of managing real-world finances.

As temperatures drop, heating bills tend to rise. With a few smart adjustments, you can lower energy use and save throughout the winter months. This article covers simple habits and low-cost projects to keep your home cozy without breaking the bank.

Most Wisconsin homebuyers who sit down with a mortgage lender for the first time walk away choosing the same loan. Not because they were steered toward it, but because once they understand how it works, it simply makes the most sense for their situation.

Life has a way of throwing unexpected expenses your way. Your car breaks down, the furnace stops working in the middle of winter, or a medical bill arrives that's larger than expected. Without an emergency fund, these surprises force you to rely on credit cards or loans, creating debt that takes months or years to pay off. Building an emergency fund gives you a financial cushion that protects you from these surprise costs. You don't need a complicated strategy or a huge income to start. What you need is a straightforward plan and the commitment to stick with it.

Any good marketing professional knows that the first rule in advertising is to capture the customer’s attention. Using a catchphrase that appears to offer great value for an affordable price (see above headline) is a time-tested strategy. If you’re still reading, it worked, right? Businesses spend tons of time and resources figuring out how to up their customer service game.

Struggling with a "financial hangover" after the holidays? You're not alone. January can feel daunting, but sheer willpower may not be the answer. The secret to achieving your 2026 financial goals is automation. By automating savings, you can build wealth effortlessly.

How did your 2025 financial goals turn out? The new year is the perfect opportunity to take a step back, evaluate your progress, and map out a clear plan for a successful year ahead. Reflecting on your financial journey now is not just about looking back—it’s about using those reflections to stay on track for the long term and set yourself up for an even brighter future.

We are happy to share that our annual winter clothing drive has wrapped up with incredible results! Thanks to the amazing generosity of our community, we didn’t just meet our goal—we surpassed it.

I’m sure many of you reading this have merrily (or otherwise) begun your annual holiday shopping adventure. By the time you read this, Black Friday will have come but not gone, as of course it’s no longer one day and is not limited to showing up with a mob of shoppers at a bricks and mortar store. You now can conveniently become cyber-frustrated as well, especially when what shows up on your doorstep isn’t remotely what you thought you ordered.

Don't let scammers steal your holiday cheer! As we dive into the festive season, it's important to stay vigilant against scams that tend to increase during this time of year. Here’s what to watch for this holiday season.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to embrace the spirit of giving, and Giving Tuesday (December 2) offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. This special day is dedicated to generosity, collaboration, and celebrating acts of kindness. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the true essence of the holidays lies in fostering community, building connections, and making a meaningful impact.

The penny has been in our pockets for more than 100 years. Now, the little copper coin is rolling out of production. Earlier this year, the U.S. Treasury announced that it will halt the making of new pennies once the current supply runs out, which is expected by early 2026. The main reason for the directive is cost. It currently costs nearly four cents to mint a single penny, far more than its face value. Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have already eliminated their lowest-denomination coins with little disruption, and the U.S. is preparing to follow suit.

Local businesses are the backbone of St. Croix County. From family-owned farms and manufacturers to retail shops, restaurants, and construction firms, each business contributes to the identity and economic vitality of Western Wisconsin.

Presenting a vision of what the future might look like has been an obsession for creative minds in science, literature, and popular culture for centuries. In recent years, an endless string of movies has been produced by Hollywood depicting various forms of the apocalypse, whether in the form of a natural disaster, an alien invasion, worldwide epidemic, or just about anything else you can imagine. My personal favorite is the classic “The Terminator”. In the highly unlikely event you haven’t seen it, the plot centers on the premise that an artificial intelligence (AI) system named Skynet becomes “self-aware” and on its own initiates a nuclear holocaust.