August 2026 - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankAugust 31, 2026

Youth Savings Account Scholarship

Looking to jump start your child’s savings? Our Youth Account Scholarship could be the perfect fit! Open a Shooting Star Savings Account for your child before 10/31/26 and receive a $100 Scholarship Bonus with your $25 Minimum Opening Deposit. Starting your child’s saving journey early can be a great way to educate them financially and set them up for long term success! Shooting Star Savings Account Details: Ages 0-17 $25 Minimum opening deposit No monthly service fees No minimum balance requirement 1.00% APY* Visit your local branch today to claim your child’s scholarship bonus! While you’re there, ask about our other Youth Account offerings along with our wide variety of accounts and lending products or learn more here! *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Interest rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. APY valid as of 9/1/2026. Fees may reduce earnings. Not eligible for checks or debit card. One account per person. Customers currently holding a Rising or Shooting Star Account, or those who previously had a Rising Star Account are not eligible. Account changes to regular savings upon student’s 18th birthday. Scholarship Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS 1099-INT. Scholarship valid for first 1000 accounts through 10/31/26, one per person deposited into savings.

General Education

by SouthStar BankAugust 25, 2026

Fall in Love With Your Bank

Banking at a large, national bank can often feel tedious and impersonal. At SouthStar Bank, we understand how much it means to our clients and communities to provide personal, friendly service centered on you. We take pride in getting to know our customers and strive to make their banking experience quick, easy, enjoyable, and warm. Banking is more than just a place to stash your cash; it is about trust, security, and a banking team that works hard to understand and support your individual needs. Fall in Love with Community Banking In a world where services are increasingly online, the people-first, relationship-focused model of community banking feels even more impactful. SouthStar Bank has proudly served the communities we live and work in for 106 years, developing a deep understanding of each community’s unique needs. Our philosophy puts the customer first and focuses on providing the best service possible while still offering the modern banking conveniences customers want. This unique combination allows for an unmatched banking experience. Fall in Love with Local Lending Leveraging our deep connection to and knowledge of our communities allows SouthStar Bank to make loan decisions locally, tailoring solutions to your needs and goals. We’ve developed programs for a variety of needs, whether you are looking for your first home, building your dream house, or seeking small business or commercial funding to expand or start your business. Our local teams also make loan decisions in-house, rather than an out-of-state committee typical of a national bank. This lets our lending team make decisions efficiently, using their strong knowledge of the local market and economy. Fall in Love with 5-Star Service SouthStar Bank’s continued focus on our customers and communities has allowed us to provide an unmatched banking experience that truly makes our clients feel like family for over 100 years. We value personal relationships and strive to build genuine rapport with our clients, with products and services to support you at every step of your financial journey. This personal approach has helped us deliver an experience that stands out and provides the trust and security you deserve. Our teams are here for you, with the expertise to guide you to the products and services that best fit your situation. Fall in Love with Banking with Confidence Your finances are a vital part of your day-to-day life; take the stress out of banking by having the support of a local community bank that is invested in your security and success. SouthStar Bank offers an experience that feels personal and tailored to you and your needs. We have proudly served Central Texas for more than a century, continuing to refine our products and services to grow and adapt with the ever-changing needs of our communities. Ready to Fall in Love with Your Bank? Reach out to your local SouthStar Bank branch and join the family today!

General Education, IRA Accounts

by SouthStar BankAugust 17, 2026

Common IRA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are unique, tax-advantaged accounts that present a great option for those looking to build their retirement nest egg. While an incredibly effective tool, even the most well-intentioned savers can make mistakes that can potentially reduce their long-term retirement savings potential. Below are five of the most common IRA mistakes, according to Morningstar. 1. Not Getting Started Early One of the biggest IRA mistakes is delaying getting your retirement savings started. Compound growth is a major contributing factor in the benefits offered by your IRA, making any delays largely consequential when you reach retirement age. Even if you cannot make the maximum annual contribution to your IRA, it is well worth placing what funds you can in your IRA each year to allow your retirement savings to continue to grow. The earlier you begin contributing to an IRA, the more time your investments have to potentially grow. Small, consistent contributions can make a meaningful difference over several decades. 2. Not Maximizing Contributions Many account holders contribute less than they are eligible to each year. While contributing something is better than nothing, making the full allowed contribution each year (if you are able) can make a huge difference when it comes time to retire. Review current IRS contribution limits annually and increase your contributions whenever your budget allows. Setting up automatic transfers to your IRA can also be a great way to ensure you don’t miss any annual contributions. 3. Choosing the Wrong Type of IRA Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs offer different tax advantages, be sure to review each account type thoroughly to make sure you choose the account that best fits your situation. When choosing an IRA, consider your current income, future tax expectations, and retirement goals. Our IRA team is always here if you have questions or would like to discuss which IRA offering best fits your situation. 4. Taking Early Withdrawals An IRA is designed for retirement, not short-term spending or emergency savings. Withdrawing funds before you are eligible can trigger taxes, penalties, and lost long-term growth. Beyond the immediate financial consequences, early withdrawals reduce the money available to grow over time, potentially affecting your retirement readiness. Build a separate emergency fund for unexpected expenses and emergencies. Keeping accessible savings outside of your retirement accounts can help prevent the need for early IRA withdrawal and help you avoid costly penalties, now and in the future. 5. Forgetting About Beneficiaries Many people open an IRA and never revisit their beneficiary designations. Outdated beneficiaries can be problematic, so we recommend reviewing your beneficiaries annually and especially after major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, death of a loved one, childbirth, etc.). If your beneficiary is designated incorrectly, your assets may be distributed differently than you had intended. Get Started Today with Your SouthStar Bank IRA Experts! An IRA can play a crucial role in your retirement strategy, but avoiding common mistakes is just as important as opening the account itself. By starting early, maximizing contributions when possible, […]

Commercial, General Education

by SouthStar BankAugust 3, 2026

The Basics of Commercial Real Estate Financing

For many business owners and real estate investors, commercial property ownership can be a powerful strategy for building long-term value and supporting business growth. Whether you’re purchasing an office building, expanding into a larger facility, acquiring investment property, or developing commercial land, securing the right financing is a critical part of the process. At SouthStar Bank, we understand that every commercial real estate project is unique. That’s why we offer flexible commercial real estate lending solutions designed to help businesses and investors achieve their goals with confidence. What Is Commercial Real Estate Financing? Commercial real estate (CRE) financing helps businesses and investors purchase, refinance, develop, or improve income-producing and owner-occupied properties. According to the Corporate Finance Institute, commercial real estate loans are commonly used for: The right financing solution can help preserve working capital while providing the resources needed to invest in growth opportunities. Common Uses of Commercial Real Estate Loans 1. Purchase Owner-Occupied Commercial Property Many business owners eventually reach a point where purchasing their own facility makes more sense than continuing to lease. Owning commercial real estate can provide several advantages, including: Whether you’re purchasing an office, retail space, warehouse, or specialized facility, commercial financing can help make ownership more attainable. 2. Finance Commercial Investment Properties Commercial real estate can also be an effective investment strategy. Investors often use financing to acquire properties that generate rental income and offer long-term asset growth. Commercial investment properties may include retail centers, office complexes, multifamily properties, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. The right financing structure can help investors manage cash flow while expanding their real estate portfolio. 3. Refinance Existing Commercial Real Estate Debt Commercial real estate financing can also be used to refinance existing debt. Businesses and investors often refinance commercial loans to: Refinancing can be an effective tool for organizations looking to position themselves for future growth. 4. Support Property Improvements and Expansion As businesses grow, their facilities often need to evolve as well. Commercial real estate financing for existing properties may help fund improvements like building expansions, property renovations, infrastructure and facility upgrades, or tenant improvements. Strategic property improvements can enhance operational efficiency, improve the customer experience, and increase the asset’s long-term value. 5. Benefit from Local Decision-Making When financing commercial real estate, experience and local market knowledge matter. SouthStar Bank has a proud 105-year history of providing unique, local expertise in the communities we live and work. Working with a community-focused bank provides you with unique advantages. At SouthStar Bank, we take a relationship-based approach, focusing on fully understanding your goals and aspirations to find you the best possible solution, both now and in the years to come. Our local expertise allows our lenders to better support you while also allowing for faster decision-making and flexible financing options. Why Businesses Choose SouthStar Bank for Commercial Real Estate Lending Commercial real estate loans often involve complex financial considerations. Choosing the right lending partner can help simplify the process and provide peace of mind from application through closing. SouthStar […]