SouthStar Bank, Author at SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankFebruary 24, 2026

Welcome Charlie Waters! New Branch Executive & SVP of Lending

Charlie Waters has joined the SouthStar Bank Georgetown branch as the Branch Executive and Senior Vice President of Lending. Charlie holds more than a decade of experience in the banking industry with a strong focus on commercial real estate. Throughout his career, Charlie has had a great track record of success, with one of his most significant achievements being when he led his previous branch to be one of six branches out of 200 to increase both loans and deposits. As a lender, Charlie enjoys seeing his customers grow and developing projects that expand his team. He loves the feeling of knowing he is helping both his local economy and community. In his role with SouthStar Bank, Charlie looks forward to helping the Bank grow in a way that benefits customers and shareholders. Outside of work, Charlie is very involved in his community. He has served on several boards and committees throughout his career and is currently a board member of the Round Rock Chamber and a member of Rotary. He also enjoys spending time with his children and loves to hunt, fish, and golf when he can. Charlie is also a fifth-generation Williamson County resident, with past family members who have served as mayor, and a local school named after his great-grandfather. Welcome to the team, Charlie! NMLS# 1783984

Employee News

by SouthStar BankFebruary 20, 2026

Congratulations Sam Bell! New Urban North Area Manager

Sam Bell has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending and Urban North Area Manager. Sam has 17 years of experience in the banking industry, becoming well-versed in commercial real estate and residential lending, as well as in management roles that have cultivated his leadership style and results-driven mindset. He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to exceed expectations while maintaining a strong focus on relationship banking and deal execution. In his previous role, Sam consistently demonstrated strong production, disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done. In his new role, Sam looks forward to leading the Loan Officers in the Urban North Area and working closely with bank executives to help achieve the Bank’s strategic goals. Outside of work, Sam enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Sam has also been a member of CCIM for four years and serves on the organizational team for their Annual Clay Shoot event. Congratulations Sam!

Self-Directed IRA

by SouthStar BankFebruary 19, 2026

What to Look for in a Self-Directed IRA Custodian

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) allows investors to diversify their funds beyond traditional stocks and bonds into alternative assets such as real estate, private equity/companies, tax liens, and precious metals. While this flexibility can open new opportunities, it also comes with added responsibility. Choosing the right Self-Directed IRA custodian is critical to protecting your retirement savings and staying compliant with IRS regulations. When evaluating a custodian, here are the most important factors to consider, along with how SouthStar Bank helps meet those needs. 1. Experience with Self-Directed IRAs Not all custodians are equipped to handle alternative investments. A qualified Self-Directed IRA custodian should have extensive experience administering accounts that hold non-traditional assets. SouthStar Bank’s IRA team brings specialized knowledge of Self-Directed IRAs and understands the documentation and procedures required to hold alternative assets within a retirement account properly. 2. Strong Compliance Practices IRS rules surrounding Self-Directed IRAs are strict, especially when it comes to prohibited transactions and disqualified persons. A reliable custodian should have established compliance processes to help ensure each transaction is properly structured. SouthStar Bank focuses on accurate recordkeeping and procedural oversight to help customers maintain compliance as they pursue their retirement strategies. 3. Transparent Fee Structure Understanding the true cost of your Self-Directed IRA is essential. Some custodians charge hidden or transaction-based fees that can add up over time. SouthStar Bank provides a clear fee schedule so customers know what to expect when opening and maintaining a Self-Directed IRA. Transparency helps investors plan more effectively and avoid surprises. 4. Timely Transaction Processing When investing in real estate or private assets, timing matters. Delayed funding or paperwork can result in lost opportunities. SouthStar Bank emphasizes efficient processing of Self-Directed IRA transactions, including purchases, sales, and required documentation, helping clients move forward with confidence when opportunities arise. 5. Personalized Customer Service Self-Directed IRAs are more complex than standard retirement accounts, making access to knowledgeable support especially important. SouthStar Bank offers personalized service through experienced professionals who can answer questions, explain procedures, and assist with account administration. This relationship-focused approach sets SouthStar Bank apart from large, impersonal custodians. 6. Security and Financial Stability Choosing a bank-based custodian offers additional peace of mind. SouthStar Bank operates in accordance with established regulatory standards and fiduciary practices, providing an added layer of trust and security for retirement assets. Customers benefit from working with a well-established financial institution that prioritizes data protection and internal controls. 7. Educational Support While custodians cannot provide investment advice, education plays an important role in helping investors understand how Self-Directed IRAs work. SouthStar Bank provides guidance on account structure, required documentation, and common pitfalls to avoid, helping customers make informed decisions about their retirement strategy. Choosing SouthStar Bank as Your Self-Directed IRA Custodian Selecting the right Self-Directed IRA custodian is about more than convenience; it’s about protecting your retirement plan and ensuring compliance. A custodian with experience, strong internal controls, transparent fees, and dependable service can make managing alternative investments significantly easier. SouthStar Bank offers the expertise, customer service, and […]

Employee News

by SouthStar BankFebruary 19, 2026

Welcome Eddie Pellecer! New Senior Vice President of Lending

Eddie Pellecer has joined the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin team as a Senior Vice President of Lending. Eddie holds nine years of experience in the banking industry, establishing a strong familiarity with the Austin market and developing expertise in commercial lending. Before his banking career, Eddie served four years in the United States Marine Corps. This experience helped shape his discipline, work ethic, and leadership style. Professionally, Eddie brings strong financial analysis and credit risk expertise, paired with a relationship-driven lending approach. He is experienced in structuring sound transactions that align the needs of both the client and the Bank, while maintaining disciplined underwriting standards. Clear communication, collaboration, and integrity are central to how he approaches every deal. Eddie is excited about the opportunity to lend in a true community-bank environment where relationships and local decision-making matter. He is passionate about working closely with business owners to help them grow and serve as a long-term financial partner, rather than treating lending as a transaction. He values the ability to see the direct impact community banking has on local businesses and families. Outside of work, Eddie enjoys running, mountain biking, traveling, and experiencing different cultures, as well as cooking and listening to music as ways to recharge. Welcome to the team, Eddie! NMLS# 2473416

Employee News

by SouthStar BankFebruary 11, 2026

Congratulations Sche Kehner! New Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager

Sche Kehner has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the SouthStar Bank Kerrville location. Sche has been in the banking industry for 16 years and has spent the last 4.5 years with SouthStar Bank. She has established herself as a staple of the Kerrville team by delivering consistent top-tier customer service. As the Branch Manager, Sche is excited to continue expanding her knowledge of the financial industry to provide exceptional experiences for her customers. She looks forward to leading her team of amazing individuals while maintaining the integrity and warmth of the Kerrville branch. Outside of work, Sche loves to go fishing, crack open a novel, or spend time with her family and her personal zoo of animals! She also loves to get involved with the community, often volunteering with the Salvation Army Kroc Center. Sche loves the children in her community, and the Salvation Army aligns with her philanthropic goals.

Technology

by SouthStar BankFebruary 2, 2026

Alerts & Account Monitoring: Tools to Stay in Control

Keeping a close eye on your finances is vital to making sure your money and personal information remain secure. SouthStar Bank offers several tools to help customers remain secure and actively monitor their accounts. Learn more about all the tools available and make sure to take advantage of the features that can help you! Secure Alerts SecureAlerts keeps users up to date about important account activity via instant text*, email, or your Online Banking message center. With SecureAlerts, users can decide which alerts to enable, how they are notified, and how often. Notification options include: Debit Card Purchases Account Balance Alerts ATM Withdrawals CD Approaching Maturity And more! Rest assured, you’ll receive the latest details on your account, and watch for any suspicious activity. The simple, secure service is free to all SouthStar Bank customers enrolled in online banking. Enroll today through the Online Banking Portal! Travel Alerts Travel Alerts allow users to update their debit card preferences so their card isn’t flagged for potential fraud while travelling! The process is quick and straightforward. Access Travel Alerts through the SouthStar Bank Mobile App and specify your travel dates and destination(s)! Card Manager Card Manager lets users quickly manage lost or stolen cards on the go! This feature is easily accessible through the SouthStar Bank Mobile App. Under the Manage My Cards section in the Mobile App, users will have access to: Set alerts to ensure safe, secure card usage Set spending limits Set card restrictions based on location Turn off a debit card if you suspect it is lost And more! Positive Pay Positive Pay allows business owners to further protect their business from check and ACH fraud! The way this service works is simple: whenever the business writes checks, it uploads a list with details such as the check number, amount, and date. This information allows our SouthStar Bank team to verify all checks presented to your account. If the information matches, SouthStar Bank will process the transaction. If the information does not match, SouthStar Bank will notify the business owner and ask them to review the check and decide whether to pay it. For ACH payments, the process is quite similar. The customer will set up parameters based on selected criteria (e.g., dollar amount, originator) to block or flag specific ACH payments. Once set, any payments outside these parameters will be blocked or flagged, and the customer will receive a notification to review and decide whether to process the payment. Zelle Zelle® is a convenient way to send and receive money with friends, family, and others you trust through your mobile app or online banking portal. All that is needed is your recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number, and money will be available to use in minutes if they are already enrolled with Zelle®. Users can enroll in Zelle today through Bill Pay on their Online Banking portal. It is always essential to verify legitimacy before sending money to someone. Follow these tips to stay secure! Make sure […]

General Education

by SouthStar BankJanuary 28, 2026

Tips to Get Ready for Tax Season

Tax season has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized households. A little preparation now can help you avoid last-minute stress, reduce errors, and even uncover opportunities to save money. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a tax professional, using these tax tips to get ready for tax season can help you feel confident and prepared. 1. Gather and Organize Key Tax Documents One of the most critical portions of tax preparation is gathering essential documents early. Important documents can include W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and investment income records. If you’re self-employed, organize business income and expense receipts. You can review what documents you may need on the IRS website. Keeping everything organized in one secure place makes filing taxes more straightforward and more efficient. Tax forms for SouthStar Bank accounts can be accessed through your Online Banking portal. 2. Review Last Year’s Tax Return Reviewing last year’s return can highlight deductions or credits you may qualify for again. It also helps identify changes such as a new job or increased income, a home purchase, or a growing family that may affect your tax return this year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed into law 7/4/2025) has significant effects on credits and deductions; you can review all of these provisions here. 3. Track Deductible Expenses Throughout the Year Many taxpayers miss out on valuable tax deductions because their expenses are not tracked consistently. Medical costs, student loan interest, charitable donations, and education expenses may be deductible. Keeping a running list is a great practice to adopt going forward if you are not currently tracking these expenses consistently. 4. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as IRAs, can help lower your taxable income while building long-term savings. Depending on eligibility, you may be able to make contributions before the tax filing deadline. SouthStar Bank offers retirement savings options that support both financial planning and tax savings strategies. Contact your local branch to learn more! 5. Review and Adjust Tax Withholding If you owed taxes or received a large refund last year, it may be time to adjust your withholding. Updating your W-4 can help align your paycheck with your tax liability, improve cash flow, and help you avoid unwelcome surprises during tax filing season. 6. For More Complex Returns, Consider Working with a Tax Professional Tax laws change often, and situations involving small businesses, investments, or significant life events can make tax preparation more complex. A qualified tax professional can help you identify credits, deductions, and compliance requirements you may overlook. 7. File Early and Use Direct Deposit Filing early helps protect against tax-related identity theft and speeds up refunds. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, and the IRS is currently working to phase out all paper tax refund checks. Following this change, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers without a bank account to open one so they can receive refunds by direct deposit. Prepare for Tax […]

Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 28, 2026

Congratulations Shirley Sears! New Branch Executive & Senior Vice President of Lending

Shirley Sears has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive of the SouthStar Bank Leander branch. Shirley has more than two decades of experience in the banking industry and has spent the last 3.5 years as a cornerstone of the Leander team. Throughout her time at SouthStar Bank, Shirley’s strong work ethic and lending expertise have allowed her to consistently provide stability, guidance, and support to her clients and fellow employees. As a leader of the Leander team, she is most excited about the opportunity to lead her team and make an even larger positive impact on the branch. She looks forward to further expanding SouthStar Bank’s presence throughout the Leander and Cedar Park areas. Outside of work, Shirley remains highly involved in the community. She is currently serving on the board of the Leander Chamber of Commerce and is also participating in the Cedar Park Leadership Program. When she finds time for herself, she often enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, listening to live music, or spending the day out at the lake. Congratulations Shirley! NMLS# 1464584

General Education, Important Notice, Scams

by SouthStar BankJanuary 23, 2026

Scam Updates

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal personal and financial information, often by pretending to be trusted businesses, government agencies, or even friends and family. Educating yourself on current scams is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, as awareness helps you recognize red flags before damage is done. By staying informed and knowing how to verify suspicious messages or requests, you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your information secure. Please keep checking this blog for updates on current scams we are seeing in the financial industry. January 2026 ACH Scams: ACH fraud is the unauthorized transfer of funds from a bank account, often initiated by criminals who obtain account credentials through phishing, data breaches, or social engineering to execute fraudulent electronic debits or credits, exploiting the speed of the Automated Clearing House network. Check Scams: Check fraud is the illegal act of forging, altering, or stealing checks to illicitly acquire funds from a victim’s bank account. USA Warranty Scam: Scammers are sending letters by mail asking you to contact them to verify your home warranty, which they claim is secured by SouthStar Bank. SouthStar Bank does not require this type of warranty and is also not associated with this company. January 26-30: Happy Identity Theft Awareness Week! Remember, identity theft can happen to anyone at any age. Educate yourself to protect yourself! November 2025 Impersonation Scam: Fraudsters are making calls, sending texts, and emailing recipients impersonating SouthStar Bank employees to request personal account information. A true SouthStar Bank team member will never contact you to ask for personal information. If someone tries to contact you, hang up and contact your local branch immediately using your branch’s direct number. What To Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed If you believe someone is trying to scam you, stop engaging with them immediately and do not share any personal or financial information. Avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or responding to urgent or threatening messages. Always take your time in verifying the request by contacting SouthStar Bank or the person they are imitating directly using a trusted phone number or website, not the contact details provided in the message. Finally, report the attempt to your bank, employer, or the appropriate authorities so they can help protect you and others from future scams.

General Education, Savings

by SouthStar BankJanuary 14, 2026

Financial Resolutions for the New Year

The new year is the perfect time to reset your financial goals and build habits that support long-term success. Whether you’re focused on saving more, paying down debt, or planning for the future, setting clear financial resolutions can help you start the year with confidence. At SouthStar Bank, we’re here to help you turn those resolutions into realistic, achievable steps toward a stronger financial future. 1. Evaluate Your Spending Review your spending from the previous year by reviewing your bank and credit card statements. Understanding where you’ve spent in the past is a great way to identify areas where you can save in the new year! 2. Reassess Your Budget An annual budget review is an excellent idea as we head into the new year! Review how you performed against your budget in the previous year. Identify areas where spending was too high and adjust for the new year. Assess any new fixed or variable costs you anticipate will impact you and ensure you plan for them. 3. Stay Consistent and Track Your Progress Consistency is paramount when it comes to your financial goals. Tracking your progress weekly or monthly is a great way to ensure you stay on target while also encouraging you to keep working toward your goal! 4. Automate Savings/Payments Making the most of automation can be a great way to ensure you stay on track with savings goals and don’t miss any recurring payments. You can set up automated bill payments as well as automated transfers through your Online Banking login. 5. Establish or Evaluate Your Emergency Fund An emergency fund is a vital backdrop for your finances. Determining exactly how much you need in your emergency fund depends on several factors (number of dependents, income stability, cost of living, etc.). Establishing an emergency fund if you don’t have one currently should be a priority. If you already have a fund established, it is still best practice to review it annually to ensure it remains sufficient. 6. Establish an Estate Plan Preparing for the future is never a bad idea. Establishing an Estate Plan can offer you peace of mind and allow you to evaluate your current assets. If you already have an Estate Plan in place, it is never a bad idea to review your plan annually to ensure you make any necessary adjustments. 7. Evaluate Contributions to IRA/HSA/401 (k) IRA, HSA, and 401 (k) accounts all offer unique benefits that consumers should take advantage of when possible. Evaluate your current contributions and ensure you are getting the most from these accounts! The updated contribution limits for 401 (k) and IRA accounts in 2026 can be found 8. Pay Off High-Interest Debt It is always wise to prioritize your high-interest debt (credit card debt, payday loans, private student loans, etc.). These interest rates are often higher than your returns on investments and savings and thus can eat into your savings potential. Consolidating debt can potentially help to lower your interest rate. Using the Snowball or […]