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Author: SouthStar Bank

Posted in General Education, Savings
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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 […]

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Posted in Bank News
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Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2025

RIDE FOR THE BRAND The Ride for the Brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank brand. In the cowboy days, when you worked for a big ranch or participated in a trail drive, the cowboy was loyal to the Brand he “rode for.”  Guys that rode for the brand had deep connections representing the ranch that transcended their daily work.  To strengthen our culture, we continue to need employees that are a good example of this type of steadfast loyalty and who support our mission, vision, and values. Loan Officer- Ivan Garcia Operations- Davonica Rembert Support Operations- Jeremy Bernal Support Lending- Melissa Greger RIDE FOR THE BRAND NOMINEES: Tracy Talkington, Kimberly Watson, Ivan Garcia, Anthony Albino, Davonica Rembert, Kali Gaskill, Jeremy Bernal, Lucia Fernandez, Amy Coldeway, Felicia Hamilton, Melissa Greger, Christine McGinnis STAR LEADER The Star Leader award is a special award given to applaud and promote the work and contributions of our most senior team. These individuals articulate a compelling vision for the institution and have inspired others to that vision. They actively support all aspects of our Bank’s advancement and show the highest commitment to professional growth. Recipients deserve exceptional notice and praise. Gary Mobbs Roni Nickelson Sam Bell TRAIL BOSS We also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership roles. On a cattle drive, Trail Boss is the one in charge of the entire operation – keeping track of all the different elements of the drive, selecting routes, and making key decisions. Our Trail Boss awards go to those who have helped guide our teams, selected routes for new and expanded operations, and supported key initiatives to exceed expectations. We can all agree that this year brought many new challenges, and the executive team appreciates those who helped set the path for success. Kacy Kirk Stephanie Nevlud Pam Browning Dawn Embry PRESIDENT’S AWARD This prestigious recognition is awarded by the bank president, David Kapavik, to the individual he and the executive team feel has made the strongest contribution to the organization over the past year. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits. Keely McCarthy Jo Ann Biezenski Greg Vesely Doug Foster RISING STAR AWARD These individuals have been with the bank for less than two years, but have already made our star shine brighter. These emerging leaders were selected by the executive committee in each department because of their exceptional growth and contributions to the organization, as well as increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact. Operations- Jean Ann McCarthy Support Lending- Robert Gordon Support Operations- Chris Benavides INVESTAR SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients. Stephanie Chaffin COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement Award recognizes one recipient in each of our […]

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Posted in Employee News
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Congratulations Tracy Talkington! New Branch Executive & Senior Vice President of Lending

Tracy Talkington has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive at the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch. Tracy has spent the last two years with SouthStar Bank as a Vice President of Lending, with 5 years of total lending experience alongside 13 years in real estate as a realtor and business manager. In her new role, Tracy is focused on working alongside her team to grow deposits and loans, support day-to-day operations, and strengthen their presence in the Round Rock community, all while delivering an excellent client experience! Tracy currently serves as Vice President of Membership for Professional Women of Williamson County (PWOW), a local organization that connects, supports, and empowers women through professional development, leadership, and community involvement. Tracy also recently completed the Round Rock Chamber’s Leadership Program, a year-long program designed to develop community leaders while building strong relationships across the Round Rock business and nonprofit community. Outside of the office, Tracy can be found tending to her garden, working on home projects, or travelling with her husband to keep up with all their kids’ activities. Congratulations Tracy!

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Posted in General Education
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Snowball vs Avalanche: Two Smart Ways to Pay Off Debt

Managing debt is always a great financial resolution, but finding the right repayment strategy is vital to making sure you accomplish your goals. Two of the most effective and widely recommended approaches are the snowball and avalanche debt repayment methods. At SouthStar Bank, we believe understanding your options is the first step toward long-term financial success. The Snowball Method: Build Momentum with Quick Wins The snowball method prioritizes paying off debts from the smallest balance to the largest. You make minimum payments on all accounts and apply any extra funds to your smallest debt first. Once it’s paid off, you roll that payment into the next smallest balance. This approach is popular because it delivers quick victories, helping people stay motivated and committed to their debt payoff plan. The Avalanche Method: Save More on Interest Over Time The avalanche method focuses on interest rates rather than balances. With this strategy, you target debts with the highest interest rates first while continuing minimum payments on the rest. Over time, this approach typically reduces the total interest paid and can help you become debt-free faster. It’s an ideal option for those focused on long-term savings and financial efficiency. Which Debt Repayment Method Is Best for You? Both methods are effective and offer their own benefits; the right choice depends on your financial goals and personal motivation style. Whether you’re seeking momentum or maximum interest savings, consistency is the key to success! At SouthStar Bank, our team is here to help provide you with the right knowledge and tools your repayment strategy, making paying off debt feel more achievable and building your financial stability for the years to come!

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Posted in Savings
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10 Ways to Maximize Your Savings in 2026

Your finances are constantly evolving, and your savings plan should be no different. 2026 is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your savings strategy! Whether you’re building an emergency fund, planning for a home or major purchase, or preparing for the future, small habits can make a significant impact over time. Here are ten practical ways to maximize your savings in 2026, with guidance to help you make the most of your money at SouthStar Bank. 1. Set Clear Savings Goals It is essential to start your savings journey by clearly defining what you’re saving for. Whether it’s a fund for emergencies, travel, a home, or retirement, clear goals help you stay motivated and choose the proper savings accounts to support your plans. A great way to set realistic savings goals is by using the S.M.A.R.T. method. Specific – clearly state your goal (e.g., how much you want to save each month) Measurable – ensure you can measure your success (e.g., savings growth) Attainable – set goals you know you can achieve Relevant – set goals pertinent to your needs Time-Based – set a clear deadline for the goal Basing your goals on the S.M.A.R.T. method will ensure they are attainable and increase your chances of achieving savings success. 2. Automate Your Savings Automating your savings is one of the easiest ways to ensure you stay on track with your savings goals. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account at SouthStar Bank is easy and available to all customers through our online banking platform. 3. Take Advantage of Account Alerts It can be challenging to stay on top of spending when there are so many purchases and recurring payments coming out of your account. An excellent way for SouthStar Bank customers to combat this is to use Secure Alerts through the online banking portal. Secure Alerts allows you to stay in control of your money with real-time account alerts covering: Debit Card Purchases Balance Alert ATM Withdrawal Cleared Checks 4. Review and Adjust Your Budget It is essential to review your budget and spending habits from 2025 and work to identify areas where you can cut back. Minor adjustments to your spending habits can add up to a significant amount by the end of the year. 5. Build or Strengthen Your Emergency Fund Financial experts recommend saving three to six months of expenses. Keeping your emergency fund in a FDIC-insured savings account at SouthStar Bank provides peace of mind and easy access when needed. 6. Reduce Debt to Increase Savings Power High-interest debt can be a lingering hindrance to your savings. Prioritizing high-interest debts, such as credit card debt or personal loans, can be a great way to free up money for future savings. 7. Separate Short-Term and Long-Term Savings Staying organized with your finances is vital to accurately tracking your savings goals. Having separate accounts for different savings goals can be a great way to keep things in order. For example, […]

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Posted in Checking, Savings
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Checking vs Savings Accounts: What’s the Difference?

When you’re building a strong financial foundation, one of the first steps is understanding the difference between a checking account and a savings account. Although both are essential banking tools, they serve very different purposes. It is important to understand the key differences between these accounts and how SouthStar Bank can help you choose the right accounts for your financial needs. What Is a Checking Account? A checking account is best for everyday money management. It’s designed for frequent transactions, such as paying bills, making debit card purchases, and receiving direct deposits. Key features of checking accounts at SouthStar Bank include: Unlimited transactions Online and mobile banking Debit card access Options like our Star Free Checking with no monthly service charge and no minimum daily balance Because checking accounts prioritize easy access, they typically offer little or no interest. Their main advantage is flexibility, allowing you to manage daily finances with minimal restrictions. What Is a Savings Account? A savings account is meant for storing and growing money over time. It’s ideal for building emergency funds, large purchases, or long-term savings goals. SouthStar Bank’s savings options include: Traditional Savings Accounts with a modest minimum balance requirement Money Market Savings Accounts with higher interest potential and higher balance requirements Health Savings Accounts with unique advantages for those enrolled in High Deductible Health Plans Savings accounts are structured for less frequent withdrawals, making them perfect for setting money aside rather than using it for daily spending. Checking vs. Savings: The Key Differences When comparing checking and savings accounts, the main differences center on usage, accessibility, and earning potential. Purpose Checking: Best for day-to-day banking and frequent transactions Savings: Designed for long-term money accumulation and achieving financial goals Access to Funds Checking: Unlimited access, ideal for regular spending Savings: Limited withdrawals encourage saving rather than spending Interest Rates Checking: Usually non-interest or low interest Savings: Typically pays interest, helping your money grow Fees & Requirements Checking: SouthStar Bank offers no-fee and low-fee options with no minimum balances Savings: These accounts often require minimum balances to avoid service charges Which Account Do You Need? Many people benefit from using both accounts strategically. Use your checking account for bills, income deposits, and everyday expenses. Use your savings account to build financial security, reach long-term goals, and earn interest. If you receive your direct deposit (or other consistent deposits) to your checking account, setting up recurring transfers from checking to savings can help automate your financial growth and keep spending in check. Why Choose SouthStar Bank? SouthStar Bank combines modern digital banking tools with personalized service you can only find at a community bank. From checking and savings to everything in between, SouthStar offers accounts designed to support your financial life at every stage! Ready to get started? Have any questions? Reach out to your local branch today!

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Posted in IRA Accounts, Retirement
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Saving For Retirement in Your 30’s: The IRA Advantage

Your 30s are often marked by major financial milestones, such as buying a home, starting a family, and advancing your career. With so many competing priorities, saving for retirement can easily slip down the list. Still, this decade of your life is actually one of the most important times to focus on your financial future! An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a great way to help you build long-term security without requiring a significant investment upfront. Why Your 30s Matter for Retirement Planning By your 30s, you’ve likely settled into your career and are earning more consistently than in your early 20s. This will give you a unique advantage while retirement planning: time plus earning power. Every dollar you save now can grow for decades through compound interest, making it much easier to reach your retirement goals later. Starting early doesn’t just mean more savings; it means flexibility. A solid retirement foundation can give you greater freedom to handle life’s surprises and make future decisions with confidence. The IRA Advantage An IRA is one of the most effective tools for retirement savings because it offers tax benefits, flexibility, and control over investments. Even if you already contribute to a workplace retirement plan, an IRA can help you build additional savings on your own terms. There are two primary types of IRAs to consider: Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, which can lower your taxable income today Investments grow tax-deferred Qualified withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income Pay taxes when you withdraw the funds in retirement, ideally at a lower tax rate Roth IRA: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars Investments grow tax-free Qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. Great option for younger earners who expect their income (and tax rate) to rise over time. For 2025, the IRA contribution limit is $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). Even small, consistent contributions can make a significant difference. Get Started with SouthStar Bank Your 30s are the perfect time to take control of your retirement strategy. With an IRA from SouthStar Bank, you can turn today’s small steps into tomorrow’s financial independence. Visit your local SouthStar Bank branch or explore our IRA options online to start building lasting retirement security, one wise decision at a time. Whether you’re opening your first IRA or looking to roll over an existing account, SouthStar Bank offers personalized guidance and local service to make the process simple and stress-free! Have any questions? Reach out to our IRA experts at 512.384.3948 or IRA@southstarbank.com, and they will be happy to assist!

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Posted in Mortgage Lending
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SouthStar Bank Mortgage Programs: Helping Texans Achieve Homeownership

For more than a century, SouthStar Bank has been helping Texans achieve their dreams of homeownership through personalized service, flexible financing, and local decision-making. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to your forever home, or refinancing an existing mortgage, SouthStar Bank’s local experts are here to help you find the right loan for your needs! Personalized Mortgage Solutions with a Local Touch At SouthStar Bank, we treat every loan as more than a transaction; we treat it as a relationship. As a community bank with deep Texas roots, SouthStar Bank’s mortgage professionals take the time to understand your needs, identify the best loan program for you, and guide you through every step of the homebuying process. With underwriting decisions made locally, borrowers benefit from faster approvals and genuine customer care you won’t find with larger national lenders. A Range of Mortgage Options for Every Buyer SouthStar Bank offers a variety of home loan programs to serve a wide range of borrowers: Conventional Loans: Ideal for buyers with strong credit and established savings, offering competitive rates and flexible down payment options. VA Loans: Exclusively for qualified veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses, VA loans offer zero down payment options and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). ITIN Loans: Specifically designed for those pursuing homeownership without a Social Security Number. Jumbo Loans: For luxury properties or higher-priced homes that exceed conventional loan limits, SouthStar Bank provides customized jumbo loan solutions. Rural Living Loans: Available for customers looking for something more than a postage-stamp lot and big-city congestion. Refinance: Refinancing options as rates change Lot and Construction Loans: Funding options from raw land to construction and permanent mortgage financing Empowering First-Time Homebuyers Buying your first home can feel overwhelming but with SouthStar Bank, it doesn’t have to be. The H.O.P.E. Home Loan Program is designed to make homeownership more accessible, affordable, and less intimidating. H.O.P.E. Loan Advantages: No downpayment required No mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement No origination fees No SouthStar Bank closing costs While first-time buyers get to take advantage of low-down payment options, down payment assistance, and competitive fixed-rate loans tailored to fit their budget. They also get access to SouthStar Bank’s expert loan officers, who offer local expertise, one-on-one guidance, education on credit requirements and loan terms, and what to expect at closing. Start Your Homeownership Journey Today Whether you’re just starting to explore homeownership or ready to apply for a mortgage, SouthStar Bank is here to help you every step of the way. With local expertise, flexible loan options, and a commitment to putting people first, SouthStar Bank is more than a lender, it’s your homebuying partner. Ready to get started? Contact your local branch or start your application today!

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Posted in Employee News
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Welcome Blake Anderson

Blake Anderson, Assistant Vice President of Lending & Portfolio Manager | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Blake Anderson has joined the SouthStar Bank Georgetown team as an Assistant Vice President of Lending and Portfolio Manager. Blake has five years of experience in the banking industry and specializes in Portfolio and Secondary-Market loans. Being a part of such an important milestone in people’s lives has given Blake a love for his profession. Helping them understand their options, feel confident in their decisions, and finally get the keys to their new home is one of the most fulfilling parts of Blake’s position. Having been born and raised in Georgetown, Blake looks forward to joining the SouthStar Bank team and giving back to the community that shaped him. His deep Georgetown roots have taught him the importance of local relationships, and he looks forward to helping customers and local businesses thrive and grow! Outside of work, Blake enjoys golfing, watching baseball, or walking the Georgetown Square. He has also become involved in the community, serving as Co-Founder and Vice President of a BNI Group called Ultra Hospitality, which focuses on networking with other local professionals and businesses. Blake also co-founded a run club in Georgetown, a testament to his commitment to keeping the community connected. Welcome to the team, Blake! NMLS# 2237200

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Posted in Employee News
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Welcome Angela Sanchez

Angela Sanchez, Assistant Vice President of Lending | SouthStar Bank Harker Heights Angela Sanchez joins SouthStar Bank Harker Heights as an Assistant Vice President of Lending. Angela brings a wealth of experience, having spent more than 2 decades in the banking industry. Leveraging her expertise and experience, Angela delivers innovative financial solutions that meet her clients’ complex needs while upholding risk management standards. By establishing genuine, long-term relationships with both new and existing clients, she consistently uncovers new lending opportunities that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Angela’s commitment to exceptional service has earned her clients’ confidence and loyalty over the years. She finds joy in helping clients identify the right loan for their needs, not only now, but in the years to come! In her role, Angela looks forward to contributing to SouthStar Bank’s strong reputation for personalized service and community-focused banking. Joining a team that values both innovation and relationship building aligns perfectly with her approach to lending. Angela is eager to apply her experience in developing creative financing solutions, deepening client relationships, and helping the bank continue to grow. Angela is consistently active in community service initiatives that promote local development and support those in need. She dedicates time to mentoring emerging small business owners, guiding them to build a strong foundation for growth and sustainability. Additionally, Angela contributes to the planning and marketing of community food and toy drives, ensuring these efforts effectively reach and benefit local families. When she finds time to herself, Angela enjoys spending time with her family and friends and staying active outdoors. Welcome to the team, Angela! NMLS# 452289

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