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

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 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 […]

Bank News

by SouthStar BankDecember 23, 2025

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 […]

Employee News

by SouthStar BankDecember 23, 2025

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!

General Education

by SouthStar BankDecember 20, 2025

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!

Savings

by SouthStar BankDecember 17, 2025

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, […]

Checking, Savings

by SouthStar BankDecember 4, 2025

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!