*Scams involving stealing personal information are at an all time high across the financial industry. It is important to keep yourself informed and alert. Click HERE to read about ongoing scams in the financial industry.*
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Stay Informed! Protect yourself from scams by staying informed about the latest trends.
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.
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.
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 Avalanche Method can also help prioritize debts.
9. Improve Your Credit
Regularly monitoring your credit score is always the best practice. You can check your credit score for free annually from any of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Make sure to always make credit payments on time; this can be assisted by setting up autopay to help you improve your score. Using credit cards and other lines of credit responsibly is vital to maintaining your financial health and viability.
Financial resolutions aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. By setting clear goals and taking small, consistent steps, you can create positive financial habits that last well beyond the new year. Whether you’re building savings, managing debt, or planning for what’s next, SouthStar Bank is here to support you with the tools, guidance, and personal service you need to stay on track all year long. Let this be the year your financial goals turn into lasting success.
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 four regions for exemplifying the community bank spirit through active involvement in worthy causes and initiatives throughout the area.
Barbara Shaffer
Kyla Gesell
Daniel Desselle
Melissa Chavez
STAR SERVICE AWARD
The Star Service Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for service above and beyond the expected norm. Recipients consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of our products and services, as well as an intuitive understanding of our clients’ needs. Recipients consistently exemplify the SouthStar mantra of providing friendly, flexible common-sense financial services.
Fatima Alamilla
Kali Gaskill
Laura Desselle
Laura Blackstock
BRANCH OF THE YEAR
The Branch of the Year award was created to celebrate a branch’s achievements as a team. Multiple factors are taken into consideration including loans, deposits, internal operations, marketing efforts, and community outreach.
Franklin
ANNIVERSARIES
50 YEARS: Jo Ann Biezenski
35 YEARS: Carla Meisetschleager
30 YEARS: David Kapavik, Kevin Knesek, Mary Kujawa
25 YEARS: Melissa Greger, Jenny Currie
20 YEARS: Laura Blackstock, Tamara Siegel
10 YEARS: Kacy Kirk, Samantha Alexander, Sarah Ortega, Mark Kelly, Elizabeth Lorrick
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 SERVICE NOMINEES: Aften Serrano, Amanda Jordan, Amy Coldeway, Bailey Edgington, Billy Fleming, Brandy Rumfolo, Bridget Brosh, Carla Meisetschleager, Christine McGinnis, Davonica Rembert, Dawn Embry, Dayton Mejias, Deanna Ford, Debra Morris, Donna Corley, Fatima Alamilla, Glenn Walsh, Hillary Hernandez, Jenny Currie, Joey Patek, Kacy Kirk, Kali Gaskill, Katherine Frederick, Kerri Gonzalez, Kimberly Moore, Kristy Hollis, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Laura Desselle, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Maggie Womack, Mariela Tinajero, Mark Kelly, Meghan Rabel, Melissa Chavez, Melissa Greger, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Michelle Felde, Monica Chavez, Riley Martine, Rosie Weaver, Sam Bell, Samantha Alexander, Samantha Myers, Samantha Schulz, Sara Huggins, Sarah Ortega, Sharon Green, Shelby Mossman, Steffani Scarborough, Stephanie Chaffin, Terry Thompson, Torie Adkins
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT NOMINEES: Anthony Albino, Barbara Shaffer, Bryan Buck, Daniel Desselle, Davonica Rembert, Debra Morris, Glenn Walsh, Greg Vesely, Hillary Hernandez, Ivan Garcia, Jo Ann Biezenski, Jeff Harris, Kevin Knesek, Kimberly Moore, Kimberly Watson, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Mary Kujawa, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Monica Chavez, Pam Browning, Rosie Weaver, Samalia Huggins, Sara Huggins, Sche Kehner, Shirley Sears, Stephanie Chaffin, Torie Adkins, Tracy Talkington, Tyler Narro
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.
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!
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, keep vacation savings separate from your emergency fund to avoid dipping into the wrong account.
8. Reduce Subscriptions and Recurring Expenses
Subscriptions and recurring expenses can be a silent killer for your savings goals. Take time before the new year to review your current subscriptions and recurring expenses, and eliminate unnecessary spending to boost your 2026 savings!
9. Save Windfalls and Bonuses
Commit to saving portions of bonuses or pay increases as they come in. These windfalls can provide an excellent boost for your savings and keep you on track in case any unexpected expenses have thrown you off track.
10. Review Your Savings Strategy Annually
Your life is constantly evolving, and so should your savings plan. Reviewing your 2025 financial picture is vital to setting yourself up for success in 2026. An annual review of your finances allows you to adjust your strategy to stay aligned with your current needs.
