Resources for Texas Communities Following the July 2025 Floods

SSB 783 Resources Kerr Williamson FB 2025 07 v1 (002)

Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas this past weekend. SouthStar Bank stands ready to support those in need during this difficult time. We are committed to being a resource for our neighbors.

Please note that law enforcement officials are asking the public not to self-deploy for relief efforts. However, there are many safe and meaningful ways to get involved. Below is a list of resources for everyone impacted or wanting to help during this difficult time.

Residents Impacted by the Floods

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association): Disaster assistance customer service at 800-621-3362, or by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
- DR-4879-TX Texas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding Information
Disaster Distress Helpline – Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov.
Check Road Conditions: DriveTexas.org
Flooding Resources: TexasFlood.org‍
Flood Safety Tips: Ready.gov/floods‍
Call 2-1-1 for information on evacuation shelters, or visit tdem.texas.gov/shelter‍

Homeowners Impacted by the Floods

3 steps homeowners should take after a natural disaster:

1. Talk to a housing counselor at no cost to you by calling 1-855-HERE2HELP or schedule an appointment.
2. Contact your insurance company
3. Contact your mortgage loan servicer

How To Help

The Red Cross
The Salvation Army
Austin Pets Alive!
World Central Kitchen
SouthStar Bank Relief Fund

Assistance for Small Business Owners

SBA Disaster assistance: SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

SouthStar Bank Relief Fund

SouthStar Bank has opened two accounts dedicated to relief efforts for communities in Kerr and Williamson County impacted by the recent floods. Donations can be made in person or, if you prefer, by check, payable to SouthStar Bank. All 16 SouthStar Bank branches will accept donations through July 31. Locations within Williamson County include Georgetown and Leander, and within Kerr County, the Kerrville branch. SouthStar Bank has initiated fundraising efforts by making a $2,500 donation to both the Kerr County and Williamson County Relief Funds.

For more information, contact your local SouthStar Bank branch.

Be Aware of Fraud & Scams

How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters
Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters
How to/Where to report a scam
Charity and Disaster Fraud
Change of Address: If you need to update your address, please use the United States Postal Service website or visit a post office to make any necessary changes.

5 Benefits of a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)

When planning for retirement, most consumers assume that traditional options, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, or employer-sponsored plans, which typically include mutual funds and stocks, are the only available options. However, many people long to have more control over their retirement and are unaware of the other options available. Enter the Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) — a powerful yet often overlooked retirement account that puts the customer in control of their investments. Understanding the benefits of using a self-directed IRA will help an investor optimize their retirement planning.

Benefits of Self-Directed IRAs:

Expanded Investment Options

Unlike traditional IRAs, SDIRAs allow account holders to invest in a variety of investment options, including:

Real estate (residential, commercial, raw land)
Precious metals (gold, silver, etc.)
Tax Liens
Private Equity/Companies

Having investment control opens up opportunities for higher returns, better diversification, and investment in areas where investors have personal knowledge and expertise.

Diversification Outside of the Stock Market

Relying solely on the stock market can expose your retirement to volatility amidst economic downturns. With a SDIRA, investors can hedge against inflation and market risk by investing in hard assets or alternative markets. For instance, real estate or private lending can provide stable, passive income streams even when the stock market is down.

Tax Advantages

Just like traditional and Roth IRAs, SDIRAs offer tax-deferred growth depending on the account type:

Traditional SDIRA: Contributions are tax-deductible, and growth is tax-deferred until withdrawal.
Roth SDIRA: Account holders make contributions after tax, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free.

Greater Control and Flexibility

With an SDIRA, the account holder has complete control over their investment. They decide which assets to invest in and when to make a move, which is especially attractive to experienced investors or entrepreneurs who want more input in the use of their retirement funds.

Potential for Higher Returns

By investing in assets, the account holder will typically invest in options that they have a strong understanding of and feel confident will be a beneficial investment. One commonly chosen investment is real estate used as rental properties. Building a portfolio centered around unique investments may generate higher returns than a traditional stock-based portfolio. While these investments may carry higher risk, they also offer the potential for substantial rewards.

Before Opening a SDIRA

While SDIRAs offer numerous advantages, they also include additional responsibilities for the investor. For example, account holders must avoid prohibited transactions (such as self-dealing or using SDIRA assets for personal benefit) and follow IRS rules carefully. It’s critical to work with a qualified custodian, such as SouthStar Bank, and consult with financial or legal professionals who have experience working with SDIRAs.

In Conclusion

A Self-Directed IRA isn’t for everyone, but for investors looking to diversify and take control of their retirement planning, it could be a top account option. Whether you’re a real estate investor or simply looking to escape market dependency, an SDIRA gives you the flexibility to build a retirement portfolio on your terms.

Interested in starting your SDIRA journey? SouthStar Bank is ready to help you with the next steps. Contact our dedicated team of IRA experts to get started!

Secure Documents: What to Keep and How Long

Over the years, the number of essential documents in your possession often stacks up. The accumulation of documents can make it increasingly challenging to determine which documents should be kept secure and for how long. Outlined below is a list of several documents that are vital to keep safe and secure, along with a rough timeline for their retention.

Forever Documents:

Birth Certificates
Marriage and Divorce Records
Social Security Cards
Loan Payoff Statements
Retirement/Pension Records
Estate Documents
Military Service Records
Death Certificates
Loan Documents
- Loan Statements and Documents should be kept until the loan is paid off, at which point you should keep the Loan Payoff Statement
Vehicle Titles
- Titles should be held for as long as you own the vehicle
Home Improvement Purchase Receipts
- Proof of all home improvements should be kept until you sell the home
Investment Statements

Three to Seven Years:

Tax Records
Medical Bills

One Year:

Credit Card Statements

While keeping physical and/or original copies of these documents is beneficial, it is also wise to scan important documents and store them digitally on a secure device. For monthly, quarterly, or annual statements, options are often made available for electronic statement delivery. This can expedite the record-keeping process and prevent potential fraud in the event that one of your statements is lost or stolen. Always remember to keep your accounts updated in the event you change your email, phone number, home address, etc., to ensure no documents are delivered to the wrong place.

Source: The Washington Post

Welcome Hilary Hernandez

Hilary Hernandez, Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Gonzales

Hilary Hernandez has joined the SouthStar Bank Gonzales team as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Hilary is well-versed in banking, with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, including a year spent previously with SouthStar Bank. In her role as Branch Manager, Hilary is excited to bring her passion for customer service alongside her hunger to continue learning new things. She looks forward to instituting her inclusive style of leadership and helping her team learn and develop.

Outside of work, Hilary enjoys embarking on beach vacations, shopping, hosting backyard BBQs, and having movie nights with her kiddos! One of her crowning achievements is her career in banking, as well as her journey and development throughout her 18 years in the industry.

Welcome to the team, Hilary!

5 Benefits of a Health Savings Account (HSA)

When it comes to managing healthcare expenses and planning for the future, a Health Savings Account (HSA) offers more than just a way to pay for doctor visits. SouthStar Bank is proud to offer HSAs to our customers, as the benefits of a health savings account include several practical and financial advantages that can have a big impact on your overall financial wellness. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, here are five major benefits of opening and contributing to an HSA.

Triple Tax Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons to contribute to an HSA is the triple tax benefit. First, contributions are tax-deductible (or pre-tax if made through payroll), which lowers your taxable income. Second, any interest or investment gains in the account grow tax-free. Third, withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.

This rare combination makes HSAs one of the most tax-efficient savings tools available—more advantageous than even traditional retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s when it comes to medical spending.

Funds Roll Over Year After Year

An HSA allows your unused funds to roll over indefinitely. You don’t have to worry about spending the money by the end of the year. Instead, you can let your balance grow year after year, building a cushion for future healthcare costs.

This feature makes HSAs ideal not only for short-term medical expenses but also for long-term financial planning.

You Own the Account

An HSA is yours—even if you change jobs, switch health plans, or retire. It’s not tied to your employer, which means you keep the account and the funds no matter where life takes you. That’s different from some other workplace benefits that may be lost or changed when you leave a job.

This portability gives you greater control and peace of mind, knowing your healthcare savings remain intact and accessible.

Use Funds for a Wide Range of Expenses

You can use HSA funds to pay for a long list of qualified medical expenses. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and even certain over-the-counter medications. You can also use it to cover expenses for your spouse and dependents—even if they’re not on your health plan.

After age 65, HSA account holders can use funds for any expense—medical or not—without penalty. You’ll just pay regular income tax on non-medical withdrawals, similar to a traditional IRA or 401(k).

Flexible Contribution Options

HSAs are simple to fund and manage. You can contribute through payroll deductions (if offered by your employer), make direct deposits from your bank account, or even contribute by check. You can make contributions at any time during the year, up to the IRS annual limits. For 2025, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 and families up to $8,550.

This flexibility helps you tailor your contributions to fit your budget and financial goals, whether you’re planning for upcoming medical expenses or saving for the future.

Health Savings Accounts are more than just a way to pay for your next doctor’s visit, they’re a versatile, tax-advantaged financial tool that can help you plan for healthcare costs now and in the future. If you qualify, take advantage of the many benefits of a Health Savings Account could be one of the smartest moves you make for your financial and physical well-being.

Looking to open your HSA today? Contact your local SouthStar Bank branch and our experts will be happy to assist you!

Operations Update 6.7.25

IMPORTANT OPERATIONS NOTICE

To enhance our systems and better serve you, we will be upgrading our data center over the weekend. This necessary conversion will improve long-term reliability, security, and performance.

During the transition, our Online Banking will be in inquiry-only mode with transactions history only appearing for transactions prior to Friday, June 6th at 5:00pm. During this time, debit card limits may also be impacted. Zelle®, money transfers, and mobile deposits—will not be accessible. If you currently use your debit card for person-to-person payments apps those funds will be unavailable during this period.

The systems will be restored on Monday, June 9, 2025. We encourage you to plan ahead and appreciate your understanding as we work to bring you an even better banking experience.