Safety and Security Collide as Banks Mask Up

Before the pandemic, the idea of wearing a mask into a bank or other financial institution probably seemed highly questionable. We’ve all seen ...

Paycheck Protection Program Pumped Hundreds of Millions into Valley Economy

federal stimulus helped saved as many as 40,000 jobs in three counties

The federal Paycheck Protection Program had a massive impact on the Chippewa Valley economy, pumping as much as nearly half a billion dollars into local businesses and nonprofits and saving as many as 40,000 jobs, at least temporarily ...

Northwestern Bank: ‘Craft Banking’ Approach Caters to Small Businesses Across the Valley

If you’re looking for Northwestern Bank President Jerry Jacobson, you’re just as likely to find him in his office as you are to catch him at a nonprofit board meeting, handing out a giant check, or volunteering ...

Westconsin Credit Union: Buying a New (Or New-To-You) Vehicle Is Easy If You Keep These Things in Mind

“The thing that I love about my job is I have the opportunity to help members with their dreams,” Hofacker, a financial services specialist at WESTconsin Credit Union, said. Hofacker helps ...

River Prairie Wealth Partners’ Chief Investment Officer Offers Insight into Investing

Choosing the correct strategy for growing wealth can be a daunting task. Thankfully, no one has to do it alone. Steve Latham is the chief ...

Over 40 Years, Charter Bank Has Gone from Start-Up Bank to Market Leader

From its humble beginning in a temporary trailer on Clairemont Avenue nearly 40 years ago, Charter Bank has flourished to become the largest home-grown bank in the Chippewa Valley, with assets ...

3 Great Apps to Help You Invest

use your smartphone to build wealth and save for the future

Thanks to technology, investing can be as simple as downloading an app, connecting your bank account, and making a deposit. Gone are the days you must have hundreds, even thousands of dollars ...

Saving for College Made Easy

It’s never too late – or too early! – to save for your children’s future higher educational expenses. In Wisconsin, parents (and anyone else, actually) can save for kids’ college costs through one of the state-designated ...

Eau Claire Native Sarah Godlewski Has Big Plan for Boosting the Profile of the State Treasurer’s Office

First, Eau Claire native Sarah Godlewski led a successful effort to save the job of Wisconsin’s elected treasurer by defeating a statewide referendum last year. Next, she was elected to that office herself by winning ...

Get Your Investments Working for You

ideas to ensure your retirement money is there for you and not the taxman

You’ve probably heard the old joke that here up north there are four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. None of us like road construction at the time, right? But it’s better than the alternative ...