
Waukesha State Bank Blog
This commentary was written and prepared by Waukesha State Bank. Content in this blog is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Please visit with one of our bankers to discuss your individual needs.
Recent Posts
Why Do We Pay Taxes? And Where Does That Money Actually Go?
March 2026
If you’ve ever looked at your paycheck and thought, “Wait… where did my money go?” — welcome to the world of taxes. Whether you’re earning money from a part-time job, freelancing, babysitting, or running a side hustle, taxes are part of real-life money management. But what are they, why do we pay them, and how do they actually work?
Smarter Banking: Making the Most of Online and Mobile Tools
February 2026
Life moves quickly, and managing finances should not feel like another chore on your to-do list. Many people already use online or mobile banking in small ways, but do not always take full advantage of the tools available to them.
Emergency Fund Basics: Why 2026 Is the Year to Finally Build Yours
February 2026
A new year often brings new goals, and for many people, saving more money is high on the list. Still, one goal tends to get delayed year after year: building an emergency fund.
Kickstart Your 2026 Budget:
Simple Steps to Take
February 2026
The beginning of a new year is a natural reset point. After the holidays, many people feel a mix of motivation and uncertainty when it comes to money. You may be wondering how much you really spent last year, whether your current budget still makes sense, or how to better stay on top of your finances in 2026.
Building a New Home?
What to Know Before You Get Started
February 2026
Building a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also requires careful planning and clear communication with your bank. Understanding what to look for, what information you’ll need to provide, and how to prepare can make the entire process far smoother.
Start 2026 Safely: Fraud and Scam
Red Flags to Watch Out For
February 2026
A new year is a time to reset habits and set goals, but it is also a busy season for scammers. Fraud attempts often rise in January as people update passwords, review finances, file taxes, and communicate more frequently with banks and service providers. Understanding common fraud tactics and knowing what red flags to watch for can help you start 2026 with confidence.
Post Archive
Financial Fitness Posts
02/2019 - Top 5 Financial Mistakes People Make
04/2019 - Spring Cleaning: Finances
07/2019 - Building a Good Credit Record
10/2019 - Creating an Organized Financial System
11/2019 - Make Your Money Work For You
11/2019 - Preparing for Major Financial Events
11/2020 - Which Debt Should You Pay Off First
02/2021 - Online Finance Basics
08/2021 - Monitoring Your Credit Report
11/2021 - How To Have Fun On A Budget
11/2021 - Managing Your Credit Score
12/2021 - How To Know If You Need A Cosigner
06/2022 - Understanding Overdrafts
05/2023 - Merging Your Money When You Marry
08/2023 - Debt Consolidation
03/2024 - Establishing Good Financial Habits
08/2024 - What is Debt Management?
09/2024 - Mastering Your Checking Account
11/2024 - End of Year Financial Tips
03/2025 - 7 Tips for Financial Spring Cleaning
02/2026 - Kickstart Your 2026 Budget: Simple Steps to Take Financial Security Posts
05/2018 - Traveling with Your Cards
10/2019 - Cybersecurity
02/2020 - How to Avoid Tax-Related Identity Theft
11/2020 - Are Tap-and-Pay Cards Secure?
10/2022 - Banks Never Ask That
02/2023 - Shady Loan Scams & How To Identify Them
09/2024 - Understanding Phishing
General Banking Posts
05/2019 - How Your Bank Works for Your Community
03/2020 - Last-Minute Tax Time Checklist
06/2020 - Identifying Your Wants Vs. Your Needs
03/2021 - Worried About Higher Taxes?
05/2021 - What Are Roth IRA Conversions?
08/2021 - Are You Underwater On Your Car Loan?
02/2022 - What Happens When You Miss Tax Deadlines
09/2022 - The Basics Of Checks
11/2022 - What Is The Gift Tax?
Home Lending Posts
02/2018 - Home Equity Loan and Lines Explained
05/2018 - Simple Ways to Estimate Home Value
05/2019 - Homebuying Tips for First-Timers
11/2019 - Should You Refinance Your Home Mortgage?
02/2020 - New House Vs. Home Improvements
08/2020 - Give Patio Furniture New Life
02/2022 - Home Equity Loans vs. Lines Of Credit
08/2022 - How Much Does It Cost To Sell A House?
05/2023 - 5 Signs It's Time To Sell Your House
Safe Banking for Seniors Posts
08/2022 - Prevent Elder Abuse: Signs and Tips
Saving Money Posts
05/2018 - Savings at Home for Summer
05/2019 - Saving on Auto Finance Costs
08/2019 - Add $100,000 to Your Retirement Savings
11/2019 - Building an Emergency Fund
03/2020 - Dining Out on a Budget
05/2020 - Beyond Coupons: Apps to Save You Money
08/2020 - Budgeting for a 2021 Vacation
11/2020 - Reign in Holiday Shopping with a Budget
05/2021 - How To Save Money On Your Grocery Bill
06/2021 - Little Ways to Save Money
08/2021 - Health Savings Account 101
02/2022 - How To Create A Home Gym On A Budget
09/2022 - Holiday Shopping On A Budget
11/2022 - 5 Ways To Save On Your Next Vacation
02/2023 - Apps That Save You Money
11/2023 - Using CDs for Your Savings
06/2024 - Savings Strategies
02/2026 - Emergency Fund Basics
Small Business Posts
Student Posts
03/2020 - Financial Skills for Young Adults
08/2020 - Financial Aid Resources
03/2021 - Tax-Filing Tips for College Students
09/2021 - Earning Money Through A Co-Op
03/2022 - Living Within Your Means At School
03/2022 - Tips For Choosing The Right College
06/2022 - How To Get Help Paying Off Student Loans
06/2023 - Understanding Your Paycheck
Misc Posts
05/2022 - Affordable Home Style Upgrades
06/2022 - Tips For Fixing Your Sleep Schedule
02/2023 - Must-Try Accessories For Improving Sleep
03/2023 - Expert Packing Tips for Spring Break
05/2023 - Houseplants That Are Easy to Maintain
12/2023 - Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries
05/2024 - Building Healthy Social Media Habits
12/2024 - Cool Things To Do In Winter
06/2025 - 15 Epic Things to Do During Summer Break
