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As we approach Independence Day, I’ve been reflecting on the value of freedom, especially the kind that comes with financial independence. At Coulee Bank, we’re fortunate to work in an industry where we get to help people every day. It’s the relationships we build with you, our customers, that make our work so meaningful. On behalf of all of us at Coulee Bank, thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

In the spirit of supporting your financial journey, I’d like to share a few thoughts on what financial independence means, why it matters, and how we, as your community bank, are here to help.

Financial independence is something most of us strive for over time. Short of winning the lottery or an inheritance, very few people begin adult life financially free. To me, true financial independence means eliminating the need to rely on credit for everyday living and giving yourself the freedom to make choices without being weighed down by debt. When you’re financially independent, you have the flexibility to pursue opportunities, adapt to life changes, and make decisions that align with your values and goals. Those choices are taken away if you amass a large degree of debt.

I believe liquidity and budgeting are the two pillars of financial stability. Liquidity is the ability to have the necessary funds for financial challenges like unexpected car repairs or home appliance repairs. It’s important to have access to those funds rather than relying on credit.

The way to do that is to live within a budget. It is a proven fact that the US is presently in more credit card debt today than ever before. There needs to be a fundamental choice by individuals to live within their means. By being disciplined enough to execute spending within a budgetary constraint, this will create the liquidity necessary to deal with the small things while having budgeted for the large ones.

Here are simple steps to move toward financial freedom:

• Save Consistently -Set aside a portion of every paycheck until you’ve built an emergency fund of three to six months take-home pay.

• Eliminate High-Interest Debt-After your emergency fund is in place, focus on paying off all debt, except a manageable mortgage, as quickly as possible.

With that in mind, let our employees help you reach your financial goals. Our role goes beyond offering accounts and loans. When you meet with us—often around a mortgage or auto loan request—we review your full financial picture. That holistic view lets us suggest products, strategies, and advice tailored to your goals. From budgeting tools to debt-repayment plans, we’re here to help you move steadily toward lasting financial independence.

From all of us at Coulee Bank, have a safe and happy Independence Day!

 ~Dirk Gasterland, CEO

Ready to Buy a Home? Save $500 on Closing Costs This Month

Buying a home is a big step, and we’re here to help make it more affordable and less overwhelming. Right now, Coulee Bank is offering $500 off closing costs when you finance your home with us. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving into your forever home, our local team is here to guide you through every step.

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Reach out to Kris Farwell and her team if you are ready to purchase a home.

Coulee Bank. Bank with Confidence. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#410835

Coulee Bank has branches in Minnesota and Wisconsin and is excited to offer lending in all 50 states.

Reach out to Kris Farwell and her team if you are ready to purchase a home.

Coulee Bank. Bank with Confidence. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#410835

Discover Your Money Personality: A Guide to Financial Success

Understanding your money personality can greatly impact how you manage finances. Each personality has its strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing them can help develop a more balanced and effective approach to financial management. The five money personalities are: the Shopper, the Saver, the Big Spender, the Investor, and the Debtor. We talked with a few of our employees to create this 5-part series. Last month, we featured an article about the Saver Personality. This month, we are featuring the Debtor Personality. 

Gabriel Cooley, Internal Audit Officer, doesn’t necessarily relate to the Debtor personality; rather, he has tips to help debtors manage their money.

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Credit Score Basics: What You Need to Know

Understanding your credit score is key to managing your financial health. Here’s a straightforward guide to credit score ranges, what affects your score, common misconceptions, and practical tips to improve and protect it.



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Tips from IT

Beware of Card Skimmers While Traveling This Summer



As we head into peak travel season, it’s the perfect time to brush up on how to protect your card information from skimmers—fraudulent devices that criminals attach to legitimate payment terminals to steal your credit or debit card data.

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Coulee in the Community

Coulee Bank commits to workplace excellence and nurtures growth and support within the communities we consider home. We volunteer, empowered by the belief that we can create positive change! You can be confident in our efforts to support the community. 

We had a blast at the Grand Old Day parade marching alongside our amazing customer, Tin Cups Steel Drum Band!

Tin Cups is a community steel drum band that’s free and open to all—no matter your age or experience. They bring the joyful rhythm of the islands to parades all summer long across the Twin Cities!

Team Rochester is bringing the color and the kindness!

We were thrilled to deliver art kits to the amazing kids at the Ronald McDonald House —spreading creativity and joy, one brushstroke at a time.

The kids are even showcasing their masterpieces in a special art exhibit at the end of July, and we can’t wait to see their incredible designs!

Employee Spotlight

We are incredibly grateful for all of our employees. They work hard and make significant contributions that enrich our company culture. This month, we recognize Calvin Koep, Credit Analyst, Minnetonka, MN.

Meet Calvin Koep, Credit Analyst at Coulee Bank in Minnetonka. Koep graduated from Saint John’s University with a degree in accounting and finance. Before working at Coulee Bank, he worked in commercial loan servicing and as a Certified Residential Appraiser. He came to Coulee Bank because he was looking for a work environment that fostered a close-knit community and allowed him to apply his relevant skill sets. Coulee Bank checked all the boxes.

As a Credit Analyst, he has a strong business sense, and he is analytical and research-focused. He understands that every minute counts, so he stays organized yet curious to put forth the best report for the leadership team to use in making decisions.

Koep recently attended a credit analyst training conference, sponsored by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), alongside other community bankers from across the country. He said, “I found the training to be beneficial and valuable to hear the perspectives from the instructors and other analysts.” After passing the exam, he received the Certified Community Bank Credit Analyst certification. He said the training he received enhanced the Coulee Bank’s credit team’s efficiency in identifying risks during the underwriting and review processes, which ultimately helps us produce more effective credit presentations for our decision makers.

“My dad and father-in-law have been the biggest inspirations in my life,” he said. They both modeled an exceptional work ethic, the importance of relationship building, and balancing life outside of work. They believe that creating memorable experiences with family is most important.

When Koep isn’t analyzing numbers at Coulee Bank, he appreciates the volunteer opportunities offered. One volunteer event was particularly impactful to him this year. A group of Coulee Bank employees visited Crescent Cove, a respite and hospice home for kids, and cooked a meal for the families staying there. “The visit has certainly left a lasting impact and puts my everyday struggles into perspective,” he said.

Outside of Coulee Bank, Koep practices what his dad and father-in-law taught him about creating memories. He loves to spend time with his wife, Laura, and two kids, ages three and two. He said they keep him very busy. They all love going to different parks in the Twin Cities area and spending time at family cabins in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. “Grilling on my deck in the summertime with friends or family is also a regular occurrence,” he said.

He is also preparing for an upcoming vacation to Tanzania to hike Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike to the 19,341-foot summit will take approximately eight days with a safari planned afterwards. He has already hiked the Sierra Mountains in California, so checking Kilimanjaro off his bucket list is very exciting.

Calvin Koep, thank you for all you do at Coulee Bank. We wish you much success throughout your career with us.

Customer Spotlight

Thank you to our AMAZING customers for choosing us for all your banking needs! We are grateful for your loyalty, support, and trust in our products and services. Here's to many more years of building a strong relationship together!

Meet Austin Wszolek, co-owner of Carbon Cannabis in La Crosse, WI.

The vision for Carbon Cannabis was built with intention, integrity, and purpose. Wszolek says he was frustrated that Wisconsin was being left behind in a fast-moving national industry because he could see the possibility of what the cannabis space could look like if done correctly. “We realized there was an opportunity to create something local, transparent, and premium, rooted in education and advocacy,” he says. The early days were a hustle – navigating complex regulations, building supply chains from scratch, and making the most of limited resources.

Carbon Cannabis is a vertically integrated company focused on quality over hype. This means they have total control of every stage of the supply chain. Their product line features THC beverages, edibles, flower, concentrates, and pre-rolls, with more functional products in the development stage. “We fully operate within the boundaries of the 2018 Farm Bill and state hemp laws, and we constantly monitor legal shifts to stay compliant without losing momentum,” he explains.

From payment processors to insurance, even securing a basic bank account, it often felt like they had to prove themselves ten times over. They overcame those barriers by staying meticulous: documenting everything, investing in strong legal guidance early on, and operating the company with the discipline and structure of a traditional business from day one. That mindset has helped them open doors that are typically closed to cannabis brands.

Because securing funding in the cannabis industry is notoriously difficult, traditional lenders still shy away from most cannabis-related ventures. However, Coulee Bank was different. “From the start, they showed a willingness to understand our business model, our commitment to compliance, and the vision we’re building toward. What began as a conversation quickly evolved into a true partnership,” states Wszolek.

He says that Coulee Bank didn’t treat them like a risk to be managed, instead, they treated Carbon Cannabis like a business to be supported. “They asked the right questions, helped us structure our accounts strategically, and offered solutions tailored to our unique needs. That level of engagement set them apart!”

The digital banking tools at Coulee Bank have been a game-changer for their operations. Real-time transaction visibility, customizable user permissions, and seamless integration with their accounting software have saved them countless hours. “Most importantly, the Coulee Bank team has been responsive, proactive, and genuinely supportive. We’ve never felt like we were navigating this space alone, and in this industry, that kind of partnership is rare,” he says.

With the help of Coulee Bank, their perseverance and determination have helped them evolve over the last few years. Austin says many people didn’t know the difference between THC and CBD. Now, customers are asking for more specialized products like live resin, minor cannabinoids, and terpene profiles, and the demand has shifted toward higher-quality, better-formulated products. “We’ve also seen a jump in interest from more traditional industries – grocers, breweries, wellness spaces – which tells us perception is shifting even in Wisconsin,” he notes.

Wszolek says seeing the brand earn genuine respect in a state where cannabis still exists in a legal gray area has been incredibly rewarding. Watching products make it onto store shelves—and hearing from customers who say they’re sleeping better or finding relief from pain—is what drives their business forward. “We find it just as meaningful to build a team that truly believes in our mission. That shared purpose has made all the difference,” he says.

They're also securing additional contract manufacturing partnerships to strengthen their footprint. Long-term, their strategy is clear: position the company for federal reform. When that moment arrives, they'll be ready to move confidently and competitively.

Special Feature

At Coulee Bank, our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this special feature, we shine a light on one of our team members, Joshua Herrmann. He bring dedication, creativity, and community spirit to both his role at the bank and beyond.

Banker by Day, Actor by Night: Balancing the Stage and the Office

By day, Joshua Herrmann is a dedicated Universal Banker at Coulee Bank, helping customers reach their financial goals with professionalism and care. But outside of work, he steps into a different spotlight—pursuing his passion for acting.

From Bank Lobby to Center Stage

Since joining Coulee Bank in 2023, Herrmann quickly made a name for himself. He was promoted in July of 2024, and because of his commitment to excellence and responsiveness—a key Coulee Bank core value—he earned an internal award recognizing his ability to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of the bank and its customers. But his talents don’t end at his day job. Off the clock, Herrmann channels his creativity into acting, juggling scripts, rehearsals, and stage time with the same dedication he brings to his banking career. “Interestingly, a lot of the skills I use in banking—like time management, communication, and attention to detail—come in handy during rehearsals. It’s all about balancing priorities and staying focused,” states Herrmann.

Preparations for Productions

Currently, he is preparing for two productions in the Twin Cities, Shrek the Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar. “I’m currently in rehearsals for Shrek the Musical, and it’s been an absolute blast. The show is full of humor, heart, and a message about embracing who you are—no matter how different you may seem,” says Herrmann. In Shrek the Musical, Herrmann plays the White Rabbit—one of the colorful fairytale ensemble characters. “The character is high-energy and playful, and I get to bring a lot of movement and expression to the role,” he explains. He hopes the audience feels uplifted after the fun and fast-paced performance. 

Once Shek the Musical wraps, he’ll begin rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar, which has a totally different tone and story. He plays Annas, one of the high priests in Jesus Christ Superstar. He says it’s a much more serious and dramatic role that he is excited to explore. “Being able to take on such different characters back-to-back is a dream for me as a performer,” he says. He looks forward to the powerful scenes in Jesus Christ Superstar, especially those involving the high priests. “The music and drama in those moments are really compelling,” he explains. “I hope audiences are moved by the emotional depth of the story and its themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice.”

Rehearsals for Shrek the Musical have been busy. He often spends most evenings until 9 pm, working on choreography and memorizing music and harmonies. It’s a big commitment, but he enjoys the challenge. When asked about pre-show superstitions, he says he isn’t superstitious, but he does a consistent pre-show routine. Herrmann shares, “I always warm up my voice and body so I’m ready to sing, dance, and give my best performance. And of course, I always say ‘break a leg’ before curtain—never ‘good luck!’”

Catch a Performance:

To see Shrek the Musical, visit: www.obmt-newhope.org.

To see Jesus Christ Superstar, visit: www.soararts.org.

We love a reason to celebrate with our colleagues!

Happy Birthday to all our amazing Coulee Bank co-workers!

Here's to another year of hard work, laughter, and teamwork. Wishing you all the best on your special day. Let's make it a celebration to remember!

Happy Work-i-versary to our amazing colleagues!

It's been an incredible journey with each and every one of you. Your hard work, dedication, and positive energy make our team unstoppable. Here's to many more years of success and growth together!

Customer Testimonials

Financially Free Gen-Z Podcast

Join your hosts, Rachel Munger and Joshua Herrmann, as they discuss the financial questions and topics prevalent to Generation Z. This podcast is brought to you by Coulee Bank. Member FDIC.

Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

Disclaimer - All content contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon to make any financial, accounting, tax, legal or other related decisions. Each person must consider his or her objectives, risk tolerances and level of comfort when making financial decisions and should consult a competent professional advisor prior to making any such decisions. Any opinions expressed through the content in this newsletter are the opinions of the particular author only.