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This July 4th, our nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on our history but on what freedom means in our lives today. For many of us, that includes financial freedom: the confidence to weather the unexpected, the flexibility to pursue opportunities, and the ability to make decisions based on our goals and values rather than our worries.
In a world of instant gratification, it can be easy to make quick financial choices that lead to long-term debt. When debt takes center stage, it often dictates how we interact with our money and limits our options. Reducing and eventually eliminating that burden is an important step toward financial freedom.
As a community bank, we’re here to help our customers navigate those decisions, including when and how to seek support. Our banking team can help you find the right timing by looking at your work history, experience, and goals, so your choices are grounded in a clear plan rather than the pressures of debt.
The best way to move through uncertain financial times is to create margin. When you have savings or access to responsible financing, you’re in a better position to act on opportunities, whether it’s buying a home, starting or expanding a business, or investing in your family’s future.
A few practical steps toward that margin include automating savings, living within your means, and steadily paying down debt. Over time, these habits can help you build the kind of financial freedom that supports the life you want to live.
~Dirk R. Gasterland, CEO
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Our tellers are often the first and most frequent connection customers have with Coulee Bank. This feature highlights the people behind the counter who make every interaction count.
Always be checking...
Online banking is your friend when you use it safely and regularly, not just once a month.
Mark Landy, Retail Banking Manager in St. Paul, says, "Always be checking. Use online banking on a secure, up‑to‑date device with virus protection, strong passwords, and a cleared cache. Track your charges and don’t wait 30 days for your statement. You should review account activity at least once a week so you can spot unfamiliar transactions quickly and dispute them right away.”
It's important to note that you can also set up alerts in your account to help you monitor activity. Once you log in, click Accounts, Click your account you want the alert on, then Click Alert Preferences. Set up alerts for Balance Activity and Transaction Activity. Choose the dollar amount for which you want the alert to notify you. You can get the alert through text, email, or an app push notification. Click Add Alert.
Other security alerts can be set up. Select Personal Settings in the bottom-left corner then click Alerts. From here, you can set up alerts for the following:
- Log in from a new device
- Email address change
- Password change
- Mobile change
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Username change
If you question any charges in your checking account, contact Coulee Bank immediately.
Build a banking relationship with the team in St. Paul.
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👀 Keep an eye out!
There’s a little Easter Egg 🥚 hidden in this month’s newsletter. Find it, and you could win a wireless charging pad that's perfect for home or the office.
To enter the drawing for the wireless charging pad, email marketing@couleebank.net, and let us know which article you found the Easter Egg in. One winner will be selected and notified via email on 7/12/2026.
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Finding Your Version of Financial Freedom
Financial Freedom Day is a reminder to define what a secure, fulfilling life looks like for you, and to start with small, realistic steps to meet your financial goals. Setting financial goals is about tracking where you stand, building habits of saving and debt reduction, and understanding that “financially free” is a personal goal, not a one-size-fits-all number.
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How Treasury Management Helps Our Business Customers Combat Fraud
Fraud has always been a concern for businesses, but today it’s more rampant, more sophisticated, and unfortunately more costly. Treasury Management tools can help you take a more proactive approach, giving you better visibility and control over what happens in your accounts. Fraud methods are always evolving, but you don’t have to navigate these risks alone. Our Treasury Management team is here to help navigate.
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Protecting Older Adults from Financial Scams
People over the age of 50 hold most of the nation’s wealth, and fraudsters continue to discover new tactics to manipulate older adults. According to the FDIC, fraud is costing seniors an estimated $27 billion. It’s critical to take precautions to prevent exploitation of seniors and protect their resources.
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Don’t Be Fooled by Deepfakes
Technology is moving fast, and unfortunately, scammers are moving fast with it. One newer scam tactic is the use of “deepfakes,” which are fake videos, images, or voice recordings created with artificial intelligence. These can make it look or sound like someone you know is asking for money, account information, or urgent help.
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We are excited to introduce Aaron Clements, a Mortgage Loan Administrator at Coulee Bank. He grew up in the La Crosse area and attended Viterbo University for a year. He later transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. There, he majored in Communications with an emphasis in Electronic Media. After college, Clements returned to the La Crosse area and began processing mortgages for a credit union. He spent seven years at the credit union before moving to a larger financial institution. Eighteen months later, he joined Coulee Bank.
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We are excited to introduce one of our customers, True Neighbor Homebuyers. What started as a small business serving a handful of homeowners annually has grown into a trusted Minnesota company that now helps more than 100 Minnesota families each year. Jessica Muller, co-owner, says, “While we’ve grown significantly, our core values haven’t changed.” She says they remain committed to treating people fairly, protecting their reputation, and doing what’s right for homeowners, even when it’s not profitable.
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Pack a Perfect Picnic: Easy Summer Favorites
July is National Picnic Month, the perfect time to slow down, savor the sunshine, and enjoy a meal outdoors with the people you love. From easy picnic recipes to scenic local spots and simple tips for setting up the perfect blanket spread, we’ve gathered ideas to help you make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch in the park or a full evening picnic, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to pack, relax, and enjoy.
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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! | | Coulee Bank had a blast at Grand Old Day! Our team was out on the avenue handing out cold water to keep attendees cool. We marched alongside the Tin Cups Steel Drum Band while sharing candy and smiles with the crowd during the parade. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello and celebrate community with us! | | |
Rochester Shred Event
Join us for a *FREE* Shred Day on Friday, July 31st, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our Coulee Bank Rochester Branch (1110 Sixth St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901).
Shred Right will be on-site shredding your documents. Bring up to three (3) boxes per vehicle. Non-bank customers are welcome!
St. Paul Shred Event
Join us for a *FREE* Shred Day on Saturday, August 1st, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at our Coulee Bank St. Paul Branch (733 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105).
Shred Right will be on-site shredding your documents. Bring up to three (3) boxes per vehicle. Non-bank customers are welcome!
La Crosse Shred Event
Join us for a *FREE* Shred Day on Friday, August 7th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our Coulee Bank La Crosse Branch (1516 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI 54601).
Confidential Records will be on-site shredding your documents. Bring up to three (3) boxes per vehicle. Non-bank customers are welcome!
Onalaska Shred Event
Join us for a *FREE* Shred Day on Friday, August 14th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our Coulee Bank Onalaska Branch (590 Theater Rd., Onalaska, WI 54650).
Confidential Records will be on-site shredding your documents. Bring up to three (3) boxes per vehicle. Non-bank customers are welcome!
| | This month, we take a moment to celebrate the dedicated individuals who make Coulee Bank a wonderful place to work. We are thrilled to wish a very happy birthday to our colleagues who are turning a year older this month. | | At Coulee Bank, we believe in celebrating the dedication and hard work of our team members. Their commitment to serving our customers with excellence and care is what defines us. Today, we are thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate the workiversaries of some of our valued colleagues. | | Behind the Scenes Videos! | | 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. | | | | |
