As October settles in across central Wisconsin, bringing cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of changing leaves, many of us find ourselves making significant financial decisions. Fall is historically one of the busiest shopping periods, with consumers making major purchases ranging from vehicles to appliances and home improvements. Whether you're upgrading to a more reliable vehicle before winter arrives, replacing an aging furnace, or taking advantage of end-of-season sales, understanding how to finance these purchases wisely can save you thousands of dollars.

It's World Mental Health Day, and there's a conversation we need to have—one that affects millions but remains hidden in shame and silence. The connection between your wallet and your wellbeing is real, powerful, and something we can no longer afford to ignore.

The reality is that many traditional banks depend on these fees to boost their profits. In fact, research shows that bank customers pay more than double what credit union members pay in annual checking account fees. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way.

As the leaves begin to change in central Wisconsin and the back-to-school hustle settles into routine, fall emerges as one of the smartest seasons for vehicle shopping. Whether you're eyeing a reliable family car or considering your first truck purchase, September through December offers unique advantages that savvy buyers can leverage to save thousands.

You work hard for your money every day, so shouldn't it be earning its keep while it sits in your account? If you're tired of watching your savings barely budge in a traditional account, you've probably wondered where to put those extra dollars for the best return. Two popular options at Public Service Credit Union offer compelling opportunities: our 9-month Share Certificate at 4.4% APY and our revolutionary Surge Checking Account offering 10% APY on your first $1,000.

Summer's final stretch is behind us, and if you're like many families in central Wisconsin, your bank account might be feeling the effects of vacation trips, camp fees, and those inevitable "Can we get ice cream?" moments. Don't worry – you're not alone, and more importantly, you don't need to fix everything that happened in July. You just need a fresh start right now.

Opening your first checking account is a major financial milestone. Whether you're turning 16, heading off to college, or starting your first job, choosing the right financial institution will shape your banking experience for years to come. While big banks might seem like the obvious choice with their flashy marketing and nationwide presence, there's a compelling case for starting your banking journey with a credit union instead.

As summer draws to a close and families across central Wisconsin prepare for another school year, the back-to-school season brings excitement, new beginnings, and—let's be honest—significant financial pressure. Between school supplies, new clothes, technology needs, and unexpected expenses, families find themselves juggling budgets and searching for financial solutions that actually work for them, not against them.

Back-to-school season brings more than just new notebooks and pencils – it's the perfect time to introduce your children to financial lessons that will serve them for life. As families prepare for another school year, many parents wonder when and how to start teaching their kids about money. The answer might surprise you: it's never too early to begin.