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ePioneer                                                                                                               WINTER 2014
letterA LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
  
It's A Wonderful Life... I can't count the number of times we have watched this timeless Christmas classic at our home. You may assume I watch it because the storyline follows a small town community banker and his search for meaning and self-worth in the midst of the holiday season. That seems to be a good reason! More than that, it helps remind me of what it means to be a community banker and community member. The retelling of the story reminds me of the often forgotten impact that each of us in a small community has on the lives of others, and on the shape of our communities. As parents, mentors and community supporters, we connect with the lives of those we encounter at highway intersections, athletic events, churches, grocery aisles and in the network of committees and organizations that get so much done in small communities. It takes everyone to help a community thrive and we help in ways that often seem small. There are many small ways I believe we can make a big impact. For example, here are some questions you might consider. Are you supporting your local business community by shopping locally? Do you lend a hand to your neighbors in need? Are you pitching in on committees and organizations that depend on a renewed and energized team of volunteers? Do you carry a positive attitude? Are you taking time to appreciate the little treasures (like Zuzu's petals)?
  
May you all have peace this holiday season,
  
James E. Loe
President
communityINCASE YOU MISSED US...

"Cashedin the Coincounter sits on the corner of Miner Avenue and 2nd Street counting his coin."

 

This year, Pioneer Bank of Wisconsin participated in the "Parade of Scarecrows" as a part of Leaf It to Rusk. Our scarecrow, Cashedin the Coincounter, was on display along Lake Avenue at the top of the bridge next to the Police Station during the month of September. He was one among many! What a great community event! We already have an idea for next year and can't wait to share it with the community!

Pictured Above (left to right): Ronda Gulich, Cashedin the Coincounter, & Lori Guns

 

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articleCREATE YOUR HOLIDAY BUDGET

The holidays may seem like a long ways off, but setting your budget now will make sticking to it later easier. The earlier you start saving for known expenses, the more you'll be able to absorb any unexpected costs that crop up. Here are a few tips to remember when creating your holiday budget for this year:

 

Make a List and Check it Twice
Creating an effective holiday budget means including everything you plan to spend. Budget for decorating, new outfits you plan to buy, food estimates, and travel costs alongside the gifts on your expense list. Be sure to include any money you plan to receive, too. Does grandma give you $50 every year like clockwork? Include that in your calculations. Will you be buying a joint gift and then receiving cash from the others going in on it? Include that, too. The best budgets encompass all of the spending and saving you do throughout the holidays, not just how much you spend on gifts. If you're not sure where to start, look up what you spent last year as a good jumping-off point.

 

Cash or Credit?
Determine in advance what you'll purchase with credit and what you'll buy with cash. Using cash for everything during the holidays isn't feasible sometimes, but it's also not a good idea to put every purchase on the credit card. One example of a plan would be to use cash for all food and decoration purchases, and then use credit for gifts. The most important piece of this strategy is to give your budget a credit spending limit. It can be tempting to run up a big bill on the credit card, but limit yourself to what you can pay off by Valentine's Day to avoid falling into a cycle of debt.

 

Keep Track
The most important key to remember with your budget is to not forget about it after you create it. Keep track of all the purchases you make, especially ones made with cash, and adjust your budget if need be. It is a good idea to hold a weekly "reckoning" meeting, especially if you're not the only one making the purchases for the year. Sit down and check your real spending against your planned spending (the budget). If you've gone over in one area, these meetings give you the chance to adjust by lowering the amount set aside for another area to make up the difference. That way you'll keep your overall spending on track.

 

Setting and sticking with a holiday budget will help you enter the New Year without any added financial stress, making the holidays that much more enjoyable!

 

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tipsGET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: FROM US TO YOU

1. Twist up your morning by dipping your French toast in eggnog instead.

 

2. Watch a classic Christmas movie. A Christmas Story, Elf, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, just to name a few.

 

3. Feed the birds by making suet cakes and hanging them in a tree.

 

4. Buy a poinsettia.

 

5. Burn pine scented or apple cinnamon scented candles.

 

6. Donate to a local charity.

 

7. Bake sugar cookies that you can decorate with frosting and sprinkles. Gingerbread cookies are always fun too!

 

8. Listen to Christmas music on the radio.

 

9. Cut down your own Christmas tree and make a fresh Christmas wreath.

 

10. Wear your favorite cozy winter sweater.

 

11. Cuddle up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

 

12. Play outside! You're never too old to catch snowflakes on your tongue or make a snow angel!

 

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eventsPIONEER BANK: UPCOMING EVENTS

The Annual Mitten Tree

December

 

Help kids by donating mittens. We are accepting hats and scarves too. All donations will be given to Rusk County Human Services.

"Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol"

Sunday, December 7, 2014  |  Century Theatre in Minneapolis

 

The Senior Momentum Bus Trip is ALMOST HERE and we are still taking reservations. If you forgot to sign up, this is your chance! Call Ronda at 715.532.5551 to reserve your spot. Costs $85/person.

 

We will be leaving the Pioneer Bank parking lot at 11:30am to attend the show at 3pm. After the show, you will be given $10 for dinner at Culver's in Hudson. On our way home, we will drive through Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls to see the brilliant light display, arriving home around 9:45pm.

 

We hope you can make it!

Senior Momentum Christmas Party

Thursday, December 11, 2014 at NOON  |  J & S Supper Club

 

Join us for food and a lot of fun! Door prizes are also in store!

 

$15/person

 

Call 715.532.5551 to RSVP by December 4

Cookies, Coffee, and Cider

Thursday, December 18 - Friday, December 19
  
Every year, right around the holidays, we like serve our customers something that will warm their spirits. Join us for an array of cookies along with your choice of coffee or cider, or even both! We'd love to see you enjoy this special treat!
CHRISTMAS EVE
WE WILL BE CLOSING AT NOON
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014
&
CHRISTMAS DAY
WE WILL BE CLOSED
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014
NEW YEAR'S EVE
WE WILL BE CLOSING AT 3PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014
&
NEW YEAR'S DAY
WE WILL BE CLOSED
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

School Supplies Donation

January

 

Watch to see which school we will be donating school supplies to this year! This is always an exciting time us, along with many students and teachers. We are happy that we can make a difference.

In This Issue...
  
  
 
  
  

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Main Office

200 Miner Avenue West
P.O. Box 169
Ladysmith, WI 54848

 

715.532.5551

715.532.3728 FAX

 

Monday - Thursday

Lobby  |  8:30 - 4:00

Drive Up  |  8:30 - 5:00


Friday

Lobby  |  8:30 - 4:30

Drive Up  |  8:30 - 5:00

 

Saturday

Drive Up  |  8:30 - 12:00
  

.................................

Branch

400 W 9th Street North 
P.O. Box 169
Ladysmith, WI 54848

 

715.532.9949

715.532.9946 FAX

 

Monday - Friday

10:00 - 6:00


Saturday

8:00 - 1:00
WE WILL BE CLOSING AT NOON DEC 24
& WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
 

 

WE WILL BE CLOSING AT 3PM DEC 31

& WILL BE CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY

  
  
     
Pioneer Bank of Wisconsin | 200 W Miner Avenue | Ladysmith, WI 54848 | 715.532.5551
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