Mortgage rates tend to get a lot of attention when people start thinking about buying a home. A rate can affect your monthly payment, which can affect what feels realistic in your budget. But affordability is bigger than one number. Buying a home also means considering your savings, maintenance costs, taxes, insurance, income, and your…
Every local business starts with someone willing to take a chance. Before a storefront opens, a service company lands its first customer; a farm operation plants that first seed, or a growing business adds capacity. There is always a person or family behind the scenes making big decisions. They are investing time, money, energy, and…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life. People are using AI tools to draft emails, create shopping lists, plan vacations, compare products, and even get answers to financial questions. While these tools can save time and provide helpful information, it’s important to understand both their benefits and their limitations. AI can be…
Building an emergency fund is one of the simplest ways to create financial stability. It gives you a cushion when life throws something unexpected your way, so you are not forced to rely on credit cards or take on new debt. In our recent KWLM Ask the Expert segment, Mandy Fleming, Market Manager at Heritage…
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I actually qualify for a mortgage?” you’re not alone. During a recent Ask the Expert segment on KWLM, Jared Williamson, Mortgage Loan Originator at Heritage Bank, shared insight into the most common questions and misconceptions he hears from homebuyers across our area. The truth is that many people assume they’re…
Buying a home comes with a lot of moving parts, and your mortgage rate is one of the most important. A mortgage rate lock helps bring some stability to that process. In simple terms, a mortgage rate lock lets you secure an interest rate for a set period of time while your loan is being…
Get ready to hit the greens for a day of fun, connection, and community impact. The Annual United Way Golf Tournament is back this June, and Heritage Bank is proud to once again support this meaningful event in Willmar, Minnesota. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just in it for a great day outdoors, this…
Business check fraud remains a significant threat, even with advancements in digital security. Criminals target paper-based payment systems, leading to substantial financial losses for companies. Check fraud includes illegal activities like creating, altering, or using checks to unlawfully obtain funds. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), incidents of check fraud surged recently, with…
Check fraud is rarely obvious. Most of the time, it shows up in small details that are easy to overlook during a busy day. During April’s KWLM Ask the Expert segment, I had the opportunity to talk about how businesses can spot check fraud early and why catching subtle warning signs can make a major…
If you run a business or farm in the Willmar area, you already know growth rarely happens on a straight line. That reality was the focus of our latest KWLM Ask the Expert segment, where we talked about what growth really looks like for ag producers and business owners in our community. Some months are…
QR codes have become part of everyday life. We use them to pay for parking, view restaurant menus, access promotions, and manage accounts. But as QR codes grow in popularity, scammers have found new ways to abuse them. Quishing is a form of phishing that uses QR codes instead of traditional links. Instead of clicking…
You did the work. You sent the invoice. Now you wait. For many business owners, getting paid takes more time and energy than it should, especially when checks are mailed, invoices get lost, or follow-ups become routine. Autobooks was designed to help remove those roadblocks. Why Getting Paid Feels So Complicated Late payments usually aren’t…
Building a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Between choosing a builder, managing costs, and understanding financing, the construction process can feel overwhelming fast. That is why working with a local construction lender matters. During a recent Ask the Expert radio interview on KWLM, Jared Williamson, Mortgage Loan Originator at…
Running a business comes with a long list of responsibilities. Between serving customers, managing day‑to‑day operations, and keeping up with paperwork, getting paid should not add more stress to your plate. Yet many small businesses, churches, and nonprofits in the Willmar area still rely on mailed invoices, paper checks, and manual tracking because that is…
Tom Geiger passes the CEO role to Bob Mathiasen [Spicer, MN / Sioux Falls, SD] — Heritage Bank, N.A. announced today that Robert W. Mathiasen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Mathiasen, who has served as Chief Operating Officer, succeeds Tom Geiger, who will step away from day-to-day management and continue…
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and terminology can feel like a whole other language. Understanding key mortgage terms not only helps you feel confident but also empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the homebuying journey. Below is a breakdown of the most important terms every homebuyer…
If you’ve ever stared at a “Create a password” screen thinking, Did I already use this one? You’re not alone.Between online banking, shopping accounts, email, social media, and work tools, most of us are juggling dozens of logins. Remembering them all feels impossible, which is why many people reuse passwords or make small variations they…
Think banking is boring? Think again. At Heritage Bank NA, the future of banking is hands-on, people-focused, and full of opportunities for young professionals who want to build a meaningful career right here in Willmar, MN. One of the most impactful ways new talents enter the industry is through the Banking Apprenticeship Program, a structured,…
In our recent “Ask the Expert” series, we highlighted the importance of financial literacy in healthcare. Understanding the distinct advantages of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. While both accounts save you money on taxes, they function very differently. Here is everything…
You finish your transaction at the teller window and walk out to the parking lot. You might check your phone or search for your keys as you head to your car. You toss the bank envelope on the passenger seat and drive to your next errand. It feels like a typical day, but someone may…
