Story shows value of payment protection plan

Our products and services don’t just help our customers save money — sometimes they mean the difference between a crisis and financial stability. A story Burlington branch manager Robin Callis shared last week is a good example:

In September 2020, I refinanced a HELOC for a couple, increasing their line from $50,000 to $100,000. At that time, they were thinking of purchasing a vehicle, and they wanted to be prepared. They did not carry any payment protection on the original loan, but I mentioned it again and reminded them of the benefits of including it. After declining several times, the husband finally decided it would be a good idea to include life coverage, which would ensure payments continued to be made even in the event of his death. His justification was that the coverage was very inexpensive for the amount they borrowed, and would be available to them on any future purchases using the HELOC. I should note that this conversation took a LONG time, and the customers said no quite a few times. … Read the rest now!

Westgate remodel nearly finished

After seven months, the remodeling of the Westgate branch is nearly done. “It’s absolutely stunning!” branch manager Julie Goebel said. “To have all the fencing, dumpsters, and construction vehicles off-site this week makes a huge impact.”

Julie pegs the remodel at about 90 percent complete and notes that the video tellers hosted at the branch are now able to return. We’ll share more photos soon when the project is finished. •••

Employees show support for Packers

North Shore Bank employees showed their team spirit on last Friday’s Green and Gold Day, donning their Green Bay Packers apparel to support the team in advance of Sunday’s NFL divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Sadly, in spite of our best efforts, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his teammates lost to the Niners, 13-10. They’ll be back again next fall, and until then, all we can say is: Let’s go, Bucks! •••

Info, offers make Mortgage Days the right time to buy
Know anybody who’s thinking about moving or refinancing? The season is nearly upon us. Every February, we host Mortgage Days to shine a spotlight on how we can help our customers with home lending. We focus on sharing information about our mortgage products, online tools, and expert assistance for anyone looking to refinance, purchase, or build a home. North Shore Bank mortgage lenders are available to meet in person or by phone to answer questions, explain lending options, and discuss the mortgage process.

We have a special HELOC offer available through the end of February, as well, along with a promotion covering $250 in closing costs. Mortgage customers can also get an extra $200 off mortgage closing costs when they open a new checking account before their loan closing. And we are honoring Mortgage Day specials as of today.

With spring just around the corner, Mortgage Days is the perfect time to start the conversation about home lending. On Monday, January 31, we’ll have more information online at northshorebank.com/mortgagedays. •••

HELOC calculator shows what customers can borrow
How much can you get? We’ve mentioned the benefits of a home equity line of credit many times. A HELOC lets a customer borrow against the equity in their home, giving them liquid funds that can be used to make large purchases or consolidate debt at a lower interest rate.

But you might not know: If your customers are wondering just how big a loan they could qualify for, our free HELOC estimation calculator can help figure that out. All you need is the value of the home and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. Give it a try! Customers can apply now for a HELOC at a promotional 2.99 percent APR through March 2023. •••

If you cultivate peace, you can share it with others

A mindfulness practice helps us harness the senses, sharpen them, and bring us to a higher awareness of our surroundings. It helps us cultivate an inner peace that provides a different perspective on our daily lives. Those who experience that clarity and calmness often project it to the world around them, sharing that sense of peace with others.

Try this meditation for one minute every day, or longer if you want to:

TAKE A MOMENT for a Zen minute of mindfulness and notice the peaceful state that comes up. Now imagine sending that feeling of peace to those around you. Notice how great that feels. Know you are making a difference.

Listen only to the voice which is soundless. Look only on that which is invisible alike to the inner and the outer sense.
—Mabel Collins, British writer

How did this meditation go for you? Share your experience at shorelines@northshorebank.com and you’ll be entered to win a copy of A Mindful Day: 365 Ways to Live Life With Peace, Clarity, and an Open Heart, by David Dillard-Wright.

If you’d like a daily email reminder to practice one minute of mindfulness, email us with the subject “Mindfulness reminder.” •••

New Hires for January 27
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Germantown universal banker Fatma Gaddour lives in Thiensville and is originally from Tunisia. She is a junior majoring in finance at UW-Milwaukee and previously worked at Walgreens. “I was in the pharmacy and all other departments,” she says. “My position was ‘designated hitter.'” Fatma speaks and writes English, French, Arabic, and (to a limited extent, she notes) Italian. “On many occasions I’ve found myself switching between languages in the same conversation with a group,” she says. “It is also fun when I meet a bilingual customer and get to speak with them in their native language.” •••