In this episode of The Smart Start Podcast, we sit down with mortgage experts Tom Toepfer and Gary Reiboldt from The Equitable Bank for a thoughtful discussion about today’s home lending landscape.  Insights from this episode include:

• Navigating Today’s Mortgage Market
• How to Remove Stress from the Homebuying Process
• What Makes Equitable Bank Stand Out for Home Loans
• Top Mortgage Tip for First-Time Homebuyers
• Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?
• And more!

Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home or exploring refinancing options, Tom and Gary explain what sets community banks apart, how to get ready for the mortgage process, and the importance of having a trusted advisor in your corner. Drawing on years of experience and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed, they offer clear guidance, practical tips, and insights to help you move forward with confidence. 

 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward winning your next home. And, don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes like this one. 

In today’s fast-moving real estate market, winning an offer goes far beyond price — it comes down to preparation, strategy, and surrounding yourself with the right experts.

In this episode of The Smart Start Podcast, host Tom Sattler sits down with Suzanne Powers and Gretchen Keating of Powers Realty Group, along with Gary Rieboldt, Senior Lender at The Equitable Bank, to break down what it really takes to succeed in today’s buying environment, including:

• Proven tactics for competing in a crowded market
 • Why a buyer consultation can give you a critical edge
 • What every buyer should understand before submitting an offer
• The real importance of partnering with an experienced agent

Whether you’re entering the market for the first time or making your next move, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make smarter decisions—and build the right team to support you along the way.

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward winning your next home. And, don't forget to subscribe for more Smart Start episodes like this one. 

In this episode of The Smart Start Podcast, Tom Sattler is joined by Marcus Auerbach—Realtor, investor, and advocate for community-focused development—to explore how real estate can be a powerful tool for building both financial stability and stronger neighborhoods.

Marcus walks through his own path in real estate investing and shares practical lessons, strategies, and mindset shifts that have helped him invest with purpose. From first-time investors to those looking to deepen their knowledge, this conversation offers real-world guidance rooted in local experience and a commitment to thoughtful growth in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Tune in to hear how intentional investing can create lasting value—for you and your community—and get inspired to take the next step toward your goals.

Community banking isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, relationships, and being there through every milestone. In this episode of the Smart Start Podcast, host Michelle Ward turns the tables and interviews Tom Sattler, President & CEO of The Equitable Bank, for an inside look at what community banking truly means.

Tom explains how staying locally focused allows the bank to make decisions that directly support neighbors, small businesses, and families—whether they’re buying their first home, growing a business, or planning for retirement. He also dives into the growing importance of fraud prevention and financial education, and why today’s bank should be more than a financial institution—it should be a lifelong partner.

Listen in to learn how community banking is evolving, why trusted relationships are at the heart of it all, and how The Equitable Bank continues to put people first in everything they do.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Smart Start Podcast for more episodes like this one. 

On this episode of The Smart Start Podcast, Attorney Doug Knoff of Knoff Law LLC joins us to break down why estate planning matters at every age. From healthcare directives for college-aged children to organizing plans for growing families and aging parents, Doug offers clear, practical guidance to help you stay ahead of life’s unknowns. 

No matter where you are in life — supporting your kids, caring for a parent, or planning ahead for yourself — this conversation offers clear, reassuring guidance grounded in real-life experience. 

Tune in for insights that empower you to plan confidently and live with peace of mind in this Smart Start episode. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the issue of check fraud, one of the fastest-growing financial scams affecting individuals and families today. As fraud schemes evolve, it's crucial to stay informed and take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

We're joined by Scott Birrenkott, Director of Legal Affairs at the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), who shares his expert insights on identifying and preventing check fraud. With Scott’s extensive experience in the banking industry's regulatory landscape, we discuss:

• Why Consumers Should Be Concerned About Check Fraud
• Why Check Fraud Is Rising in a Digital Banking Age
• What NOT to Do When Writing Checks
• The #1 Thing You Can Do to Protect Yourself Against Check Fraud
• And more!

Stay informed and protect yourself—tune in for expert advice, real-life examples, and valuable resources to help you stay vigilant.
Visit the WBA website for more fraud prevention resources or reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more Smart Start episodes like this.

Join us as we delve into the world of senior living with Bruce Nemovitz, a seasoned Senior Real Estate Specialist, and later, Courtney and Derek from Assisted Living Advocates. Bruce shares invaluable insights gathered directly from seniors, exploring their concerns and decision-making processes when transitioning to new living arrangements. Discover the factors influencing seniors' decisions and Bruce's personal journey in helping seniors and their families. Then we are joined by Courtney and Derek, who shed light on navigating the complexities of assisted living, offering guidance and support to those embarking on this journey. Gain insight into common challenges faced by seniors and their families, and learn how Assisted Living Advocates simplify the process with their expertise. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion and be sure to visit Bruce's Team’s and Assisted Living Advocates' websites for more information.

Join us on the Smart Start Podcast presented by The Equitable Bank as we delve into the world of financial education and homeownership with two inspiring nonprofit leaders. First up is Cassie Krause, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Banker’s Foundation. Discover when and how kids should start learning about financial literacy, explore the Foundation's educational tools, and understand the process for grants and scholarships.

Later in the episode, Trena Bond, Executive Director of Housing Resources, Inc of Milwaukee (HRI), shares the origins of HRI, busts common misconceptions about affordability and homeownership, and emphasizes the importance of education for aspiring homebuyers. Learn about HRI's impact, accessibility of programs, and how future homeowners can qualify for grants. Don't miss out on valuable insights that could shape your financial future!

Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Banker’s Foundation at https://wisbankfoundation.org/ and Housing Resources, Inc at https://hri-wi.org/.

Join us in our latest episode, “Starting on the Right Foot: A Guide to Building Financial Foundations.” In the second part of our episode, we introduce you to John Henningfield, Investment Executive for Equitable Investment Center. John will walk you through practical, beginner-friendly strategies to simplify the basics of investing, ensuring you're well-prepared to navigate the world of finance. Tune in to this episode and embark on a journey towards financial empowerment and security. Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your financial knowledge, this episode has something for everyone.

Don't miss out on valuable insights that can help you put your best foot forward in the world of finance. For more information on Equitable Investment Center visit: https://www.equitableinvestmentcenter.com/



*Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.  Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered.  Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured  *May lose value  *Not financial institution guaranteed  *Not a deposit  *Not insured by any federal government agency.

Part One: BankOn Milwaukee's Financial Foundations

Join us in our latest episode, "Starting on the Right Foot: A Guide to Building Financial Foundations," as we explore BankOn Milwaukee's vital contributions to the city. Discover a wealth of resources for the community and delve into their seamless collaborations with local groups and financial institutions. We'll also shed light on core financial education principles and the transformative power of taking the first steps on your financial journey. Listen to guest, Kristi Luzar, the Executive Director of Urban Economic Development Association (UEDA) of Wisconsin, Inc shares her wisdom and expertise on the importance of collaboration between local groups and financial institutions, and how this partnership can pave the way for financial success in our communities.