Financial peace of mind. For many people, that phrase is only a dream. However, by making a commitment to taking one major step – building a cash emergency fund – you truly can breathe easier.
Most financial experts recommend people have cash representing 3-6 months of household expenses sitting in a bank savings or money market account. The idea isn’t to put these funds into the stock market or a volatile investment. Instead, they should be liquid – easily and readily accessible, but only in the event of a true emergency. Things such as a car repair that come up unexpectedly can cause financial chaos, but when you have an emergency fund, these things are merely an inconvenience.
True emergencies are just that – emergencies. Buying a fishing boat or taking a shopping trip don’t qualify. But when life throws you a curve ball that demands quick access to cash, that emergency fund can be a lifesaver. That account is something you build over time and hope to never touch, unless that actual, real-life emergency arrives.
This all sounds great, but how do you start? Keep it simple. Start out with a more modest goal, such as $1,000. Look at your family budget and figure out how long it will take you to save the money, then make a commitment to getting there over that time horizon. Use tools such as automatic transfers you establish with us to make the process convenient. Once you are at $1,000, take a bow, and then set a new goal – perhaps $5,000 – and follow the same process. Over time, you can increase your balance to the point where financial emergencies are a thing of the past, and financial peace isn’t just a dream…instead, it’s your reality!
Stop in and see one of our account specialists to learn more about starting your emergency fund.
Emily ElyAssistant Vice President / Marketing Officer and Human Resources AssistantWebster City
Meet Emily Ely
Assistant Vice President / Marketing Officer and Human Resources Assistant
As Operations Supervisor at WCF, Emily puts helping customers first. She earned an Associate degree in business administration and management. When she, her husband and their dog Remi aren’t camping, they are at the races, spending time with family and friends.
Kya L. AskvigOperations Supervisor / Customer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Kya L. Askvig
Operations Supervisor / Customer Service Representative
An Eagle Grove High School graduate, Kya earned her Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Administration certifications from Iowa Central Community College. Kya has worked in customer service her entire life. When she’s not helping her neighbors with their financial needs at WCF, you might find her playing the piano or demonstrating her skills as a Shotokan karate blackbelt.
Jeanine NokesCustomer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Jeanine Nokes
Customer Service Representative
A Webster City High School graduate, Jeanine has spent much of her career in customer service. Jeanine enjoys helping her hometown residents with their financial transactions and ensuring that their needs are fully met. When not at WCF, Jeanine enjoys spending time with her family.
Tricia RoseAccountant / Customer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Tricia Rose
Accountant / Customer Service Representative
Tricia is a Jewell native and a graduate of the South Hamilton High School. Tricia has spent much of her career in the accounting and customer service fields. In May of 2023, Tricia graduated from DMACC as an Accounting Specialist with certificates in Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Payroll.
A proud grandparent, Tricia and her husband have two grown children. They enjoy relaxing at their timber lot, riding motorcycles, and spending time with their family.
Anna Utrera-GreenfieldCustomer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Anna Utrera-Greenfield
Customer Service Representative
I grew up in Kamrar, Iowa, a small town with a close-knit community. After completing my education at South Hamilton Community School District, I continued my studies at Iowa Central Community College, where I earned my Associate of Arts (AA) degree. Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of working in customer service roles, where I honed my communication skills and developed a deep understanding of meeting people’s needs.
Additionally, I have extensive experience in cash handling, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial transactions. When I’m not working, I cherish spending quality time with family and friends, sharing stories and creating lasting memories.
Chyne NeymeyerCustomer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Chyne Neymeyer
Customer Service Representative
Born and raised in Parkersburg, Iowa, I am a proud graduate of Aplington-Parkersburg High School. After completing my education, I embarked on a career in retail and customer service, where I honed my interpersonal skills and learned the art of meeting people’s needs.
Outside of work, I find solace in the pages of books, immersing myself in stories and ideas. My love for family adventures takes me on outings, creating cherished memories with loved ones. Additionally, I share a special bond with my dad, spending time on our farm, where we work on cars together.
Elizabeth LunaCustomer Service RepresentativeWebster City
Meet Elizabeth Luna
Customer Service Representative
Elizabeth joined the WCF team in 2022 as a customer service representative in the Webster City office. She is a graduate of Hampton-Dumont High School. Elizabeth is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish, and as such is a great asset in helping to foster and improve communications with the bank’s Hispanic customer base.
In her free time Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and working on cars.
Jenn ThiessenAsst. Vice President / Compliance OfficerTama
Meet Jenn Thiessen
Asst. Vice President / Compliance Officer
With 13 years in banking and 10 years of loan processing under her belt, Jenn is well positioned to serve Tama customers. In addition to serving as a Mortgage Loan Processor, she assists in new accounts and teller duties — which means she can assist just about anyone who walks in the door! A graduate of Marshalltown Community College, Jenn also holds professional designations from Iowa Bankers Consumer Credit School and Iowa Bankers Lending Compliance School. She keeps connected to the community through a variety of organizations, such as Toledo Wieting Theater and South Tama Archery, and volunteers for a number of local organizations, including Kids’ Corner Daycare, Kids’ Corner Fundraising Committee and Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce.
Brooke A YuskaAssistant Vice President / Head Teller-TamaTama
Meet Brooke A Yuska
Assistant Vice President / Head Teller-Tama
Brooke A. Yuska has dedicated over two decades to mastering the art of customer service, with a passion for excellence and a genuine desire to meet and exceed the needs of those she serves. A proud graduate of Kirkwood Community College, Brooke earned her associate degree in Legal Administrative Assistance, laying a strong foundation for her impressive career in customer service. Her journey is highlighted by a 15-year tenure in the banking sector, where she excelled as an Assistant Cashier/Head Teller.
Beyond her professional achievements, Brooke's heart truly lies in the joys of family life and community involvement. She cherishes time spent with her family, whether it's vacationing together or supporting her children in their sports activities. Brooke's commitment to her community extends beyond her professional duties as she actively volunteers, contributing her time and talents to make a positive impact.
Lesa HaugheyAssistant Vice President / LendingTama(641) 484-2079NMLS ID: 1958636
Meet Lesa Haughey
Assistant Vice President / Lending
With 19 years of banking experience and the ability to help in all areas of the bank, Lesa can help Tama area customers with most all their banking needs. Lesa’s role is Customer Service meaning one may find her opening a new account, closing a loan, or processing a deposit for customers. Lesa earned her bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from Buena Vista University and holds a professional designation from the Iowa Bankers Consumer and Compliance School. She is active in her community through volunteering at the Wieting Theater. Lesa enjoys shopping, boating, skiing, and being active with her family and friends.
Gwen UpahCustomer Service RepresentativeTama
Meet Gwen Upah
Customer Service Representative
Gwen joined the WCF family while completing her Business and Accounting degree at Buena Vista University. She fills a number of roles with WCF including helping customers with their banking transactions, opening new accounts, and assisting our loan officers. Gwen's upbeat and positive attitude makes the Tama office a welcoming place for customers and coworkers. When not at WCF you might find Gwen fishing, shopping, working out, or hanging out with her family.
Dahiana PuentesCustomer Service RepresentativeTama
Meet Dahiana Puentes
Customer Service Representative
A graduate of South Tama High School, Dahiana has spent much of her career in the customer service field. Most recently she helped the Tama/Toledo residents with their insurance needs. Approaching customers with a friendly smile and providing them with a positive experience is very important to Dahiana.
In her free time, Dahiana enjoys being with her family.
Kailee MeekCustomer Service RepresentativeTama
Meet Kailee Meek
Customer Service Representative
Kailee Meek embarked on her professional journey in the banking sector with a robust foundation, spending a year at a bank where she honed her skills in various roles. During her time there, Kailee not only excelled at opening new accounts and operating as a teller but also demonstrated a keen aptitude for customer service by adeptly handling phone inquiries and assisting clients with online banking issues.
Outside the bank, Kailee's life is deeply rooted in her close-knit family and community involvement, particularly in the realm of sports. As the second of four girls, her family ties are strong, often found coaching or supporting her sisters in the South Tama's AAU volleyball program. Her commitment to family and community is evident, as her free time is invariably spent with her sisters, her nephew, or her beloved dog, Nova. Despite starting her higher education journey at the University of Northern Iowa with a focus on elementary education, Kailee's path led her back home, where she transitioned into a promising career in banking, melding her personal values with her professional aspirations.
Jill N. PriceLoan Processor / Customer Service RepresentativeIndependence
Meet Jill N. Price
Loan Processor / Customer Service Representative
Jill provides a variety of services to customers at WCF’s Independence branch: processing and funding loans, handling escrow accounts, assisting with new accounts, performing teller duties and providing a broad range of customer service. She is a graduate of Iowa Falls-Alden High School and La’ James International College of Cosmetology.
Jackie A. ReiffCommercial Loan Processor / Customer Service RepresentativeIndependence
Meet Jackie A. Reiff
Commercial Loan Processor / Customer Service Representative
Jackie started her WCF career as a teller and customer service representative. Today, the commercial loan processor prepares and organizes applications for all commercial loans and taps into her vast experience to assist customers in any other ways she can. Jackie earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
