Resources

Ways to identify new markets and customers

Ways to identify new markets and customers. Extraco Banks is committed to building businesses throughout Central Texas. Whether you're a startup or looking to create a succession plan for your business, we have the resources to help you achieve your business goals.

The Top 7 Things Physicians Should Know Before Moving to DFW

Congratulations on receiving your residency match! You’ve worked hard to reach this milestone. This is an exciting time and a moment to celebrate. Yet, while one milestone of your journey is ending, another is just beginning, and we’re certain you have many questions. To help guide you through your transition, we’d like to introduce you to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and, more specifically, to what the Dallas-Fort Worth area holds for you and your future.

Borrower Responsibilities

When you take out a loan, you enter into a legal contract with the lender. This contract makes you liable to repay the obligation as set forth in your loan agreement.

Is a VA loan right for you?

Extraco Mortgage wants to help our Veterans, Active Duty Military and Surviving Spouses get the mortgage loan they have earned. A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. It is different from a Conventional loan and a FHA loan in several ways.

Should You Use Home Equity to Pay Off Debt?

You’re staring at a mountain of debt and wondering how to pay it all. Bills keep piling on, but your payments, especially today, barely make a dent in your situation. Sure! You’ve heard of refinancing your home; some use home equity to tackle their mounting debt. But is it a good idea? And, if so, what must you know before diving in?

The Role Title Plays When Purchasing a Home

The purpose of the title company is to make sure the title to the home is lawfully given to the buyer. Once the title company has completed its verification, it will support that guarantee with title insurance. Title insurance protects the bank and the owner if someone were to make a claim to the property.

Does Being Frugal Make You Feel Richer?

It's easy to rationalize why frugality makes sense today. We’re seeing higher prices at the pumps, the grocery stores, and everywhere else. When costs climb, it’s time to focus on the things that truly matter and identify those that could wait a bit longer.

Business Insurance You’ll Need

If you’ve been procrastinating on business insurance, consider this: small businesses are much more likely than larger companies to be devastated in the event of an unforeseen loss, and business insurance needn’t be costly. Read more to learn about the business insurance you need.

Dorm Room on a Dime: How to Get the Look for Less

When you are budget-savvy and looking for stylish living solutions, finding the look for less is top of the to-do list. That’s why we’re digging in to offer hacks and solutions that won’t break the bank.

ICYMI: Killeen Business After Hours Event

On April 18, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting the Killeen Business After Hours event at our Killeen Branch. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., we welcomed members of the community for an evening of networking,  and a special tribute to our local heroes.

118 Years Strong

Read our Extraco Week recap blog highlighting the festitivies we had across our branches to celebrate 118 years in business!

Extraco Banks - Who We Are

Read our latest blog to learn more about what sets Extraco Banks apart from other central Texas banks. When you bank with Extraco, you bank with the best

Reviewing Loan Applications

When you apply for a loan at Extraco, we review your application information to help determine your credit worthiness. Key considerations: 1. Your credit score tells us your past performance in meeting your financial obligations. 2. Your credit report shows stability as well as borrowing behaviors.

How to Prepare for Hurricanes and Other Natural Disasters

No one knows when a natural disaster will strike. That is why preparing for anything coming your way is essential. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, wildfires, sinkholes, hailstorms, and drought can all cause severe damage to your home and property. In this blog post, we will discuss how to prepare for natural disasters so that you can stay safe during storms!

Join Us In Supporting Our Hill Country Neighbors

In response to the devastating floods impacting the Texas Hill Country, Extraco Banks has opened a special FBO (For the Benefit Of) donation account to support those affected by this natural disaster. The account is now open to the public, and 100% of all contributions will go directly to victims and their families in impacted communities.

Creating a Budget

A budget will help you understand your spending patterns and gain better control over your money. Creating one helps you understand where you spend your money and discover areas where you can save.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Credit Card

In a 2020 Bankrate survey, 59% of U.S. adults reported carrying a credit card, yet 31% did not redeem their rewards. Whether you already have a credit card or are shopping around for your first one, getting the most out of your credit card is essential.

Philanthropy Through Trusts and Estates Isn’t Just for the Ultra-Wealthy

Philanthropy through trusts and estates isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s an accessible way for individuals at many income levels to support the causes they care about. By incorporating strategies like charitable bequests or charitable remainder trusts, you can create a lasting impact while still providing for loved ones. With thoughtful planning, anyone can leave a meaningful legacy that reflects their values.

Settling Financial Matters When a Loved One Passes

During the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to think straight and know how to unravel your loved one’s finances once he/she passes. It can feel overwhelming trying to deal with all the details. We've compiled a checklist of the typical duties of an executor when settling an estate.

Identifying Your Business Drivers

Identifying and monitoring the key drivers of your business will help track what’s happening and trigger red flags for when remedial action is needed. A whole range of internal and external factors affects the performance of every small business. Read our resource article to learn more!

American Heart Month: The Costs and Warnings of Heart Attack

One thing we don’t talk enough about is health. We care about you. So, we want you to be as healthy as possible. February is American Heart Month, so it's a great time to learn about heart disease. Heart disease affects people of all ages, from babies to adults. And heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for men and women.

Virtual Assistants in Banking: Get Fast Answers to Banking Questions

You’re already familiar with the concept of a virtual assistant. Chat bots and virtual assistants have been around for a while, but they aren’t always as helpful as we’d like them to be. Newer technology, however, has improved this to provide you with the best answers to some of the most common questions we receive. You may have a question that falls outside the norm. Never fear! Our brand new chat feature also helps you to reach a real Extraco Relationship Banker to streamline the process from question to solution.

Benefits of Gift Card Programs for Your Business

Want to attract new customers and keep existing ones returning? A gift card program can help! In this blog, we'll highlight four benefits of using gift card programs. Here at Extraco Banks, we offer Cashback+ to our customers to purchase digital gift cards with bonus offers any time they want using funds directly from their checking accounts.

Five Ways to Ring in National Financial Planning Month

October marks the beginning of a financial journey towards the holiday season. As we celebrate National Financial Planning Month, it's the perfect time to embrace the spirit of saving and planning for the festive months ahead.

Halloween On A Budget

In this blog post, we'll unveil some thrifty and budget-friendly tricks to make this Halloween a spooky success without draining your wallet.

Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Just as you declutter your closets and tidy up your living space, now is the perfect time to give your financial situation a thorough once-over. At Extraco Banks, we understand the importance of keeping your financial house in order, which is why we've put together 10 simple, yet effective, tips and tricks to help you freshen up your finances.

Can You Spot a Phishing Scam? 🕵️‍♀️

Every day, scammers trick people into giving away personal information through emails, texts, and phone calls disguised as their bank. With more of us relying on online and mobile banking, these scams are on the rise. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans lost a shocking $10 billion to phishing scams and fraud in 2023—a 13.6% increase over 2022.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a three-digit number which helps lenders determine the risk of lending you money. If you aren’t getting approved for credit cards or loans, you may need to improve your credit score. Building your credit isn’t a speedy process, but there are several things you can do to start paving the way to a better credit score.

Are checks really safer than debit cards?

Once you decide to buy something, you then must determine the form of payment you’ll use. Is cash easiest? Will you write a check? Or is your debit card the best way to go? Pros and cons exist for all methods of payment. Many of us decide quickly without thinking through potential fraud or payment protection. 

3 Tips to Get the Most from Your Financial Advisor

Make 2023 your best year yet with a financial advisor’s help. But how do you ensure you get the most from their services? After all, hiring an advisor isn’t cheap and can set you back between $2,000 and $7,000 per year for those who charge a flat rate. Others, however, charge a percentage of your account.

Insurance Premium Changes

Your premium is likely to change each time you renew your insurance. This is because premiums are affected by many factors, including the cost of doing business and changes to the way risk is assessed. Sometimes premiums increase across the board because your level of risk has increased.

How to Find the Right Mentor to Help You Grow

A mentor can be an indispensable resource when you begin a new career or are looking to level up your skills. Mentorship can help you gain guidance to reach personal and career goals. First, you should know a few things about mentors and mentorships before beginning.

How Insurance Premiums are Calculated

There isn't a "one size fits all" formula to calculate a premium or price for each person who wants to cover risks on something valuable to them. Insurers refer to known data when they make these decisions. Insurers also look at age, sex and claims history.