Resources

The Difference Between Cash Flow and Profit

Cash coming into your business and the actual profit you make are two very different things, and almost always never total up as identical amounts. Read more to learn the difference between cash flow and profit.

7 Festive Ways to Save Money Christmas Shopping

It’s that time of year again, and if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, now is the time to do it. However, shopping for gifts can be challenging during economic uncertainty, especially when you’re looking to save money. Budgets are tighter, and the things you want and need cost more. Yet, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a great holiday. We devised a plan to make your holiday shopping and gift-giving easier. Here are 7 festive ways to save money while Christmas shopping.

Financial Tips for Recent Graduates

Congratulations, graduates! As you transition into this new phase of life, managing your finances effectively is key to achieving your goals. Whether you're preparing to enter the workforce, further your education, or pursue other endeavors, now is the perfect time to focus on your financial well-being. Let's explore some essential tips for navigating financial success after graduation.

Managing seasonal demand

Managing seasonal demand. 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.

Nine Clever Strategies to Save More on Groceries

Saving more money while shopping can be made simple using these different ways to increase your savings. With these nine strategies, you’ll quickly become a savvy shopper.

Linking an Account vs. Adding an External Account in eBank

Our Extraco eBank platform offers two ways of connecting your other bank accounts– linking accounts or adding external accounts. Depending on what actions you want to take with your accounts, one may be better than the other.

Building Your Dream Home: 7 Awesome Renovation Ideas to Get You Started Today

Transform your dreams into reality by building your dream home through the frame of your existing home. Here are seven awesome renovation ideas to transform your space.

Flash Floods: Tips for Avoiding the Hidden and Costly Dangers

If you live in an area prone to flash flooding, you must protect yourself and your family. We've researched the best tips to avoid the hidden dangers and costs of flash floods and a few tips on what to do if caught in a hazardous situation.

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.

The VA Home Loan: A Powerful Benefit for Veterans and Active Military

Explore VA home loans for Veterans and active military. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how Extraco Banks can help you buy your next home with zero down.

How to Get Life Insurance Following a Serious Illness like Heart Disease

There’s nothing like experiencing the loss of a loved one and then compounding the grief with financial stress. Paying for final expenses and debts is the last thing on anyone’s mind during this time. Still, they are essential details that require attention.

How Mobile Banking Can Ease Your Back-to-School Stress

Mobile banking is a great way to complement a hectic schedule and keep your finances on track without adding stress. By leveraging the features mentioned above, you can keep track of your money and bank accounts and focus more on what truly matters — supporting your child throughout the new school year.

ICYMI— Bank & Brews | Marketing Skills: Leveling the Playing Field

Part two of the series was led by Startup Waco’s Jon Passavant. In his mentorship of business owners, he often sees the same issues arise. Entrepreneurs often struggle to determine the fundamentals of their business, such as goals, purpose, and identity.

118 Years Strong

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

Money Mentor vs. Financial Planner vs. Financial Advisor: Which is Best?

The new year brings a unique chance to change your future and financial situation. According to a recent survey by intelliflo, a cloud-based technology platform for financial advisors, 71% of Gen Z (ages 18-25) and 72% of Millennials (ages 26-41) say they want financial advice but don't know how to get it.

A letter to friends and neighbors

If you need a bank you know and trust, think about our local banks, and think about Extraco.

New to the Area? Here’s How to Feel at Home

Whether you moved here for a new job, school, a partner, or just because you needed a break from the big city, Extraco has some tips to help you get acclimated to your new hometown.

Skimming: What is it? And how you can protect yourself

Card Skimming is not new, but the technology that makes it possible is evolving. Would you be able to identify an ATM rigged with skimming devices?

7 Ways to Save Big on Your Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is almost here. Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and an assortment of other dishes and desserts are on everyone's mind and menu, as well as the number of guests you plan to serve. For some, this might mean hosting a small number of guests, but for a larger gathering, you could have several. This can lead to another pressing issue: how to host a Thanksgiving meal that won't break your budget, despite currently higher prices.

How to Shop Local for Fun and Unique Gifts

Finding the right gift, especially for someone who has virtually everything, is challenging. While you could do a web search to find gift ideas, why not take another approach by supporting your local businesses and finding something unique?

Homebase

Homebase is a leading workforce management platform designed to simplify employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication for small businesses. Read more about how Extraco Banks is committed to building businesses.

ICYMI– Bank & Brews Waco | A Deep Dive into Google Analytics

After wrapping up a three-part series around the Startup Waco and Public Improvement District Marketing Skills Toolkit, we thought it was time to take a deep dive into some of the essential tools that all businesses should be utilizing. For our June Bank & Brews workshop, Extraco’s own Digital Marketing Specialist, Carina Yebra, walked attendees through what she considers to be an essential, and often underutilized, tool for all businesses– Google Analytics.

Is It Time to Refinance Your Auto Loan? Key Factors to Consider

Refinancing your auto loan can help you save money, lower your monthly payments, or pay off your car faster—but timing is everything. This blog breaks down the key factors to consider, including interest rates, credit score improvements and loan balance. Learn when refinancing makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to determine if it’s the right move for you.

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.

How Insurance Works

Insurance can help you financially recover if a risk should damage the things you value. Insurance can't prevent something from going wrong, but it can help protect you and your assets from the financial risk if something does happen.

What’s the Difference Between Scholarships, Grants, and Loans?

Few matters more than finding the funding you need to further your education. However, searching for money to cover college or trade school is like walking through a labyrinth. Yes, scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and other opportunities are everywhere, but what’s the difference between them? Which funds do you need, and what do they cover? Will you need to repay the money you receive?

4 Simple Financial Fitness Activities That Parents & Students Can Do at Home

Looking for a new way to keep your kids’ minds engaged and active? Why not propose an activity that is educational and fun? You might even learn something new yourself.

The Reasons People Buy Insurance

Read to learn the six reasons why most people buy insurance. One reason is to protect something purchased that has a high value, such as a house, car, jewelry, etc.

ICYMI— Bank & Brews | Marketing Skills: Keeping Things on Track

Part three of the series was led by Startup Waco’s Jon Passavant and covered some of the topics from Section 3 of the Marketing Skills Toolkit– Keeping Things on Track.

To Build or Not to Build: Get the Home That’s Right for You

Times are tough for buyers in today’s seller’s market. There is low inventory and incredibly tough competition for homes all over the country. Many buyers in the market have decided to build a new home to ensure they get the home that is right for them.

6 Steps to Creating a Great Financial Plan

The biggest mistake in financial planning is not having one. Creating a financial plan is not difficult, but it is daunting! We've broken down the six key steps to the financial planning process.

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.

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

How to Utilize Mobile Deposit

Deposit into your account with convenience. Extraco banks is committed to providing you access to your account anywhere you are. Set up mobile deposit today!

Buckle Up: Check Fraud Is on the Rise—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Even though check usage has decreased by 25%, reports of check fraud have nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are getting more sophisticated, stealing financial information to access—and fly off with—your hard-earned money.

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.

How to Use Student Checking Accounts to Teach Financial Literacy

Need a practical way to teach financial literacy? Read our blog and learn the benefits of student checking accounts, and how they help educate children about managing money.

How Can You Save Money With Home Insurance?

Need home insurance but could use some help figuring out where to start? We can help! Homeowner's insurance is essential to protecting your home and property. Your home is your biggest investment. So, you'll want to ensure it is well-protected should something happen that causes damage or liability concerns. And homeowner's insurance protects your home against loss or damage.

What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You

In July of 2025, the federal government signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—a sweeping piece of legislation that reshapes the tax landscape for individuals, families and business owners alike. Whether you're an investor, a retiree or a business owner, this new law carries implications for your financial strategy.

Vacation planning: Steps to make sure you’ve got a budget and a plan for this year’s vacation

Summer has finally arrived, and if you haven’t done so yet, it’s time to think about how to spend your 2022 summer vacation. The good news is that many governments and businesses have lifted pandemic restrictions. However, in their wake, we’re now facing higher prices at the pump, the stores, and everywhere else. Yet, with a few simple tips, you can still plan an enjoyable vacation while sticking to a budget.

Ways to Save More Money: Tips to find extra funds to save and cut your monthly expenses

If it seems like every news article you read drags you down, and every trip to the gas station and grocery store makes your budget cry, then you’re not alone. Yes, prices are rising. Sometimes it seems like they’re rising daily, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save more of your hard-earned money. It just means that, at least in today’s market, you sometimes might need to get a little more creative about how you go about saving money. Although this list isn’t all-inclusive, here are several tips to get you started.

Boost Your Savings Strategy with Extraco

Are you ready to accelerate your savings growth? At Extraco Banks, we understand the importance of making your money work for you and offer powerful financial tools designed to maximize your money. From Certificates of Deposit (CDs) to Money Market accounts, we have the solutions you need to achieve your financial goals.

ICYMI: November Bank & Brews | Digital Marketing 101

The November edition of our Bank & Brews virtual workshop series was all about Digital Marketing in the era of COVID-19 and beyond. The workshop was led by Gordon Law, President of Swimming Duck, a marketing agency based out of Dallas. Gordon is also a professor at SMU where he teaches marketing and digital media. He has over 40 years of marketing and advertising experience and is a great friend of Extraco Banks. We were thrilled to have him lead our final virtual workshop of 2020.

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.

Utilizing Financial Tools in Extraco eBank

Incorporate your Extraco accounts, external bank accounts, and manually added financials into our budgeting, savings, debt, and spending tools. Using Extraco eBank, we’ve made it easy for you to take a “big picture” look at your financial journey. Combine all of your accounts, non-Extraco included, to build out visual dashboards.

ICYMI– Bank & Brews (Bell County) | How to Hire the Right Employees

Finding and hiring awesome talent is difficult. Designing the processes, finding and interviewing candidates may take time and effort, but is sure to pay off in the long-term. These are they ways that Extraco Banks has mastered the hiring process.

Credit Card Debt: How to Know When You’re in Over Your Head

It’s best to avoid going too deep into credit card debt, and the way to do that is with careful planning and by creating a solid budget that you can live with. Knowing what you can reasonably afford and when you’ve reached that point is half the battle to preventing debt.

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.

What You Should Know About Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Considering an adjustable-rate mortgage for your next home purchase? Before deciding which mortgage is right for you, here's what you need to know. Let Exrtraco Mortgage help you with all of your home needs.

How to Get a Student Loan to Cover Financial Gaps from Scholarships

Making ends meet as a student when you’re not receiving enough financial aid from scholarships or grants can be challenging. Sometimes, it feels like there’s no way to make up the difference to get the funds you need. Grants and scholarships are an excellent start for funding your education, but they often don’t cover everything you need to get through a semester, let alone the entire school year. However, a student loan can help bridge that gap and get you the necessary funds.

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Resources