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Maximizing Your Meal Plan: How to Stretch Your College Food Budget

Creativity and mindful spending can help you maximize your college meal plan and food budget. And it can also help you save money for other things you might need throughout the school year. The tips above will help maximize your food budget and stretch your resources further without compromising your nutritional needs.

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. 

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. 

What to Know Before Launching a New Business in 2023

Are you thinking about launching a new business in 2023? We like to think of starting a new business as a journey. Launching a business is a big step and one with the potential to help you realize your dreams. Taking your time and launching your business the right way is wise. So, having patience and discernment will prime your business for growth and success.

How Entrepreneurs Can Get a Business Scholarship Award

Are you an entrepreneur looking to further your education? If so, you might be eligible for a business scholarship award! These awards help business owners finance their education and continue their business ventures. We'll go over how to start your search, standard eligibility requirements, and the types of scholarships available. We'll also provide you with some success tips for completing your applications. So, if you are ready to level up your business skills, read on.

How to Ban Scams from Fake Checks to Online Shopping and More  

Robocalls are one of the most common scams Americans face today, and scam artists use many approaches to trick you. It might be an auto warranty renewal, a hotel reservation, an award you won – even if you never entered a drawing for it – and more. Still, robocalls are only one of the many avenues scam artists use to trick you. 

What Is a Trust Fund?

Trust funds provide a financial safety net for your family in an unexpected tragedy. Creditors cannot access the money you place in a trust fund. However, the fund can pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other immediate needs. Trust funds can also ensure that your loved ones have the money they need to care for themselves financially, even after you're gone.

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.

How to Protect Older Adults and Loved Ones from Fraud

As autumn draws near, it’s time to consider the holiday season ahead. Although fraud can happen to anyone anytime, it’s especially concerning during the holidays. Older adults and loved ones often feel the brunt of these attacks. The FBI reported Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $1.7 billion in 2020, with fraud claiming over 92,000 victims that year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

When Is it Time to Increase Your Team?

Growing your team can be nerve-wracking and exciting bundled together. On the one hand, it means you’re hitting important milestones and expanding your business. Yet, it also means you need to grow your team and perhaps even hire new types of talent to accommodate your increasing need. Finding the sweet spot and knowing when to hire and when to hold off is key. Thankfully, there are a few simple ways to tell when it’s time to increase your team.

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.

Understanding eBank Security Alerts

Extraco eBank offers several security alert options to notify you of specific account activities. Utilize customizable alert settings for added security on your account. When logged into Extraco eBank, select the Settings tab on the left hand side and then Alerts. Standard alerts are automatically toggled on, but you can adjust any as you see fit.

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.

6 Tips for How to Pay for a Major Medical Expense


This year, the Susan G. Komen Foundation predicts there will be 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 2,710 new cases of male breast cancer. While early detection and prevention are essential, cancer care and treatment costs can be astronomical. So how do you pay for these and other major medical expenses?

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.

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?

5 African Americans To Celebrate During Black History Month

We’ve got some extraordinary people to tell you about in celebration of Black History Month. We’re thrilled to celebrate these pioneers for all they have achieved and taught us throughout history. These historical figures remain beacons of hope, knowledge, and resolve. Their stories remind us to pursue our goals, dreams, and ambitions with determination, as tomorrow may bring unexpected opportunities.

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?

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.

Tips to Keep Your Business Secure Online

Consider Yahoo, Marriott International, Adult Friend Finder, Anthem, and Target. What do these companies have in common? They’ve all experienced some of the largest data breaches in history. The scary thing is that you can’t protect all your data all the time, but there are many things you can do to guard against a cyber-attack.

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.

Whole Life vs. Term Life: Which Life Insurance is Better?

Choosing a life insurance policy can feel like walking through a labyrinth. Different types of policies, costs, benefits, and the fine print can be confusing.  Which insurance is best for you: whole life insurance or term insurance? Let’s look at the differences between each so you can decide.

Bill Pay And Voice Pay

Bill Pay is an online service which allows you to pay a person and/or a company through your online bank account. You determine who you want to pay, when you want to make the payment, how often you want to send the payment, and which account you want the payment to come from. It's safe, secure and easy to use.

The Magic of Compounding Interest: How It Can Supercharge Your Savings

When most people think of compounding interest, credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans come to mind. Whether your goal is to build your net worth or save for retirement, compounding interest is a powerful tool to supercharge your savings, allowing your money to work harder for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is Positive Pay?

Positive Pay is an automated cash management system that helps eliminate the risk of losing money from fraudulent checks. We use this system to coordinate financial payment security efforts with your business; this allows your business to monitor payments and ensure that only your payee receives the approved funds. If we receive a check that doesn't match your Positive Pay file, we will contact you to verify payment details before honoring it.

Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

Buying a home is still a big part of the American dream and, for many, an important milestone in life. However, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for your next home, knowing when to buy is key to getting the best rates. That’s especially important today with a hot housing market and rising interest rates. There are a few things you can do to maximize your chances of landing a good deal on your mortgage, which could save you thousands of dollars over the term of your home loan.

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.

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!