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Holiday Travel on a Budget

For many, the holiday time often involves travel, whether it's a short trip to visit relatives or a more extended vacation to explore new destinations. However, with travel comes expenses, and managing these costs can be a daunting task.

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.

Home Insurance

Home insurance is not just a box to check; it's a crucial tool to safeguard your home and everything it holds. Like any other aspect of your financial plan, your home insurance needs to be periodically evaluated and adjusted to meet your changing circumstances and the evolving market dynamics.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

The Top 7 Things Physicians Should Know Before Moving to San Antonio

You probably already know that San Antonio is home to two Level One Trauma Centers and two of the top largest hospitals in the nation, along with several biomedical research facilities throughout the area. These spaces will give you access to some of the latest medical and healthcare technology innovations. That’s not all this city has to offer. Allow us to introduce you to the San Antonio area and help answer some of your burning questions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Make the Most of Merchant Services

Despite the reasons behind the rise of touchless payments, the need for well-rounded merchant services to address and manage these payments has also increased. Thankfully, banks that work with local businesses are helping businesses level up their game by providing various merchant service options to meet consumer payment needs and how to make the most of these services.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Calculating Your Debt-to-Income Ratios

Learn how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to estimate how much you can afford on your next mortgage. In addition to your credit score, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratios are looked at by closely by mortgage lenders when you apply for a loan. This ratio is extremely important in determining the risk associated with approval.

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.

Understanding Escrow Accounts and Escrow Analysis

An escrow account helps simplify homeownership by spreading out property tax and insurance costs through your monthly mortgage payment. Each year, an escrow analysis reviews these expenses to ensure enough funds are available, which may result in a shortage or surplus and cause your payment to change. Understanding how escrow works can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

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.

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.

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.

Extraco Banks Purchases Building for New Gatesville Location

Extraco Banks purchased the former Texas First State Bank location in Gatesville at 2501 Texas 36 with the intention of moving its Gatesville banking operation to this site in late fall 2023. Previously, Extraco had purchased land located along US Hwy 84 with the intention of building a new branch.

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.