Search

Filter Search Results

Type of Content

Reset Filters

Resources

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.

Planning a Side Hustle: What you need to think about before starting a side business

According to software company Zappier, 40% of Americans have a side hustle, and that number is growing. Planning a side hustle is a great way to pad your savings, pay down debt, save for a specific goal, or give you some extra wiggle room in your monthly budget. However, if you’re looking to add a side hustle, there are a few things you should know before you begin, and it starts with a plan.

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!

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.

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– Bank & Brews Temple | Business Plans

A solid business plan is essential for all businesses. Jason Ehler of the Small Business Development Center and Brian Reinhardt of Extraco hosted a great session on what to include in your business plan (as well as what NOT to include), how often to revisit your plan after the COVID-19 pandemic, and resources that all business-owners should be utilizing.

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.

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.

ICYMI– Best Practices for Business Finances

The importance of well-organized business finances cannot be overstated. Keeping accurate and well-organized financial data is critical for knowing the status of your business, tax season, and especially when seeking financing.

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. 

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.

Your Complete Moving Checklist

There is so much to do when you’re getting ready to move — especially if you’re moving to a new city. This checklist won’t reduce your to-do list, but it can make it easier to avoid forgetting important tasks.

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.

Bank & Brews Waco | Utilizing Google Web Tools in Your Small Business Marketing Strategy

Take a deep dive into some of the essential (and free) Google website tools that all businesses should be utilizing. For our August Bank & Brews workshop, Extraco’s own Digital Marketing Specialist, Carina Yebra, walked attendees through what she considers to be essential, and often underutilized, tools for all businesses– Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console, and Google My Business. 

Five Things Your Small Business Should Know About Branding

Branding is a powerful tool that can make or break your small business. Building a strong brand requires an understanding of what your business stands for and why you are in business. Read more from Sidekick Creative Agency about branding from your business.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.