Resources

How to Bookmark Your Webpage

Google Chrome Computer/Laptop Open Google Chrome browser Go to the webpage you want to bookmark Click the star icon on the right side of the address bar Name the bookmark Select the folder you want

Why Investing in the Stock Market Should Be Your Next Money Move

It's the perfect time to reflect on our financial goals and set ourselves up for success. This year, why not make investing in the stock market your top resolution? Extraco gives you access to a digital investment solution, EasyInvest, directly via our digital banking platform. This way, you can invest like the top 1%, starting from as little as $10.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Tax Refunds: Frequently Asked Questions

At the beginning of each year, you’ll start to receive tax information in the mail. After using these forms to file your taxes, you might expect a tax refund. While you can choose to have it deposited to your bank account, the IRS controls the entire processing and transaction process.

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.

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!

The New Normal: How the Gig Economy Highlights the Need for Emergency Savings

As a gig worker, you must wear many hats and take on more responsibilities than you might as a traditional employee. This kind of work provides several advantages, including more freedom and flexibility to structure your work in a way that aligns with your preferences. However, there are a few caveats, mainly regarding financial stability.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Money Steps You Should Take Now

Higher prices for goods and services also translate to less money in your bank account and less to budget with each month. Fortunately, there are smart money moves you can and should make right now to protect your future, and it all begins with a budget.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.