Resources

Mortgage Refinance Calculator

How long will it take to break even on a mortgage refinance? Use the mortgage refinance calculator to sort through a multitude of factors including your current interest rate, the new potential rate, closing costs and how long you plan to stay in your home.

Mortgage Payoff Calculator

How much interest can you save by increasing your mortgage payment? The mortgage payoff calculator helps you find out.

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?

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.

Home Loan Payment Calculator

This home loan payment calculator helps you estimate your monthly mortgage payments based on factors like loan amount, interest rate, term length, and property taxes. It’s a quick and easy tool to better understand what you can afford and plan your budget with confidence.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Extraco Parking Plaza Is Now Open In Temple

The City of Temple is proud to announce the official opening of the Extraco Parking Plaza located at 1st Street in downtown Temple. The Extraco Parking Plaza is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility, set to provide convenient and secure parking options for residents, downtown employees, and visitors.

Extraco Banks® Begins Construction on New Downtown Temple Branch

Extraco Banks® announced on June 23, 2023, it will begin construction on its new Downtown Temple branch on July 10, 2023. The 2,400 square foot branch will have video teller technology, four drive through lanes and an outdoor seating area between the new bank building and Treno Pizzeria.

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.

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.

Creating a Budget

A budget will help you understand your spending patterns and gain better control over your money. Creating one helps you understand where you spend your money and discover areas where you can save.

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?

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?

Extraco Banks® to Sell Downtown Temple Financial Center and Build New Branch

Today, Extraco Banks® closed on the sale of its downtown Temple financial center to Austin investors, Redeem Investments, who plan to renovate the 10-story building that makes up part of the iconic Temple skyline. Extraco will build a new financial center across the street where its current motor bank is located today.

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.

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. 

Ten Steps to Financial Wellness for Women

This comprehensive checklist covers key areas and provides a roadmap for women to manage finances effectively. Each step contributes to building a strong financial foundation, fostering empowerment, and securing a stable future.

ICYMI— The Human Resources Lifecycle of a Business

We want to share our expertise and knowledge about the lifecycle of an employee – from hiring to firing – with you. Below is a recap of our October Bank & Brews workshops focused on four aspects of human resources which are vital to a business (and improving the bottom line): hiring, building, coaching & disciplining employees. Make sure to download the templates from each workshop!

Our commitment to the Gatesville community

Extraco's long-standing presence in the Gatesville community has allowed us to build meaningful relationships with our customers and become a trusted partner in their financial journeys. We are excited to open our new branch in fall 2023.

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.