Resources

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.

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.

A letter to friends and neighbors

If you need a bank you know and trust, think about our local banks, and think about Extraco.

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.

Top Five Benefits of Building a Solid Banking Relationship

At Extraco Banks, you're not a number — you're not just ‘another customer.’ Instead, we consider you family, and family deserves more attention, better service, and a personal approach. Read our blog to learn more!

The Rule of Thumb for Emergency Savings: How Much is Enough?

Life is unpredictable, and emergencies happen when you least expect them. Having an emergency fund is essential to your financial planning.

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?

Phone24 and Call Center

Our Self-Directed Services or Phone24 options allow you to quickly complete your banking services.

Nine Clever Strategies to Save More on Groceries

Saving more money while shopping can be made simple using these different ways to increase your savings. With these nine strategies, you’ll quickly become a savvy shopper.

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— Bank & Brews | Marketing Skills: Leveling the Playing Field

Part two of the series was led by Startup Waco’s Jon Passavant. In his mentorship of business owners, he often sees the same issues arise. Entrepreneurs often struggle to determine the fundamentals of their business, such as goals, purpose, and identity.

How to Boost Savings with a Money Market Account

Need a way to grow your money faster and with less effort? A money market account can help you achieve short-term financial goals and long-term solutions.

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.

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.

Building Your Dream Home: 7 Awesome Renovation Ideas to Get You Started Today

Transform your dreams into reality by building your dream home through the frame of your existing home. Here are seven awesome renovation ideas to transform your space.

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.

How to Get Life Insurance Following a Serious Illness like Heart Disease

There’s nothing like experiencing the loss of a loved one and then compounding the grief with financial stress. Paying for final expenses and debts is the last thing on anyone’s mind during this time. Still, they are essential details that require attention.

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.

Why Hiring an Investment Professional is a Good Idea

Like most people, you probably think hiring an investment professional is a waste of money. You might believe using a pocket investor or investment app is just as good — or better — than working with an investment professional. However, this isn't always the case. There are many reasons why hiring an investment professional is a good idea and can maximize your return beyond what fractional investing can achieve.

How to Use Student Checking Accounts to Teach Financial Literacy

Need a practical way to teach financial literacy? Read our blog and learn the benefits of student checking accounts, and how they help educate children about managing money.

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.

7 Ways to Save Big on Your Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving is almost here. Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and an assortment of other dishes and desserts are on everyone's mind and menu, as well as the number of guests you plan to serve. For some, this might mean hosting a small number of guests, but for a larger gathering, you could have several. This can lead to another pressing issue: how to host a Thanksgiving meal that won't break your budget, despite currently higher prices.

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.

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.

Flash Floods: Tips for Avoiding the Hidden and Costly Dangers

If you live in an area prone to flash flooding, you must protect yourself and your family. We've researched the best tips to avoid the hidden dangers and costs of flash floods and a few tips on what to do if caught in a hazardous situation.

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.

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.

Maximizing Your Finances: The Power of Combining Checking and Savings Accounts

At Extraco Banks, we're committed to empowering your financial journey by providing robust solutions that cater to your banking needs. Join us as we dive deeper into the specifics of both the checking and savings accounts we offer, and the unparalleled benefits of bundling them together.

ICYMI– Bank & Brews (Bell County) | How to Hire the Right Employees

Finding and hiring awesome talent is difficult. Designing the processes, finding and interviewing candidates may take time and effort, but is sure to pay off in the long-term. These are they ways that Extraco Banks has mastered the hiring process.

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.

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.

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?

How To Utilize ACH for your Business

How To Set Up ACH Transactions

Linking an Account vs. Adding an External Account in eBank

Our Extraco eBank platform offers two ways of connecting your other bank accounts– linking accounts or adding external accounts. Depending on what actions you want to take with your accounts, one may be better than the other.

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.

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.

New to the Area? Here’s How to Feel at Home

Whether you moved here for a new job, school, a partner, or just because you needed a break from the big city, Extraco has some tips to help you get acclimated to your new hometown.

Buckle Up: Check Fraud Is on the Rise—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Even though check usage has decreased by 25%, reports of check fraud have nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are getting more sophisticated, stealing financial information to access—and fly off with—your hard-earned money.

4 Simple Financial Fitness Activities That Parents & Students Can Do at Home

Looking for a new way to keep your kids’ minds engaged and active? Why not propose an activity that is educational and fun? You might even learn something new yourself.

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.

Protecting your Business from Legal Trouble | The LINC Up Series

Hear from Mary Margaret Croft, from Carpenter & Croft, about the importance of legal protection for your business. This blog is part of our LINC Up video series.

How to Enroll in Positive Pay

Don't Wait for Fraud to Occur to Start Using Positive Pay. Protect your Business and Enroll Today!

Extraco Banks' New Flagship Branch: Extraco Banks | West Adams In Temple, TX

Exciting developments are underway as Extraco Banks prepares to open its state-of-the-art flagship branch in Temple, TX, promising innovative financial solutions and community growth.

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.

Boost Your Savings Strategy with Extraco

Are you ready to accelerate your savings growth? At Extraco Banks, we understand the importance of making your money work for you and offer powerful financial tools designed to maximize your money. From Certificates of Deposit (CDs) to Money Market accounts, we have the solutions you need to achieve your financial goals.

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.

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.

Type of Content

Resources