Friday, December 23, 2016

Ways To Set Yourself Up For Success In 2017

2016 is drawing to a close. It’s been a good year filled with successes, learning opportunities, and things we can use to grow and improve as we move forward into 2017. The New Year holds a lot of great potential, and the team at First Bank of the Lake wishes you nothing but success in 2017. With New Year’s Day literally right around the corner, we want to take this opportunity to share with you some strategies to set yourself up for financial success in 2017. We hope you find your suggestions helpful!


Prioritize Paying Off One Debt At A Time
Getting out from underneath a pile of debt often seems like an insurmountable task, but it can be possible if you create a strategy and stick to it. In addition to making the required payments on all of your debts, we recommend choosing a certain one (either the one with the highest interest rate or the one with the lowest principal balance) to devote extra attention to. Pay a little bit extra towards the principal every month – even as little as $25 or $50 will make a big difference! Once you have paid it off, take the amount you were paying towards it every month and add it to payments on the next loan of your choice.

Go On A “Spending Strike”
In her book “The Spending Strike,” Sarah R. Baker suggests a unique strategy of going on a spending strike for a month – that is, not spending any money for an entire 30- or 31-day period. This may seem a bit extreme (and unattainable), but the point is a good one. Why not shrink it down to make it a bit more doable? Pick a two-week period and vow not to spend any money during that time. Doing this a couple of times per year could be a great way to reduce some of your extra (and probably unnecessary) spending habits.

Don’t Spend Money You Don’t Have
This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but an alarming number of people routinely spend hundreds of dollars they don’t have. Credit cards are all too easy (and often extremely tempting) to swipe, especially when they allow us to purchase something that we would otherwise not be able to afford. Credit card interest and fees rack up quickly, however, and the reality is that by charging extra expenses to your credit card, they will ultimately end up costing far more than the sticker price. A good rule of thumb is to only use credit cards for purchases you would just as easily be able to afford with your debit card or cash.

Build A Budget (And Stick To It)
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: sticking to a budget is the single most effective way to improve your financial standing. In its most basic sense, a budget is simply a plan outlining your total income and your total expenses. You can make it as elaborate and as detailed as you want it to be, but your goal should always be to make your total expenses less – ideally MUCH less – than your total income.

Remember First Bank Of The Lake As Your Financial Resource
Our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you move forward into a financially successful, stable New Year. We offer competitive interest rates on personal loans, CDs, and interest-bearing checking accounts. We also offer free checking and savings accounts to help you and your family with your everyday financial needs. For more information about our bank in Osage Beach MO, visit our website: www.FirstBankLake.com

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First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065



(573) 348-2265

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Protect Your Sensitive Information Online With Kasasa Protect®

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. Cybercriminals are using any means necessary to hack and access personal accounts, stealing sensitive information so they can use it for their own nefarious means. If someone gains access to your personal information, you can be the victim of identity theft, credit card fraud, tax fraud, or any number of other cybercrimes.


First Bank of the Lake is here to help you protect your sensitive information. Keep reading to learn more about Kasasa Protect and how it can benefit you.

Kasasa Protect®

Think of Kasasa Protect as invisible armor for your sensitive information. No matter where you are or what you're doing, it offers round-the-clock protection for your personal information and financial data to help you avoid being victimized by fraud or identity theft. 

Kasasa Protect begins working immediately upon enrollment, so you can rest assured that your sensitive information will be protected within a matter of minutes.

Proactive Advantages of Kasasa Protect®

Kasasa Protect offers multiple advantages to protect consumers like you from cybercrime. Here is a brief summary of the benefits it includes:
  • Comprehensive identity protection and restoration solution
  • Immediate alerts of any suspicious activity
  • Monitors multiple aspects of your credit report round-the-clock, including changes in:
    • Loan data
    • Inquiries
    • Liens
    • Judgments
    • New accounts
    • And more
  • Access and insight into your credit report, including:
    • Annual credit report
    • Regular review of your credit score
    • Insight into what's impacting your score


Kasasa Protect also includes Dark Web Monitoring, a service that constantly scans millions of international websites to quickly find stolen data that may be able to identify you, such as medical identification numbers or social security numbers.

Reactive Advantages Of Kasasa Protect®
If fraud should occur, Kasasa Protect offers a quick, hands-on process for restoring your information. For example:

  • Helpful advice and resolution services the minute fraud occurs
  • One point of contact in the event of a lost or stolen wallet, so you can easily handle cancellation and replacement of:
    • Credit cards
    • Licenses
    • Passports
    • Insurance cards
    • Social security cards
    • Military IDs
    • Travelers Checks
  • Certified Specialists to resolve, dispute, and refute credit issues, including:
    • Placing credit freezes at different bureaus
    • Filing fraud alerts
    • Notifying authorities

Enrolling In Kasasa Protect® Is Easy AND Affordable

We all hope that identify theft won't happen to us, but unfortunately there is no way to truly predict when cybercriminals may strike. It is always best to be prepared in the event of an attack. Its attractive prices and easy usage makes Kasasa Protect is an excellent option for young adults who wish to protect their sensitive information.

Kasasa Protect is available for just $12.99 per month - or just $7.99 a month for Kasasa account holders! If you have (or open) a Kasasa Cash, Kasasa Cash Back, or Kasasa Savings account, you'll have the opportunity to sign up for Kasasa Protect for only $7.99 per month.

Contact Us For More Information About Kasasa Protect®!

Interested in signing up for Kasasa Protect or learning more about its services? Contact one of the specialists at our Lake of the Ozarks community bank by calling (573) 348-2265. We look forward to working with you!

Want More Awesome Finance Tips? Sign Up For Our Newsletter!


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065



(573) 348-2265

Friday, December 16, 2016

Banking Basics Can EARN YOU REWARDS

First Bank of the Lake is excited to announce a new line of products designed to help young adults (like you!) manage their finances easily, efficiently, and successfully. Kasasa is an elite line of banking products designed specifically for Millennials who are diving headlong into the world of adult finances and responsibilities. Kasasa products are exclusively available at community banks like our local bank in Osage Beach MO. Keep reading to learn more about these exciting products and the benefits they offer.



Free Kasasa Cash® Checking

When you open a Kasasa Cash® checking account, we'll basically pay you to bank with us. This free checking account offers two primary benefits: it yields high interest rates and offers refunds on ATM withdrawals nationwide. Here is a quick glance at the advantages this account type offers:
  • 2.00% APY* on balances up to $10,000
  • 2.00% to 0.41% APY* on balances over $10,000 (depending on balance amount)
  • 0.05% APY* if qualifications aren't met
  • Refunds on ATM fees nationwide (up to $25 monthly)
  • Minimum $25 balance to open (NO minimum balance to earn rewards)

What's more, this awesome account offers free e-statements, free online banking, free debit card, and NO monthly service fee. The only thing you have to do to qualify for the awards is be enrolled and log into our online banking portal and have at least 12 debit card purchases post and settle every month. If for some reason you don't meet these requirements one month, you'll still have a free account - and you can get straight back to earning your rewards next month.


Shopping just got more fun! Our new Kasasa Cash Back® checking account offers a lot of the same benefits as the Kasasa Cash® account, but with one awesome perk: you'll get cash back on your debit card purchases! There aren't any category restrictions, so you have endless opportunities to earn big:
  • Earn 4.00% cashback on your everyday debit card purchases, up to $250 in purchases monthly.
  • That means you can earn up to $120 cash back per year ($10 per month)!

This account also offers many of the benefits offered by the Kasasa Cash® account, including no monthly service fees, free e-statements, free debit card, $25 minimum deposit to open, and - of course - refunds on ATM fees nationwide.


Building a strong savings account just got easier. You can link your Kasasa checking account to this savings account, enabling your savings to build up effortlessly. With high interest rates earned monthly, you can let your money work for you!
  • Earn up to 0.75% APY* on balances up to $25,000
  • 0.75% to 0.35% APY* on balances over $25,000 (depending on balance amount)
  • 0.05% APY* if qualifications are not met on Kasasa Cash or Kasasa Cash Back
  • Automatic transfers of Kasasa Cash or Kasasa Cash Back checking
  • NO minimum monthly balance
  • NO monthly service fee
  • $25 minimum deposit to open account

Like the other Kasasa accounts, the Kasasa Saver® savings account offers free online banking, free e-statements, and a free debit card. 

Save Big With Kasasa At First Bank Of The Lake!

Learning to manage your successfully finances can be a little overwhelming at first, but with Kasasa at First Bank of the Lake, it doesn't have to be hard. Our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you make sense of banking and position yourself for financial success. Check for our blog next week to learn more about Kasasa Protect®, which is like an invisible shield of armor for your sensitive information. In the meantime, check out our website or give us a call at (573) 348-2265 to learn more about what Kasasa can do for you!

Qualifications and rewards may vary by account.  Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, time frames, enrollments, log-ons and other requirements apply.  
Contact institution’s service representative for additional information, details, restrictions, rate calculations, processing limitations and enrollment instructions.

* APY = Annual Percentage Yield      Member FDIC

Want More Awesome Finance Tips? Sign Up For Our Newsletter!


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065


(573) 348-2265

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Help Us Raise Money For Christmas For Kids!

How do you plan to celebrate this Christmas season? In addition to office Christmas parties and family celebrations, many people at the Lake of the Ozarks extend the Christmas spirit to those less fortunate by participating in charity events and/or donating to non-profit organizations. First Bank of the Lake is proud to join in the Christmas spirit by donating money to local kids this year, but we need your help to make it happen!


Lake Area Christmas For Kids ~ Event Information

Lake Area Christmas For Kids is a huge annual fundraiser hosted by Ozark Coast Kiwanis and several local businesses. It is designed to help kids directly within the Lake of the Ozarks community. Without the dedication of the people who host and support the event, Christmas would not be possible for 1,600 children in our area. 

The event features a cocktail party, dinner, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and live entertainment from talented entertainers Shawn C, Elite Lighting & Sound, and KC Groove Therapy! This year's party is scheduled for Saturday, December 10th. Here is a sneak peek at the schedule of events:
  • 5:30 PM ~ Cocktail Party
  • 6:30 PM ~ Dinner 
  • 7:30 PM ~ General Admission

The cocktail party and dinner require reservations, but the general admission does not require any advance notice. The event is open to everyone ages 21 and up. General admission is a $20 donation plus a brand new, unwrapped toy. (If you choose not to bring a toy, admission is $40.)

For more information about this year's event, visit LakeAreaChristmasForKids.com.


Lake Area Christmas For Kids ~ Recipients

The toys and money raised at Lake Area Christmas For Kids will benefit 1,600 children right here at the Lake of the Ozarks. The children aren't the only planned recipients, however. In addition to the kids, funds raised at this event will benefit Wonderland Camp, Hope House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LOSA, Share The Harvest Food Pantry, Kids' Harbor, Lake Regional Pediatrics, and the YMCA.

Help First Bank Of The Lake Raise Money For Christmas For Kids!

Our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is proud to support this fantastic event and all of the local children and organizations it benefits. In honor of the giving season, we are calling upon you to help us raise funds for Christmas For Kids 2016. For every new newsletter subscriber we get in December, we will donate $1 to Lake Area Christmas For Kids. You don't have to donate any of your personal funds or time to make a difference - simply sign up for our newsletter on our website, and we will make sure your act is represented in our donation check at the end of the month.

Great Financial Tips ~ Even Greater Cause

At the start of the new year, our bank in Osage Beach MO will be introducing a new e-newsletter campaign which will offer a myriad of financial tips, advice, and other helpful information for anyone looking to set themselves up for financial success. Better yet, you'll get access to this insider information while knowing that your subscription made a difference in a local child's life.

Subscribe on our website today!


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

12 Money-Wasting Habits To Break Today: Tips 7-12

Wealth doesn't happen overnight. It is the result of handling your finances with precision, responsibility, and detailed attention year after year. Sometimes it is easy to pinpoint where you may be spending money unnecessarily, but at other times it can be harder to identify. Last week, First Bank of the Lake examined six of twelve habits that may be causing you to waste money:
  1. Grocery shopping when you feel hungry
  2. Keeping your cable subscription
  3. Occasionally grabbing a snack for the road
  4. Purchasing name brand items
  5. Splurging on in-app purchases
  6. Failing to keep your tires properly inflated


This week, we're finishing the conversation with six additional habits that may be costing you money.

7. Dining At Restaurants
Treating yourself to lunch or dinner out is fun, but if you want to save money, you should only eat out on rare or special occasions. Restaurants have to make a profit in order to stay in business, so you're paying far more for your meal at a restaurant than it would cost to make the same dish at home. Dining at home (or bringing your lunch to work instead of going out somewhere) can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in a single month. BONUS TIP: The same logic applies to buying coffee on your way to work versus making coffee at home in the morning!

8. Drinking Bottled Water
If you drink bottled water exclusively, you could be spending up to $1,000 per year on water alone. Tap water at the Lake of the Ozarks is generally healthy and available for a fraction of the cost. Even if you decide to install a filtration system in your home or purchase a stand-alone filter to use before drinking, you will still be saving money in the long run.

9. Buying Brand New Items
Clothing, furniture, books, cars, home decor pieces... no matter what you're buying, you can be confident you will be paying more for it if you will be the first person to own it. Before visiting major department stores, it may be worth perusing your local thrift stores. You can frequently find gently used items that are in great condition for a fraction of the cost you would pay if they were brand new.

10. Failing To Properly Insulate Your Home
If your home is drafty or poorly insulated, you could be spending thousands of dollars in unnecessary heating and cooling costs. Closely examine your home's insulation (don't forget the attic!) to identify any areas that need extra help, and consider upgrading your windows and doors to ones that are more energy efficient. It may require an initial investment on your part, but it will likely pay off in the long run.

11. Giving Into Impulse Purchases
Impulse buys account for a large percentage of many people's overall budgets. The main reason you should avoid grocery shopping when you're hungry is so that you will be less likely to give into impulse purchases, but the grocery store isn't the only location that can tempt people into buying items on impulse. Every store has enticing point-of-purchase items displayed near the checkout counters, and countless ads pop up on every website you visit. Plan your purchases ahead of time, and discipline yourself to avoid giving into last-minute temptations.

12. Throwing Away Leftovers
The amount of food Americans throw away is staggering. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, 40% of the food in America goes uneaten. The report states that American families throw out about 25% of the food and beverages they purchase, costing the typical family of four up to $2,275 per year. When you throw away uneaten food, you are literally throwing money away. Make a point of consuming the food that is currently in your home before visiting the grocery store again.

Take Control Of Your Finances!
Each of these habits may only cost you a few extra dollars here and there, but these extra expenses can add up to substantial amounts over time. By breaking these money-wasting habits, you could save thousands of dollars per year.

First Bank of the Lake is here to help you take control of your money and position yourself for financial success. For more information about our financial services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website at www.FirstBankLake.com.



First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065


(573) 348-2265

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

12 Money-Wasting Habits To Break Today: Tips 1-6

The best way to get more money in your bank account at the Lake of the Ozarks is to simply cut back on unnecessary spending. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. If your budget is tight, certain expenses are obviously unnecessary, like flying first class or having dinner at the most expensive restaurant in town. However, there are certain other areas where it is surprisingly easy to spend extra (and potentially unnecessary) money in. First Bank of the Lake is here to help you identify (and break) your habits that may be causing you to spend money unnecessarily.


1. Grocery Shopping When You Feel Hungry
There is a reason so many people warn against shopping for groceries when your stomach is empty. If you have ever set foot in a grocery store on an empty stomach, you can attest to how difficult it is to avoid putting extra items in your cart. Do your wallet a favor by only doing your grocery shopping after you've recently eaten.

2. Hanging On To Your Cable
Paying for cable or other television services can be very expensive. As Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming programs become increasingly prevalent, many Millennials are moving away from traditional television programs. You can typically subscribe to streaming platforms (even multiple ones) for a fraction of the cost of your TV services.

3. Occasionally Grabbing A Snack For The Road
Be honest: how often do you swing through a fast food restaurant or pick up a snack when you stop for gas? These snacks are available at such low prices that it can be hard to resist the temptation, but (like anything else) these small expenses can add up quickly when they are made regularly. You can save money on snacks for the road by keeping your car stocked with snacks you bought in bulk at the grocery store or - better yet - resisting the snacking urge altogether.

4. Purchasing Name Brand Items
You probably don't pay much attention to the items you buy every day, but it's worth taking a closer look to see if you're spending extra money unnecessarily. Toiletries, food, beauty products, medicine - no matter what you're buying, your local grocery store will almost always offer the same product by its own brand for significantly less than the more popular, well-known brands. 

5. Splurging On In-App Purchases
What's your favorite app or video game on your phone? Even if you originally downloaded your app for free, chances are you get countless ads and other opportunities to spend a little bit extra on in-app purchases. Since many of them are offered for as low as $1-$5, it may be easy to justify these purchases. As with your road trip snacks, however, these in-app purchases can add up quickly.

6. Forgetting To Check Your Tire Pressure
Yes, believe it or not, your tire pressure can actually have a direct impact on your wallet. Cars with under-inflated tires get poorer gas mileage than cars with properly inflated (or even slightly over-inflated) tires. Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that you aren't throwing money away. Missouri's propensity towards rapidly fluctuating temperatures makes it doubly important to check this regularly.

Check Back Next Week For 6 More Tips!
Your trusted bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you take control of your budget by breaking bad habits that cause you to spend money unnecessarily. These six tips are a great way to get started, but they're not the whole story! Check back for our next blog next week, where we will discuss six more strategies you can use to get your spending in check.


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065


(573) 348-2265

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

How You Can Prevent Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime where someone gains access to your personal information - credit card number, social security number, driver's license number, etc - and uses it to make unauthorized purchases or perform fraudulent activity. Being the victim of identity theft can cause several issues. Creditors may pursue you for expensive purchases that you did not make, for example, or you may be prosecuted for fraudulent crimes that you did not commit.


As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While there ways to recover from identity theft, it is much easier to protect your information closely so you can avoid being victimized by it in the first place. Keep reading to learn some simple but crucial things you can do to protect your identity, courtesy of the team at our Lake of the Ozarks bank.

Preventing Identity Theft Online

Use Strong Passwords.
There is a reason companies require you to create strong passwords that use a combination of special characters, numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and/or a minimum number of characters. Strong passwords such as these are harder to hack, thus offering better protection for your account.

Cancel Unused Credit Cards.
It's important to monitor every one of your credit cards so you can identify suspicious activity before it gets out of hand. The more credit cards you have, the more you'll have to monitor. Simplify your life by canceling any credit cards you are not actively using.

Watch Out For Phishing Emails.
Some spam emails are easy to identify, but others may not be. If you get an email from your bank or credit card company requiring you to verify/update your account, do not click on the links included in the email. Open your browser and go to their sites directly. If the email is legitimate, you will be able to access your account to perform the required tasks from your browser just as easily as you can from the email. If the email is fake, clicking on the included links may take you to a false site that enables a hacker to steal your information.

Preventing Identity Theft Offline

Be Alert For "Shoulder Surfers."
If you notice anyone casually walking or hovering by you as use an ATM or public computer, they may be attempting to look over your shoulder to watch you type your password or PIN. If you notice someone suspicious, use your opposite hand to shield your keyboard as you type and kindly but firmly ask the stranger to give you more space.

Shred Documents You No Longer Need.
It is critical that you be extremely cautious about what you throw away. Certain items - bank statements, credit card offers, receipts, expired credit cards, etc - should always be shredded before they end up in the trash can or recycling bin.

Protect Your Wallet/Purse.
Your wallet is an identity thief's goldmine, as it most likely contains your credit cards, driver's license, and cash. If you carry a wallet, store it deep in your pocket and be on the lookout for pickpockets. If you carry a purse, you may want to consider one with a cross-shoulder strap, as these are typically harder for thieves to snatch.

First Bank Of The Lake Can Help Protect Your Identity

Your identity is arguably your most valuable possession. First Bank of the Lake helps protect our customers' identity by requiring strong passwords on our online banking platform, providing free monthly bank statements to account holders, and responding immediately to any of our customers' concerns. If you have questions about our identity protection services, feel free to contact our bank in Osage Beach by calling (573) 348-2265.


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265

Thursday, November 10, 2016

3 Smart Ways To Use CDs

Growing Your Investments One Month At A Time

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a unique savings product that allows consumers to grow their funds according to fixed interest rates. They are sometimes referred to as "time deposits." When used correctly, these products can be a great way to improve your financial situation. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies from our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks to help you maximize your investments with CDs.


How Certificates of Deposit Work

CDs are similar to savings accounts, but with some distinct differences. Unlike savings accounts, consumers who open a Certificate of Deposit agree to leave their money untouched for a specific amount of time. This time frame is generally 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or even greater. In exchange for locking away a consumer's cash for a set period of time, CDs typically offer higher interest rates (and, therefore, higher yields) than regular savings accounts. Once their terms are up, consumers can access their original principal amount as well as their earned interest.

Smart Ways To Use CDs

Here are a few clever ways you can strategically leverage CDs to improve your financial situation.


1. Reinvest Your Earnings
Choosing what to do with your principal and your earnings once your CD matures is an important decision. One option is to reintegrate the funds back into your cash flow. Another option is to take your original principal and the interest earned and reinvest it in another CD. By continually reinvesting your earnings, you can help them grow exponentially.

2. Apply Your Earnings Towards A Debt
As you are surely aware, applying extra money towards the principal on your debts is a great way to pay them off faster and save money on interest. However, it can be hard to scrape together the extra funds to put towards these payments. CDs can help by promising a guaranteed return on your investment. When your CD matures, you will have extra money that you can apply towards a debt.

3. Start Small
Some millennials assume that CDs are not a good option for them because they cannot afford to set aside large chunks of money for extended periods of time. It may not be smart to lock a few thousand dollars away for more than one year, but many CDs offer terms as low as 3 months. Anything is better than nothing - there is no reason you can't start with short-term investments and work your way up to longer ones.

Contact First Bank Of The Lake For More Information About CDs

First Bank of the Lake is proud to offer very competitive rates on CDs at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you are interested in pursuing a safe investment opportunity, we would love to speak with you about our CD options. You can view our current interest rates on our website.* For more information about our CDs, visit us at www.FirstBankLake.com or call us directly at (573) 348-2265.

*Rates subject to change without notice.


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065


(573) 348-2265

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Do You Know Your Financial Vocabulary?

The financial industry is full of unique vocabulary terms and acronyms, and it can be hard to understand if you are just beginning to familiarize yourself with the lingo. The terms can be confusing at first, but it is important that you understand them so that you can make smart financial decisions. Your friends at our Lake of the Ozarks bank are here to help you. Here is a list of common financial terms and their meanings.


Common Financial Terms Defined

Tax-Deferred
This means tax payments are being postponed until a later date. Common tax-deferred items include pension plans, 401(k)s, and IRAs.

401(k) Plan
This is a qualified retirement plan, typically through an employer. Eligible employees can make salary deferral contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis.

Stock
This is a type of security that signifies proportional ownership in a corporation. The stock represents a claim on part of the corporation's earnings and assets.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
This is a type of mortgage loan in which the interest rate changes periodically. Typically there is a low "teaser" rate for the first three to five years, after which the rate will adjust periodically to reflect the current market.

Recession
A recession is a decline in the economy, officially defined as a decline the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for two or more consecutive quarters. Recessions are typically characterized by job loss and drops in the stock and housing markets.

Amortization
This is the schedule of paying off a specific debt with regular payments. This schedule typically shows the ratio of principal to interest over time.

Prime Rate
The prime rate is the best interest rate available. Only the most credit-worthy borrowers qualify for the prime rate.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The annual percentage rate is essentially the cost of a line of credit (encompassing all fees and interest). It is expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount.

Prepayment Penalty
A prepayment penalty is a fee assessed by a lender if the borrower pays off a loan before its scheduled time of maturity. These are uncommon.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
This is the amount of interest earned by interest-bearing accounts. Since it takes into account the frequency of compounding, it may differ from the interest rate.

Mutual Fund
This is an investment (operated by money managers who try to create gains for investors) made up of a pool of funds from multiple investors who want to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, money market accounts, and other assets.

Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal proceeding wherein a borrower's assets are liquidated and he is released from any further liability for his debts.

Liquidity
Liquidity refers to an asset's ability to be converted to cash quickly without sacrificing value or giving a discount on the price.

Bear Market and Bull Market
In a bear market, securities are falling and investors have a pessimistic outlook on the stock market as a whole. In a bull market, securities rise faster than historic averages and investors are confident making buys.

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
A type of retirement savings account. Unlike 401(k)s, IRAs can be opened by individuals - they do not have to be sponsored by employers.

Bond
A debt instrument used by corporations, governments, and others to generate capital. The issuer owes the holders a debt and is obliged to pay them interest as well as repay the principal at the maturity date.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A type of mortgage loan wherein the interest rate remains consistent (or "fixed") for the duration of the loan.

Capital Gains and Losses
A capital gain is realized when an investment’s selling price exceeds its purchase price. If you sell for less than your original purchase price, it’s a capital loss. The IRS taxes capital gains at a special rate.

Credit Score
A number used to identify a borrower's creditworthiness. It is based on past financial performance, such as credit use and late payments.

Diversification
This refers to the process of spreading risk by investing in a range of investment tools such as securities, commodities, real estate, bonds, stocks, etc.

Remember First Bank Of The Lake As Your Local Financial Resource!

If you are in need of financial services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you'll keep us in mind. From personal loans to business money market accounts, we offer a wide variety of services to meet your unique needs.


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065


(573) 348-2265

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

8 Money-Saving Tips For Halloween

How are you planning to celebrate Halloween? Maybe you're taking your kids trick-or-treating, maybe you're attending a Halloween party, or maybe you're planning to pass out candy to the excited trick-or-treaters who come to your door. Regardless of how you plan to celebrate, the holiday could probably end up costing you a pretty penny if you aren't careful! First Bank of the Lake is here to help you plan a fun Halloween that won't break the bank.


8 Tips To Save Money This Halloween

1. Hit Up The Thrift Stores
Costumes tend to be expensive, and they can add up quickly if you're having to outfit multiple people. Save money by shopping for costumes at thrift stores. Purchasing gently used clothing items and building your costume from scratch will likely be much less expensive in the long run. Thrift stores often also sell pre-owned Halloween decorations. Yard sales and garage sales are also a great way to find Halloween paraphernalia throughout the year.

2. Make Your Own Halloween Decorations
Does your household tend to go all-out on the Halloween decorations? Decorating for Halloween is grand fun, especially if you have young children to help you. You can save money and make great memories with your family by getting crafty and making your Halloween decorations instead of buying them.

3. Trade Costumes With Friends
If you have friends with children who are roughly the same age as yours, you may be able to trade costumes with them. This allows both kids to get some variety in their costumes without requiring you to pay double.

4. Maximize Coupons/Sales
Don't pay full price if you don't have to! Watch for coupon codes, discounts, and sales as you make your Halloween preparations. It doesn't have to be a huge deal to be worthwhile - every little bit counts.

5. Stock Up At The End Of The Season
After Halloween night, most stores will offer significant discounts on their Halloween supplies. While this may not help you with your costumes (after all, it can be hard to judge next year's size for your growing children), it can be a great way to stock up on other Halloween supplies (decorations, spooky makeup, etc).

6. Shop In Bulk
If you are buying Halloween candy to pass out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, bulk stores will be your new best friend. They offer great prices that other stores with smaller quantities often cannot match. Shopping at bulk stores can also be helpful if you need to supply Halloween snacks for multiple people.

7. Get Creative
There is no rule that says kids have to carry plastic jack o'lanterns when they go trick-or-treating. Save a few bucks by encouraging your children to use alternatives such as old pillow cases, baskets, or even sand buckets. Your kids could also get creative and decorate paper bags.

8. Think Outside The Box (Store)
After Christmas, Halloween is the highest grossing commercial holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, total Halloween spending for 2016 is expected to reach $8.4 billion, with the average American spending $82.93 apiece. You don't have to be a part of this statistic! With a little creativity, you and your family can celebrate Halloween for far less than that. As an added benefit, making your own decorations and piecing your costumes together from scratch are great ways to make memories with your family. Saving money AND spending quality time with your children - sounds like a win-win to us!

Happy Halloween from your friends at the best bank at the Lake of the Ozarks!


First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.


Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway
Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265