Friday, July 31, 2020

Smart Ways To Track Your Spending

Electric Bill, Water Bill, Back To School Supplies, Rent/Mortgage, there are SO many expenditures to keep track of, right? This can be really difficult to do, without the right tools, when you have a lot going on in your life right now. Remembering to write down every time you spend money out of your checking account in your checkbook can be really tough! Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to give you a couple of EASIER ways to track your spending. Keep reading this week's blog for 2 SMART ways to track your spending that this bank in Osage Beach can offer you. Want to sign up for Mobile Banking or Online Banking at First Bank of the Lake? Give us a call today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2265.


Smart Ways To Track Your Spending 


Online Banking.
Now, you can enjoy a simple, convenient and easy way to manage your money — anytime of the day or night. It delivers a highly intuitive user interface, responsive screens and great tools that simplify your financial life.

  • Check all your account balances, pay bills and make transfers right from the Home Page
  • View real-time account balances, check images and history
  • 24-hour access to checking, loans and CDs
  • Export history to financial software or spreadsheets
  • Transfer funds between accounts
  • Pay bills online
  • Safe and secure

Mobile Banking

  • Instant Balance: When enabled, users can securely preview balances without logging in.
  • Touch/Fingerprint ID: Log in using your fingerprint instead of a password with Apple's Touch ID or Android's Fingerprint Authentication or Facial Recognition.
  • Account Balances: View your account balances in real-time.
  • Recent Transactions: View both recent and pending transactions.
  • Check Images: View images of the front and back of your checks.
  • Transfer Funds: Easily move money between your accounts.
  • Add Contacts: Add companies and people to send money to.
  • Send Money: Schedule payments to companies and people.
  • Deposit Checks: Deposit paper checks using your phone's built-in camera.
  • Fully secure.
  • Use Mobile Banking with complete confidence. It delivers the highest level of security thanks to multiple layers of authentication.

Make Your Life EASIER With First Bank of the Lake!



Tracking your spending can be one of the simplest things you can do, you just have to go about it the right way. When you choose Mobile Banking or Online Banking at First Bank of the Lake, your checking account expenditures are tracked automatically. You really don't have to do a thing, except sign up of course! Learn more and give us a call today. You can also stay up to date on our latest announcements by following us on our social media platforms listed below.





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


Connect With Us On LinkedIn

Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265

Friday, July 24, 2020

5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Personal Savings Account

If you're able to set a few dollars aside every month to save money, that's ALWAYS a good thing. Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to give you not one, not two, but FIVE easy ways to grow your personal savings account in this week's blog. Sometimes, this can seem like the hardest thing in the world to do, but by just making a few simple changes in your life, you could be growing your savings account quicker than you realize. For information on the savings accounts at the Lake of the Ozarks that we at First Bank of the Lake provide, please give us a call. We can be reached at our bank in Osage Beach at 573-348-2265. Remember, we put YOU first.


5 Easy Ways to Grow Your Personal Savings Account


1. Set up auto transfers when you get paid. 
This is probably one of the EASIEST things you can do to grow your savings quickly. This way, you don't even have to think about it, set up an auto transfer with to take place once a month or even once every two weeks if you prefer. You can change the amount later on if you need to, but just having money transferred to your savings from your checking automatically on a regular basis, no matter the amount, can do a world of good! Every little bit helps.

2. Always put a set amount or percentage aside. 
Some companies who employ workers use direct deposit and at times, you can set up your direct deposit to go to two different accounts versus just your checking. For example, let's say you would like to have 80% of your paycheck to go to your checking and 20% of your paycheck to go to your savings every time you get paid. Some companies allow you to do that. It doesn't hurt to ask your HR department about it.

3. Avoid pulling from your savings account.
We get it. There are temptations everywhere that may cause you to want to make an unnecessary impulse buy and in order to do so, you would need to pull from your savings. Resist! Ask yourself, is this purchase really worth it, and do I absolutely have to have this item?

4. Put any extra money you receive in savings (bonuses, birthday money, money from selling items).
You may be surprised how quickly this extra money can add up. In addition to the examples we have listed above, some of you may not have received your tax refunds yet. If you can comfortably do so, put that money away in your savings too. You'll likely be happy you did if an emergency strikes and you need to dip into your savings, for example, your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of summer.

5. Cut unnecessary expenses from your budget.
Unnecessary expenses may include stopping by the coffee shop every week for coffee when you can make it at home, ordering food to go every week from a restaurant when you can save by cooking more, or paying for extra TV channels each month when you can do without. Ask yourself what's more important, putting this money aside for emergencies or enjoying these small conveniences now?


Grow Your Personal Savings Account Today With First Bank of the Lake!


We want you to be able to feel financially sound and clearly one of the best ways to do that is to have a good amount of savings, in the case of a financial emergency. Here at First Bank of the Lake, we have an abundance of savings account products to meet your financial needs. For more information on those products, please visit our website at www.FirstBankLake.com and select the savings tab. If you have any questions about what you see, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at the number listed below. You can also stay up to date on our latest products by following us on our social media platform listed below.




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


Connect With Us On LinkedIn

Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Budget Friendly Vacation Planning Tips

With the pandemic we've all been experiencing, many families are itching for a getaway. Money is also a concern at this time and that's why our Lake of the Ozarks bank has come up with some vacation planning tips that are easy on the wallet. First Bank of the Lake wants to help our customers go on that much-anticipated vacation while keeping their budget top of mind. Check out the tips below & get to planning your family vacation!


Find a Close Destination

A vacation within driving distance can cut your travel expenses down significantly. There are many tourist destinations within the state of Missouri for you to take advantage of. Not only does this save you time but driving a vehicle a couple hours is significantly less expensive than air travel.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Many destinations have fun activities for your family to enjoy at no charge. Scope out the free or inexpensive things you can do to stay entertained. Hiking trails and parks are usually free and a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while spending little to no money! It's okay to splurge on a few activities that cost, but trying to fill your time with free things can really cut back on your overall vacation budget.

Shop Around for Places to Stay

There are a variety of types of places to stay these days, especially around vacation destinations. Rent a home, rent a condo, stay at a resort, stay at a hotel... try to shop around for the best deal. Don't forget to check out the amenities that are included at the places you're considering. Free breakfast, a swimming pool, other activities -- these can all provide convenient entertainment which could save you money in the long run.


Travel During the Week

Weekends are a popular time for traveling as a large percent of the population is off work on the weekends. Since the demand for weekends is higher for hotels and other lodging options, it's often more expensive to book a vacation over a weekend. Consider a trip that consists of weekdays only to cut back on your budget.

Book a Stay-Cation

A stay-cation can be a fun way to explore your own town! You can do all the fun tourist activities while staying in the comfort of your own home. Many locals don't take full advantage of the awesome attractions and activities the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. It can be fun to explore your own town from a new perspective -- as a tourist! You'll also save a lot of money on lodging expenses if you're staying at home!

What are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to start planning your budget-friendly getaway. Our bank in Osage Beach, MO can help you financially prepare for your vacation with a number of banking products we have available. Our Free Kasasa Cash Back® Checking allows you to earn 4.00% cash back on your everyday debit card purchases, up to $120 back per year. You will also get refunds on all of your ATM withdrawal fees so you can confidently get cash from any ATM across the nation. Contact First Bank of the Lake to open your account today and learn more ways to save for your upcoming vacation!




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


Connect With Us On LinkedIn

Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Making a Mobile Deposit on the Go is a Snap!

Deposit checks right from your phone. With the First Bank of the Lake App, it’s easy, fast & FREE! It’s as simple as point, click, done! Deposit checks anywhere and anytime with our Lake of the Ozarks bank. It’s the fastest, easiest way to get checks into your account.


How does it work?

Depositing checks has never been easier. Once you’re downloaded the FBOL mobile app, simply launch it on your phone and select Deposit. To deposit a check, choose the account to make your deposit. Then enter the amount. Sign the back of your check, with the endorsement For Mobile Deposit Only at First Bank of the Lake. Now, take a photo of the front of the check. Photograph the check against a background that gives you strong contrast. Ensure the entire check is visible, in focus, and well lit. When ready tap the camera icon to snap your picture. If it’s clear use it. Repeat this process for the back of the check. Once both images have been captured make your deposit. That’s it!

Why is it a better way to deposit checks?

You have better things to do with your time. Mobile Deposit saves you a trip to the bank. It’s like having a branch at your fingertips. Using just your mobile device, you can deposit checks as soon as you receive them with just a few simple taps and snaps from your camera. Mobile Deposits go into your account quickly and securely. Quick. Easy. Banking’s done!

Is it secure?

Yes, depositing checks with Mobile Deposit is safe and secure. Every deposit you make is password protected and highly encrypted.

How do I get started?

To get started with Mobile Deposit, download the FBOL mobile app and enroll your checking or savings account(s). To use Mobile Deposit, you must first be enrolled in Online Banking. Not enrolled in Online Banking?

Enroll Today 

If you’re already enrolled in Online Banking, just follow these steps:
Go to the Apple Store or Google Play
Search for First Bank of the Lake or FBOL mobile.
Download the FBOL mobile app
Enter your Online Banking User ID & follow the prompts. It’s that simple!


Mobile Deposit FAQ's:

What types of checks can I deposit?
You can deposit checks payable in U.S. dollars, including personal, business, and most government checks. Checks must be payable to and endorsed by the account holder.

The following are not eligible for mobile deposit: International Checks, U.S. Savings Bonds, U.S. Postal Money Orders, MoneyGram, Federal U.S. Treasury Checks, remotely created checks (whether in paper form or electronically created), convenience checks (checks drawn against a line of credit), and cash, etc.

When will my funds be available?
Generally, mobile deposits received and accepted on a business day before 5 pm CT will be available that business day.

How do I endorse a check for mobile deposit?
Before you take your check photos, sign the back of your check and write For Mobile Deposit Only at First Bank of the Lake.

What should I do with my check after I deposit it?
It's recommended that you write a note on the original document reminding you that the check has been deposited. Then, store the document until you’ve confirmed it's been accepted. We recommend securely holding on to your check for 30 days (or at least 7 days), after you deposit it in case we need more details from you.

How will I know if my check was deposited?
You’ll receive an email notification confirming that we’ve received your deposit and another email when we’ve accepted it for processing. Or, you can view your Mobile Deposit History in the app. Statuses pending, failed and those which have been accepted.

Why would a check deposit be declined?
There could be a number of reasons why a check deposit is declined including:
Check type is ineligible for deposit.
Check was previously deposited (duplicate item).
Missing endorsement.
Deposit exceeds your current daily or monthly deposit limit for mobile deposits.
Poor image quality.
In some instances, our mobile app will notify you with an error message. In other cases, we will notify you by email of the rejection of any check deposit found during processing.

What should I do if my deposit is declined?
Deposits may be declined for a number of reasons. We’ll send you an email explaining the reason(s) for the decline and what you should do next. If you need more help, call us at 573.348.2265.  

Is Mobile Deposit secure?
Yes, Mobile Deposit is protected by several layers of security. The app uses SSL encryption technology to protect your personal information and financial transactions. 
In addition, check images captured during the mobile deposit process are never stored on your mobile device. We recommend that you always lock your mobile device when you’re not using it and avoid storing sensitive information such as passwords on the device.

Is there a fee to use Mobile Deposit?
No, at First Bank of the Lake, Mobile Deposit is a FREE service! 

Mobile Deposit is the quick, easy, and secure way to deposit your checks. Next time skip the trip and use Mobile Deposit with First Bank of the Lake. Try it today!




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


Connect With Us On LinkedIn

Located at the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets!

4558 Osage Beach Parkway

Suite 100
Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2265