First Bank of the Lake: 2015

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 23, 2015

Protecting Your Personal Information OFFLINE - 5 Tips

Last week, we explored the importance of protecting your personal information online and some simple suggestions to help you do so. As the number of internet users continues to skyrocket, protecting your information online is becoming increasingly important. However, this increased emphasis on protecting your information online does not mean that protecting your information offline is any less critical. This week, First Bank of the Lake is bringing it back to the basics with these simple (but crucial) tips to protect your personal information in the physical realm,.

5 Tips To Protect Your Personal Information OFFLINE

1. Limit What You Carry
Anything you carry with you on a daily basis is potentially at risk of being stolen. We encourage you to only bring your driver's license and credit or debit cards with you when you go out. If you must bring your social security card with you, be sure that it is safely returned to a secure location as quickly as possible. Additionally, don't forget to protect your online information by never carrying any login information in your wallet.

2. Shred And Wipe
Once you no longer need them, we recommend that you shred all credit card offers and applications, insurance forms, bank statements, expired charge cards, checks, physician statements, receipts, and similar documents. Destroying the prescription information on any medication bottles before throwing them out may also be a good idea. If and when you dispose of a computer, phone, or other device, be sure to have the hard drive and memory wiped first.

3. Secure Your Mailbox
If your mailbox doesn't have a lock, remove mail immediately when it arrives. If you order new checks or a credit/debit card, do not have it mailed to your home unless your mailbox has a lock. If you're sending mail, drop it in a locked outgoing mailbox or at the post office directly. If you will be out of town for several days, request a vacation hold on your mail.

4. Ask Why Before Sharing Information
You should never feel obligated to share personal information without understanding why it is required. Always feel free to ask why your information is needed and how it will be protected before providing personal information at your workplace, your child's school, or a doctor's office. Finally, never give out any personal information to anyone you do not know either in person or on the phone (unless you initiated the contact).

5. Lock Up Important Documents
Keep financial documents and records secure by storing them in a safe place at home and locking your purse or wallet in a safe place while at work. If you carry a purse or computer at a restaurant or other public place, always keep it close to you. Only keep financial information on your laptop when necessary, and never allow your computer or mobile device to store your login information automatically. We also recommend keeping your phone and computer password-protected at all times.

First Bank of the Lake - Your Trusted Banking Resource
At First Bank of the Lake, we solemnly promise to never share your personal information. Our customers' trust is very important to us, and we do everything in our power to be worthy of the dedication and loyalty they have shown to us. If you ever find yourself in need of financial services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you will remember our local bank in Osage Beach, MO.

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, December 17, 2015

Protecting Your Personal Information ONLINE - 6 Tips

With identify theft and cyber crime the fastest growing crimes in the U.S., it's more important than ever to make sure your personal information is protected. First bank of the Lake is here to help with these simple offline and online strategies to ensure that your confidential information remains safe and secure. By being educated and prepared, you will be less likely to fall victim to the scams of con artists and thieves.

We're starting the conversation this week by looking closely at some of the things you can do to protect your information online. Be sure to check back next week to learn how to protect your information in the physical world.

Protecting Your Personal Information Online

Tip #1: Don't Reuse Passwords
Using the same password for everything may be easier to remember, but it can make it entirely too easy for criminals. If you have the same password to all of your accounts, a criminal will have access to everything as soon as he has access to one. Try to use a different password for every account. Don't forget to take advantage of the optional security questions for an extra layer of protection.

Tip #2: Be Cautious When Using Public Computers
If you are using a public computer, make sure you never allow the computer to save any of your private information. Always log out completely when you are finished with your accounts, and make sure your login information has not been saved.

Tip #3: Order Your Credit Report Annually
Many people do not realize this, but every major credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) will provide consumers with free copies of their credit reports every year. Your credit reports will be able to indicate whether or not any suspicious activity occurred in your name and if your identity may have been compromised.

Tip #4: Only Make Purchases On Trusted Sites
Online shopping can be a great convenience, but it can also be a potential danger. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you make a purchase on a website that is not secure, you could easily become a victim of identity theft. To protect your information, stick with trusted, well-known retailers. If you are shopping on smaller sites, make sure they use reputable payment processors.

Tip #5: Beware Of Phishing And Spam
If not carefully avoided, phishing and spam attempts can expose your computer to dangerous viruses and spyware that can capture your personal information. Do not open files, click on links, or download programs you receive from unknown email addresses. To be extra safe, do not open emails from friends that only contain links - these are often viruses as well. You must also beware of phishing schemes in which you think you are signing into your online bank account, but it's actually a false webpage designed to steal your personal information. To be sure you are logging into a secure portal, always go directly to your bank's website.

Tip #6: Use Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus and anti-spyware software is your computer's best defense against hidden dangers. Make sure all of your computers are equipped with current software, and set your preferences to update these protections often. If you operate on a wireless network at home or at work, make sure that your it is secured.

Stay Safe!

Your identity and your personal information is your most valuable asset. Use extra caution and lots of common sense when doing anything online that could expose your private information to nefarious sources. If you have any questions about online banking at the Lake of the Ozarks or other financial security, don't hesitate to reach out to First Bank of the Lake. We would be happy to help in any way we can.

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, December 10, 2015

The Power Of Compound Interest

When it comes to investment accounts, compound interest can be an incredible financial asset. When you have an investment account that earns compound interest, your money can grow at a rapid rate. First Bank of the Lake is here to help you get a better understanding of what compound interest is and how it can help you grow your investments.

An Overview Of Compound Interest

Essentially, compound interest is interest that "compounds" itself. Your principal investment amount will accrue interest for the term (one year, for example), and then the accrued interest will be added to the original principal amount to create a new "principal" amount. Interest will then accrue for this new principal amount for the next term, at which point it will be added to the principal. The pattern continues from there.

This is in stark difference to "simple interest," when the principal amount earning interest will remain the same no matter how much interest is accrued. Simple interest can also help you grow your investment, but the growth will be much slower than with compound interest.

Compound Interest In Action

The concept of compound interest can be difficult to fully wrap your brain around, so the best bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help put it in perspective for you. Th following examples can help you recognize the growth potential that compound interest presents.

Let's say you have an investment account with a principal amount of $10,000 that earns compound interest at a rate of 5% annually. After the first year, it would have accrued $500 in interest (10,000 x 0.05), bringing the total value of your account to $10,500. After the second year, the interest accrued would be $525 (10,500 x 0.05), bringing the total value to $11,025. The third year, the accrued interest would be $551.25 (11,025 x 0.05), which would bring the account's total value to $11,576.25.

In only three years, your investment would have grown from $10,000 to $11,576.25 - an increase of $1,576.25!

To put this in perspective, let's compare it to a different account that only accrues simple interest at the rate of 5%. With an initial investment of $10,000, the account would accrue $500 per year. After three years, the total value of this account would be $11,500 (10,000 + 500 + 500 + 500).

After the same amount of time, the account with compound interest would have earned $76.25 more than the account with simple interest. (Note: these examples assume that the account holder is not continuing to make additional deposits into the account.)

Give Compound Interest Time To Work For You

While $76.25 may not sound like a lot, we are only talking about a three-year time frame. As the years pass, compound interest will continue to increase exponentially. Consider the same hypothetical accounts we just discussed. After thirty-five years, the account with compound interest would grow from an initial investment of $10,000 to $55,160. In contrast, the account with simple interest would only grow to $27,500 - half the amount of the other account.

Compound interest can be powerful, but it has to be given the time to become so. This is why experts encourage you to begin planning for retirement as soon as you can (even while you're still in your early twenties). The earlier you begin investing, the more time your money will have to grow.

Investing at the Lake of the Ozarks

If you are looking for a safe place to invest your capital, look no further than First Bank of the Lake. With our wide variety of accounts and services, we are sure to provide something for everyone. If you would like more information about our trusted bank in Osage Beach, give us a call at (573) 348-2265 or visit our website.

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 2, 2015

HOMEOWNERS: 4 Tips To Help You Save Money

Owning a house is a big financial responsibility. As the owner of your own home, you and you alone are responsible for ensuring that all necessary repairs are made in a timely manner, any desired upgrades are performed correctly, and that your mortgage payments are made in full every month. Your home is one of (if not the) biggest financial asset you will ever own, and it's important to make sure you take care of it. Keeping care of your home does not have to empty your wallet, however! This week, the team at our Lake of the Ozarks bank is here to help homeowners (like you) save money with these simple tips.

4 Ways To Save Money As A Homeowner

1. Make Sure Your Ceiling Fans Are Rotating The Right Way
Ceiling fans do more than create a pleasant breeze - they can also help to keep energy costs down. During the warm summer months, your ceiling fans should (typically) rotate counterclockwise and on the highest setting, as this will allow them to push air back down to the ground and create a cool breeze. During the cold winter months, your fans should rotate clockwise on a low setting. This allows them to pull the air up to the ceiling and push it back down again by the walls. Mixing up the air in this way can help to ease your heating costs.

2. Lower Your Hot Water Heater Setting To 120° F
When considering our electric bill, most of us don't even think about our hot water heaters. However, it requires a great deal of energy to heat several gallons of water to your desired temperature - and an additional amount of energy to maintain it at that heat level. Most experts recommend lowering your temperature setting to 120° F (or 55° C). You probably will never use water at a hotter temperature than this (and if you do, you risk scalding yourself), so lowering to this setting can help protect both you and your wallet.

3. Upgrade To LED Light Bulbs
Until relatively recently, all homes had incandescent light bulbs. With the introduction of LED bulbs, however, many homeowners are slowly upgrading their homes to these new light bulbs. LED bulbs cost a little bit more up front, but they are much more energy-efficient, resulting in lower electric bills. Not only that, but the lifespan of these bulbs is much greater than that of an incandescent bulb, so you won't have to replace them as frequently. The cost of LEDs has lowered over the past few years, so your original investment may not be as much as you might expect!

4. Install A Programmable Thermostat
For some people, their HVAC systems use more energy than anything else in their homes. You can use your programmable thermostat to set specific temperatures for specific times of day, such as 70° during mornings and evenings when you're home and 65° in the afternoons when you're away at work/school and a night when you're asleep. This way, you can avoid paying for warm or cool air that you won't be around to use, while still having a comfortable home to come home (or wake up) to.

Happy Savings!

We hope you find these suggestions helpful! If you are looking for a full-service bank at the Lake of the Ozarks, look no further than First Bank of the Lake. We offer a great selection of checking accounts, savings accounts, personal loans, CDs, and business loans at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would be honored to be your trusted financial resource!

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 25, 2015

5 Financially Savvy Black Friday Shopping Tips

Thanksgiving is almost here! As we flock to the grocery stores to grab the last few items needed to prepare our Thanksgiving feasts, many of us are also gearing up for another exciting seasonal event: Black Friday.

Black Friday is quite possibly the largest shopping event of the year. With the hundreds of outstanding deals and incredible bargains offered by retailers of all sizes, consumers get the chance to save potentially hundreds of dollars on their holiday shopping lists. Of course, as with all shopping excursions, consumers also have the chance to spend far more than they were originally planning to. This week, our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you keep your Black Friday spending on track with these helpful hints.

Financially Savvy Black Friday Shopping Tips

1. Plan Your Shopping List Ahead Of Time
Impulse shopping is the quickest way to spend more money than you were originally intending to. You can protect yourself from impulse shopping by sitting down and writing out a list of the items you want to purchase before you even begin looking at the sale options. Use this list to keep yourself on track when it's time to shop.

2. Do Your Black Friday Shopping With Cash
Shopping with cash is one of the most effective ways to guarantee you won't spend more than you originally budgeted. Once you're out of cash, you will be forced to quit spending. If you charge everything to a credit card, you may be dangerously tempted to buy that flashy new flat screen - and could end up paying even more for it if you are unable to pay off your credit card bill when the time comes. Shopping with cash may be your smartest option.

3. Use The Buddy System
Most people plan to bring a friend or two with them when they go Black Friday Shopping, but it's important to be strategic about who you bring. If your shopping buddy is a big-spender, it may be hard for you to keep your own spending in check. Find a friend who will help you resist the urge to spend money on items you don't need.

4. Check For Online Deals Before You Buy
Before hitting the stores on Friday morning, visit the websites for all the stores you're planning to visit. Many retailers offer the same deals online that they do in-store - and by the time you factor in the cost of gas and the amount of time you'll spend standing in line, the online deals might be the better option.

5. Follow-Through With Your Rebates
Many Black Friday deals offer mail-in rebates; you have to pay full price in the store, but they will send you money back after you mail in the rebate. Unfortunately, many consumers forget to send in the rebates afterwards, which means they ended up paying full-price for the Black Friday "deal" they were so excited about. Don't leave money on the table!

Happy Thanksgiving From First Bank!

On behalf of everyone at the best bank in Osage Beach, we hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend and a successful Black Friday shopping spree. If you ever find yourself in need of financial services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you'll keep us in mind. First Bank of the Lake would be honored to help you in any way we can!

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 19, 2015

First Bank of the Lake Raises Money for Segs4Vets to Support Injured Veterans

Exciting announcement! Our trusted bank at the Lake of the Ozarks has partnered with the Missouri Bankers Association (MBA) to provide Segways for men and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here's a sneak peek at the press release to help you learn more about our involvement.

First Bank of the Lake - Press Release

This year, First Bank of the Lake is sponsoring an in-house campaign to raise money for Segs4Vets, making a fun approach to fundraising.

“It is an honor for First Bank of the Lake to recognize the sacrifices that our Veterans make to keep our nation safe,” said Michael Anderson, First Bank of the Lake President. “Participating in Segs4Vets gives our bank the opportunity to thank our soldiers for their bravery.”

MBA chose Segs4Vets as its designated charity in 2009. Since then, banks in Missouri, their employees, and community members have raised more than $254,790 to support this noble cause.

“Like our banks and their communities, we are proud of the men and women serving our country,” said Max Cook, MBA president and CEO. “We appreciate our members’ efforts, their hard work, and their enthusiasm for making donations and organizing events to support Segs4Vets.”

Launched in 2005, Segs4Vets is a grassroots program administered by volunteers. The cost for each Segs4Vets award is expected to average $9,750 in 2015. For every $1 donated, 98 cents supports Segs4Vets’ mission — helping severely injured men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to choose the path of independence and to remain productive members of society.

“When men and women serving our nation suffer serious injury and permanent disability, they must have resources and tools that help them live independently and contribute to society,” said Jerry Kerr, president and co-founder of Segs4Vets. “Segs4Vets empowers these men and women, giving them a new outlook on life.”

Meet First Bank of the Lake
First Bank of the Lake is well known for their community mindedness, and takes pleasure in reaching out to organizations such as the Segs4Vets to help make a difference both locally and nationally. First Bank of the Lake was also recognized recently as a top-producing local lender by ICBA with a letter stating “You and your team serve your customers every day and help your local community flourish. It is because of local community banks like yours that our industry continues to thrive.” For more information, visit www.firstbanklake.com.

Meet The Missouri Bankers Association

The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of 293 banks and savings and loans in Missouri. Its members have more than 30,000 employees who work in more than 2,000 locations throughout the state. For more information, visit www.mobankers.com.

Meet Segs4Vets
Segs4Vets is a nonprofit organization gifting Segways to combat injured Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, helping Veterans choose the path of independence to once again become productive members of society and their families as they continue to serve our nation. Designated one of the Best Independent charities in America, Segs4Vets has been awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. For more information, visit www.segs4vets.com or contact Lori Hampel, Segs4Vets program administrator, at 314-965-4938.

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 11, 2015

End Of Year Giving ~ 7 Important Considerations

The holidays are fast approaching. With Thanksgiving and then Christmas only a few weeks away, many of us are looking for ways to celebrate the holiday season by giving gifts or donations to the people or organizations we care about the most. In addition to the warm feeling that comes from helping others, donating to charitable organizations offers its own financial rewards when tax season comes around. If you follow the Internal Revenue Service's rules on tax deductions, you may be able to deduct the money you donate to charities from your annual taxes. This week, the team at First Bank of the Lake is here to help you as you prepare to give.

3 Tips To Help Turn Your Donations Into Tax Savings:

#1. Itemizing Is Required
If you claim the standard deduction amount on your tax return, it won't matter how many charitable gifts you give. If you want to deduct your charitable donations, you must itemize your expenses on Schedule A. In most cases, however, there is no limit to how much you can deduct.

#2. Know The Tax Status
Before donating, research the charity of your choice to ensure that it is a tax-exempt organization. Only contributions to IRS-qualified charities (that is, those with 501(c)(3) status) are deductible. Any reputable organization will be happy to provide you with proof of their 501(c)(3) status, so don't be afraid to ask your chosen charity about their tax status.

#3. Timing Is Everything
Donations must be made by the end of the tax year for which you want to claim the deduction. For example, if you date and mail a check to a charity on December 31st, 2015, it will be counted towards your 2015 taxes. Regardless of when they are received, mailed donations must be postmarked before the end of the year in order to count for that year. The same applies to donations made via credit card; as long as the transaction is dated before the end of the year, it does not matter that you might not pay your credit card bill until the following month.

4 Tips To Help You Select Your Charity:

#1. Give To Reputable Groups You Know
Donating to an organization you have volunteered for is almost always a safe bet. If you are familiar with the organization (and especially if you are passionate about their cause), you will be able to donate to them with confidence. Being reluctant to give to strangers is natural; you should never feel obligated to give to groups without carefully researching them first.

#2. Let The Internet Help
There are a handful of websites that provide in-depth information about charities to help donors research how their money will be spent. Here are a few sites you may wish to explore:

While religious organizations are typically not required to disclose how they spend donated money, many of them still choose to reveal this information. Check www.efca.org if you want to find this type of information.

#3. Narrow Your Focus
Rather than spreading your donation around between ten or more different charities, many experts advise donating what you can to one or two organizations, as this will have a greater impact. Choose a cause that is important to you personally and research related charities. Keep in mind that you can switch it up ever year, or every few months, depending on what your budget allows.

#4. Protect Yourself
Unfortunately, there are many scam artists who will take advantage of this season of giving by trying to steal your money or (even worse) your identity. Often times, fake organizations will have names that are very similar to those of reputable organizations, so you'll want to make sure you're donating to the correct organization. Also, we strongly recommend that you never give money or credit card information in response to a phone call, email, or door-to-door solicitation. Being proactive about where your money goes can help ensure that it will end up in the right place.

Happy Giving From First Bank!

On behalf of everyone at our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you and your families enjoy a truly wonderful season of giving and spending time with the people who mean the most to you. If you are in need of banking services in Osage Beach or any of the surrounding areas, we hope you'll keep us in mind! We would be honored to help you protect your capital and increase your financial success.

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 4, 2015

SBA Loans ~ A Complete Overview

"You have to spend money to make money."

This famous adage has guided aspiring entrepreneurs for decades. Depending on your industry, starting a business at the Lake of the Ozarks can require a sizable initial investment. You may not have the funds you need immediately available to get your business up and running. What can you do?

If you're like most entrepreneurs, you'll probably take out a loan so you can have the funds you need to get your company off the ground. Luckily for you, there is a certain type of loan that is specifically geared towards your unique situation: small business loans.

Why Small Business Loans?

SBA 7(a) loans are guaranteed in part by the Small Business Administration, an agency dedicating to supporting small businesses across the United States. The SBA guarantees the loan, but First Bank of the Lake provides the funding for the loan. Because they are specifically geared towards funding small businesses, SBA loans offer several unique benefits designed to give entrepreneurs a competitive edge.

3 Benefits Of SBA Loans

Here's a quick look at some of the unique benefits that SBA loans can offer.

1. Long Term Financing

SBA loans offer long-term financing, which helps improve cash flow. In most cases, the loan is for a fixed term and will not have a balloon.

2. Low Down Payments

One of the uses of an SBA loan is to provide much-needed funding to businesses who are trying to get off the ground. Consequently, SBA loans often offer loan down payment options to make them affordable to their target market.

3. Several Different Loan Options

SBA loans are not "one-size-fits-all." In fact, there are several different types of these loans you can choose from. Your SBA lender at the Lake of the Ozarks will be able to help you determine which is best for your situation.

Get Your SBA Loan At First Bank Of The Lake!

First Bank of the Lake is proud to announce that we have a dedicated SBA lending officer on staff. With his addition to our team, we are able to offer SBA loans at the Lake of the Ozarks for many local up-and-coming business owners. If you would like more information about how our trusted Lake of the Ozarks bank may be able to help you get your business off the ground, give us a call at 573-348-2265. We look forward to hearing from you!

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 28, 2015

Can You Pass This Financial Literacy Quiz?

A person who is "financially literate" is able to understand how to properly earn, manage, invest, and generally handle funds in a responsible, proactive manner. Considering this definition, it goes without saying that being financial literate is a key component of financial success.

Are you financially literate? Our local bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to help you find out with this fun quiz!

Scroll down to find the answers... No peaking!

1. How Much Money Should You Have In Your Emergency Fund?
A. 1 month's worth of income
B. 3 month's worth of income
C. 6 month's worth of income

2. Can Applying For A New Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only if it's a major credit card company

3. What Is A Certificate Of Deposit?
A. A certificate confirming the cash or check you deposited into your account
B. A certificate confirming the cash or check you deposited in someone else's account
C. A type of savings account

4. What Is Considered A Good Credit Score?

A. 600+
B. 650+
C. 700+

5. A 15-Year Mortgage Will Require Larger Monthly Payments Than A 30-Year Mortgage, But The Loan's Total Interest Will Be Less.
A. True
B. False

6. At What Age Should People Start Saving For Retirement?
A. 15-20
B. 20-30
C. 30-40

7. Which Of The Following Is NOT A Way To Improve Your Credit Score?
A. Paying back all of your bills on time
B. Keeping your credit card balance at or below 30% of your credit limit
C. Making all your purchases with cash

8. What Payment Should You Make On Your Credit Card Bill Each Month?
A. The complete balance
B. The minimum payment
C. Nothing

ANSWERS:

1. C - 6 month's worth of income
2. A - Yes
3. C - A type of savings account
4. C - 700+
5. A - True
6. B - 20-30
7. C - Making all your purchases with cash
8. A - The complete balance

How'd You Do?

Did you pass the test? Are you financially literate? Leave us a comment below and let us know how you did. If you have questions about managing your finances or banking at the Lake of the Ozarks, don't hesitate to reach out to the team at First Bank of the Lake! We would be happy to help you in any way we can.

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 21, 2015

Check Out Our New Website!

At First Bank of the Lake, it is our mission to help our clients financially in any way we can. Outstanding customer service is our number one priority; from retirement planning to personal loans to small business loans at the Lake of the Ozarks, we strive to always provide our valued clients with the resources they need to lead financially successful lives.

We are excited to announce that we have recently extended our customer service efforts by having a brand-new website designed for our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks. This week, we're dedicating our blog to providing a quick tour of our new site. We hope you like it!

First Bank of the Lake's New Website

Home Page
On our home page, we introduce you to First Bank of the Lake and give a quick overview of our philosophy and the different types of services we offer. We promise we will never try to sell you a loan or service you don't need; we are simply here to make sure you are familiar with the resources we have available to you.

Personal Checking
We offer a variety of different checking accounts so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. Whether or you are looking for a simple checking account or an interest-bearing account, we have an option that will work for you.

Business Accounts
Business banking comes with a whole different set of needs and requirements. If you are a business person looking for a strong, solid banking relationship, look no further than First Bank of the Lake!

Savings Accounts
Personal savings accounts are an excellent way for you to protect your finances and earn interest at the same time. Please note that you are not required to have other accounts to earn interest - your savings account alone will suffice.

Loans
People take out loans for a variety of different reasons. Whether you're buying a car, growing your business, or anything in between, our commercial and installment loan specialists will be ready to assist you in any way they can.

CDs
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are excellent ways to protect your capital and grow your investment. The longer the term, the higher interest rate your account will yield. We are currently offering some outstanding rates on our 9- and 15-month CDs. (See our earlier blog to learn more about these competitive rates.)

IRAs
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are incredibly valuable retirement planning tools. Each of the four predominant types of IRAs have slightly different requirements and benefits. This page of our website aims to help you identify which type of account will best meet your needs.

Services
In addition to banking and investment accounts, we offer a wide variety of additional services for the convenience of our customers, such as safety deposit boxes, stop payments, wire transfers, and account reconciliation. This page gives a complete overview of these different services and the prices associated with each.

Meet The Team
It is very important to us that our clients feel comfortable with our bank and our staff. For this reason, we have the final page of our website with pictures, names, and job titles of some of the most prominent individuals on our team.

Stop By Our Bank And Introduce Yourself!

If you are looking for a new bank or are looking for extra financial services at the Lake of the Ozarks, we hope you'll consider First Bank of the Lake. Our experienced and dedicated team would be honored to help you works a wealthier future!

First Bank of the Lake - Striving For Excellence

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.