Friday, March 29, 2019

The Top Fears People Have About Starting a New Business

There can be nothing more self-rewarding than having a dream of starting a business and running it successfully and watching that dream come true. However, many people have this same dream and they often let their fears of the unknown get in the way. Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks specializes in SBA loans or Small Business loans in Missouri and we enjoy helping small businesses thrive. For more information on those loans, call First Bank of the Lake at 573-348-2265. Keep reading for the top fears people have about starting a new business.


The Top Fears People Have About Starting a New Business


Not Having Enough Start-Up Money
The fear of not having enough money to really get started is a very real fear. You are approaching the unknown and have never done this before, what if you didn't set enough money aside for unforeseen issues? What if your business doesn't take off like you planned. SBA Loans at the Lake of the Ozarks are ideal for new small business owners because they provide much-needed funding to businesses who are trying to get off the ground. SBA loans often offer loan down payment options to make them affordable to their target market.

Not Knowing if People Will Want Your Products of Services
What if you didn't do your research properly and there wasn't enough of a market at this time for the services or products you are offering? You can only do so much market research before you have to just make a decision, to start to business or not to start the business. If this is a real fear of yours, you should look into your potential competition and research the industry in your area. Get a feel for what the "need" truly is in your area and determine if your business will provide a solution for that need and can you do so better than your competitors. If you decide you CAN, then this business dream may be worth pursuing.

Not Making Enough Money to be Profitable
The fear of failing and going bankrupt is probably one of the worst fears potential business owners can have, but the reality is you are not going to know if you will be profitable until you try. Not knowing could be worse than not trying.


Don't Let Your Fear Stand In The Way of Your Dream!


You know what they say, "You have to spend money to make money." 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. 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, we supply a certain type of loan that is specifically geared towards your unique situation: small business loans. Give our loan specialists at the Lake of the Ozarks a call today and learn more.


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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

Friday, March 22, 2019

5 Smart Ideas for Your Tax Return Money

Woohoo! You just got your tax refund check back and it is a GOOD chunk of change. Now what? You are tempted to splurge on that luxurious summer vacation or pay that down payment on that new car you have been eyeing. Before you decide to spend that money, think about this, there could be some better things you can do with that money.

There are several things you can do with your tax return money they may be better for you or your future. Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to give you a few smart ideas for your tax return money. If you'd like to put your tax return money into a new savings account at the Lake of the Ozarks, call First Bank of the Lake at 573-348-2265.


5 Smart Ideas for Your Tax Return Money


Make a large payment toward your student loan debt.
So many former college students graduate with a "mountain" of debt. Take this opportunity to make a large step toward paying your student loan debt off. Just think the closer you get to paying that debt off, the sooner you won't have to worry about it and have it weighing on you anymore.

Start an emergency account if you haven't already.
Emergency accounts are always a good idea, whether you own a home and you need the money for an urgent repair or you have a child who is sick and you get a hefty hospital bill for, having money for things you can't foresee can give you peace of mind.

Put it into savings.
Are you tired of feeling like you have no "financial cushion"? If so, then put a stop to it and put this money away into your savings account. If you don't have a savings account, then visit your local community bank at the Lake of the Ozarks and start a savings account that actually rewards you for banking locally.

Consider investing in an IRA.
IRA stands for "Individual Retirement Account," and it is a tax-advantaged way for you to save money for your retirement. This tax refund check could be your perfect opportunity to start planning for your retirement. The earlier you start the better!

Put it into a CD.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are common savings products also known as "time deposits". CDs are typically offered in terms of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or greater.  In exchange for locking away a consumer’s cash for a specific time period, CDs typically offer higher yields than a regular savings account. This could be a great opportunity for you to really save some money, especially since you aren't allowed to touch it for an extended period of time.


Bank locally with an experienced bank in Osage Beach and get rewarded for growing your economy. First Bank of the Lake is filled with employees that care about this community. We are your neighbors. We have great relationships with our customers and we strive to offer the very best customer service to each and every one of them. For more information, please visit our website at 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

Friday, March 15, 2019

Get to Know Our Team - Angela Jesse

Our community bank at the Lake of the Ozarks wouldn't be the outstanding establishment it is today without our fabulous employees. First Bank of the Lake is excited to continue our Get to Know Our Team blog series this month by introducing you to Angela Jesse. Each month our bank in Osage Beach asks one of our employees a series of questions in order to get to know them better. Keep reading to see Angela Jesse's answers.


Get to Know Our Team - Angela Jesse


1. How did you get started in the banking industry? 

I was 19 and was looking for a job with health insurance. My husband’s (boyfriend at the time) Uncle owned the bank so I asked if they were hiring.

2. What is your position at the bank? What are some of your key responsibilities? 

Vice President/Assistant Corporate Secretary    I am in charge of HR, IT and Security.

3. What brought you to the Lake of the Ozarks? 

I have lived here my entire life.

4. Where did you attend school? 

I graduated from Camdenton High School.  I have worked here for 25 years.  Most of my education has been on the job training.

5. What do you enjoy the most about your job?  

There is not just one thing I like about my job.  I enjoy what I do and the people I work with.

6. How do you enjoy spending your time when not at work? 

Both of my kids attend college in Springfield so I enjoy spending time with them when they are home. I also enjoy reading and cooking.

7. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I have no idea.

8. What is your dream vacation destination? Why? 

Bora Bora – I love the beach and ocean, Bora Bora has some of the most beautiful water and I love the cabins located on the water.

9. What is something few people know about you? 

I can’t think of anything.

10. If you won the lottery, what would you do? 

I would travel the world with my family.



Stay tuned next month as we introduce you to the next employee and continue our monthly Get to Know Our Team blog series. In the meantime, if you are in the market for a new bank at the Lake of the Ozarks and are tired of the customer service you are getting from your current bank or you are just looking for better rates on a loan or CD, consider First Bank of the Lake. Learn more about us by visiting our website at www.FirstBankLake.com or by stopping by for a visit at 4558 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 100, by the entrance to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets.


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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

Friday, March 8, 2019

St. Patrick's Day Events at the Lake of the Ozarks Area

The Lake of the Ozarks holds many fun events throughout the entire year. This community is so amazing in the way that the local businesses come together to make an event a success. Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks enjoys being a part of this community and we believe when you work with a local bank in Osage Beach, you put your money to work growing the local economy. First Bank of the Lake is here to tell you about the St. Patrick's Day events coming up in the Lake of the Ozarks area.


St. Patrick's Day Events at the Lake of the Ozarks Area



Lake Ozark St. Patrick's Day Parade
Mar 16, 2019
Bagnell Dam Strip
1 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 573-280-5477
Hours of Operation: 1:00 pm

Watch the community come together in this old fashioned parade with:

  • Floats
  • Marching bands 
  • Candy 
  • Goodies 

...for the young and young at heart. Many of the local restaurants along the strip will be offering specials and corned beef and cabbage feasts.

St. Patrick's Short Bus Shuffle
Mar 16, 2019
Multiple Venues
Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach MO 65079
Phone: 573-374-5500
Hours of Operation: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Pricing: $10 per person

Our safe shuttles will run beginning at 4 pm. Each stop will have:

  • Live entertainment
  • Drink specials  
  • St. Pat's festivities 

Please note: REQUIRED $10 wristband to ride shuttles available at all locations. Souvenir shirts are available too! Hub location is Captain Ron's. Participating lodging facilities will be offering special rates for everyone involved however you must make reservations before the event!

St. Patrick's Parade on the Water
Mar 16, 2019
Captain Ron's Bar & Grill
82 Aloha Lane
Sunrise Beach MO 65049
Phone: 573-374-5500
Email: membership@lakewestchamber.com
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

This parade is a fun day trip on the water and a perfect way to kick off the Spring boating season! 

  • You can decorate your boat and join the fleet or take a cruise on the Tropic Island or Celebration cruise yachts ($25). 
  • The parade will begin and end at Captain Ron's (34.5 MM) in Sunrise Beach. 
  • Optional Breakfast Buffet beginning at 8 am. 

Please note: Boats board at 9:30 am and depart at 10 am. 

St. Patty's Open Golf Tournament
Mar 17, 2019
Osage National Golf Resort
400 Osage Hills Road
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049
Phone: 573-365-1950 ext.10
Hours of Operation: Breakfast 9:00 am; Shotgun Start 11:00 am
  • This is an annual event to kick off the season. 
  • It is a 3-person scramble. 
  • Breakfast starts at 9:00 am. Shotgun start at 11:00 am.



As we said earlier, when you work with a local bank, you put your money to work growing the local economy. Our Lake of the Ozarks bank has been here for over 30 years and we are so proud to be a part of this community. If you are looking for a new bank at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider First Bank of the Lake. We pride ourselves on giving the best customer service. Check out our website at www.FirstBankLake.com to learn more about us.


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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

Friday, March 1, 2019

5 Mobile Banking Features to Make Your Life Easier

Mobile banking can make your life so much easier for a number of reasons. Times are changing and mobile banking is the future. There is no need to have to drive all the way to the bank to deposit your checks or to transfer money into your savings account anymore. Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to save you the trouble and make your banking as convenient as possible. First Bank of the Lake is here to present you with 5 mobile banking features to make your life easier.


5 Mobile Banking Features to Make Your Life Easier


1. Track your expenses whenever you want from the palm of your hand.

Are you tired of having to write down every transaction you make into your checkbook? That is the old fashioned way of tracking your expenses. Save your wrist and your time and simply check on your spending from our online banking app.

2. Transfer your money without having to drive to the bank each time.

Manage your money from the palm of your hand without having to make hardly any effort. Need some money in your checking from your savings? Have you decided to dig into your savings account a little bit? Have money transferred into your checking from your savings within minutes! You control your banking at any time of the day with the First Bank of the Lake mobile banking app.

3. Check your bank balances without having to call the bank every time.

Keep track of how much money you have without having to make a phone call or a drive into the bank in a much EASIER way. Know your balance at any time of the day by simply logging into your account with the First Bank of the Lake online banking app from the convenience of your phone.

4. Deposit checks with the tap of a button on your phone.

Say goodbye to having to drive to the bank every time you want to deposit a check and hello to a much more convenient way. Simply take a photo of the check and deposit it into your account with our new First Bank of the Lake mobile banking app. That is called banking made easy!

5. Pay your bills every time from a convenient mobile banking app.

Why waste a check and a stamp by having to mail in your bill payments every month because that is what you are used to? Make your bill paying more convenient and less costly and pay your bill online with our new app.

Make Banking EASY With First Bank of the Lake


Our bank in Osage Beach cares about our customers and we strive to do everything possible to make their personal and business banking with us s convenient as possible. This is why we were so excited to present these 5 CONVENIENT banking features of the First Bank of the Lake mobile banking app to make your life easier. No one should have to go through the trouble of driving all the way to the bank to deposit a check or make a transfer. In today's technology age, you can do so from the palm of your hand with First Bank of the Lake.


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