There are moments when you need to speak with your bank about customer service-related questions containing information specific to your accounts or transactions. This type of message should not be sent to the bank using regular email. Instead for security purposes...
Technology is part of life, and unless you’re planning to live off the grid in the wilderness, it will remain part of our everyday experiences. Our mobile devices are used for communication, social interaction, shopping, banking, maintaining fitness, lifestyle, among...
Natural disasters can happen any time of the year, so having a home – and a mobile disaster supply kit can help you better manage the situation in the days that follow. Create a mobile disaster kit in a waterproof storage container that can be quickly and...
The buying vs. renting debate has been going on for some time, and the truth is – there are pros and cons to both sides. What’s most important is that you make your decision based on your short- and long-term goals, as well as what’s right for your...
As the temperature goes down, you may notice your utility bills start to go up. Luckily, there are ways to avoid those increases. If you’re cranking up the heat at home, that’s definitely going to increase your monthly bills. Instead, consider optimizing your window...
Credit card disputes occur when a consumer disagrees with the accuracy of a charge that appears on their statement. The Fair Credit Billing Act is a federal law that gives consumers the ability to dispute charges they did not make. However, in most cases, inaccurate...
Make the most of your extra time indoors this season by giving your house some much needed updates, even on a small budget. These inexpensive projects are a simple way to stay busy during the cold winter months while making your home beautiful in the process! Paint...
Start the new year with a cyber security checkup! Taking preventative measures to protect your personal information now could save you valuable time and resources in the future. Keep your bank account safe by being cyber smart. Listed below are simple ways you can...
Being in jeopardy is not an unfamiliar state for a business, as they are constantly evolving to survive, retain key talent, and adjust to new circumstances and demands from their customers and partners. The fact that there are always unknowable risks for the owners of...
It’s the cozy season, which means we’re all spending more time at home. So, why not take this time to make some inexpensive changes to your space? Adding trim to any room makes it look more polished, and depending on the room size, it can cost under $150. If you want...
The last month of the calendar year can be a helpful time to review your personal finances for a couple key reasons: 1) There may be steps you can still take to reduce your taxable income for the year and get a better tax result, and 2) By reviewing your income,...
New Year’s resolutions often don’t stay in our minds long, and then reappear as the year ends to be supplanted by new ones. Do New Year’s resolutions work for you? If not, then you are in the majority. Goals are usually fulfilled or dropped as new problems arise that...
If you’re writing new year’s resolutions, you should have a plan for executing them, too! To make sure you set goals you can keep, you should be realistic. Think about a few things you wish you would’ve done in the past year to make yourself happier or healthier –...
Investors planning substantial gifts to children or grandchildren may be considering whether or not to give stocks or sell the stocks and give the cash to alleviate the management concerns for the recipients. This article explores some of the unique benefits that may come with gifting the stocks directly, and introduces the strategy of using the annual gift tax exclusion as an estate planning method.
Year after year, gift cards have been a highly requested holiday gift. They are easy and convenient to give, and to receive. Whether you are shopping for that person that is hard to buy for or if you are just looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, gift cards...
If you like to go all-out on holiday decorating, you probably have a vision for your home décor this year. However, decorating can be expensive, especially if you’re buying new decorations. There are plenty of creative ways to make holiday decorating cheap! First, hit...
It’s not a secret that COVID-19 has impacted the lives of many Americans, including some of our neighbors in the Arvest Bank footprint. Some of those impacts have been financial in nature, causing challenges for a host of families and individuals. Some have lost jobs,...
Like most things this year, your holiday shopping might look different this time around. With more shoppers than ever opting to avoid crowds and buy from the comfort of home, retail analysts predict a large surge in online sales. It’s a good idea to prepare for a few...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And the most expensive. This season, you might find yourself hosting your family for holiday meals – and grocery bills add up fast. Luckily, there are ways to save money at the grocery store. First, when making your menu, rely...
As year-end comes about, there are time-sensitive decisions to make and tax incentives to capitalize on. With a year that has had as much volatility as 2020, nimbleness may be the order of the day. Such volatility makes portfolio management and portfolio tax planning...