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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
read moreIt’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...
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Take a good look at your surroundings and your daily routine. What is working, and what isn’t? Here are some ideas for things you can you do during January, sometimes known as “Get Organized Month”, to set yourself up for success this year: Prioritize. On a...
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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,...
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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...
read moreIf 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 –...
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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.
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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...
read moreIf 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...
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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,...
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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...
read moreIt’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...
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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...
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Do you help look after an aging parent, or care for an ill or elderly relative? If you do, you are part of one of the largest unpaid workforces in America. Keeping up with ongoing care for a loved one can affect your personal well-being. The National Alliance for...
read moreThe holidays are all about being thankful for what you have – and giving to those less fortunate. This Thanksgiving, if you’re looking for ways to give back, but want to make sure your charitable giving is budget-friendly, we’ve got some tips for you. Giving back...
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If you ask people what they regret most about their financial past, they often say they wish they had gotten serious about money sooner — much sooner. When you’re young and you aren’t paying the bills yet, it can be hard to understand how your earning, spending and...
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