Working less to accomplish more isn’t easy. It often requires thinking creatively to find more effective ways of doing things. Luckily, there is technology available at your fingertips to help you bank smarter, allowing you to get more out of your money, in less time....
read moreThere’s a long list of advice I wish I could give my younger self, especially when it comes to saving money. The first thing I would tell myself is that with my first job to put a minimum of 10-percent per paycheck into a savings account. The weeks will go by, and...
read moreThe money you save for a “rainy day” can be “depleted” in only ONE of life’s storms. So, how do you recover? Deep breath… Assess your bills and income – and rework your budget to live very modestly for at least a year. Jumpstart your savings by moving in with family...
read moreIf you’ve always wanted to fix up your backyard and make it your own private oasis, now is the perfect time to get to work. Let’s say you want a pool, but don’t want to cough up the cash for it. Consider a stock tank pool! These are inexpensive DIY above-ground pools...
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We don’t really talk about money, even though we think about it often. This is especially true when we experience financial difficulties, like a job loss or an unexpected expense. When things like this happen, money is top of mind, but we often keep the worry...
read moreOne of the most exciting parts about starting college is having your own space that you can furnish however you want! Dorm decorating can get expensive though, so it’s best to start off by taking inventory of the things you already have. Storage is of the utmost...
read moreA week-long vacation may not be an option this year, but you can still have fun in your hometown with a staycation! Make the most of your time off by doing something just for you, that brings a smile to your face. Treat yourself to a nice home-cooked dinner, maybe...
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With thousands of new scams every year, it’s hard to keep up with all of them while running a business. As fraudsters find new and inventive ways, fraud protection is becoming more important and necessary. By incorporating these five tips into your daily merchant...
read moreOne of the best financial habits we can practice is pinching pennies. Identifying opportunities to save doesn’t mean you have to go without – it simply means you’re strategic before making a purchase. There are numerous places to find discounts on anything you buy –...
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Mitigating risk in our lives and achieving the peace of mind needed for our day-to-day activities has become more difficult lately. The new risk of COVID-19 may have brought new focus to just how fragile we can be, but it is hardly the only risk we face. Some of the...
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The nation may be practicing social distancing, but scammers are not keeping their distance from the potential to take your money and obtain your personal information. It is important that you are aware of the possibility that fraud attempts may occur and also that...
read more“Home Sweet Home” for 20-somethings is often an apartment or a rent house. If purchasing your first home must wait, rest assured there are benefits to renting. Renting can save you money: because you can split the rent and utilities with a roommate; you don’t have to...
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Each year Arvest Bank joins the American Bankers Association (ABA) to bring smart savings habits to students in grades K-8 through the Teach Children to Save program. This year’s event was held on April 24, and due to the fact distance learning is the new norm, Arvest...
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Arvest Bank in Joplin joined the American Bankers Association’s annual “Teach Children to Save Day” on April 24. Due to the current uncertainty, where distance learning from home is the new norm, Arvest was inspired to use digital means to bring personal finance into...
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Scammers sometimes send fake emails and text messages and even go to the extreme to set up websites selling phony products. They do these things in an attempt to take your money and obtain your personal information to use to their benefit, but at your expense....
read moreVacation season will be here soon! Stretch your budget by choosing to drive vs fly; consider alternative housing options; and pack your own snacks and drinks. Find hidden and less expensive gems by asking the locals where they eat and enjoy entertainment – rather than...
read moreWhether your garden is in your yard, patio, or on your windowsill – gardening can help you stay in touch with nature, reduce stress, save money and improve your health. Before you plant your seeds, take some time and watch the sun and learn which parts of your...
read moreValentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show your special someone just how much you care for them, but between flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and dinner out on the town, the costs for showing your love can add up fast. One way to curb the costs are to celebrate...
read moreDuring the winter months it’s important to keep track of your vehicle’s tire pressure and tread. Your tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch with every 10 degree drop in the air’s temperature. Driving around with low tires can lead to higher...
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It may not be Y2K again, but it is a new decade and there is a media buzz about the date change from 2019 to 2020. A number of articles and newscasts have been giving consumers this advice: Write out the full year, 2020, with all four digits when you sign and date...
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