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...
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...
read moreBank fees can be scary, but if you keep track of your spending, they lose their fear factor. There are several different types of bank fees you should look out for. ATM fees, overdraft fees, and fees on insufficient funds…. just to name a few. To avoid bank fees...
read moreYoung professionals are learning about the “real world” – which means it’s their first time budgeting! If you budget your money well, your early twenties can be less stressful. To make a budget, first start off with your after-tax income. Then divide it between three...
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Fraud can be frightening. There are those who lurk in the shadows online who want nothing more than to take advantage of your account information and identity. To help you from getting tricked into fraud, here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead....
read moreMost of us look back on our college years with fond memories. Among the things we take with us are – our degree, a few favorite t-shirts, and student loans! If your plan is to pay off your loans early, here are some tips to help: Begin repayment during the six-month...
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Summer is over and the end of the year is quickly approaching. Fall is a great time for a cleanup, but that cleanup doesn’t just involve your yard. It’s also a great time to get your finances tidy before the busy holiday season starts and tax season is...
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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....
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