We all know that building a savings fund is an important personal finance step. But how do you motivate yourself to spend less and save more out of each paycheck? Have you found tips or tricks to make the challenge fun? Is it even possible to make saving fun? Plenty...
read moreWhen shopping for a home it is important that you consider the short term and the long term. Some long-term items often overlooked are future home repairs or replacement of major parts of your home. Make sure that you have a qualified inspector go through your new...
read moreCredit Card Consolidation refers to combining your various credit card debt into one monthly payment. Consolidation can simplify your multiple credit card account payments but does not erase your debt. Many credit card companies offer balance transfers with their...
read morePeople often think of a recipient of sudden windfall as someone like those that won the huge jackpots from the Powerball and Mega Millions last month; however, most sudden windfalls do not come from lotteries or gambling and are not huge sums. Most recipients are...
read moreTechnology 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...
read moreNatural 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...
read moreAs 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...
read moreCredit 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...
read moreMake 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...
read moreStart 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...
read moreBeing 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 –...
read moreInvestors 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.
read moreYear 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...
read moreIt’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,...
read moreLike 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...
read moreAs 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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