Personal Finances

Buying your first home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With the right bank and agent, most of the hassle should be taken off your shoulders. It’s time to make sure you’re checking these items off your list to allow for a smooth house buying journey - without breaking the bank. Check Your Credit Score This is always one of the top points on anyone’s list. Making sure your credit score is high and on the rise will allow you the opportunity for better rates! Look Read More

It’s that time of year when you’re likely to see ‘for sale’ signs on every block. Maybe you already have your eye on one and go out of your way to drive past it on your way home from work. Before you leap into purchasing a home, be sure to take these four steps before signing on the bottom line. 1. Understand Your Monthly Expenses Alarmingly, many Americans don’t have a true understanding about what money they have going out each month. This can be a dangerous Read More

The grass is always greener on the other side of winter, but is your bank account? Make the most out of your spring by boosting your savings. All it takes is an idea and some creativity to make some green this spring! Skip the Gym Of course your health should take top priority in all seasons. However, it’s great to switch up your routine, not only for your health but potentially for your wallet! Now that the weather is warming up, you can look for some alternatives for working out. A Read More

Raising your credit score can seem like a daunting task, or you may not really care what your score is. However, a credit score affects more than you may realize, which is why we find it important to share our knowledge. Develop consistently strong credit habits with these secret keys of advice from Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri. 1. Show you can handle all types of debt. Debt comes in all different forms, from car loans and mortgages to credit card bills. Instead of paying for an Read More

Buying a home may be a common practice for the average American, but it is not a simple one. This is especially true if you are new to the game and have yet to learn the ins and outs of the process. No need to worry, we have plenty of experience from our years in the home buying business and are willing to share the best-kept secrets on the market! 1. Start Today If buying a new home seems far into your future, that means you are in the perfect position to prepare. Often, many have dreams of Read More

As you begin to write your to-do list of cleaning your home this spring, it’s time to add another section to your list: finances. You wouldn’t believe how helpful it is to do a deep cleaning of your finances every spring. It can contribute to increased feelings of determination and confidence in all areas of your life. Here are the 4 best cleaning moves to add to your list! Review Your Debt Unfortunately, too many people try to turn away from realizing their total amount of debt. Read More

A dream is just a dream until a plan is created and executed. It’s time to take a step back, think about what you want for your life, and begin building that future today. How to Set You are probably familiar with the concept of goal setting in your everyday life. Often, they take on the form of dreams, like someday having a vacation home in Hawaii or being able to complete a half marathon. It’s fantastic that you have these dreams and dare to imagine bold things for your life. However, Read More

If you’ve crafted a budget for your household, you are already off to a great start to taking control of your finances in the most useful way possible! There are two things that can hinder a budget and your overall financial goals. They are first, not sticking to the budget and second, missing essential budget limits. Be sure to include these items in your budget now! 1. Medical Bills Your health is never guaranteed. Because of this, it can be challenging to plan for the unexpected. However, Read More

It’s finally house hunting season and you could not be more excited to get the ball rolling on your big purchase! Before you hit the road or the search bar, take these 7 tips into consideration. 1. Know Your Limits Before signing the papers or falling in love with the first home you see be realistic about what is in your budget. We recommend spending no more than 25 percent of your monthly income on the mortgage. When you know what this number is, be sure to stick with homes in that price Read More

You’ve made the decision that you are tired of renting and ready to step into the world of home ownership. Good for you! You may be wondering what your next steps should be in order to be financially prepared for this major investment. Here are some creative ways to ramp up your savings for this exciting adventure! 1. Consider a Move Now Is the place you’re living now truly the most cost effective for your budget? Consider moving to a temporary location that can significantly trim Read More