Personal Finances

While college remains one of the best ways you can invest in yourself and your future, it doesn’t change the fact that the costs of attending college only continues to grow. Focusing on your education should be your top priority while you’re in school. However, developing strong saving habits can not only cut costs while you’re attending college, but those habits can also help you be more responsible with your money once you’ve graduated. Set a Budget While this may Read More

Buying your first home is so exciting. It can also be a little nerve wracking the first time around if you don’t have any guidance. Here’s what you should know about the home buying process, so you aren’t shocked by the expenses that come along. The Appraisal An appraisal is when you have a home expert come and determine the value of a home. They have no stake in the outcome of their conclusion, so you can expect an honest answer. You will want to be sure to have an appraisal Read More

From sunny beaches to tall mountains, everyone has their own version of a dream vacation. How do you save enough cash to go? It’s important to see the world and take in all it has to offer, which is why Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri has come up with these tried and trusted ways to save for your dream vacation. Timing Is Key Instead of taking off 5 whole days of work, is there a week where you can travel to include a weekend and a holiday? This automatically gives you a three day Read More

Is your current car on the fritz or have you been eyeing that shiny new Jeep you see parked at a dealership on your way to work? If you’ve been hesitant to buy a new vehicle because you’re worried about it costing too much, here are some ways you can get the car you’ve had your eye on while still saving money. Get Pre-Approved Before starting your search, you should get pre-approved for a loan. It’s important to know what limit you qualify for and match that up with Read More

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