Halloween is a chance to transform into someone or something else while getting candy from strangers. At face value, the combination seems odd, but it’s an honored tradition that brings joy and fun to kids of all ages. On such an absurd night, though, it’s especially important to be aware of dangers in the night, both real and imagined! Here’s a guide to staying safe when trick-or-treating.

Podcasts covering true crimes have exploded in popularity over the past decade, resulting in tons of options for listeners around the world. If you’re looking for a new obsession, there’s no mystery about the fact that these popular podcasts have the power to captivate, shock, and horrify audiences.

A healthy business must have a thriving customer base that provides stability as a major revenue driver. In fact, Harvard Business Review found that it’s easier and less costly to retain existing customers who already know your brand and your products or services than to acquire new customers. To have an effective customer retention approach, though, you need to make sure that your company considers these guidelines.

Successfully owning and operating a business comes down to preparation and follow-through. One area you may not be considering when you’re building your company is what happens if you or another part owner dies or becomes incapacitated. These and other scenarios are covered by what’s known as a buy-sell agreement, which is an essential tool for protecting your business in the long run.

Introducing your child to the world of finance should start at a young age and adapt in complexity as they grow. When the lesson of the day (or year) is all about saving and investing, consider using a certificate of deposit (CD) as a teaching tool. A CD will illustrate to your eager student how saving a portion of their allowance or earnings can grow into a greater sum, without the risk of losing it all due to a volatile market. Here is a closer look at why a CD is a useful, rewarding, and predictable way to teach money management to kids.

With easy-to-access data, convenient automatic transfers, and a variety of ways to organize your money, online banking can revolutionize the way you budget. Here’s a look at a few easy tips to help you budget better with the power of technology.

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, but getting a business acquisition loan is a somewhat lengthier and more involved process compared to other types of financing. Your lender needs to evaluate more than just you; they also need to assess the business you plan on buying. At First Bank of the Lake, we also always recommend consulting with professional advisors early in the process such as an attorney or CPA.

With that in mind, having some of these items prepared in advance can help your lender deliver a faster, more reliable loan decision. We have put together a quick list of items to consider early in the process. This is not an official or comprehensive list, but it covers some of the most important and time-sensitive items needed in the loan process, meaning that you can get a quicker loan approval and close your loan faster. 

Saving your money in a financial account entails more than simply storing it away for future use. A healthy savings strategy should bolster your funds by producing interest as you work toward your retirement. That’s why it’s important to understand APY and how it affects your savings.

If you can’t afford a house on your own, or if you wish to purchase one together with a friend, a family member, or a partner, a joint mortgage could help you make homeownership a reality. Here’s a closer look at this financial tool and how it works.