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Guide To Buying A Car From A Private Seller


In this post we’ll cover important things you need to know if you’re considering buying a car from a private seller including how to get a car loan for a private party sale. 

What is a Reverse Mortgage and How Does It Work?


If you own your own home and are looking for supplemental income options, getting a reverse mortgage may be right for you. 

How to Lower Debt This Year


Whether you’re looking to dig yourself out of a large, longstanding debt hole or you simply need to recoup some finances after overspending during the holidays, we’re here to help you lower your debt this year.

Guide to Jumbo Loans in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri


If you’re looking to upgrade your home this year and the cost of your new property is too high for a conventional mortgage loan, consider taking out a jumbo loan.

The Cost of Buying a Home vs. Renting in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri


In this post we’ll discuss strategies for weighing your options and comparing the cost effectiveness of buying vs. renting, the benefits of both, as well as ways to prepare yourself for the costs associated with homeownership.

8 Smart Strategies for Responsible Credit Card Use


Whether you just received your first credit card, are planning to apply for a credit card, or are a seasoned credit card user, we can show you how to use a credit card responsibly. Here are the top 8 responsible credit card tips to keep your finances safe.

Community Banks vs. FinTechs: How Do They Stack Up?


In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, community banks continue to stand out as pillars of stability, offering a comprehensive lineup of services that merge the best of traditional banking with the advancements of the digital era.

Smart Holiday Shopping Tips


Another holiday shopping season is upon us, but this year inflation may present a snag in your plans. Now more than ever, it’s important to shop smart for the holidays. In this article, we offer the best holiday shopping tips to see you through the season.

Tips for Getting Your Small Business Ready for the Holidays


If you count your store, restaurant, or company among thousands of local establishments, you probably have already taken some time to consider what steps you need to take to get ready for this year’s holiday season.

How to Prepare for Your First Winter in Your New Home


If you’re preparing to spend the first winter in your new home, this blog is for you. We’ll outline major preparations to get your home ready for cold weather.

Creating a Cyber Security Training Plan for Your Small Business


As a business owner, small business cybersecurity is top of mind for you, possibly even keeping you up at night with fears about a data breach.

How to Start an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Beginners to Emergency Savings


Emergency funds can help you avoid many financial pitfalls, while offering you peace of mind. And there are ways to start, even if your budget is tight. Keep reading to learn how you can build your own emergency savings.

FHA VS. Conventional Mortgage Loans: Which One’s Right for You


In this post we’ll compare FHA and conventional home loans, looking at how they differ in terms of down payment and credit requirements, interest rates, fees, and more.

How to Safely Use PayPal and Avoid Scams


If you use PayPal, you know it can be a convenient and secure way to pay for purchases and send money to friends and family. But is PayPal safe? All online platforms come with risks, but you can reduce your chance of getting scammed by learning how to spot PayPal scams. Keep reading to learn about the 8 most common PayPal scams and how to avoid them.

The Gen Z Guide to Saving for Your First Home


Buying a home is a big deal and can be a huge expense for any budget, but especially if you are first starting out. And trying to save for a home while renting can be an even bigger challenge—especially if you are also juggling student loans paired with a higher cost of living. But Generation Z is on track to own more homes by age 25 than any other recent generation, and if you’re one of the many individuals in this age group looking to purchase your own home, know that it is possible, despite some challenges. 
 

How to Finance the Expansion of Your Family Farm


As an independent farmer, decisions for expansion, from narrowing down plans to securing financing, rest entirely on your shoulders. Fortunately, there are many resources in our area available to guide you as you make your plans, from experienced ag lending partners to county extension office agents. 
 

Should You Buy A House During Inflation?


In this post we’ll explore the reasons why inflation affects housing costs and offer effective ways to decrease the impact of inflation on your own home purchase today, and for years to come.
 

What is a HELOC and How Does it Work?


Many homeowners look to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) as an affordable funding option. If you’re a homeowner and wondering if a HELOC might be right for you, keep reading. We’ll cover many common questions you may have—from how long it takes to get a HELOC to whether or not a home equity loan is a good idea for your individual needs—to help you make the best decision for you.
 

Do I Need A Savings Account for My Business?


It may seem convenient to use a personal savings account for business cash but combining your personal and commercial funds can create unwanted financial complications. Even if you’re a small business owner, it’s important to keep your business savings separate from your personal savings. A business savings account can help secure your cash and prepare your company for emergency expenses.
 

What is a Rural Development Loan and How Do I Get One?


USDA Loans are popular mortgage choices in rural areas like Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. They provide affordable home loan options with no down payment, as well as more flexible terms—perfect for low or middle income families and first time home buyers.
 

What is an FDIC Insured Bank Account?


With several bank failures in the news, many customers are wondering if their money at their bank is safe. You may have heard of FDIC insurance, but the terms can be complex, and it can be hard to determine which of your funds are covered—and to what extent. In this post we’ll answer many of your basic questions, from What is an FDIC-insured account? to How do I know if my account is covered?, as well as provide tips for keeping your money outside of FDIC protections safe, too.
 

How to Recognize and Avoid Zelle Scams


Payment apps like Zelle are quick and convenient ways to send payments to friends and family. However, fraudsters also see this as a convenient opportunity. Here are some tips to hep you recognize payment app scams. 

8 Expenses for New Homeowners to Prepare for


As you are preparing to purchase your first home, you already know that you’ll need to save a lot of money upfront for your down payment and closing costs. But homes often come with a long list of additional expenses, and it’s important to include them when you consider the total cost of buying a home, so you can make smart budgeting decisions now, and in the first few years of homeownership.

Digital Banking: Not Just for the Big Banks


Many of us rely on digital banking services to make our lives easier, from saving trips to the bank and helping us track our spending, to letting us pay our bills on time, without a stamp, envelope, or check. You may expect that only larger, national banks have the latest features and security protections, but you can experience the same great online and mobile banking perks right at your community bank. 
 

What Do I Need to Apply for a Mortgage in Northwest Arkansas?


In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to apply for a mortgage. From explaining how to boost your credit score, to calculating your debt-to-income ratio and getting pre-approved, keep reading for everything you need to know about how to get a mortgage in Northwest Arkansas.

When to Consider a Variable Rate Mortgage


While fixed-rate home loans have historically been the most popular mortgage option because of their predictability, there are also some compelling reasons to choose a variable-rate mortgage. 
 

What is Autobooks and How Can It Help My Business?


Whether you’re looking for an easy small business invoicing solution or an all-in-one online payment platform, Autobooks may be the affordable answer for your company—no matter your size or specialty. In this post we’ll give an overview of what Autobooks is, how it works, and how using Autobooks can provide numerous benefits to your business.

Do I have to Put Down 20% to Buy a Home in Northwest Arkansas?


With home prices still at record highs, many potential homebuyers—whether first time buyers or buyers with low or moderate incomes—may find it difficult to come up with a traditional down payment amount.
Fortunately, there are a number of mortgages that don’t require a 20% down payment. In this post we’ll cover the ins and outs of many of the low down payment home loans that we offer here at CS Bank, including down payment, credit, income, and eligibility requirements.

Guide to Choosing a Mortgage


The homebuying process can be confusing and with so many moving pieces, it’s hard to keep track. With so many mortgage options out there, it can be difficult knowing where to start. As a full-service mortgage lender in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri, we are here to break down the various types of mortgages and help you decide which one is best for your home buying journey.

How to Make a Budget: Stop Overspending and Reach Your Financial Goals


Creating and revising a budget is an important strategy to follow, no matter what time of year. Whether you are looking to create a savings plan on a tight income, pay off debt, or simply understand the basic rules for budgeting to give yourself a little financial breathing room, this post is full of great, applicable advice. Keep reading to learn more about how to budget better, finding the right strategy that works for you.

Construction Loans: Building Your House from the Ground Up


Have you always dreamed of building a brand-new home, designed just the way you want and need? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at construction loans, which are usually the best option for financing the construction of your dream home in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.    

How to Earn More Interest on Your Savings


Whether you’re looking to create a savings plan for a specific objective or considering how you can start investing your hard-earned money, the number of options out there can make it hard to find the best products that not only match your savings goals but also maximize your returns. Read on to learn about how you can make the most of your savings.   

How Soon Can I Buy A Home After Credit Problems?


In many cases, it can take at least two years after a negative credit event to be eligible for a mortgage, either as a first-time buyer or having had a previous mortgage. How long it takes to get a mortgage after credit issues all depends on why you ran into credit problems in the first place and how severely your score was impacted.  

7 Ways To Protect Yourself From Cybersecurity Threats


By understanding the situations that put you at risk for a cybersecurity breach and how to spot fraud, you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a cybercrime. Here are some of the ways you can be exposed to a cybersecurity threat. 

What’s The Difference Between a Home Equity Loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit?


Both home equity loans and HELOCs typically have lower interest rates than a traditional personal loan. But which option is right for you? We’ll walk you through the difference between the two so that you can make a decision that works for your financial situation.

11 Ways to Teach Your Kids Good Money Habits


Starting your children on the right financial path doesn’t have to be hard. Here are 11 simple ways to teach your kids to save, spend wisely, and help them develop good money habits.

9 Money Saving Tips for Your Madison County Farm


Whether you’re starting a farm here in Arkansas or have been running a successful ag business for years, the rising costs of agriculture coupled with recent inflation may leave you wondering how to ensure that your Madison County farm is profitable—now and for years to come. Here are are some things you can do to stretch your dollar, save money, or even earn a little extra income, without taking drastic measures.

Getting Your House In Order: How To Pay For Renovations


There are plenty of options available for homeowners when it comes to paying for home renovations, all without having to dip into your savings. If you’re thinking about how to pay for home renovations of your own, take a look at some of our recommendations.

Why You Should Work With A Full-Service Mortgage Company in Northwest Arkansas or Southwest Missouri


A full-service mortgage company gives you access to an entire team of mortgage loan professionals such as mortgage lenders, bankers, analysts, loan closers, and servicers. They also tend to offer more products and services.

Cassville First Time Homebuyer Do's and Don'ts


So you’re ready to start on the journey of purchasing your first home, but are maybe feeling a little apprehensive about the whole undertaking. This post will provide some easy-to-follow homebuyer tips to avoid common first-time buyer mistakes and help you achieve your dream of owning your own home. 

8 Debit Card Security Tips To Keep You Safe


Debit cards are a convenient part of our everyday lives. Whether you’re grabbing coffee from your favorite coffee shop, withdrawing cash from your checking account, or shopping online, your debit card makes a smooth transaction possible. Follow these debit card safety tips to keep your card secure and protect yourself from bank fraud.

Tips for Preparing for Your Taxes


Benjamin Franklin famously quipped that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. And it’s probably a certainty that no one enjoys doing their taxes. However, there are ways to make tax season less stressful. Follow these tax preparation tips to get ready for this year’s filing deadline and to get ahead of the curve for next year.

How to Pay off You Mortgage Faster 


Whether you’re approaching retirement or just looking to enjoy a debt-free lifestyle, this article will cover all the ways you can pay off your mortgage loan faster.

Is Now The Right Time to Start a Business 


Millions of Americans are following their dreams of entrepreneurship. Could this be your moment to follow suit? Here are some factors to help you decide if now is the right time for you to start a business. 

Get Your Finances in Order With This Annual Checkup 


Just as you go to your physician once a year for a physical check-up, you should also perform a financial health check-up on your finances. In this article, we’ll walk you step by step through the financial checkup process!

8 Online Holiday Shopping Safety Tips 


Shopping online this holiday season? Cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to fool unsuspecting online shoppers. But you don’t have to fall victim. Follow these online safety tips to avoid online holiday shopping scams.

Guide to Starting A Farm in Berryville


Thinking about running your own farm? Learn more about the process and get some tips from the experts in this guide to starting a farm in Berryville. 

5  Benefits of A Christmas Club Account

It’s time to break the cycle of overspending during the holidays by planning and saving in advance.  Wondering if Christmas club accounts are worth it? this article breaks down the benefits of a Christmas club savings account. 

5 Ways To Prevent Bank Fraud

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received a record number of complaints in 2020, for a total of 791,790 complaints of suspected Internet crime totaling more than $4.2 billion in losses.  In this article, we’ll show you how to protect yourself and your loved ones from financial fraud and bank fraud.

Eureka Springs Relocation Guide

There’s plenty of opportunities for families of all shapes and sizes and we’re here to give you the insider's Eureka Springs moving guide to help you get to know your new home. 

Should I Choose A Short-Term or Long-Term-Fixed Mortgage Loan?

Searching for a mortgage loan? There are many options available. If you've chosen a fixed-rate mortgage over variable, you still need to determine the right term for your home loan. 

Guide to Online Account Opening

Did you know you can open a CS Bank account online right from your computer or mobile device? Our guide to online account opening shows you how easy it is to open a new bank account online.

Voices of Cassville

CS Bank is proud to join the community of small businesses in Cassville, Missouri. Read about some of the businesses that call Cassville home.

Wealth Management 101: A Guide to Investing for Millennials

Does the term Wealth Management sound confusing? Wealth management is simply accumulating savings. Learn how a Wealth Manager can help you manage savings. 

What Can A Personal Loan Be Used For?

If you need to borrow money, a personal loan can be a great option. This blog will help you determine if a personal loan is right from you, or if there are other options you should consider. 

Choosing A Rewards Checking Account

Checking accounts have a lot to offer; rewards, cash back, and simplicity. Learn how to choose a rewards checking account that best fits your needs. 

Creating Your Savings Plan

Are you looking for a fresh start for your savings plan in the new year? As the calendar turns over, it’s a great time to review your annual savings goals and make any needed changes to your plan for the coming year. 

First-Time Home Buyers Guide For Northwest Arkansas

Buying your first home is an exciting big step. This first-time homebuyer's guide will help you through the mortgage and buying process.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Recommendations

If you've recently been approved for PPP funding, read these four tips to help ensure your PPP loan is forgiven.

CS Bank and the Impact of COVID-19

To ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees with regard to the Coronavirus, effective Friday, March 20th, CS Bank will temporarily be handling banking transactions through the drive-thru only until further notice.
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An Update from CS Bank CEO Charlie Cross about COVID-19

You might be asking yourself, how is my bank prepared to handle the COVID-19 Pandemic and is my money safe during these unprecedented times? Thus, I wanted to reach out to you personally to help you understand what our bank is doing to protect you.
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Getting through COVID-19

At CS Bank, the safety of our customers, employees, and communities we serve is our top priority. Because of this, we are closely monitoring the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and have taken a number of extensive steps to ensure your health and safety...
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Your Credit Score: A Key to Financing Opportunities

In the financial world, establishing a good credit score is what gives us access to financing opportunities. When's a better time to brush up on your credit score knowledge than National Credit Education Month? Keep reading to learn more about what a credit score does for you.
 

What is APY?

So, you've seen it everywhere, but you're not exactly sure what APY means. APY is one of the more popular terms to understand when it comes to banking and how your money grows. Read more to get a quick overview on what APY means for you.

Three Signs It's Time to Break Up with Your Checking Account

Break ups are never easy. But leaving your old checking account behind won’t be as hard as you think. Keep reading for three reason why your checking account might not be the one for you.

Financial Resolutions You Should Have in 2020!

Making New Year’s resolutions can be overwhelming, time consuming, and feel unattainable, but they don’t always have to be that way. By setting clear goals and determining the steps you need to take to achieve them, you’ll be more likely to follow through. To accomplish your financial goals in 2020, try these three, simple resolutions....