RCB Bank will never contact you and ask you to provide information such as online banking login information. If you receive a call asking you to provide sensitive information, do not provide this information. If ever you receive a call and are unsure if it is from RCB Bank, please call us at 855-226-5722. Learn more at RCBbank.bank/Security.
The Bank will be closed on Saturday, November 11th in honor of the federal holiday Veteran's Day. Click here for a list of all holiday closings.
Reduce Expenses
It’s a good habit to annually review your monthly expenses, looking for areas where you can cut costs. Start by discontinuing unused memberships/subscriptions. Call your cable, phone and insurance companies and ask for options to reduce your bill. Compare prices of other companies or consider alternatives like pre-paid phones or streaming services. Reduce utility expenses by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees. Unplug electrical items when not in use and reduce the number of days you water the lawn.
Reuse Stuff
Use less. Save more. An easy start is to ditch disposable items. Clean with rags rather than paper towels or cleaning wipes. Use reusable water bottles and dishes instead of buying bottled water and paper plates. Look for creative ways to repurpose common household items. Save glass jelly jars or clear plastic containers to organize your kitchen, office or craft room items. Cut up your old t-shirts for cleaning rags. Grab those Easter eggs and use them as handy snack containers. Find more money-saving ideas online.
Rethink Spending
Rethink your purchase decisions. Start by making a list and sticking to it. Consider paying with cash. And bring only the cash you need, so you’re not tempted to splurge. Before grocery shopping, plan out your meals, check your cabinets for what you already have and buy only what you need. Use coupons and avoid impulse purchases. Choose off-brand items. They’re made the same but without an expensive label.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only.
No matter what stage of life you are in, your current and future financial well-being should ALWAYS be in your plans. Taking full advantage of your workplace retirement savings options plus utilizing the help of a professional wealth advisor can help you build enough resources to enjoy the retirement lifestyle you want.
Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964
You are at or nearing retirement age. Boomers are breaking boundaries and re-defining retirement for the generations to follow.
Have you accumulated enough assets to comfortably supplement Social Security?
Do you know how long those assets might last?
Are you confident you are managing your investments to preserve what you’ve built?
Generation X: Born 1965-1980
You have limited time left to accumulate sufficient assets for retirement. The temptation to raid your retirement savings to help fund your children’s college or to provide care for aging parents may be very real for you.
Do you understand the costs of this decision?
Do you need help prioritizing your financial obligations?
Are you saving enough now to generate the income you will need for 20-35 years of life in retirement?
Generation Y: Born 1981-1996
Retirement seems far away and may not be on your radar. Statistically, your generation saves better than the one before. But, your mobility often causes small repeated cash-outs from retirement accounts as you move from job to job, leaving little savings as the years go by.
Time is on your side if you take advantage of it now.
Aim to save a minimum of 10% (including your employer’s contribution, if available, and any IRA’s or other plans).
Provide for your future self by including retirement savings in your current budget.
Generation Z: Born 1997-Present
You may not have the obligations of a mortgage or children. This puts you in a prime position to build your retirement nest egg.
The sooner you start saving, the longer your money has a chance to grow with compounding interest.
Aim to put at least 5% away for retirement.
Don’t be tempted to cash out your retirement account if you switch jobs.
Make retirement savings a necessary expense in your budget.
Investment products not insured by the FDIC. Not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by the depository institution. Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, investment or legal advice. Consult a professional wealth advisor to discuss your individual retirement savings needs.
A mortgage is one of the most expensive and long-term commitments you will make in your life. So how can you both save money and take years off your loan? It’s actually pretty simple. If you pay just a little extra on your mortgage each month or year, you will owe significantly less over the life of the loan.
Although most borrowers know their home is a valuable asset, they often don’t consider how much interest adds to their overall cost. Your mortgage is amortized, meaning you pay regular installments on principal and interest over the specified period of time. Every time you pay your mortgage, interest costs decrease and the principal increases. If you pay nothing extra on the mortgage, the total amount you owe over the life of the loan will not change. However, pay a little extra and you can take years off your loan and save thousands of dollars in interest.
Let’s look at this closer. If you get a 30-year loan for $250,000 and it accrues 4% interest per year, you will end up paying $179,674 in interest over the life of the loan. This is a big number, but one you can reduce by budgeting some extra money for your mortgage.
Using the example I’ve just described, the monthly mortgage payment is $1193.54 per month. If you can make one extra mortgage payment per year, you can save over $28,000 in interest over the life of the loan! Make it a Christmas present and pay a little at a time or make one lump payment at the end of each year. Paying just a little extra on your mortgage is the gift that keeps giving.
The more knowledge you have about the mortgage process, available loan options and your individual qualifications, the more satisfying your homebuying experience will be. Connect with a local RCB Bank lender to get answers to your lending questions. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. The monthly payment calculation expressed above is not for any specific loan type and is meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.
If you are preparing to buy or refinance a home, take a look at your VA Loan option, which offers lower out-of-pocket financing than traditional lending options. Here are five benefits of VA Loans.
No. 1. 100% Financing
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) guarantees this loan, allowing you to finance the entire purchase price of the home. Nearly all conventional and FHA loans require the loan-to-value to be below 100%.
No. 2. No Monthly Mortgage Insurance Costs
Most loans with less than a 20% down payment require you to pay for a mortgage insurance premium (for FHA loans) and private mortgage insurance, commonly referred to as PMI, for conventional loans.
While there is no monthly mortgage insurance, there is a one-time funding fee, which ranges from 1.5% – 3.3%, based on your eligibility and down payment. You may also be exempt from the funding fee if you were awarded a service-related disability.
You are also able to roll your funding fee into the loan to help keep your out-of-pocket expenses lower at closing.
No. 3. More Flexible Underwriting Standards
A VA Loan is the only loan that does not require student loans deferred over one year to be included in the debt–to-income ratio, which is used by lenders to determine how much you can afford to borrow. Also, a VA loan allows for higher debt ratios than other loans like FHA, conventional and rural development.
No. 4. You Can Have Two VA Home Loans at a Time
VA does allow you to purchase another home if you are choosing to move prior to selling your current VA-financed home. It depends on how much entitlement you have left from the previous purchase and the loan limits in the area where you are buying your new home. Your mortgage lender can help you calculate your entitlement and qualification.
No. 5. VA Jumbo Option Available
In most counties today, the maximum loan limit for conforming conventional and VA loans is $484,350. However, there are certain counties where the VA maximum loan limit exceeds $484,350; these loans are known was VA Jumbo loans. These amounts are current as of the time of writing this article. Most Jumbo loans require 20% down payment; however, VA loans do not. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to pay a 10% or less down payment.
You can learn more about eligibility requirements at www.benefits.va.gov. Search VA home loans.
When it comes to obtaining a VA Loan, you want to work with a qualified VA mortgage lender. RCB Bank is proud to offer a VA loan benefit to our active duty service members and veterans. We can help you determine your eligibility and what you qualify for. Plus, once you start the loan process, we’re here to walk you through start to finish.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.
There is a lot of incorrect information out there that may persuade you not to pursue getting a home. Before you run in fear, talk to a lender first about your concerns, so we can help you know what is truth or myth.
Myth #1:You have to have a 20% down payment in order to get a mortgage – WRONG.
There are many down payment options. For instance, if you are a veteran, or buying in a rural location, you could potentially get into your new home with little to no down payment.
Several first-time homebuyer loan options start with a 3% down payment, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers financing options starting with a 3.5% down payment.
With all of these down payment options, homeownership may be more BOOlievable than you think.
Myth #2: Being Pre-Qualified is the same as being Pre-Approved – WRONG.
Pre-qualification is based on un-verified information. This is an initial look at your application to make sure there are no major red flags that may prevent you from getting a mortgage. For example, a pre-qualification may use an estimate of your credit score and compare your income with your debts to see if you can support a mortgage payment. The pre-qualification process is quick and is based on information you provide to your lender. A pre-approval is a more extensive process where the lender uses verified information (e.g., your credit report and pay stubs) to determine which mortgage you actually qualify for.
Without a pre-qualification or pre-approval, home shopping may become a frightfully batty experience.
Myth #3: Shopping around for lenders will hurt your credit – WRONG.
Multiple inquiries can hurt your credit, but FICO allows for rate shopping by grouping all similar inquiries made within a 30-day timeframe as one hard-hit. This allows you to shop around as long as it is within 30 calendar days.
When shopping lenders, be sure to ask what fees they charge, what the interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are, and if you aren’t putting 20% down, what is the cost for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Don’t be spooked by misinformation about mortgages. Talk to a lender and get the truth. I’m here to help you have a FANGtastic homebuying experience, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Connect with a local RCB Bank lender to get answers to your lending questions. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. For specific questions regarding your personal lending needs, please call RCB Bank at 855-BANK-RCB. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Alex Penny NMLS #1535836.
By Brent Carroll, RCB Bank Lending
New cars can quickly depreciate in value causing your auto insurance to pay less than what you owe on your car loan. What happens when an accident totals your car? Who pays the difference between the insurance settlement and your outstanding loan balance? You do. Or, maybe not.
Get$Fit Tip: Protect your assets.
It may be worth buying Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage to help you avoid the risk of negative equity and having to continue making principal payments after a total loss. Depending on your loan term, GAP adds on average an estimated $7-$111 to your monthly loan payment, but it potentially could save you thousands of dollars in the event of loss.
When GAP may benefit you:
• You make a small or no down payment on a new car
• You agree to a loan term longer than 48 months
Talk to a lender for details to see if GAP is right for you.
Our lenders are happy to answer your questions, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Connect with a lender in your area.
Invest in yourself. RCBbank.com/GetFit
1GAP insurance costs varies between lenders and loan terms. See your lender for specific questions regarding your personal loan qualifications and overall costs. 2GAP covers the residual value of the loan as of the date of loss. Above example is for generic illustration purposes only, based on 700 credit score. Does not factor in down payments, additional fees or other costs. Subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of June 15, 2018, and subject to change without notice. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, RCB Bank NMLS #798151.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Oscar Garcia is now a lender at the RCB Bank Hutchinson market. Garcia spent two years as a mortgage loan originator for RCB Bank and has ten years of experience in banking.
“Oscar brings a wealth of knowledge and lending experience to the team,” said Georgia Ballard, Hutchinson market president. “We look forward to the relationships he will build with new and existing customers.”
Garcia is active in the community. He participates in Leadership Reno County and helps organize several community events, including the Evolution Car Show.
“This new position allows me to help people in the community with everything from commercial loans to loans for their kid’s first car or home improvement projects,” said Garcia. “That is really exciting.”
When not at work, Garcia enjoys being outdoors, at the lake and spending time with his wife Serena and their two daughters.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Many parents teach their kids the value of hard work by paying them for chores. You can take this a step further by talking about what they can do with their hard-earned cash. Get three jars and add the label spend, save and share to the jars. Then sit down and talk to them about where they want to put the money and how much in each jar. This is also a great way to learn how to count change.
Budgeting for Groceries
Before you go to the grocery store, make a budget and shopping list of the items you need. Then have your kids guess the cost of different items. When you get home, compare the receipt with your shopping list and discuss the differences. This is also a great chance to teach kids the difference in price between name brand and generic items. Make a list of items and have your kids look online to find out how much money they can save by choosing generic items over name brand products.
Needs and Wants
Discuss the difference between needs and wants. In order to survive, you have needs. Food, water, shelter and clothing are examples. Wants are things you would like to have, but aren’t always necessary. Take this a step further by taking a large white sheet of paper and writing “needs” at the top of one column and “wants” at the top of the other. Then have your kids cut out images from magazines and grocery advertisements and put them in one of the two columns. Afterwards, you will have a visual to discuss their choices. There are gray areas, so be prepared to tell your kids why cookies are a food, but that doesn’t make them a need.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Member FDIC.
Interest rates for a mortgage are not as simple as you might think. There are ways to impact your interest rate such as a good credit score, money for a down payment or a shorter loan term. However, there are factors that depend on the current market and are simply out of your control. When a loan is fixed, or doesn’t adjust, for 15 – 30 years, a lot of factors are considered and priced into the interest rate. Some factors that may impact your rates include inflation, the Federal Reserve and the value of Mortgage Backed Securities.
Inflation
Inflation has a large but somewhat predictable impact on mortgage interest rates. Banks have to price in the interest rate for inflation so they can make money over the life of the loan. When inflation is rising, so are mortgage rates. If the value of the dollar is lower, it decreases the buying power of the dollar. Rates then go up to compensate for that difference. Inflation has been low for the last decade and has caused mortgage rates to be historically low. In times that the inflation rate is lower, you will typically see interest rates lower.
The Federal Reserve
The second thing to remember is that the Federal Reserve does not set mortgage rates. The Federal Reserve, commonly referred to as “The Fed” raises and cuts short-term treasury rates based on changes in the economy. These rates impact the rate indexes used by some to price credit card interest rates, some car loans and lines of credit. Mortgage rates are also generally impacted by the economic market and the Fed’s fiscal policy.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-Backed Securities are also a factor in determining mortgage interest rates. Mortgage-Backed Securities are a bundle of loans grouped together and sold from the bank that originated them. Banks sell loans for a profit and use that money to make new loans. Once the loans are sold, investors buy and sell them on the open market. What investors are willing to pay for these Mortgage-Backed Securities impacts mortgage rates. When a lot of Mortgage-Backed Securities are purchased, mortgage interest rates are typically lower. When demand is lower due to other investment opportunities, mortgage interest rates may rise.
Understanding how these three factors can help you better understand mortgage interest rates and the home buying process. The more knowledge you have about the mortgage process, available loan options and your individual qualifications, the more satisfying your homebuying experience will be. Connect with a local RCB Bank lender to get answers to your lending questions. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Alex Penny and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Qualifications and other restrictions apply for loans with approved credit. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Alex Penny NMLS #1535836.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. – RCB Bank is excited to announce Ron Smith as a vice president of lending at the Arkansas City location. Smith has had an immediate impact on RCB Bank’s efforts to help consumers and businesses during this time.
“Ron has been a lender in the Arkansas City market for over 25 years,” said John Sturd, RCB Bank market president. “We are thrilled to have Ron as a member of the RCB Bank team, especially as we handle an influx of loan requests.”
Smith serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity and is on the board of directors for the Arkansas City Recreation Commission. He is also a past board member for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Arkalalah Executive Committee.
“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” said Smith. “My passion is Oklahoma University football. I have been a fan since childhood.”
Smith also loves being outdoors, fishing and spending time with his wife, Jill, and their two kids.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Ron Smith
Loan Officer
2019 N. Summit St. Arkansas City, KS 67005
Compounding is a powerhouse tool when it comes to building wealth. When you put money into an investment account, you earn a varied rate of return on the balance. If you leave your money in the account, it can grow. An RCB Bank wealth advisor can help you plan a savings strategy built for your individual lifestyle goals and needs.
Example #1: College Savings
The Jones and Smith families each have a baby and start saving $150 per month for their child’s college education. The Smith’s use an investment account to build more wealth.
Example #2: Retirement Savings
Kyle Jones and Kelly Smith put $400 per month into their retirement accounts and earn the same rate of return. Kelly started saving at age 25 while Kyle waited until he was 35 to start.
When it comes to investing, there are risks. Consult a financial advisor before beginning any investment plan. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. The monthly interest calculation expressed above is not for any specific account type and is meant for generic illustration purposes only. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC. Not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by the depository institution. Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Wealth advisors do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Seek advice of professional tax consultant.
John Price is a tire guy. He’s been hauling, stacking, setting and buying tires since 1988 when he joined his brother at a tire facility in Tulsa. He later moved north to work for a local tire shop in Claremore, but he always wanted to own his own shop.
After 30 years in the business, an opportunity presented itself. A tire shop down the road was looking to sell. The owner hoped to sell his family business to someone who would keep it a mom-and-pop tire shop.
“When I had the idea to buy, I went to Matt [Mason, market president, RCB Bank] to bounce my idea off of him,” John said. “I wanted to know if it was even possible. Matt helped me be realistic and talk through potential complications.”
“My job as John’s banker is to help him read between the lines of what he wants and needs in order to mitigate risk and identify the unknowns,” Matt said. “I ask the questions he may not have even considered so he can create a business plan that covers as many variables as possible.”
RCB Bank’s core values are relationship, community and boldness.
“Building relationships and knowing my customers play a big part in helping me help them,” said Matt. “A name and a story are better than a number in the system. It builds integrity, trust and comfortability.”
“Matt never made me feel like I was asking a dumb question,” John added. “He listened and we had an open and honest discussion about what I needed and how I was going to get there. Matt more or less provided me with what the bank needed to move forward.”
Matt calls it helping people get bankable.
“Some people come in with an idea, but they may not have the liquidity or cash flow to qualify for the financing they need,” he said. “It may not mean they don’t have a good business plan or the potential, so I work with them to show the path to get them there.”
Helping the community thrive has been the driving force behind RCB Bank since opening day in 1936 when founder L.S. Robson brought together a team of local citizens to finance the Bank so it could help local citizens keep their farms afloat and their businesses operating during the Great Depression. They made bold moves to lend money because they knew a person’s character, not just their account balance, was worth investing in.
Banking has more rules and red tape than it did 80 years ago, but building a relationship still plays a big part in banking.
“It doesn’t just help us, it helps our customers, too,” said Matt. “If a customer knows us, they’re more likely to come and ask questions, like John when he had the idea to open a shop. He was not sure it was possible and instead of talking himself out of it through fear or reservation, he came and talked to me. And we were able to help make his dream attainable.”
Today, John Price is the proud owner of Price 66 Tire & Auto in Claremore on old Route 66 at 1304 N. J.M. Davis Boulevard.
John and Matt’s relationship did not end after the loan was complete. Matt checked in often in the beginning to make sure John was doing okay. Now, the two catch up whenever they run into each other in the community, at the shop or at the bank.
“Matt makes himself available,” John said. “I trust him, knowing he cares about my success.”
“Our success is measured by the success of our customers,” Matt said. “If we help you reach your financial goals then we’ve done our job. Our employees are easy to get to know. We want you to feel comfortable discussing your business and banking matters with us, so I invite you to stop by and get to know us.”
Lending services are subject to credit approval. Some restrictions apply. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. NMLS #798151, Matt Mason NMLS #799316
“Our outdoor classroom will continue to be improved with this money,” said Irving Elementary School Principal Jeff Everett.
Earlier this year, RCB Bank donated two large picnic tables to the school.
“We want students to have a comfortable place to learn and be outdoors,” said RCB Bank Market President Gregg Conklin.
Pictured: Front row: Gregg Conklin, Winfield market president; Mr. Jeff Everett, Irving Elementary School principal. Back row: RCB Bank employees Britney Murphy, Gloria Ulbrich, Irving elementary students, Cecily Delarosa and Robyn Tapia
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Spring has historically been the busiest time of year for the real estate market. Maybe it’s the brighter weather, greener earth or the sweet smells of blossoms blooming that stir a desire to move. Whether you are buying or selling your home, there are several ways to spring clean your finances to help improve your credit or help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage.
Consider refinancing your student loan debt.
Student loans can have high interest rates, and are frequently set up on a repayment plan based on your current income. In the case of an income-based plan, you are normally paying interest (and maybe not all the interest you accrue on a monthly basis). Some loan programs require a bank to count a percentage of the student loan balance toward your monthly debt if there is not a scheduled payment showing on your credit report. This percentage is typically more than your required payment, which increases your debt-to-income ratio and can potentially cause you not to qualify. Amortizing your loan and setting a specific repayment time will pay your student loans off over time and may boost your credit as you pay down the balance instead of it increasing due to unpaid interest.
Lower your debt-to-income ratio.
Your debt-to-income ratio is an important factor in mortgage qualification. If you have multiple credit cards payments or high interest loans, your monthly payments can be quite high. If you are able to consolidate your credit card debt or loans into one payment and lower your overall monthly cost, then you can lower your debt-to-income ratio as well.
Limit credit inquiries.
When you apply for credit, e.g. credit card or loan, the lender generally does a hard inquiry or “hard pull” on your credit. These hard inquiries may hurt your credit score, especially if you allow several of them within a short time span. When you are shopping for a mortgage, the inquiries from banks or mortgage companies made within a 14-day period should only count as one hard hit. This should not affect your credit score dramatically. It is when you are applying for a variety of credit types (car loan, furniture store, credit card, etc.) in a short time that it may hurt your credit score.
In contrast, when you check your own credit score, it is considered a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.
There are many ways to improve your credit, but most are going to be situation dependent. A trusted mortgage lender will be able to help you and offer guidance on how to improve your credit score. This may take a few months to a year, or it could be as quick as a few weeks depending on your personal circumstance.
The more knowledge you have about the mortgage process, available loan options and your individual qualifications, the more satisfying your homebuying experience will be. Connect with a local RCB Bank lender to get answers to your lending questions. Give us a call or visit our online Mortgage Center.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Alex Penny and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Qualifications and other restrictions apply for loans with approved credit. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Alex Penny NMLS #1535836.
WINFIELD, Kan. – On Friday, January 7, Lowell Elementary school received $1,000 donation from RCB Bank for educational materials and activities for students.
RCB Bank Market President Gregg Conklin said, “Our schools are a critical asset for future generations. America is too great for small dreams. Our goal is that this money will encourage students to dream big and create success for everyone.”
Photo left to right: Lowell Elementary school student, Mason Price; Principal, Jennifer Ray; student, Macy Cuevas; RCB Bank market president, Gregg Conklin; RCB Bank employees Gloria Ulbrich and Robyn Tapia.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Thirteen finalists drew keys and tried to unlock a black box holding the official keys to a 2019 Chevy Blazer during RCB Bank’s Car Giveaway Event on January 17 and January 24. Connie Kosanke of Collinsville, Oklahoma won the first drawing and Emily Hancock of Wellington, Kansas won the second drawing.
“I’ve never been in a contest in my entire life, and to win a car, I’m so delighted!” Kosanke said. “I love RCB Bank. Everybody I’ve met is terrific. They don’t let you want for nothing.”
Emily called her mom after the win saying, “Guess where I am sitting? In the front seat of a brand new car!”
“RCB Bank is honored to be able to celebrate our communities and give back,” said Erin Pegorsch, vice president, marketing director of RCB Bank. “While I know Emily will never forget this day, neither will anyone else at the ceremony.”
The car giveaway promotion took place from October through December 2019 in Oklahoma and Kansas. Contestants were entered automatically each time they made a purchase using their RCB Bank debit card. They could also enter online or by mail once per day. Each week, RCB Bank randomly drew one name to be a finalist at the Car Giveaway Event.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Thirteen finalists drew keys and tried to unlock a black box holding the official keys to a 2019 Chevy Blazer during RCB Bank’s Car Giveaway Event on January 24.
Emily Hancock of Wellington was thrilled to win a brand new car!
Emily called her mom after the win saying, “Guess where I am sitting? In the front seat of a brand new car!”
“RCB Bank is honored to be able to celebrate our communities and give back,” said Erin Pegorsch, vice president, marketing director of RCB Bank. “While I know Emily will never forget this day, neither will anyone else at the ceremony.”
The car giveaway promotion took place from October through December 2019 in Oklahoma and Kansas. Contestants were entered automatically each time they made a purchase using their RCB Bank debit card. They could also enter online or by mail once per day. Each week, RCB Bank randomly drew one name to be a finalist at the Car Giveaway Event.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
CLAREMORE, Okla. – Lance Swift, a loan officer at RCB Bank in Claremore, was named an “Honor’s Graduate” for his outstanding work on the Oklahoma Banker’s Association exam. He was also praised for his contributions to the 2019 Oklahoma Bankers Association Consumer Lending School.
“Lance’s interest in the school was evident from the first session,” said Janis Reeser, executive vice president of education at the OBA. “His thoughtful questions and comments added to class discussion. He also encouraged the other attendees and provided support when asked.”
Lance was chosen for the award by the OBA’s regents, staff, faculty and students. He will sit on the OBA advisory board and will speak with next year’s class on their final day.
Every year, the OBA conducts more than 70 educational programs and seminars, which reach more than 5,000 bankers across the state. They educate students on the overall consumer credit function and how lenders can meet the needs of their customers. They also offer specific training in loan pricing, loan application generation and credit analysis, compliance, risk management and direct and indirect lending, among other things.
Pictured left to right: Janis Reeser, OBA executive vice president of education; Lance Swift, RCB Bank loan officer; Julie Stovall, OBA school chairman; Matt Mason, Claremore RCB Bank market president.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Lance Swift
Loan Officer
300 W. Patti Page Blvd. Claremore, OK 74017
CLAREMORE, Okla. – Thirteen finalists drew keys and tried to unlock a black box holding the official keys to a 2019 Chevy Blazer during RCB Bank’s Car Giveaway Event on January 17.
Connie Kosanke of Collinsville, unlocked the box and was shocked to discover she had WON!
“I’ve never been in a contest in my entire life, and to win a car, I’m so delighted!” she said. “I love RCB Bank. Everybody I’ve met is terrific. They don’t let you want for nothing.”
“RCB Bank is honored to be able to celebrate our communities and give back,” said Erin Pegorsch, vice president, marketing director of RCB Bank. “While I know Connie will never forget this day, neither will anyone else at the ceremony. Her genuine excitement after realizing she had won the car made the whole event.”
The Car Giveaway Promotion took place from October through December 2019 in Oklahoma and Kansas. Contestants were entered automatically each time they made a purchase using their RCB Bank debit card. They could also enter online or by mail once per day. Each week, RCB Bank randomly drew one name to be a finalist at the Car Giveaway Event. RCB Bank is giving away a second Chevy Blazer in Kansas. The Kansas Car Giveaway event takes place at 3 p.m. Friday, January 24 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Contestants must be present at the ceremony to win. All applicable U.S., federal, state, and local taxes, duties, or other taxes or fees are the sole responsibility of each winner, who will be issued a 1099 IRS tax form for the amount of the awarded prize.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Imagine your retirement fund as the seat of a stool. Its stability depends on the construction of the legs. Put all the weight on one leg of the stool and you risk a wobbly future. Instead, use multiple funding sources to build a sturdier retirement savings plan. Depending on your desired lifestyle, we suggest saving between 10-20% of your salary to fund your retirement. Use this balanced approach to diversify savings.
First Leg: Employer Plan
If your employer retirement plan offers a match, fund this account up to the full match if not more. If your employer does not offer a match, you will want to contribute more money toward this account.
Second Leg: Social Security
Social Security benefits can vary drastically depending on how long you work, the amount you earn during your highest earning years and when you elect to claim your benefits. The generation retiring now is receiving about 35-40% of their former salary in the form of Social Security benefits.
Third Leg: Personal Savings
This may include savings accounts, IRAs, CDs, investment accounts and your home’s equity. While it is possible to build a solid three-legged stool, you may want to reinforce your retirement fund with a fourth leg.
Fourth Leg: Retirement Income
Income may be in the form of a rental property, part-time job or small home-based business. However you go about it, you have to sit on your retirement stool, so make it is sturdy enough to hold you during your retirement years. Find a wealth advisor you trust to help you plan a retirement savings strategy built for your individual lifestyle goals and needs.
Save now. Save often. Your future self will thank you.
We offer free portfolio reviews at no cost, no obligation. We’d be happy to take a look at your current portfolio and offer a second opinion to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investments.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. Investment products are not insured by FDIC or any government agency, Not a bank guarantee, Not a deposit, Subject to risk and may lose value.
STILLWATER, Okla. — RCB Bank welcomes Austin Pollard as a loan officer in Stillwater. With more than 10 years of banking and lending experience, Pollard looks forward to bringing that knowledge to customers at RCB Bank.
“My goal is to provide a personal focus to help our customers accomplish their financial goals,” said Pollard.
Pollard was born in Oklahoma and graduated from Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City. He moved back to Stillwater in 2009, where he has worked in banking ever since.
Outside of RCB Bank, Pollard is a board member of North Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and Stillwater Group Homes. He also serves on the Stillwater Board of Realtors.
Pollard sets a good example in his community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and leading the congregational singing at Bible Baptist Church.
“Honor God and help people,” he said. “If you can do those two things, your life will be set!”
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. W.A.C. Restrictions apply. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151
Austin Pollard
Loan Officer
417 S. Perkins Rd. Stillwater, OK 74074
PONCA CITY, Okla. – RCB Bank Trust welcomes Brock Thurman as a senior farm manager. His focus is to help farm owners manage their property and assets.
“Brock takes our farm services to a new level,” said Travis Colson, senior vice president, RCB Bank Trust. “Clients will benefit from the immediate impact Brock makes with his extensive farm management background.”
Raised on a wheat and cattle ranch, Thurman graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural economics. He brings over 30 years of experience in farm management and grain marketing to RCB Bank.
When not working, Brock enjoys spending time outdoors or playing golf with his wife and two adult children. He never misses a home football game for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and is also involved with many community activities such as the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites and Shrine.
“Save a little early and you won’t have to save a lot later,” he said. “You can’t lose money locking in a profit.”
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Brock Thurman
Sr. Farm Manager
122 E. Grand Ave. Ponca City, OK 74601
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — RCB Bank employees in Arkansas City brought Christmas to four local families.
“As employees of RCB Bank, we are proud to be able to give back to the community,” said Retail Coordinator Kim Fleetwood. “We have loved working with Angels in the Attic over the past four years to identify families in need and provide gifts for them.”
Pictured left to right: Ivy Beals, Angels in the Attic; Brandi Soule, loan administration assistant; John Sturd, RCB Bank market president; Gregg Conklin, RCB Bank market president; Kim Fleetwood, retail coordinator.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
WINFIELD, Kan. – RCB Bank loan officer Kent Crain of Winfield has completed the 2019 Principles of Commercial Lending School (PCLS).
“There’s more to lending than analyzing the data,” said Crain. “You’ve got to know and understand your customers and your customer’s business. What I found most useful in the training was the focus on asking my customers better questions.”
With the right information, Crain found he can offer stronger lending solutions.
“Completion of the PCLS really allows me to focus on the needs of my customers and how to best structure the credit surrounding those needs,” he said.
PCLS is a program of The Schools of Banking, Inc., a non-profit corporation that provides occupational education for bankers. It is jointly owned by the Kansas and Nebraska Bankers Associations and has educated over 20,000 bankers from 27 states.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. With approved credit. Some restrictions apply. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. – RCB Bank and their employees collectively donated $7,400 to the United Way of the Plains and their efforts in Cowley County.
“In addition to the Bank’s donation of $2,500, RCB Bank employees in Arkansas City pledged an additional $4,900 for United Way,” said RCB Bank market president John Sturd. “RCB Bank is proud to support United Way and the local non-profit agencies they serve.”
Pat Hanrahan, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, said this money will be very helpful to Cowley County.
“We value our partnership with RCB Bank and are so appreciative of this generous gift,” said Hanrahan. “This is a great start to our newly merged United Way operation. These funds will greatly assist in providing services in Cowley County.”
The United Way in Cowley County recently merged with United Way of the Plains to enhance services to residents.
Pictured left to right: Kim Fleetwood, RCB Bank retail coordinator; Pat Hanrahan, United Way of the Plains President and CEO; John Sturd, RCB Bank market president.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Angels in the Attic, a local nonprofit that works with area groups to assist struggling individuals, received a $2,500 gift from RCB Bank. The money will support efforts to serve the community, help individuals set attainable goals and assist them as they become more independent.
“The need in our community is greater now than ever before, especially this holiday season,” said John Sturd, RCB Bank market president. “Angels in the Attic work tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need. RCB Bank is pleased to help them in their efforts.”
Pictured left to right: Ivy Beals, Angels in the Attic; Janice Marr, Angels in the Attic; John Sturd, RCB Bank market president; Kim Fleetwood, RCB Bank retail coordinator.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Lawrence, Kansas – RCB Bank welcomes Michelle Fales as a mortgage loan originator to our Lawrence community.
A lifelong Kansan, Michelle grew up on a farm outside Nortonville, Kansas, and moved to the Lawrence community 34 years ago. She has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years, including experience with the Kansas State Bank Commissioner. Her industry accolades include 2008 Consumer Lender of the Year and 2010 Commercial Lender of the Year. She has also won multiple awards for her volunteer service to her local community.
Outside of work, Michelle serves on the boards of the following organizations: Junior Achievement of Kansas; Cottonwood, Inc. Foundation; Sister Cities Lawrence; and the State of Kansas Real Estate Appraisers Board. She also volunteers on The Children’s Shelter Festival of Trees, Cottonwood’s Salute Events, and Leadership Lawrence Social Service Day planning committees. She enjoys reading, volunteering and spending time with her husband and two dogs. She also enjoys traveling to Chicago to see their son, Adam, who is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago.
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
Michelle Fales
Mortgage Loan Originator
3300 W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049
Edmond, Oklahoma – RCB Bank welcomes Ashley Davis as a loan officer, bringing 10 years of banking experience to Edmond, Oklahoma.
Born in East Texas, Davis played collegiate volleyball at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. “I grew up a tomboy,” said Davis. “I may not look like I know about cars, how to drive heavy equipment or bait a hook, but I had a well-rounded childhood!”
Her banking experience includes underwriting, mortgage lending, compliance and portfolio management often involving complex projects. Davis will be focusing on consumer and commercial loans in her new role.
Davis volunteers with multiple organizations and always looks for ways to help children and the elderly in her community. She is on the Infant Crisis Services Committee and also works with Positive Tomorrows. She has been a mentor volunteer at Stanley Hupfeld Academy at Western Village. When not working, Davis enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and attending athletic and scholastic events. She still plays volleyball whenever possible.
“I am known for always going the extra mile to provide extraordinary customer service,” she said. “A great banking relationship is the key to financial success.”
RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.com or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.
