# CNBconnect

> Connecting you to Central National Bank


## Posts

- [A Multigenerational Farm Success Story](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/03/a-multigenerational-farm-success-story/): As we celebrate Agriculture Week during the USA’s 250th birthday year, it’s impossible not to reflect on the generations of farmers and ranchers who’ve built, fed, and sustained this nation over the years. Agriculture has always been a story of family, legacy, and the hope we have for generations to come. Every fence mended, every crop harvested, every herd cared for is tied to the hands and heart of someone who learned from the generation before them. This month we feature a family that is a prime example of the heart it takes to sustain and build longevity into their
- [Tax Refund Investing by the Numbers](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/03/tax-refund-investing-by-the-numbers/): Tax refunds represent one of the biggest missed financial opportunities each year – and one of the most commonly wasted. In most recent years, the average American received around $3,000 back from the IRS, and most of it disappears quickly on forgettable purchases. What if you treated your refund as the wealth-building opportunity it could be? The Refund Reality Check Let’s be honest about what usually happens to tax refunds: The problem? Even the money you earn from an investment in a traditional savings account barely keeps up with inflation. Can you remember where your tax refund dollars went last
- [Central National Bank Announces New Salina Market President: Tyson C. Reimer](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/02/central-national-bank-announces-new-salina-market-president-tyson-c-reimer/): Salina, Kansas: Central National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion and transfer of Commercial / Ag Loan Officer Tyson C. Reimer. Reimer has accepted the position of Market President in Salina, KS. Reimer is from Hillsboro, Kansas and a graduate from Tabor College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Tabor in 2022 while working as an assistant football coach and recruiter for the school. He has 3 years of banking experience at Central in Junction City, primarily serving agricultural and commercial loan customers.  “We wish to extend our
- [Gen X Investor's Guide](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/02/gen-x-investors-guide/): If you’re part of Generation X, you’ve lived through recessions, market crashes, rising costs, and more than one “once-in-a-lifetime” financial event. Generation X faces unique challenges: caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and building retirement savings during peak expense years. It’s no wonder many Gen Xers question if it is too late for them to invest seriously. Asking, “Did I miss my window?” The Gen X Advantage This stage of life can be one of the most powerful times to take control of your financial future. Peak earning years: While retirement may feel closer than it used to, there
- [Central National Bank Announces New Commercial Lender: Drew Kober](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/02/central-national-bank-announces-new-commercial-lender-drew-kober/): Lincoln, Nebraska.  Central National Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Commercial Lender, Drew Kober.  He has been in banking for 9 years.  Kober is a graduate of Lincoln Southwest High School and a 2018 graduate from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Finance and Economics. “I am excited to join the Central National Bank team!” said Kober. “Central is a great family-owned community bank with a rich history of serving their customers. I look forward to working with Grant to serve Lincoln and the surrounding communities.” Kober enjoys spending time serving the youth in his
- [Frugal February: A One-Month Reset](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/01/frugal-february-a-one-month-reset/): Frugal February is not a new concept; in fact, it is quite similar in concept and name to other alliterative practices such as “No Spend November”. It is also not new in that for most of us we are well-aware of our need to revamp our spending habits in this economy or maybe because we have set specific goals. Perhaps it’s both. Regardless, Frugal February is the perfect time for a reset. Here’s why: it is a shorter month, we are in the post-holiday period where a spending hangover is real, and the fun and busyness of spring is still
- [Build Your Financial Muscles This New Year](https://blog.centralnational.com/2026/01/build-your-financial-muscles-this-new-year/): A new year always feels like a reset button. Fresh goals, fresh energy, and maybe even a fresh planner. There is nothing like a fresh planner, in my humble opinion. And, while “getting in shape” often tops the resolution list, this year might be the perfect time to focus on financial fitness. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once. Building financial muscles works a lot like building physical muscle – small, consistent effort over time makes the biggest difference. If money feels overwhelming, start with confidence-building basics, like spending time understanding where your money goes
- [Junction City Employees Raise Over $22,000 to Benefit United Way](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/12/junction-city-employees-raise-over-22000-to-benefit-united-way/): Junction City, Kansas: Central National Bank presented a check for $22,708 to the United Way of Junction City – Geary County in support of their 2026 Campaign. Central National Bank staff spent several weeks in October and November raising funds for United Way. 2025 marks the nineteenth year in a row that Central National Bank has been named a Platinum Pacesetter, a designation given to organizations who raise over $15,000 in funds for the campaign. “Each year the staff does an incredible job with the United Way Campaign here at Central National Bank in Junction City,” said Lindsey Snider, President.
- [Central National Bank Announces Topeka Market President: Jason L. Pickerell.](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/11/central-national-bank-announces-topeka-market-president-jason-l-pickerell/): Topeka, Kansas.  Central National Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Topeka Market President Jason Pickerell.  He has been in banking for over 35 years.  Pickerell is a 1988 Graduate of Valley Falls, KS High School and a 1993 Graduate from Washburn University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Finance. Pickerell is also a Graduate from the Graduate School of Banking in 2009 from Boulder, CO. “I am excited to join the Central National Bank team!” said Pickerell. “Central is a great family-owned community bank with a rich history of serving Kansans all across the state. I look
- [Trigger Leads: The Good, The Bad, and Annoying](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/08/trigger-leads-the-good-the-bad-and-annoying/): Have you ever applied for a mortgage then been bombarded with pesky, unwanted calls from companies soliciting their credit or insurance services? These are called “Trigger Leads” that are purchased from the major credit bureaus by other lenders for marketing purposes. Unfortunately, even though your lender is not who sold the information, they also have no control over the credit bureaus selling it to other lenders. And it’s all perfectly legal! Trigger leads happen when you apply for a loan and your lender pulls your credit report. When your credit is pulled, your information is sent to the three major
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 11](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/07/becoming-a-banker-vol-11/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. Sometimes, the most meaningful careers begin with a leap of faith — or in this case, a well-timed opportunity and a little encouragement from a friend. For one long-time Central National Bank team member, what started as a post-high school job turned into a fulfilling, decades long career. I joined the banking industry in 1977, just three months out of high school and not even 18 years
- [Levels of Estate Planning](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/07/levels-of-estate-planning/): Estate plans are only for rich people. – MYTH. This is one of many misconceptions people have about estate planning. Estate planning is not just about wealth, it is about relationships. It is important to understand how an estate plan can work to settle your affairs after your passing or in the event you become incapacitated. Estate plans are not one size fits all – they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes depending on your goals, family dynamic and the types of assets your own. The key word to focus on is PLANNING. How much planning do you
- [Are You Ready to Buy a Home?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/06/are-you-ready-to-buy-a-home/): Knowing if you are ready to buy a house is a tricky thing. Since you can’t really Zoltar your way through it, you must take a look at several factors. Are you finically stable enough? What can you afford? Is it realistic for where you are at in life? Take a look at these key points to see if you are ready to take the leap into homeownership! “I’m going to tell you something.” – Ricky Roma, Glengarry Glen Ross One of the first things you should look at when considering whether you are ready to buy a house is
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 10](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/06/becoming-a-banker-vol-10/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. As a business marketing student at Kansas State University, I had the idea that landing a professional office job or bank position would beef up my resume to help me secure a career position once I graduated. Thankfully, I was able to do that the summer of 2013; my first bank position was as a part-time teller/financial service representative with Central National Bank. It was an awesome
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 9](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/05/becoming-a-banker-vol-9/): The Becoming a Banker series features real Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. Making a career change can be daunting, especially when it involves stepping into an entirely new industry. But for one Central National Bank team member, the shift from retail to banking wasn’t just a job change — it was a life-changer. She was looking for better hours to raise her kids. After years of working long retail shifts — often 45-50 hours a week, including evenings and weekends
- [Staycation All I Ever Wanted](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/05/staycation-all-i-ever-wanted/): If you are like my family and I, you might be remaining near home on a “staycation” this summer. As a mom of four, ages 3-10, I have some experience with making the most out of the space and season I’m in. Whether it is out of preference or necessity, I have some fun ideas to help energize your plans. Remember, you know your family best, these are just ideas to spur you on! If relaxing in your backyard and/or by the local pool is within your capacity (personality type, energy level, kids’ ages and stages) then fully embrace it!
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 8](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/04/becoming-a-banker-vol-8/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. I was managing a short-term lending store and got a call from a bank recruiter about an assistant branch manager position. I took the interview and felt like they liked me. I figured if they were interested in recruiting me then why not apply at other banks – just in case they didn’t offer me the job. So, I applied at Central not really knowing anything about
- [The Benefits of E-Statements](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/04/estatement-benefits/): You’ve probably heard that signing up for E-statements is a great way to go green. No one knows exactly how many trees are saved each year by getting paperless banking statements, although one guy did the math to estimate it – you can check it out on the blog, “How many trees are really saved through paperless statements.” Spoiler alert: it’s a pretty impressive number. But if conjecture’s not your thing, here are a few cold, hard facts about why you should go paperless. 1) Declutter your life Okay, so going paperless probably won’t declutter your whole life, but it will
- [April is Financial Literacy Month: Grow Your Knowledge and Your Investments](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/04/april-is-financial-literacy-month-grow-your-knowledge-and-your-investments/): April is Financial Literacy Month, a great reminder to focus on improving your understanding of personal finance. At Central National Bank, we believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your money. This month, we’re highlighting the importance of investing and how Digital Investing, our new investing solution, can help you achieve your financial goals. Investing Basics Investing is all about putting your money to work with the goal of growing your wealth over time. It can seem intimidating at first, but understanding some basic concepts can make a big difference: 4 Basic Concepts for Investing That Can
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 7](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/03/becoming-a-banker-vol-7/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. My Mom was a lifetime banker. I grew up in the halls of a competitor of Central National Bank here in Junction City while my Mom worked her way up from Teller to Mortgage Officer. Because both of my parents worked, my grandma picked me up from school every day. On Wednesday nights, she would drop me off at the bank after they closed so I could
- [Spring Break and Fraud Prevention](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/03/spring-break-and-fraud-prevention/): How to Keep Your Financial Info Safe While Traveling Spring break is all about relaxation, adventure, and making memories — but it’s also a time when your personal information can be at risk. Whether you’re traveling to a faraway beach or exploring a new city, it’s important to stay aware of how to protect your financial data from fraudsters. Here are some simple, but effective steps to keep your financial information safe during your spring break trip. 1. Notify Your Bank About Your Travel Plans Before you leave, it’s a good idea to inform us about your travel plans. This
- [How to Avoid Overspending During Spring Break: Smart Spending Tips](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/03/how-to-avoid-overspending-during-spring-break-smart-spending-tips/): Spring break is the perfect time to unwind, enjoy some sunshine, and create lasting memories. But, with all the fun and excitement, it can be easy to lose track of your spending and end up with a credit card bill that’s hard to pay off. To ensure you don’t go overboard, here are some smart spending tips to help you stay within budget while still having an amazing time! 1. Set a Budget Before You Go Before packing your bags, sit down and determine how much you’re willing to spend on your entire trip. Be realistic about your expenses, including
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 6](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/02/becoming-a-banker-vol-6/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. When I was a little girl, I used to play office. I could spend hours pretending to answer the phone, wait on customers, type letters and fill out paperwork. So, when I was looking for a part-time job while attending college, my mom suggested I apply at the new bank being built in town. I was hired as a part-time teller, filling in over the lunch hour
- [Central National Bank and Eko Partner to Empower Financial Well-Being](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/02/central-national-bank-and-eko-partner-to-empower-financial-well-being/): A Shared Commitment to Financial Empowerment At Central National Bank, we believe that everyone should have the chance to grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals, regardless of background or experience level. That’s why our newest product, Digital Investing, is so important to our team. Now, with as little as $10, you can set up an investments portfolio and take advantage of commission-free trading on self-directed accounts. Investing Made Easy Through a new partnership with Eko, Central National Bank customers can access a user-friendly investing platform directly through your existing online and mobile banking. This means: A Powerful Partnership
- [The Importance of Investing Money in the Stock Market](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/02/the-importance-of-investing-money-in-the-stock-market/): Investing money is like planting seeds for your financial future. Just as a well-tended garden yields a bountiful harvest, strategic investments can grow your wealth over time. However, if you’re like me, you have a beautiful garden plot with great soil, but you overbought seeds, miscalculated the square footage needed, and can’t seem to find the time to get any of the seeds in the ground according to the instructions on the back of the packet! Every year I end up running out into the garden just before a rain, throwing down some seed and hoping for the best. But
- [Love and Banking: Surprisingly, Similar Paths to Success](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/02/love-and-banking-surprisingly-similar-paths-to-success/): I cannot speak for anyone else, however when I think of love and banking, I certainly do not put them in the figurative “similar” column. One is about emotions and relationships, and the other about numbers and transactions. Right? Yes, of course they are. In taking a closer look, I found that both require the same essential ingredients to thrive. Love and banking share surprising similarities and understanding these can help you nurture both your financial life and your relationships. 1. Trust: The Foundation of Success Trust is the foundation of both a strong relationship and a secure financial system.
- [Central National Bank Announces Financial Advisor/Trust Officer: Tyler J. Peachey CFP®](https://blog.centralnational.com/2025/02/central-national-bank-announces-financial-advisor-trust-officer-tyler-j-peachey-cfp/): Newton, Kansas:  Central National Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Financial Advisor and Trust Officer, Tyler J. Peachey CFP®.  Peachey is a lifelong Kansan and graduate from Bethel College. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration (BBA) and graduated from Hesston College with an Associates of Arts degree. He has served Kansas communities as a financial advisor for over a decade specializing in retirement planning, trust services and wealth accumulation. Tyler is also a Certified Financial Planner® – a designation that requires the highest level of training and ethical standards for members. “I enjoy helping
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 5](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/12/becoming-a-banker-vol-5/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. I went to cosmetology school straight out of high school. I worked for a chain salon as a stylist and eventually got promoted to manager where I got to handle store marketing, recruiting, etc. I learned over time that I loved leading my team, but doing hair wasn’t something I enjoyed very much. One day I was at dinner and got an automated call that my store
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 4](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/11/becoming-a-banker-vol-4/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. I had years of experience managing people and dealing with money. I owned my own business at one point and also worked in the casino industry prior to becoming a banker. None of these things had a thing to do with my college education! I saw an opportunity to be a part of a new branch opening inside of a Topeka Walmart and applied because it piqued
- [Local Financial Services Professional Earns National Certification](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/11/local-financial-services-professional-earns-national-certification/): Central National Bank, Concordia, KS – Jesse W. Pounds, Vice President & Trust Officer, Central National Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) professional certification from the American Bankers Association. “Earning the CTFA certification validates Jesse Pounds’ experience and depth of education in the wealth management industry,” said Duane M. Blythe, CTFA, CFP®, Trust Division Manager. The CTFA certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of wealth management and trust. To qualify for the CTFA certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the trust profession, pass an exam,
- [Central National Bank – Junction City Employees Raise Over $25,000 to Benefit United Way](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/11/central-national-bank-junction-city-employees-raise-over-25000-to-benefit-united-way/): Junction City, Kansas:  Central National Bank presented a check for $25,843 to the United Way of Junction City – Geary County in support of their 2025 Campaign. Central National Bank staff spent several weeks in September and October raising funds for United Way. 2024 marks the eighteenth year in a row that Central National Bank has been named a Platinum Pacesetter, a designation given to organizations who raise over $15,000 in funds for the campaign. “As a community bank, we recognize the importance of giving back to our community,” said Lindsey Snider, Central National Bank, Junction City President. “Each year
- [Do You Practice Safe Checks?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/11/do-you-practice-safe-checks/): Practicing safe checks should come as easily as airline safety, so buckle up for this one. Despite the fact that check use has declined by 25%, reports of check fraud have soared and nearly doubled since 2021. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal your financial information to gain access to, and fly off with your money. Central National Bank is committed to helping our customers use checks safely. Don’t give criminals the runway: Understanding the tactics they use can be your first line of defense. Criminals are known to raid mailboxes and take off with
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 3](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/10/becoming-a-banker-vol-3/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. Picture it. Topeka, 2020. The Pandemic had just hit and I was laid off from my job in event planning and coordination. Even as we started to ride out the pandemic, I began to predict that my job might not be secure. So once the inevitable happened I had to re-evaluate my skills and start comparing them to what jobs might be a good fit. Luckily, I
- [Can You Spot a Phishing Scam?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/10/can-you-spot-a-phishing-scam-2/): Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only growing worse. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission’s report on fraud estimates that American consumers lost a staggering $10 billion to phishing scams and other fraud in 2023—an increase of 13.6% over 2022. It’s time to put scammers in their place. Online scams aren’t so scary when you know what to look for. And at Central National Bank, we’re committed to helping you spot
- [Central National Bank is Celebrating 140 Years](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/10/central-national-bank-is-celebrating-140-years/): Central National Bank is celebrating 140 years in October and we want to party with you, the customers we are beyond grateful for! Your local branch will be hosting an open-house style event one day the week of October 21st – October 25th. Find your nearest branch location in the list of Central National Bank communities below and add us to your calendar. We look forward to seeing you!
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 2](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/09/becoming-a-banker-vol-2/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. I graduated college with an Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy degree and practiced as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Missouri for nearly ten years before becoming a banker. I loved my career, my patients, my coworkers, and the hospital I worked for – and, now looking back, I had no clue how lucky I was to have that straight out of college. I was born
- [Becoming a Banker, Vol. 1](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/08/becoming-a-banker-vol-1/): The Becoming a Banker series features real, Central National Bank employees who have found a rewarding career in banking. We hope you enjoy knowing a little bit about the people who serve you. At 19 I was attending K-State and majoring in journalism with an emphasis in advertising. I have always been creative and loved to write, so I got a job at the school paper creating advertisements. This wasn’t a lot of hours and the pay was minimal, so I also got a job running an embroidery machine at an apparel company in town during one of the evening
- [A Lesson in Identity Protection from a Tenured Banker](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/06/a-lesson-in-identity-protection-from-a-tenured-banker/): I had a recent brush with identity security. Yes, me. The person who advises all of you what not to click on, and how you should protect your financial information. As embarrassing as it is to admit, it just goes to show that you should always slow down and pay close attention when filling out forms, paying bills, or making purchases online. It can, and does, happen to anyone. I won’t get into the details of how it happened. For one thing, I don’t have proof that my identity was actually stolen. But also, the how isn’t important. I simply
- [CD Strategy: Short vs. Long-Term Gains & Laddering](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/06/cd-strategy-short-vs-long-term-gains-laddering/): When it comes to growing your savings securely, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) have once again become a popular choice among investors. The decision lately might come down to choosing between a less attractive rate at a longer term versus a more attractive rate at a shorter term. While the allure of higher rates can be tempting, there are several compelling reasons why opting for a longer-term CD with a lower rate can be a strategic move for your nest egg. Stability and Predictability One of the main advantages of choosing a CD with a longer term is the stability it
- [4 Ways to Add Value to Your Home](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/03/4-ways-to-add-value-to-your-home/): As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, your motivation for those home improvement projects begin to roll in. Maybe it is just the pressure from your significant other who very politely has reminded you a million times of the growing to-do list. Or maybe you’re preparing to sell your home in the summer months and have a few tasks to complete first. If you fall into any of these categories, especially the “sell your home” category, keep reading to learn of a few ways you can add value to your home. Curb Appeal Start on
- [Teaching Your Kiddos About Money](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/03/teaching-your-kiddos-about-money/): We’ve all heard the phrase “Kids are like sponges”. They pick up things we want them to and also some things we don’t! As a parent, what are the lessons you’re responsible for teaching them? Hygiene, how to cook, fill up a cup with water, throw a ball? The list goes on and on. As bankers, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you tips for teaching them all about money! Now, thankfully, we don’t have to teach them about taxes or Roth IRAs just yet, so let’s start with the basic principles.  Saving: In a jar? Or in a
- [Save Without the Sacrifice](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/02/save-without-the-sacrifice/): We have all been told that one of the easiest ways to save money is to give up things like our coffee runs or subscription services we don’t necessarily need. In fact, I’ve written a few blogs on these topics. However, saving can be a hard thing to do, especially if it means giving up some of the things that you enjoy. So, how can you save money and not give up everything at the same time? Let’s talk… Automatic Savings When you get a job that directly puts money into your account on pay day (direct deposit), you may
- ["Follow the Yellow Brick Road"](https://blog.centralnational.com/2024/01/follow-the-yellow-brick-road/): Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore. 2024. It has arrived, and with it comes a few exciting milestones. Of course, we’re definitely still in Kansas (and Nebraska of course), but this month we’re celebrating the fact that January 29th marks the 163rd birthday of our golden wheat state where the sunflowers fill the spaces between fields. In addition to that, this year marks the 140th anniversary of the Central National Bank, which was founded in Junction City, Kansas. Bonus points if you recognize the quotes included here as headings. Can you count the references to unique
- [CD Shopping: Three Wise Tips for Growing your Savings this Holiday Season](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/12/cd-shopping-three-wise-tips-for-growing-your-savings-this-holiday-season/): This is, perhaps, the first holiday season in a long time where we’re in an economic environment favoring deposit rates. Maybe you already spent all your money on gifts for the family. If not, you may be wondering if it would be wise to invest some of that money for the future. Strike while the iron is hot and all. First things first. Are you a part of the generation who thinks of a CD as a secure and reliable way to grow your savings? Or does the term CD create visions of shiny discs full of musical tunes? Perhaps
- [Bankers Get Fooled Too - The Infamous Cattle Blow Dryer](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/10/bankers-get-fooled-too-the-infamous-cattle-blow-dryer/): The following is an excerpt from a real-live banker. We think it’s important that we share our stories, so they don’t become yours. Dear reader, It’s the week before the county fair.  I am a frantic 4H mom looking to get a billon things done. One of those things is to locate a reasonably priced air blower for my son’s 4H steers.  You might ask what the heck is that?  Well, even steers get their hair dried before a big event. We had been borrowing a dryer from a friend and it was time to get one of our own. But, we were
- [Please, Let This Be A Normal Field Trip](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/08/please-let-this-be-a-normal-field-trip/): I am happy to say that I am a survivor of the first year of college. Not only did I have a blast, but I also learned some lessons that I hope I can pass down to incoming freshman. As Dorothy Ann from The Magic School Bus would say, “With the Frizz, no way!” So, this blog won’t be like a normal back to school blog, and I am indeed going to play the role of Ms. Frizz here at Central National Bank. So, buckle up, we are going on a guided trip so that you know how to prepare
- [College Tips: Studying Edition](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/08/college-tips-studying-edition/): I hope I’m not bursting your bubble, but college is a lot different than high school in many areas: classes, class time and schedule, professors, dorm living, etc. Today, however, I thought we would focus on the studying aspect of things! For some people, the first test in college is a wake-up call. I can attest that in high school, the only class I ever really studied for was my math classes and a lot of people that I know didn’t have to study at all in high school. Well, in college that really doesn’t fly. The courses are harder
- [Couponing Tips for Beginners](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/08/couponing-tips-for-beginners/): I’m sure we have all heard of “Extreme Couponers” and how crazy good they are at saving money. If you have ever thought to yourself “Man, I should really get into that couponing business” but you aren’t entirely sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Stick around and I’ll fill you in on the tips and tricks of the couponing world! Know Where to Find Coupons This is probably the most important thing if you are wanting to start couponing. Coupons can be found in the Sunday edition of most newspapers, your favorite providers mobile app, or
- [Central National Bank Launches Account Aggregation Tool Powered by Finicity](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/08/central-national-bank-launches-account-aggregation-tool-powered-by-finicity/): Junction City, Kansas:  Central National Bank has just announced the launch of a new online banking and financial health tool called account aggregation. Customers who hold accounts at more than one financial institution can now view all their account balances in the Central National Bank online banking dashboard. “It’s so annoying when you have to log in to multiple apps to see what your account balances are,” said research and development team member Geoff Wright. “Just being able to log into one place and get an accurate picture of my financial portfolio and well-being is very convenient. I can even
- [Should I Stay or Should I Go: Renting VS Buying a Home](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/08/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-renting-vs-buying-a-home/): We all have ideas of what our dream home is, but is buying a house the best decision for you right now? Maybe you are ready to buy a home and renting isn’t what you are looking for anymore, or maybe you’d like to continue renting. Both are viable options. Deciding what to do is a major life and financial decision that depends entirely on you. Why are we even writing about it? We’ve come up with a couple of things to consider when making your next big decision. Budgeting I think one of the best things about renting is
- [Started From the Bottom – How to Fix Your Credit](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/07/started-from-the-bottom-how-to-fix-your-credit/): As we all know, credit is super important. You need good credit to get a mortgage for a house, to buy a car and rent an apartment. Good credit can get you better rates on insurance as well. However, at one point or another you may find yourself with bad credit. You may think that your life is ruined and that you have reached the point of no return. Don’t fret. There is always hope. Let’s look at what your next steps are if your credit score takes a hit. A good place to start is to check your credit
- [Common Budgeting Mistakes](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/06/common-budgeting-mistakes/): Budgeting may not sound like the most fun activity to do with your free time, but it is a smart one. One common misconception about budgeting is that it doesn’t allow you any freedom, or extra money to do the things that you enjoy. However, a good budget will consist of paying bills, saving for your future, and paying off debt all the while allowing for extra spending each month. Keep reading so that you too can avoid making these common budgeting mistakes. “Grab That Cash with Both Hands and Make a Stash” – Money by Pink Floyd In my
- [Fraudulent, Imposturous, Counterfeit, Phony, Fake Checks](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/06/fraudulent-imposturous-counterfeit-phony-fake-checks/): Have you ever seen the Monty Python sketch about Spam? So, basically there is this old couple eating at a diner along with some Vikings. The waitress is listing items off the menu, which mostly consists of Spam. The elderly lady spouts off to her husband how she doesn’t like spam, to which the Vikings start singing “Spam, Spam, Spam” in harmony. It’s hilarious, if you’re into that type of thing. Okay, now… just imagine instead of the Vikings singing “spam”, they are singing “Scam, Scam, Scam”. Have you figured out where I’m going with this? On today’s agenda the
- [Some Boomers, but Mostly Millennials & Zoomers – Scam Calls](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/06/some-boomers-but-mostly-millennials-zoomers-scam-calls/): Phone scams have been prominent for as long as I can remember, but probably even before that. Alexander Graham Bell has been gone a century, so I don’t even know how long. Nonetheless, phone fraud is a major issue today. I think I get, on average, at least one scam call a day on my cell phone. Financial services are fifth on the list of the most spoofed industries. Many people globally have lost their hard-earned money to scam calls. Many have heard the commercials warning of elder abuse. The assumption is that a lack of technological savvy makes you
- [Tips for Financial Success](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/05/tips-for-financial-success/): Being financially stable should be a top priority for everyone. However, a lot of people don’t know where to start or where to look for advice. Well, look no further, because I have 7 tips that could help you on your journey to Financially Stable Wonderland! While keeping up with the Joneses might sound like a good idea, it’s one of the top ways people find themselves deep in debt. Although hard, try to fight the urge to buy whatever Instagram or Facebook Marketplace thinks is the perfect item for you. Try to cut back on fast food and don’t
- [Central National Bank Named One of Kansas City’s Top Five Strongest Large Banks](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/04/central-national-bank-named-one-of-kansas-citys-top-five-strongest-large-banks/): Junction City, Kansas.  Today, Central National Bank was named among the strongest banks in the Kansas City region by the Kansas City Business Journal. The criteria used to determine the top performing banks included the Problem Loan Ratio, Texas Ratio, Core Capital Ratio, Equity Capital level and the total dollar volume of Loans and Leases for 2022. The recognition highlights that Central National Bank is a safe place to deposit funds, with 82.01% of deposits covered by FDIC insurance. The bank’s portfolio of $657.7 million in loans has only 0.12% problem loans, positioning the bank to weather even a difficult
- [Central National Bank Announces Financial Advisor/Trust Officer: Blake A. Sutton ChFC®](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/04/central-national-bank-announces-financial-advisor-trust-officer-blake-a-sutton-chfc/): Junction City, Kansas:  Central National Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Financial Advisor and Trust Officer, Blake A. Sutton ChFC®.  Sutton is a lifelong Topeka native and graduate from Washburn University. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement & Corrections and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Management. He earned the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation from the American College of Financial Services. “I am grateful to become part of the Central National Bank family,” said Sutton. “It is exciting to join an organization with such a rich history in serving
- [Lindsey Snider Completes Statewide Banking Leadership Program](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/03/lindsey-snider-completes-statewide-banking-leadership-program/): Lindsey Snider, President, Central National Bank, Junction City, has completed the Kansas Bankers Association’s 2022 Bank Leaders of Kansas Program. Snider graduated from the program on Feb. 8 at the KBA’s Harold A. Stones Government Relations Conference in Topeka. As a member of the 2022 BLOK class, Snider participated in a series of four training sessions designed to build her leadership skills and knowledge of the banking industry. Specifically, the class learned about the structure and governance of the KBA, which represents and serves the state’s banks in the areas of government relations, law, education and insurance, and the state
- [Central National Bank launches automated direct deposit switching powered by Atomic](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/03/central-national-bank-launches-automated-direct-deposit-switching-powered-by-atomic/): Junction City, KS March 2, 2023 – Central National Bank is announcing today its partnership with Atomic, the market-leading provider of payroll connectivity, to roll out automated direct deposit switching capabilities, allowing customers to connect or switch their payroll deposit account in minutes. “Our e-banking team here at Central is very excited to roll out this product because it’s such a convenient tool for our customers,” said Geoff Wright, Electronic Banking Products Manager. “We’re always looking for ways to simplify our customers’ financial lives, and this partnership is a natural step towards that objective.”  By partnering with Atomic, Central National
- [Central National Bank Contributes to Discovery Childcare Learning Center](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/03/central-national-bank-contributes-to-discovery-childcare-learning-center/): Herington, Kansas.  Angela Becker, Retail Field Manager and Grant Srajer, Commercial Loan Officer of Central National Bank Herington presented a $5,000 check to Gabriele Simmons from the Herington, Discovery Childcare Learning Center on February 14, 2023. “This contribution helps support the future of Herington,” said Becker. “We’ve recognized a need for child care resources in the tri-county area. And child care is a vital part of keeping jobs here in our community. We’re glad to do our part to support bringing more small businesses to our county, through the support of necessary child care options.” Today, more parents work outside
- [Central National Bank Employee Graduates from Flint Hills Leadership Program](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/02/central-national-bank-employee-graduates-from-flint-hills-leadership-program/): Manhattan, Kansas.  Morgan Todd, Commercial Lending Assistant at Central National Bank Manhattan graduated from the Flint Hills Leadership Program on February 2, 2023. Todd has been with the bank 5 years. “This was a great program to participate in,” said Todd. “I appreciated getting to know other regional leaders and making those connections. While we visited many local communities, my favorite was Junction City. I am a native of JC and was proud of the local knowledge, pride in the community, and overall progress of the city thus far.” The FHRLP is geared toward the development of leadership skills within
- [Budget Friendly Party Ideas for the Big Game!](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/02/budget-friendly-party-ideas-for-the-big-game/): While you’re gearing up for the big game, you’re probably either planning some sort of party, or attending one. It’s a great day to show off your new gear, or maybe your cooking skills. While it’s almost sure to be an awesome night, win or lose, it’s almost also sure to be a strenuous night. In fact, why haven’t they made the Monday after a national holiday yet? As we prepare to cheer on our team, we put together some budget-friendly food ideas so you can impress your party guests! Plus, they’re simple and will surely make you the spotlight
- [SCAM ALERT: Government Imposters!](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/01/scam-alert-government-imposters/): “Big Brother is Watching You” – 1984 by George Orwell It’s that time of the year again…the dreaded tax season! And with tax season comes the risk of falling victim to a scammer. Sleazy government imposters will act like they are from a legitimate government agency, or convince you that they are in law enforcement. They often will give you an “employee ID number” to sound more official and they could have information about you. So, how can you tell if it is a legitimate email or call? Read more to find out! “Trust No One” – Deep Throat from
- [Central National Bank Announces Commercial / Ag Loan Officer: Tyson C. Reimer](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/01/central-national-bank-announces-commercial-ag-loan-officer-tyson-c-reimer/): Junction City, Kansas:  Central National Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Commercial / Ag Loan Officer Tyson C. Reimer.  Reimer is from Hillsboro, Ks and a graduate from Tabor College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Performance and Minor’s in Coaching and Business Administration. He earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Tabor in 2022 while working as an assistant football coach at the school and serving the school as a recruiter. “I am excited to be able to call myself a member of the Central National Bank family! To join an organization with such a
- [Central National Bank Contributes to Hillsboro Community Child Care Center, Inc.](https://blog.centralnational.com/2023/01/central-national-bank-contributes-to-hillsboro-community-child-care-center-inc/): Hillsboro, Kansas.  Mike Padgett, President of Central National Bank Hillsboro presented a $5,000 check to Max Heinrichs from the Hillsboro Community Foundation on Wednesday, December 28th. “This contribution helps support the future of Hillsboro,” said Padgett. “Access to child care resources is a vital part of keeping jobs here in our community and supporting small town business. We’re glad to have the opportunity to help support this initiative, which can ultimately bring more jobs and young families to our communities.” Today, more parents work outside of the home than in previous generations. As a result, child care needs continue to
- [SCAM ALERT: QR Code Edition](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/08/scam-alert-qr-code-edition/): QR codes have climbed in popularity with the help of the COVID Pandemic. These handy little codes are a hands-free way to do a multitude of tasks. More and more restaurants have QR codes that bring you to their menu, schools use them as a way to fill out various forms, and even some banks are starting to use them. Like anything, however, there are going to be kinks in the system that you need to watch out for. Fool’s Gold Just like your run-of-the-mill email phishing scam, cybercriminals are using QR codes to do their dirty work. It’s hard
- [Does Mo’ Money Really Mean Mo’ Problems? Answering the Age Old Question](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/07/does-mo-money-really-mean-mo-problems-answering-the-age-old-question/): I propose that, today, we examine the question posed back in 1997: Does more money really mean more problems? Now, Biggie Smalls was worried about different things when writing this song, so it seems silly to consider the topic, but I genuinely wonder whether more money means more problems. Do you consider higher taxes and being a bigger target for scammers to be problematic? These are just two issues we’re going to examine in today’s post because more money can also mean living a more comfortable lifestyle. There are pros, and even cons, to having money and I want to
- [Mind Your Own Business: Teen Edition](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/07/mind-your-own-business-teen-edition/): With summer coming up, I thought I would take the chance to talk about something that may help you have a pretty great break. Now, when I first tell you my idea you’re going to think that I am a lunatic! Trust me, I haven’t been clinically diagnosed so you are okay. All jokes aside, let’s get real about summer jobs. I know, how can a job be fun? With everything in life, you make it what it is. I was a part-time worker last summer and I had some pretty cool experiences. That’s what jobs are for in your
- [In the World of Mules There Are No Rules](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/06/in-the-world-of-mules-there-are-no-rules/): What comes to mind when someone says the word “mule”? For some, it might be a loaded down pack animal a la gold rush era, 1849. Circa 2020’s we have miniature mules, a cute cuddly animal that’s trending as a “household” pet. On the other end of the mule spectrum we have gingery drinks and also drug mules. A drug mule is someone used to transport drugs for cartels or other operations. Not so adorable, I know. In today’s day and age, a mule can reference anyone who transports goods and services, but today we are going to focus on
- [Reading Reviews: How to tell if they are trustworthy](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/06/reading-reviews-how-to-tell-if-they-are-trustworthy/): When you’re in need of a new place to get your hair done, you typically take a look at reviews. How about when you want to try a new restaurant or maybe want to check out a new shopping center? The reviews help you decide where or where not to conduct your business. The question is: how trustworthy are those reviews? Negative Nancy New York Times says that negative reviews heavily influence our behavior towards a product, business, etc. This makes complete sense because we tend to steer clear of a place if we see negative reviews. They inform us
- [How to Recognize a Scam Letter](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/06/how-to-recognize-a-scam-letter/): Now more than ever, scammers are on the prowl trying to coax you into their den of lies. Countless people have been tricked and have lost their hard earned money to scammers. Whether it be because of a hypothetical paid-for cruise or because they were afraid of the consequences of not getting all of their ducks in a row, the end result is the same. In this article, I’ll do my best to help you sidestep these fraudulent letters by providing you with the tell-tale signs of a scam. An Offer You Can’t Refuse A dead giveaway when looking over
- [Market Volatility - How to Enjoy the Ride](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/04/market-volatility-how-to-enjoy-the-ride/): The Orient Express. This was the name of a roller coaster at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO from 1980 to 2003. Standing at 117 feet high with a 115 foot drop this steel beast threw brave riders around like rag dolls. Cars rattled along her tracks at break-neck speeds; feelings of nausea, excitement and terror blurred together like the park landscape beneath her rigid frame. If that wasn’t enough to turn a rider’s world upside down she literally flipped them upside down with two inverted loops and then finished off would be conquerors with the first ever double
- [How to Steer Clear of Predatory Lenders](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/04/how-to-steer-clear-of-predatory-lenders/): The dictionary defines predatory lending as any lending practice that imposes unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers. So, how can you identify a predatory lender from your friendly neighborhood lender? Here are some things to look out for: HIGH INTREST RATES Bankrate suggests that you look up what the current rates are for your area so you get a good idea of what to expect. If what the lender offers is outrageously higher than the average rate, this is a major red flag. Take this as a sign to pack your things and get out of Dodge! 2. EXCESSIVE
- [Steps to a Golden Retirement: The 401(k) Plan](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/03/steps-to-a-golden-retirement-the-401k-plan/): Customer – “I have no savings, a mountain of bills but I want to retire as soon possible. Can you still help me plan for retirement?” Financial Professional – “Absolutely! I can create a successful retirement plan regardless of your financial situation. We just need to schedule your death for later this month. How does next Tuesday work for you?” –Unknown Not that long ago, working for a company in the private sector for 30 or 40 years was not uncommon – people didn’t job hop. Often times this meant when you retired after decades of loyal service not only
- [Cheap and Easy Meals: College Edition](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/03/cheap-and-easy-meals-college-edition/): If you are a college student like me, you will take all the advice about saving money you can get. Not to fret, I’m here to tackle the topic of food savings with some inexpensive meals I have made in the past. Usually, you can “rent” all your dishes from the front desk at the dorm. So, all you need to do is grab your ingredients and find an open kitchen in your building. Now, the dining hall can get pretty boring after about a week and a half (plus, the food is not what I consider top tier) and
- [Helping Kiddos Get Good Credit](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/02/helping-kiddos-get-good-credit/): I want to do as much as I can to get my generation started off on the right foot. Maybe one day, Gen Z can be known as the generation of good credit scores. And, money management is an important life skill that even some adults struggle with from time to time.  The Feet With all things, you must start at the beginning. While playing sports, my dad would always tell me that everything starts with the feet. Like with most things, and it pains me to say this, he was right. In softball, my foot position was a critical
- [New Year’s Resolutions: Add financial goals to your list](https://blog.centralnational.com/2022/01/new-years-resolutions-add-financial-goals-to-your-list/): The new year always brings an exciting list of goals we hope to obtain. While going to the gym and self-improvement are great goals to have, setting financial goals will help change your life for the better! Read along to get a head start on your financial future. Open a Savings Account Opening a savings account is a great way to start contributing to your financial goals! What can you do with a savings account? Well, here are just a few ideas: Get an emergency fund together! You never know when a situation could arise that calls for you to
- [The Job Crisis](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/08/the-job-crisis/): I don’t know if you’ve noticed it… but we’re in a very unique situation when it comes to employment, unemployment and job availability. How so? We’ve just come out of a pandemic where many people saw themselves unemployed abruptly, for an extended period of time. And, depending on where you live and what circles you run in, you might come up with a simplified answer to this question. At first glance, maybe you think it’s because people are receiving unemployment income and they aren’t inclined to go back to work. Or, perhaps it’s because you’re speculating that vaccination efforts have
- [Pre-approval vs Pre-qualification: What do I need?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/08/pre-approval-vs-pre-qualification-what-do-i-need/): Generally speaking, many people use these terms interchangeably to mean the same thing: that you’re going to the bank BEFORE you get a loan to find out if you’re likely to get the loan after you find a home. But they don’t quite mean the same thing. Here’s how and why you should consider getting pre-approved or pre-qualified before making an appointment with a realtor to start viewing houses that are on the market. Pre-qualification Pre-qualification usually applies to home loans. This should be your first step in getting a mortgage because it tells you and your realtor how much
- [Caller ID Spoofing: Look out for yet another scam](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/06/caller-id-spoofing-look-out-for-yet-another-scam/): The dictionary defines a spoof as a hilarious imitation of something, or a trick played on someone as a joke. Turn that word into a verb and you’re left with an imitation relying on exaggeration, or a hoax or trick, all of which end in laughter. Unfortunately in the last ten years technology has allowed the term spoofing to take on new meaning. It’s still someone pretending, but it’s much more sinister than a prank you’d play on your friends and nowhere near a laughing matter. So. What is it, really? The FCC says spoofing is when a caller deliberately
- [Online & Mobile Banking Gets an Upgrade!](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/06/online-mobile-banking-gets-an-upgrade/): App and OS (operating system) updates are an important step in keeping our phones, tablets and computers secure.  I always try to pay close attention to update notifications and respond as quickly as possible to avoid any problems down the road, and I’m sure you do too. Sometimes an update addresses little things you don’t even see, and sometimes an update is more of an upgrade and things change enough that it’s noticeably different. Both types are important to keeping your finances easily accessible. In July we’re getting an UPGRADE and I’m excited to let you know what’s coming. Here’s
- [Pandemic is Winding Down, What's Next?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/05/pandemic-is-winding-down-whats-next/): We’re not necessarily out of the woods when it comes to the Pandemic of 2020, and “things” definitely seem to be on the mend. But, even so, there’s still general uncertainty surrounding what happens next and where we go from here. We cannot speak from a medical or health standpoint, but in the interest of leading our communities with integrity and stability, we thought we’d take a moment to share some of our thoughts. Here’s our top five ways to adapt to this ever-changing world we live in, after all, that’s how we’ve overcome the turmoil of every disaster since
- [Central National Bank Named Home Possible RISE Award® Winner](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/05/central-national-bank-named-home-possible-rise-award-winner/): Junction City, Kansas.  Central National Bank has been named a 2021 Home Possible RISE Award® winner by Freddie Mac. The annual program, RISE (Recognizing Individuals for Sustained Excellence), salutes Freddie Mac’s top clients across multiple categories for excellence with the Home Possible® mortgage – Freddie Mac’s affordable lending solution for very low- to low-income homebuyers. Central National Bank earned the Home Possible RISE Award in the Greatest Volume category for a community bank. This recognition was given to the top three community banks out of 600 total seller/servicers in the nation. “It is truly an honor to have received the
- [Paying Off Personal Loans - Dos and Don'ts](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/05/paying-off-personal-loans-dos-and-donts/): There are a number of ways to get out of debt. An infinite number of ways. And there might be just as many articles, books, formulas, steps, tools, etc. to help walk you through the process of getting out of debt. So, what gives? How do I know what the best method is, and which debt I should pay off first? There’s no easy answer to that question, but we’ve rounded up a few articles we’ve written in the past explaining options for digging out of debt or improving your credit score. Aside from that, a good rule of thumb
- [For Mobile Deposit Only](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/05/for-mobile-deposit-only/): Did you know you’re supposed to endorse a check differently if you’re depositing it via a mobile device as compared to handing it to a banker in person? Yes, it’s true. How do I endorse the check correctly? It’s easy. Sign the check like you would for a regular deposit and then write “For mobile deposit only” directly underneath your signature. Also, be sure that if the check is made out to two people that the second person has also signed the check. All payees listed on the check must be owners of the account the check is being deposited
- [A Banker's Favorite Parks](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/04/a-bankers-favorite-parks/): It’s no secret that we’re running an RV and boat loan special this spring, which gives you plenty of time to purchase a rig and plan your trip out, but if you’re lacking in inspiration look no further than “CNBAmanda’s Top Ten Parks to Visit in the U.S.A.”! Yep, that’s maybe as dorky out loud as it looks in print. I’ll spare you the heartwarming intro and jump into the juicy details. Here’s my top 5 State parks in Kansas and top 5 National Parks in the U.S. Sorry, Nebraska folks, I was born and raised in Kansas! Kansas State
- [What does fraud look like?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/03/what-does-fraud-look-like/): The simple, short answer is that fraud can look like many different things, and anyone can fall victim. I got a call on my cell phone yesterday around 5:00. The number was unknown so I let it go to voicemail. A minute or two later I had a notification about a message so I pulled it up and put it on speakerphone to listen to it. A young woman had left me a very professional, very legitimate sounding voicemail letting me know that they had just gotten approval to help me with my student loan debt, but that it was
- [RVs and Minimalism](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/03/rvs-and-minimalism/): If you’re on social media in the year 2021 you’re likely familiar with a recent trending lifestyle of millennials, specifically generations Y and Z. But if you’re not on social, or not following the hashtag trails to what’s popular, then let me help you out – it’s the RV or tiny-living lifestyle. As a millennial myself, but on the older end of the spectrum, I do still remember a time when having a bigger house and stuff to fill it was considered better. Spending a Saturday in a shopping mall was the ultimate weekend activity. And accumulation of Beanie Babies
- [Our Top Three Tax Season Tips](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/03/our-top-three-tax-season-tips/): Tax season is upon us yet again. *sigh* Last tax season is a bit of a blur for me… it dragged on and on due to delays and then there were tax changes and stimulus payments that caused questions, and at the end of it all I can’t say that it was memorable aside from being a mess. Thanks 2020! So, here we are yet again at another year of figuring out who owes money (me? Uncle Sam?), and when to send it (or get it back!). And if you’re receiving money back there’s nothing more excruciating than sitting around
- [The Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/02/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-home-equity-line-of-credit/): Utilizing the equity in your home when you need to borrow money can be a very useful tool.  I work at a community bank, and community banks are geared toward the health of our communities, which means the health and longevity of our customers. We’re here to provide you products and services, so that you can live your best life. Let’s talk for a moment about the Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit, also known as a HELOC. Pro: The draw period can last between 5 and 10 years. First off, a draw period is the
- [Confession Time! Again...](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/02/confession-time-again/): If you’ve been following our bank blog for long you might have noted that we have articles dating back as far as June 2007. And since 2008, many of these articles have been written by one person… me! And I am publicly known as “cnbamanda” on our site. After 12 years of writing blogs about saving, investing, spending, using bank products, building credit, etc. you get understandably burnt out trying to dream up new blog topics. So, I’m inviting you to join me in 2021 as we revisit a few of my earlier articles. I’ll still be writing new content,
- [Should I Stay or Should I Sell?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/02/should-i-stay-or-should-i-sell/): Aside from being inspired by a certain punk rock hit from the early 1980s, the title of this article is also the big topic of 2020 and going into ‘21. It’s a question coming from those who have money they’d like to invest, and from those who already have investments to worry about. We, as a society, revisit the topic of rising and falling markets every few years, especially when the economy is especially volatile or the economic climate is relatively unknown. People start asking questions and we even see investors and bankers asking the question, do we sit on
- [What does Valentine’s Day have to do with banking?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/02/what-does-valentines-day-have-to-do-with-banking/): According to Forbes in 2020, more than half of Americans planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Now, remember this was pre-pandemic and we’ve not yet seen any estimates for what that will look like in 2021. It was also estimated by Hallmark that those same Americans would send 145 million Valentine’s Day cards in 2020. Forbes said Americans spend over $25 billion dollars on the holiday alone. If you’re struggling to make the connection from Valentine’s Day to banking, let me help you out. It’s expensive to be in love! It’s also expensive to follow the constraints of a modern holiday
- [Applying for a Personal Loan During a Pandemic](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/01/applying-for-a-personal-loan-during-a-pandemic/): Months ago the world was still adapting to a different pace. Stay-at-home orders, mask orders, businesses with altered hours, businesses that were closed, and many other things have impacted our way of life. Here we are just past 2020 and many of these changes are still in effect. Other modifications went away, but may make a comeback soon in 2021. To maintain your health and well-being, it’s important to stay informed of the ongoing changes. How does this affect the world of banking? For one thing, it’s now easier than ever to seamlessly manage your finances without a physical trip
- [Detailed Budgeting](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/01/detailed-budgeting/): How are you with spreadsheets? Are you an expert who can write formulas with the best of them? Or are you helpless and hopeless? Someone sends out a family spreadsheet full of contact information and you cannot figure out how to add your new email address to the form without messing up all of the formatting. If you fall into the latter category there is hope. Our MoneyCentral tools are geared toward helping you budget better and more detailed without needing to be an Excel guru. Here’s how… First, let’s look at Income. If you’re detailing this out on a
- [Free Credit Reporting Until April? Sign me up!](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/01/free-credit-reporting-until-april-sign-me-up/): Did you know that the top three credit bureaus are offering free, weekly credit reports until April? Cybercrime is on the rise in 2020 with the advent of increased online shopping, and the best way to combat it is to protect your info as best as you can, and monitor your credit report for problems. It’s easier to put a stop to trouble if you know about it as soon as it happens. Each of the top three credit bureaus offers a free credit report annually, so we generally recommend spacing them out over the course of the year –
- [Could Your Finances Use a Tune Up for 2021?](https://blog.centralnational.com/2021/01/could-your-finances-use-a-tune-up-for-2021/): If ever there was a lesson to be learned at the end of a calendar year it’s this, you have the power to choose, learn, and then choose again. So, if you’re unhappy with your financial situation at the end of 2020 you have the ability to analyze your decisions and make different ones in the months to come. For many, the year 2020 has been a tough one when it comes to money, while others may feel secure based on the outcome of the year. For those of you less than happy with the way you’re heading into 2021,
- [Four Ways to Give Charitably this Holiday Season](https://blog.centralnational.com/2020/12/four-ways-to-give-charitably-this-holiday-season/): Giving has many benefits. In addition to helping others, a donation can be tax deductible if you follow the right guidelines, and can get you in the holiday spirit. Ho, ho, who doesn’t love to play Santa in December? First, keep in mind that to count as a 2024 tax deductible contribution, your charitable gift must be made to a 501(c)3 organization in good standing, or to a local governing body. A local governing body could be your town’s food bank or board of education. Charities generally have a tax ID number, whereas local governing bodies do not always have
- [Celebrating the Holidays During a Pandemic](https://blog.centralnational.com/2020/12/celebrating-the-holidays-during-a-pandemic/): Back in March it was predicted that the country would see a second, and maybe third, wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. And now that we’re approaching the end of 2020 it’s very clear that the traditional holiday season is going to look a little different than in years past. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ideas for celebrating the season safely, and inexpensively in case you’re running out of ways to mark the occasion. Hold a holiday light scavenger hunt. Many people traditionally go for a drive to look at Christmas lights during the holiday season, and more
- [Understanding Your Credit Score](https://blog.centralnational.com/2020/11/understanding-your-credit-score/): Credit makes the world go round, at least in the United States. Statista reports that in 2018, the total value of credit card transactions in the United States amounted to 3.9 trillion dollars, and the total continues to increase. Credit can be a useful tool when used wisely, especially when you’re in a tight spot, so today we’re going to take a deep dive into how credit works. First, a credit score is a three-digit number that is usually available to you via your credit report. The score is calculated by using a mathematical formula, and you are given points

## Pages

- [About](https://blog.centralnational.com/about/): About Central National Bank Since 1884, Central National Bank has been serving the midwest with quality financial advice and solutions that help make our customers and the communities we serve successful. We look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals. About This Blog This blog is meant to provide helpful financial information, news about Central National Bank’s products and services, and other information.


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