If you ask a young child to “save money,” you might get a blank stare or a request to spend their money on candy five minutes later. And that’s okay, normal even, because saving, at its core, isn’t really about money. It’s about patience, understanding wants versus needs and making wise choices.

So, the good news is that those skills can be taught long before kids fully understand dollars and cents and often without mentioning money at all.

Start with the Art of Waiting

Saving is just delayed gratification in disguise.

Instead of introducing coins and piggy banks right away, try small, everyday moments:

• Waiting until after dinner for dessert
• Finishing a task before playing
• Cleaning up one game before starting a new game
• Pausing before opening a new toy

These tiny pauses teach kids that waiting isn’t a punishment, it’s part of the process of getting something good. For example, in the case of cleaning up before the next thing gets taken out, they learn a cleaned space now leaves room for more play.

Bonus! These types of moments could also help with impulse control; learning to pause before jumping to a decision or an emotional conclusion builds emotional, and financial, health.

Turn Wants into Goals

Kids naturally want things. That’s not a problem; it’s an opening for good conversation.

When your child says, “I want that,” gently shift to:

• “What do you think we need to do before we get it?”
• “That would be fun. Should we make it a goal?”

Something I say to my own kids when I’m in this situation is “Oh, great! Let’s take a picture and add it to your birthday (or Christmas) list.” We take a photo and by the time I’ve put my phone away they are usually moving on. This comment on its own applies more to our previous “lesson” on the art of waiting but useful I hope, nonetheless.

Now the focus isn’t on getting. It’s on working toward something. That’s the foundation of saving.

Practice Trade-Offs in Real Life

Saving means choosing one thing over another. None of us can really have everything. Accepting trade-offs in life is such an important life skill. Kids can learn this without money by making simple choices:

• “Do you want to watch a show now, or save that time for a movie later?”
• “We can go to the park today, or the zoo this weekend—which do you choose?”

These moments teach that saying “yes” to one thing often means saying “no” to something else.

Make Progress Visible

Even without money, kids love seeing progress.

Try:

• Sticker charts
• Paper chains (remove one link each day)
• Countdown calendars
• Milestone markers (every 5 marbles in the jar is a small treat OR simple acknowledgement goes a long way)

For example, if they’re working toward a special outing, let them track how close they’re getting. This builds excitement and reinforces the idea that good things take time.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

When kids are working toward a goal, it’s tempting to focus only on the finish line.

But the real lesson is in the process.

• “You waited all week for this; that took patience.”
• “You stuck with your goal even when it was hard.”

This helps kids value self-control, not just rewards.

Let Them Feel (Safe) Disappointment

Sometimes, kids will make impulsive choices like using up all their “screen time” early or choosing a small reward instead of waiting for a bigger one. That’s okay.

Experiencing a little regret teaches a powerful lesson: Next time, they might choose differently.

These low-stakes moments build better habits than constant correction ever could.

Model It Without Announcing It

Kids are always watching.

When you say things like:

• “I’m going to wait and buy this later.”
• “I’m saving this for something special.”

…you’re showing them what saving looks like in real life without turning it into a lesson.

When Money Finally Enters the Picture

By the time you introduce actual money, your child already understands:

• Waiting
• Goal-setting
• Trade-offs

At that point, saving money isn’t a brand-new concept, it’s just a new version of something they already know how to do.

Teaching kids to save money doesn’t have to start with dollars, allowances, or lectures. It starts with everyday choices, small moments of patience, and the understanding that not everything has to happen right now. Once a child learns how to wait, plan, and choose, saving money becomes the easy part.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.

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There was a time when teaching kids about money meant handing them a few coins, a piggy bank, and a simple rule: don’t spend it all at once.

But today’s kids are growing up in a world where money is mostly invisible. Payments happen with a tap, subscriptions renew automatically, and balances live on screens instead of in jars. Also, we had PENNIES!

So how do you teach saving when kids rarely see or touch cash?

It turns out the challenge isn’t just teaching money, it’s making something invisible feel real.

The Problem with Invisible Money

For kids, physical cash is powerful because it’s tangible. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Digital money, on the other hand:

• Doesn’t feel limited
• Disappears quietly
• Is easy to ignore

Swiping a card or clicking “buy” doesn’t create the same emotional connection as handing over cash. That can make saving feel abstract—and spending feel effortless.

Make Digital Money Visible

If money lives on a screen, bring it to life.

Instead of just telling kids their balance, show them:

• A visual tracker (progress bars or charts)
• Before-and-after balances when they spend
• Clear categories like “spend,” “save,” and “goal”

The goal is to recreate what a clear jar used to do. You want to make money something they can see changing over time.

Give Every Dollar a Job

One of the easiest ways to teach saving digitally is to assign purpose.

Instead of a single balance, break money into buckets:

• Short-term spending
• Long-term saving
• Specific goals (like a game, bike, or trip)

When kids see that money is already “spoken for,” they’re less likely to treat it as endlessly available.

Slow Down the Spending

Digital spending is fast, too fast for learning.

Create intentional pauses:

• A 24-hour rule before purchases
• Talking through what they’re buying and why
• Asking, “Is this worth giving up your goal for?”

These small speed bumps help kids think instead of react.

Connect Earning to Effort

In a digital world, money can appear instantly but kids still need to understand where it comes from.

Whether it’s allowance, chores, or small jobs:

• Tie money to effort
• Keep it consistent
• Show the connection between work and reward

Even if the payment is digital, the lesson stays grounded in reality.

Use Their Digital World as a Teaching Tool

Kids often already understand in-game currencies, points, and rewards systems.

Use that to your advantage:

• Compare saving money to earning points for a bigger reward
• Talk about spending choices in games
• Highlight how quickly small purchases add up

This bridges the gap between what they already understand and real-world money habits.

Let Them Make Digital Mistakes

Just like with cash, kids need room to mess up.

Maybe they spend all their money on small, forgettable purchases. Maybe they regret not saving for something bigger. Help them to understand it’s not failure to regret, rather it is learning what is most valuable to them.

Digital or not, the lesson is the same: choices have consequences.

Model Mindful Tech Spending

Kids don’t just learn from what you say, they learn from what you do.

If they see:

• Impulse online shopping
• Constant small purchases
• Subscriptions piling up unnoticed

…they’ll absorb those habits.

But if they see you pause, plan, and prioritize, they’ll start to understand that digital money still deserves real thought.

The Goal Isn’t Cash—It’s Awareness

At the end of the day, the format of money doesn’t matter as much as the mindset.

Whether it’s pennies (if you know, you know) in a jar or numbers on a screen, saving is about:

• Intentional choices
• Delayed gratification
• Understanding value

Teach those well, and kids will be prepared for any financial world—digital or otherwise.

Raising money-smart kids today means adapting to a cashless reality without losing the lessons that matter.

Make money visible. Slow things down. Connect choices to outcomes.

Even if money is digital, the habits around it are very real and our kids learn them for good or ill earlier than we think.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice.

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One aspect of community care is sharing knowledge. With that intention, we polled our co-workers for their go-to podcasts, books that have been impactful to their financial health, helpful websites and other financial resources to share with you, our community.

If you’re new to investing or to the deep dive into personal finance topics, the terminology alone can feel overwhelming. Financial news, podcasts, and blogs often throw around jargon that assumes everyone already understands the basics. We have several articles that we hope act as a dictionary of sorts to help you learn the language.

• 25 Investing Terms You Should Know – Beginner to Intermediate
• Understanding Your Credit Score
• CD vs Savings Account
• A Lesson in Identity Protection – from a Tenured Banker

As you pursue any of the following resource suggestions, remember, you can always pause to reference terminology you don’t fully understand. There will be no quiz! We hope you enjoy learning from these resources. Feel free to leave your own favorite in the comments section!

Podcasts

• Planet Money
• Freakonomics
• The Indicator from NPR
• Motley Fool Money
• The Journal from WSJ
• The Personal Finance Podcast
• Clark Howard Podcast
• The Bid
• The Money Guy
• Front Row Seat
• Bigger Pockets Money
• Your Money Guide on the Side

Books

• Die with Zero: Getting all you can from your money and your life by Bill Perkins
• The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins.
• I Will Teach You to be Rich second edition by Ramit Sethi
• How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free by Ernie J Zelinski
• 10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make by Danielle Roberts
• The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning:  How to Free yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter
• Psychology of Money
• Millionaire Next Door
• Millionaire Mission
• Retire Before Mom and Dad

Websites

• https://www.cnbc.com/ – A daily go-to for checking on the economy and the markets.
• https://www.wsj.com/market-data/bonds  –  General site for bonds, interest rates, stock, info etc.
• https://cdr.ffiec.gov/public/ManageFacsimiles.aspx – Public site for Call reports and UBPRs
• https://www.usdebtclock.org/ – Up to the minute US Debt level, and other statistics
• https://emma.msrb.org/ – Public access site for municipal bonds information on all outstanding muni debt in the US
• https://www.confluenceinvestment.com/category/weekly-geopolitical-report/ – Free economic and geopolitical analysis from an advisory firm in St. Louis, MO

Other Resources

Facebook pages and Instagram accounts:

• “The Retirement Manifesto”
• “Retired, or thinking retirement?”
• “Social Security Intelligence Member’s Group”
• “@Socialcapofficial”

Additionally, your community may have housing or credit counseling organizations that are an immeasurable resource if you find yourself in specific need. Search your city or county webpages for local providers.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Bank. These resources are publicly available and shared for general financial education. The Bank is not affiliated with, does not control, and does not endorse any third‑party content. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice.

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If you’ve ever felt confused by investing jargon, these simple definitions will help you understand the market and invest with confidence.

The truth is: learning the language of investing is one of the first steps to becoming a confident investor.

This guide covers 25 essential investing terms, starting with concepts every beginner should know and moving into more advanced ideas that help investors evaluate strategies and market behavior.

Beginner Investing Terms

These initial eleven terms are concepts you should understand before you begin investing.

1. Asset

Anything that is owned by a person(s) or entity that has value.

Examples include investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and physical property such as real estate, land, machinery and collectables.

2. Common Stock

A common stock represents ownership in a single corporation.  This ownership is reflected in “shares”. Shareholders benefit if the company grows in value (ie. price of the shares increase). Corporations have the option to pay a dividend to shareholders in the form of cash or issuing additional shares, although this is not required.

3. Bond

A bond is an interest bearing security issued by a corporation or government. The issuer pays the bondholder interest at specified intervals and returns the principal at maturity.

4. Portfolio

A portfolio is the collection of all investments you own.

This may include stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and cash.

5. Diversification

Diversification means spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors and/or investment products to reduce risk.

6. Compound Interest

Compound interest occurs when your investment returns begin generating additional returns.

Over long periods, compounding can significantly increase wealth.

To better grasp how compound interest affects the growth of money over time, we can turn to a practical shortcut called the Rule of 72.

7. ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund)

An ETF is mutual fund that trade like a stock throughout the trading day.

Many ETFs track indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100.

8. Liquidity

Liquidity refers to how easily an investment can be converted into cash without significantly affecting its price.

Stocks tend to be highly liquid, while assets like real estate are less liquid.

9. Brokerage Account

A brokerage account is the account investors use to buy, sell and hold investments.

These accounts are offered by specific brokerage firms who execute investment trades on your behalf.

10. Inflation

Inflation is the rate at which prices increase over time, reducing the purchasing power of money.

Investing is one way people attempt to outpace inflation.

Intermediate Investing Terms

Once you understand the basics, understanding the following terms will help you, as an investor, to evaluate investments and manage portfolios more effectively.

11. Asset Allocation

Asset allocation refers to how your investments are divided between asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and cash.

12. Risk Tolerance

Risk tolerance is the amount of risk an investor is comfortable taking.

Factors influencing risk tolerance include age, financial goals, and investment timeline.

13. Time Horizon

Investors should consider when they anticipate needing to make withdrawals from investment accounts. This will help you determine how much risk and market volatility you should assume. If you will need to make withdrawals in less than 5 years (short-term TH) the rule of thumb is to be more conservative and take less risk. If you have a time horizon of 20 years or more (long-term TH) then being more aggressive with your investment portfolio would be an option because your investments would have more time to recover from a down market and unrealized losses.

14. Market Capitalization (Market Cap)

Market capitalization is the total value of a company’s outstanding shares.

Stock price × shares outstanding.

15. Dollar-Cost Averaging

Dollar-cost averaging means investing a fixed amount at regular intervals regardless of market conditions.

16. Dividend

A dividend is a portion of a company’s profits distributed to shareholders.

17. Dividend Yield

Dividend yield measures dividend income relative to the stock price.

Annual dividend ÷ stock price.

18. Expense Ratio

The expense ratio is the annual fee charged by mutual funds or ETFs.

Lower expense ratios allow investors to keep more of their returns.

19. Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio)

The P/E ratio compares a company’s stock price to its earnings.

It helps investors evaluate whether a stock might be overvalued or undervalued.

20. Rebalancing

Rebalancing is adjusting your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.

21. Capital Gains

A capital gain occurs when you sell an investment for more than you paid for it.

22. Volatility

Volatility measures how much an investment’s price fluctuates over time.

23. Bull Market

A bull market refers to a period when markets are generally rising.

24. Bear Market

A bear market refers to a period when markets decline significantly, often defined as a drop of 20% or more.

These terms are often used when discussing indexes like the NASDAQ Composite.

25. Total Return

Total return measures the overall performance of an investment, including:

• price appreciation
• dividends
• interest payments

This provides a more complete picture of investment performance.

Understanding investing terminology can make financial news, investment research, and portfolio decisions far easier to navigate. Over time, learning the language of investing makes it easier to evaluate opportunities, follow market news, and build a long-term strategy that aligns with your goals.

We have several solutions for investors, including self-led and guided investing options. For more information about investment opportunities from Central National Bank visit our website or ask your local banker. The product you start with can depend on the amount of money you have available for investment, as well as your comfort level with terminology and strategies.

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The strategies and examples discussed are general in nature and may not be suitable for your individual circumstances.

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If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes for your money to double, there’s a quick mental shortcut that can save you from complex calculations: “The Rule of 72”. It’s one of the most practical tools in personal finance, and you don’t need a calculator to use it.

What Is the Rule of 72?

The Rule of 72 is a simple formula used to estimate how long it will take for an investment to double in value, given a fixed annual rate of return.

The formula looks like this: Years to double = 72 ÷ Interest rate

For example, if your investment earns 6% annually:  72 ÷ 6 = 12 years
That means your money will roughly double in 12 years.

Why 72?

You might be wondering: why is it the number 72?

The number 72 works well because it has many divisors (such as 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 12), making it easy to calculate with a wide range of interest rates. While it’s not perfectly precise, it provides a very close estimate of interest rates between about 5% and 10%.

Why It Matters

The Rule of 72 highlights the power of compound interest.

I was a college student working part-time as a financial services representative here at Central National Bank when I first heard the concept of The Rule of 72. A gentleman, clearly passionate about the importance of time on future wealth, kindly shared his wisdom with me. He pulled out a piece of paper and wrote examples like you’ll see below of various scenarios that could happen to my savings depending on rate of return. Something I did understand already, in theory.  However, he further emphasized the importance of time. Time, he said, is the piece of the equation I can really impact. Specifically, he encouraged me to start my 401K as soon as I could. As rates fluctuate over the years, the investment will still grow because at least you started. It takes higher rates and/or a higher investment balance over a shorter period of time to make the same impact.

Whether it be your 401K investments, stock investments, CDs, savings accounts, you can use the simple Rule of 72 to estimate when you might see a double in your money.

Let’s look at a few practical scenarios:

You might find CD Specials in this rate range today.

• At 3% interest: 72 ÷ 3 = 24 years

Stock interest rates will vary widely but the below gives examples.

• At 8% interest: 72 ÷ 8 = 9 years
• At 12% interest: 72 ÷ 12 = 6 years

Traditional savings accounts average less than 1% today.

• At 1% interest: 72 ÷ 1 = 72 years!

You can see how even small increases in your rate of return can dramatically reduce the time it takes to double your money.

Consider Your Debt

The Rule of 72 doesn’t just apply to investments; it also works in reverse for debt. High-interest debt, like credit cards, can double what you owe faster than you might expect.

For example, at 18% interest: 72 ÷ 18 = 4 years

That means your debt could double in just four years if left unpaid.

Limitations of the Rule

While the Rule of 72 is useful, it’s still an approximation. It works best when:

• Interest rates are relatively stable
• Compounding occurs annually
• Rates fall within a moderate range (roughly 5%–10%)

For very high or very low rates, or more complex investments, more precise formulas are needed.

A Handy Tool for Everyday Decisions

I imagine I would have started a retirement account at some point in my post-college life; however, I owe great thanks to that gentleman who gave of his time and wisdom 20+ years ago. I started investing that year, a meager amount as a college student, and have seen the initial investment double. I hope to spur you on to get started wherever you’re at, to look for ways to increase your rate, or find ways to reduce your interest accumulating debt. Remember, whether you’re evaluating an investment, comparing savings accounts, or understanding the cost of debt, the Rule of 72 gives you a quick and intuitive way to make smarter financial decisions. With just a simple division, you can gain insight into how your money grows—or shrinks—over time.

**These are hypothetical examples for educational purposes only. Actual investment returns will fluctuate and may result in loss of principal.

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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 farm. Heart and hard work! The Rock family also has decades of relationship with Central National Bank as Scott Rock is a co-worker of ours. It is an honor to get to know more about the Rock family as well as their extensive experience in the agricultural industry. Please enjoy as you read what they have been so gracious to share with us this National Ag Week.

Central National Bank: When did your family farm get its start?

Scott: The Rock family originally emigrated from the Germany area to Pennsylvania in the late 1700s and eventually settled in the Dickinson County, Kansas area in the late 1800s.  Several families have farmed in the area since then, with my Dad, Loren, growing up on a farm north of Hope, KS.  He began farming after graduating from Kansas State University in 1973 and has farmed with my mother, Carol, since 1979 in the Pearl, KS area.  I have worked for Central National Bank since 2005 after graduating from Kansas State University and have helped with the farming operation with my wife, Valerie, after building a house on the farm in 2013.  Our two children, Carter & Claire, have grown up on the farm and have been very involved in 4-H and FFA.  Carter is now attending Kansas State University and plans to return to the farm upon graduation. 

The farm is a diversified operation which includes growing wheat and soybeans and backgrounding cattle.

Can you summarize what it has meant to you to grow-up on your family’s farm? Any particularly significant lessons you could share with us?

Growing up on the farm shaped who I am.  It taught me responsibility, hard work, and that work had purpose and decisions had consequences. Since many things on a farm take time to see results, it also taught me determination.  Lastly, I learned quickly that farming is a profession that requires a lot of faith, since so many things, such as markets, prices, and weather, cannot be controlled.

For my parents, who started farming in the ‘80s when times were tough, they learned perseverance. They, too, learned determination and resiliency when things don’t go your way.  They learned to think in decades, not quarters, because expanding a farming operation and improving the land are both things that take a long time.

A hot topic these days is that of Artificial Intelligence. How important has AI been to the agricultural industry? How has its application impacted your own family farm?

Artificial intelligence has long been used in modern agriculture, though not in the way AI is known today.  In the late ‘90s, GPS and auto-steer technologies were brought to farming, which allowed for better application of seed, herbicide, and fertilizer.  In recent years, many more technologies such as yield mapping, variable-rate seeding, and drones for monitoring crop health and spraying have been incorporated.

For my parents, these technologies have allowed them to do more with less–less manpower, less machinery, and less ongoing expenses.  They allow for data-driven decisions, being able to apply inputs more precisely, and ultimately help to improve margins in the farming operation.

For myself, technology has allowed a way for me to get more involved in the farming operation while keeping my career in banking, since technology is my background.

For my son, AI and technology feel natural. He sees farming as a mix of soil science, engineering, and data analysis.

Similarly, what do people need to know about the way technology is changing agriculture?

Modern agriculture is very different than farming was when my Dad was young.  Back then, much of farming was guess work.  Today, it’s precision management.  New seed varieties and herbicide technology have allowed for improved yields to produce more food on fewer acres (when the weather cooperates, that is!).  As the world’s population continues to increase, food production needs will only continue to rise, so technological enhancements to agriculture will continue to be needed in the future.  Today’s tractor or combine cab often looks more like an airplane cockpit than the open air, smaller machinery used in the mid 1900’s.

Are there specific technological innovations that you consider to be pivotal? Do you see a downside to technological advancements?

One very pivotal farming technology was the advancement of no-till farming in the mid ‘90s.  This eliminated the need to till the ground, which improved soil by increasing organic matter and retaining more moisture. In addition, manpower was reduced since making multiple trips across the ground to till the land became unnecessary.

While all the technologies I mentioned before have become very important and valuable to farming, there are some downsides.  First of all is the cost.  Many new tractors and combines often cost between $500K to $1 million. As quickly as this technology advances, older technology also becomes obsolete, requiring continued costs to keep machinery up-to-date. 

There’s also the downside of over-reliance on technology.  For a personal story on that, shortly after we implemented prescription-based planting, Dad was trying to test fields to determine which one was dry and to ensure the planter was working.  Since we had not yet created prescriptions or pushed work plans down from the cloud to the tractor, the planter wouldn’t even function, rendering his attempt to plant useless until the work plan could be pushed.  Technology is a tool, but it still requires oversight, management, and expertise.

How does education look different for you and/or your children who may take over the farm as compared to your parents?

Years ago, farming was more physical labor.  Today it’s capital-intensive and technology-driven.  A college education isn’t required to farm, but it has sharpened how we farm.  My dad went to Kansas State. I did as well. Now my son is there.  Education didn’t replace hard work or experience, but it strengthened decision-making–especially in areas like agronomy, finance, and technology.  Farming today requires business skills as much as mechanical skills.

What should people look for in the future? Do you have any predictions?

In the future, I expect there to be even more automation, especially things like autonomous field work that can be controlled from afar.  There will also be greater AI-driven technologies and decision-making. This will likely lead to more consolidation of farms into larger operations, unfortunately, because realizing the benefits of ag technology will require more capital and technological expertise.  Agriculture will always depend on soil, weather, and risk-taking–but farms that succeed will learn to combine data-driven management, adaptability, and strong balance sheets.

No farm story would be complete without hearing from the kids. From favorite chores to the animals that cause the most trouble, we asked Claire and Carter a few questions about life on the family farm.

Central National Bank: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen on the farm?

Claire: My brother found two opossums in the barn and brought them up to the house and rang the doorbell.  When I opened the door, he was standing there with one in each arm.  I laughed but it did kind of freak me out.  Another time was when our miniature donkey got out of the pasture and wouldn’t go back in for anyone else except me when I offered him some treats.

Carter: One time, a plane was spraying a field right next to one of our pastures with about 40 head of cattle in it. The plane spooked them, and they ran straight through the fence. Funny enough, when the fence broke and made noise, it scared them again, and they ran right back into the pasture.

What is a lesson or two you’ve learned from growing up on your family’s farm?

Claire: I learned the lesson of hard work and that sometimes it’s important to do things I may not want to do, like the chores to take care of and train my livestock.

Carter: Hard work is important even when you don’t want to because the weather doesn’t wait.

What would you tell someone who has never been on a farm for an extended period of time? What do I need to know or understand?

Claire: Farming is hard work and has to come first sometimes like during harvest or when it’s time to do chores.

Carter: There are never set workday hours. Things can happen at any moment, and you always have to expect the unexpected.

What are your favorite and/or least favorite aspects of growing up on a farm?

Claire: My favorite is gaining new experiences that I never would have if I hadn’t lived on a farm, like caring for animals. My least favorite is that it can be a dirty job sometimes, and you may have to go outside to work even when it’s super hot or cold.

Carter: One of my favorite aspects is growing up and learning how to work hard. I also liked living out in the middle of nowhere, and I could do many things I wouldn’t be able to in the city.

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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:

• 40% go to paying down debt (smart choice)
• 30% go to savings (decent but limited growth)
• 20% go to everyday expenses (missed opportunity)
• 10% go to vacation or large purchases (fun but temporary)

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 year? The year before? Your Central National Bank account now offers additional options to explore.

The Investment Growth Opportunity

Here’s what might happen when you invest that $3,000 tax refund in diversified portfolios:

Conservative Portfolio Growth (hypothetical 5% annually):

• 10 years: $4,886*
• 20 years: $7,960*
• 30 years: $12,965*

Moderate Portfolio Growth (hypothetical 7% annually):

• 10 years: $5,896*
• 20 years: $11,610*
• 30 years: $22,837*

Aggressive Portfolio Growth (hypothetical 9% annually):

• 10 years: $7,102*
• 20 years: $16,813*
• 30 years: $39,803*

*These are hypothetical examples for educational purposes only. Actual investment returns will fluctuate and may result in loss of principal.

Name Your Mix

A simple way to make the most of your refund is to treat it like any other part of your financial plan and give it a bit of structure.

Similar to a monthly budget, give each dollar a purpose. As already mentioned, paying off debt is a great use of tax refund money. The important thing is to start by deciding how you want to split your tax refund. Maybe you need to put 30% toward paying off that credit card debt or auto loan, which leaves 70% for investing. Or, for those without debt, maybe 20% is used for enjoyment and saving 80% to invest in your future feels more realistic. Perhaps you’re able and ready to go all in on investing! Once you’ve picked your mix, set up automatic transfers so the money goes straight into the right account before you’re tempted to spend it. Set a quick calendar reminder to check in on your progress once a year, and use each tax season as a natural, post-new-year-resolution moment. Revisit your goals and adjust your tax refund plan. Little habits like this make the whole process feel lighter and keep that once-a-year windfall working in your favor.

Digital Investing

We mentioned a new option to explore with Central National Bank. Our easy-to-use Digital Investing platform allows you to start investing directly from your Central National Bank online banking app with at little as $10, leaving you no reason NOT to invest in your tax refund “mix.” Plus, with Digital Investing you have access to professionally managed or self-directed investing options. You can be as hands-on in the selection of your stock options as you want or leave it up to a pre-built portfolio based on your own risk-preferences.

What does the tool look like? Here’s a link to a video preview: https://centralnational.com/whycentral/digital-investing.asp OR, check it out directly from your existing Central National Bank mobile app.

Your future self will thank you!

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The strategies and examples discussed are general in nature and may not be suitable for your individual circumstances.

Digital Investing is offered through Eko Investments, Inc. Eko’s “Investments as a Service” enables Central National Bank to offer digital investments directly on our digital banking platform. Investment products used by Eko are not deposits, are NOT FDIC insured, are NOT insured by any government agency, are NOT guaranteed by the bank, are subject to risk and are subject to possible loss of principal. Fees may apply. Visit https://centralnational.com/whycentral/digital-investing.asp for additional disclosures including Eko Investments, Inc. disclosures.

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 sincere appreciation to Tyson for his leadership within our lending team. His dedication and commitment to our customers and community, builds a strong foundation for continued success in his new leadership role in Salina,” said Lindsey Snider, Central National Bank Junction City President.

Reimer is also a 2026 graduate of the Kansas Banker’s Association’s Bank Leaders of Kansas (BLOK) program. As a member of the 2026 BLOK class, Reimer participated in a series of four training sessions designed to build his leadership skills and knowledge of the banking industry. Specifically, the class learned about the structure and governance of the KBA and honed their individual leadership skills along with team building. During their fourth and final session, class members visited Washington, D.C. to observe how Congress and the federal banking regulatory agencies operate. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Salina market and build upon the bank’s tradition of service within the community,” said Reimer. “I look forward to serving our customers, growing meaningful relationships, and investing in the community for years to come. This is a fantastic place, and my wife and I are excited to call Salina home.”

Reimer is married to Kennedy, a first-grade teacher in Abilene. Together they enjoy spending time with family and friends, and he can often be found outdoors hunting, camping, or golfing. “Tyson has proven his dedication to Central National Bank clients, as well as to the team here,” said Chad Steffan, Central National Bank Regional Lending Manager. “Tyson has been serving the Salina community in a temporary role and has already made a positive impact with his dedication to customers. His exceptional service and enthusiasm for community involvement make him a great fit, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as a full-time member of the Salina team.”

Central National Bank is based out of Junction City, Kansas. Founded in 1884, Central National Bank has bank locations in 22 communities across Kansas and Nebraska. Their mission has always been to support and strengthen local communities through employee involvement, corporate citizenship and technological innovation.

Member FDIC

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 is also often more financial clarity, discipline, and purpose than in earlier decades. You may have fewer unknowns and a better sense of what kind of future you want to fund.

Even if retirement is 10-20 years away, that is still a significant amount of time for compound growth to work – especially paired with intentional strategies and consistent contributions.

It’s not too late in the year, either

Financial goals don’t need to wait for January 1^st to roll around again. Waiting for the “perfect” time often means not starting at all. Any point of the year is the ideal time to reflect, reset, and plan.

Use this moment to:

• Review where your money is going now
• Identify gaps between where you are and where you want to be
• Set clear goals for 2026 and beyond (retirement age, lifestyle, debt freedom, legacy giving, or flexibility)

Catch-Up Strategies That Can Make a Big Difference

Gen Xers often benefit from catch-up strategies, which are designed for later-stage investors.

1. Maximize What You Can Control
   • One of the most effective catch-up strategies is simply increasing contributions where possible. This might mean directing raises, bonuses, or paid-off debit payments toward long-term goals instead of lifestyle upgrades.
2. Catch-up Contributions
   • If you are age 50 or older, many retirement accounts allow additional contributions beyond standard limits. These extra dollars can significantly boost long-term outcomes.
3. Prioritize Tax-Advantage Accounts
   • Maximizing accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, or Roth options (when appropriate) can help you keep more of what you earn working for you.
4. Invest in the Stock Market with Purpose, Not Panic
   • Trying to “make up for lost time” by taking extreme risks can backfire. A steady, diversified approach often works better than chasing quick wins.
5. Simplify and Consolidate
   • Multiple old accounts, scattered investments or forgotten plans can create unnecessary complexity. Consolidating where appropriate can make it easier to track progress, rebalance, and stay engaged – an underrated but powerful catch-up move.

How can Central National Bank help?

Well, one way we can help you take control of your financial future is through our Digital Investing platform. Through Digital Investing you can:

1. Learn about maximizing contributions to investment accounts
2. Explore pre-built and hybrid portfolios for income-focused strategies
3. Research risk preference customization for potentially stable growth
4. Create multiple portfolios for different investment goals
5. Consolidate accounts from other platforms for simplified management
6. Review and adjust investments as retirement approaches

Visit your digital banking app at centralnational.com and click on Digital Investing from the dashboard to get started.

The bottom line is that it is not too late to invest. It’s not too late to set goals. And it’s certainly not too late to take your financial future seriously. The most important step isn’t what you should have done – it’s what you choose to do next.

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The strategies and examples discussed are general in nature and may not be suitable for your individual circumstances.

Digital Investing is offered through Eko Investments, Inc. Eko’s “Investments as a Service” enables Central National Bank to offer digital investments directly on our digital banking platform. Investment products used by Eko are not deposits, are NOT FDIC insured, are NOT insured by any government agency, are NOT guaranteed by the bank, are subject to risk and are subject to possible loss of principal. Fees may apply. Visit https://centralnational.com/whycentral/digital-investing.asp for additional disclosures including Eko Investments, Inc. disclosures.

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 community through his volunteer efforts for both the Lincoln Ice Hockey Association and the Boys and Girls Club of America. He also enjoys a variety of hobbies including sports like golf and hockey, as well as attending concerts and following anything related to Husker athletics.

“Central National Bank is fortunate to welcome Drew Kober to our organization,” said Grant Carter, Lincoln Market President. “Drew’s experience in banking will provide him ample opportunities to form long-term relationships with our customers in Lincoln.”

The addition of Kober to the team is not the only change for the Lincoln market. Grant Carter has recently been promoted to Market President and looks forward to his new role in leadership at Central.

Carter added, “our company’s core values support us in building relationships for the long-term. Our long history of hiring strong local leadership combined with our investment in large and small communities serves as an example for us all. We are constantly, and proactively, looking for ways to meet the needs of local commercial clients whether it’s through lending relationships, in solving the complex challenges our business customers face, or in empowering growth through smart financial solutions.”

Central National Bank is based out of Junction City, Kansas. Founded in 1884, Central National Bank has bank locations in 22 communities across Kansas and Nebraska. Their mission has always been to support and strengthen local communities through employee involvement, corporate citizenship and technological innovation.

Member FDIC