Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Lake of the Ozarks!

St. Patrick's Day is just a week away and the Lake of the Ozarks is the place to celebrate! The annual parade on the strip is something you don't want to miss. In addition to the great events below, you can celebrate at many other restaurants and bars around the Lake area. So grab your green and get on down to the Lake of the Ozarks this weekend!

31st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade:             March 14, 1 PM

Join in the fun of an old fashioned parade with floats, marching bands and candy and goodies for the young and young at heart. Many of the local restaurants along the strip will be offering specials and corned beef and cabbage feasts.

St. Patrick's Short Bus Shuffle: March 14, 4 PM

Shuffle on over to the Westside for the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Short Bus Shuffle. Busses start at 4pm and it is $5 per person to attend. All wristbands are available at all participating locations. All proceeds to benefit local charities. Participating stops will make this a night you won't want to miss!

St. Patrick's Water Parade: March 14, 8 AM - 4 PM

The parade is a fun day trip on the water and a perfect way to kick off the Spring boating season! 

New route this year will start us out at Captain Ron's (34.5 MM). Optional Breakfast Buffet beginning at 8 a.m. Boats depart and parade begins at 10 a.m. Captain Ron's (34.5 mm, LR 5-50) to Bear Bottom (38 mm, LR 5-36) to Bulldogs Beach House (33 mm, LR 5-65) and then Larry's on the Lake 31 mm, Pier 31 Road). There will be the cruise boat again this year with tickets available through the Chamber office for only $25. Please call the Chamber office to purchase tickets. 573.374.5500. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender! For all of your Lake of the Ozarks home loan and refinancing needs, contact Michael Lasson at 573-746-7211. When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way! 

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

5 Tax-Saving Strategies to Help This Tax Season

Millions of Americans face the challenge of meeting financial and time budgets each month. Knowledge is power and time is money. So what if you don't have the time to empower yourself with knowlegde? For many homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks, that means losing out on thousands of dollars through tax deductions. Abedeen, a partner at Safeguard Investment Advisory Group, offers the following strategies that may be relevant for you this tax season:

1. Take tax deductions for capital loss. 

If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, the excess can be deducted on your tax return and used to reduce other income, such as wages, up to an annual limit of $3,000, or $1,500 if you are married filing separately. However, you may deduct capital losses only on an investment property, not on property held for personal use.

2. Fund your retirement to the max. 

You can contribute up to $5,500 to an IRA in tax-year 2014 or $6,500 if you are age 50 or older. Workers in the 25% tax bracket who contributed $5,500 to an IRA would save $1,375 on their 2014 tax bills. You'll want to check your eligibility and understand the deadline for the 2014 deduction. If you make a deposit between January 1 and April 15, you need to tell the financial institution which year the contribution is for.

3. Advisory fees are tax-deductible. 

If you don't feel like spending money to save and make money, there's a workaround. Before closing the door on the possibility, inquire with a financial expert. Most are happy to give a free initial consultation and you don't have to be a millionaire to make it worth your while.

4. Gift assets to children. 

You don't even have to file a gift tax return on an asset that's valued less than $12,000, which is not taxable. If the fair market value of the gifted asset is more than $12,000 per person per year, but less than $1 million, there is a requirement of filing a gift tax return, but you won't be taxed. The gift will not be income-taxable to the recipient.

5. Deduct a home-based office when used for your employer. 

If space in your home is used exclusively and regularly for a trade, you can count that as a deductible. Calculate the square footage of your home office and divide the area of your office by the area of your house. If the percentage is 14%, for example, that represents the percentage of your total home expenses that can be allocated toward the home office deduction.

For further questions on tax-saving, Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender recommends consulting a tax professional. Taxes and finances go hand in hand. When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. Contact me today at 573-746-7211 to get started on a new home loan or refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

2015 Polar Plunge is this Weekend!

The 20th Annual Polar Bear Plunge is this weekend! From activities for the kids to supporting a great cause, this event is one you won't want to miss. Show your bravery and support local Special Olympics athletes. All proceeds from the event go to benefit Special Olympics Missouri's year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In conjunction with the annual plunge into freezing waters, there will be a run/walk and also a Pee Wee Plunge! Your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks is here to provide you with all the details!

Pee Wee Plunge - Friday, February 27 at 6:30 PM

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary, this year's event includes the 1st annual Pee Wee Plunge. The event is open to any kiddo through 9 years of age. It will be held at the indoor pool at Tan-Tar-A Resort. There is a $25 registration fee and each "Pee Wee" will recieve an official event t-shirt and a $5 off coupon for hte Timber Falls Waterpark at Tan-Tar-A. If your child decides to fundraise, and they raise $100, they will also recieve a fun hat. For more information on how to register, please contact Crystal at cschuster@somo.org or 573-256-6367.

Polar Bear Strut - Saturday, February 28 at 10 AM 

Show your support for Special Olympics Missouri by walking or running through the frigid winter streets. Participants must raise a minimum of $50 by event day. Registration for the event is from 8-9:30 AM. The strut will begin at 10 AM. For more information or to register, please visit: http://somo.kintera.org.

Polar Plunge - Saturday, February 28 at 2 PM

This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid winter waters. Participants must be at least 10 years or age and have raised a minimum of $75 by event day. Registration is from 12-2 PM, with the Parade of Costumes Lineup at 1:50 PM and Judging from 2-2:30 PM. The plunging will occur from 2:30-4 PM. Tan-Tar-A Resort is hosting a Post Plunge Party from 4-7 PM in Windgate Hall. For more information or to register, please visit: http://somo.kintera.org/.

Happy Plunging Everyone! Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender likes to stay involved in the community and keep you updated with information on the great events going on here at the Lake. Also, if you're in need of a new home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing contact Lakelender Michael Lasson at 573-746-7211. Opening the doors to your Lake Home!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

6 Reasons You May Want to Refinance

Have you ever thought about refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks? If done correctly, refinancing can save you a lot of money. So how do you know if refinancing is the right option for you? Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender is here to help! Here are 6 reasons you may want to refinance from Credit.com:

1. Lower Your Interest Rate

Generally, if you can lower your interest rate by at least 2%, you should consider refinancing. Since interest rates are currently at a historic low, chances are you can get a much better rate by refinancing now. You could end up saving a lot of money in interest paid over the period of your loan.

2. Switch Loan Type

With many different types of Lake of the Ozarks home loans available, some loan types are better for some people than others. If you currently have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you may want to switch to a fixed rate mortgage (FRM). This allows you to lock in a low rate for a long time. On the other hand, you may be able to reduce your current payments by switching from a FRM to an ARM.

3. Avoid Balloon Payment

Some mortgages have a large payment due at the end of the loan term, usually 5-7 years, called a "balloon payment." Essentially, this type of mortgage is a short-term loan that is setup like a long-term loan for the first few years. You may need to refinance your loan in order to avoid paying this large expense.

4. Stop Paying Private Mortgage Insurance 

When more than 80% of the home's sale price is borrowed, sometimes the borrower is required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). If the home's value has increased, you can use this amount to refinance and stop paying that PMI.

5. Cash Out Home Equity

Home equity is often used as a way to finance a remodeling project, college tuition, car purchase or a vacation. If your home's value has increased, you can refinance to cash out that extra amount. You would actually be refinancing your mortgage for more than you currently owe on it and then pocketing the difference.

6. Consolidate Debts

If you have a lot of high interest debts, you may be able to save money by consolidating those debts into a mortgage. Auto loans, credit cards, second mortgages and other debts can all be included in your refinance.

If you have more questions about whether or not refinancing your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage is a good option for you, contact me at 573-746-7211. When it comes to your financing needs, I'm committed to working with you every step of the way. I'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first class service you deserve!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

14 Valentine's Day Trivia Questions to Test Your Knowledge

Since the 5th century, people have been celebrating a day of romance. Each year people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their "valentine." In honor of Valentine's Day, your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks brings you some Valentine's Day Trivia Questions. See how many answers you can get right!

1. Which of the seven ancient wonders was a gift of love from a king to his queen? 

A. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
B. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
C. Lighthouse of Alexandria
D. Colossus of Rhodes

2. What is the name of the king that made Valentine's Day a national holiday in England? 

A. Henry VIII
B. Henry VII
C. Edward VI
D. Richard III

3. Who wrote "Tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all?"

A. Shakespeare
B. Homer
C. Tennyson
D. Napoleon

4. The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives approximately how many letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day? 

A. 1,000
B. 10, 000
C. 5,000
D. 2,000

5. Which Roman emperor beheaded a priest named Valentine for performing marriage ceremonies? 

A. Balbinus
B. Tacitus
C. Gallienus
D. Claudius II

6. How many saints named Valentine are officially recognized by the Catholic Church? 

A. 2
B. 3
C. 5
D. 7

7. Which pope declared February 14 as Valentine's Day? 

A. Pope Pius XI
B. Pope Gelasius I
C. Pope John Paul II
D. Pope Gregory I

8. The British Library in London displays a love poem that is considered to be the oldest and earliest record of a Valentine. Who wrote it? 

A. Napoleon Bonaparte
B. John Keats
C. Charles, Duke of Orleans
D. William Shakespeare

9. Which book was published in 1797 to help British men write verses of love and affection for Valentine's Day? 

A. The Young Man's Valentine Writer
B. Poems and Prose for the Gentleman Scribe
C. Inspired Verses for Your Valentine
D. How to Write Love Notes for Dummies

10. Which woman mass-produced the first Valentine's Day cards in America? 

A. Louisa May Alcott
B. Isabella Mary Beeton
C. Esther Allen Howland
D. Ann Radcliffe

11. Which Shakespeare play has the lines, "Good morrow, 'tis Saint Valentine's Day'? 

A. A Winter's Tale
B. Macbeth
C. Romeo and Juliet
D. Hamlet

12. How did the "X" in "XOXO" come to represent a kiss? 

A. When pirates found a treasure map, they would kiss the "X" that marked the spot for good luck.
B. When people couldn't write their names, they would sign an "X" and then kiss it in good faith.
C. Young girls used to write "Mrs. X" and then kiss the "X" when dreaming of their future husbands.
D. To "seal the kiss" and the marriage vow between a couple he married, St. Valentine would mark an "X" in the ground.

13. Which country does NOT celebrate Valentine's Day? 

A. Australia
B. France
C. Greece
D. Mexico

14. On what date did the St. Valentine's Day Massacre occur? 

A. February 14, 1930
B. February 1, 1925
C. February 14, 1922
D. February 14, 1929




**ANSWERS**
1. B - Hanging Gardens of Babylon
2. A - Henry VIII
3. C - Tennyson
4. A - 1,000
5. D - Claudius II
6. B - 3
7. B - Pope Gelasius I
8. C - Charles, Duke of Orleans
9. A - The Young Man's Valentine Writer
10. C - Esther Allen Howland
11. D - Hamlet
12. B - When people couldn't write their names, they would sign an "X" and then kiss it in good faith.
13. C - Greece
14. D - February 14, 1929

Your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day! If you and that special someone are in need of a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks or are interested in refinancing, feel free to give me a call at 573-746-7211.

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

First State Bank Mortgage is Honoring Our Heroes

The Home Loan You Deserve

As a small token of our appreciation, First State Bank Mortgage would like to offer a discount on closing costs to Missouri's first responders. These heroic men and women have stood bravely in the face of danger and we are eager to offer them superior home financing solutions and resources.

First responders that submit a loan application during the month of February that ends in a closed loan will receive $250 off closing costs!

Contact your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender today to learn more about our many loan programs!

• First Time Homebuyer Programs
• FHA, USDA & VA 
• Homes for Heroes Program
• 5% Down Conventional Loans
• Jumbo Loans
• ...AND MORE! 

In addition, for every loan application submitted in the month of February that ends with a closed loan, a $50 donation will be made to C.O.P.S.

We are happy to show our support through such an honorable organization. Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (C.O.P.S.) provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families and affected co-workers of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

When it comes to your Lake of the Ozarks financing needs, Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender Michael Lasson is committed to working with you every step of the way! I'll discuss your financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first class service you deserve and I guarantee. Opening the doors to your Lake home!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Home Buying Basics

So you've decided to purchase a home, now what? There are many important things to consider throughout the home buying process, especially if you are a first-time home buyer. A home purchase is probably your largest financial transaction to date, so its important that you make the right decisions. With the assistance of your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage lender and real estate agent, buying a home should be an efficient, pleasant and ultimately rewarding experience. First State Bank Mortgage has some home purchasing basics to help keep you on track!

Real Estate Agent

You can count on your real estate agent to take care of the following:

• Preview available homes to weed out those that are overpriced, or undesirable in some other way.
• Show you the homes that fit your personal needs. 
• Help you determine the difference between a "good buy" and a property which, because of its nature (neighborhood, market appeal, etc.), might be hard to sell in the future. 
• Negotiate the best deal for you. With a Pre-Qualification letter from your mortgage lender at the Lake of the Ozarks in hand, your real estate agent will be able to demonstrate that you are a qualified and capable borrower. This will strongly influence the seller, and may make the difference between the acceptance of your offer or someone else's, even if your offer is lower!

Mortgage Lender

You can count on your Lake of the Ozarks home loan officer to do the following: 

• Assist you in selecting the best loan to meet your personal situation and goals. This decision can end up saving you thousands of dollars throughout the years. 
• Keep you informed of your loan status throughout the entire process. 
• Keep  your real estate agent informed of the loan process. Note: Your personal information is always kept confidential; only deal points and progress are shared with your real estate agent. 
• Get the appropriate loan for you at the best rates and fees. This will save you significant money not only upfront, but also throughout the years to come. 

Yourself

The following are items you will need to count on yourself for: 

• Keep your real estate agent informed of any questions or concerns as they develop. 
• Keep the process moving by providing documentation and decisions as soon as reasonably possible. By doing so, many of the details are taken care of early in the process so you can concentrate on any last-minute details or events that require your attention.
• Enjoy purchasing your home, but remain objective throughout to make the decisions that are best for you. 
• Make sure you are pre-approved for your home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks as early as possible. this will put the power of financing behind you so that you can focus on choosing the right home for you! 

When it comes to your financing needs, Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender Michael Lasson is committed to working with you every step of the way! I'll discuss your financing options, offer competitive interest rates and back it up with the first class service you deserve and I guarantee. Opening the doors to your Lake home!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please 

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct:  (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com