Halloween Fun at the Lake of the Ozarks

This community is always loved for the way it comes together to celebrate holidays and events. Halloween and other Autumn celebrations are no different! There is a full weekend of fun at the Lake of the Ozarks that you will not want to miss. Take a look at this list with events from FunLake.com and find some fun things to do with your friends or family.

Zombie Wasteland Haunted House
Sep 29, 2018 - Oct 27, 2018
474 S. State Hwy 7
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Phone: 573-480-7978

Thunder Mountain Fall Festival
Oct 05, 2018 - Oct 27, 2018
Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park
526 Bridal Cave Rd
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Phone: 573-346-2676

MECCA Family Farms - U Pick Pumpkin Patch
Oct 06, 2018 - Oct 28, 2018
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
MECCA Family Farm
425 Delmar
Roach Missouri 65787
Phone: 573-280-3116

Hy-Vee Hollow Trick-or-Treat
Oct 25, 2018
Hours of Operation: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hy-Vee Parking Lot
929 State Hwy D
Osage Beach Missouri 65065
Phone: 573-302-7977

Eldon PTO Trunk-or-Treat
Oct 27, 2018
Hours of Operation: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Eldon Elementary School Storm Shelter
409 East 25th St.

Eldon MO 65026
Phone: 573-280-3641

HOWL-O-WEEN Festival
Oct 27, 2018
Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dogwood Animal Shelter
1075 Runabout Drive
Osage Beach Missouri 65065
Phone: 573-346-7932

Haunted Happenings at Stark Caverns
Oct 27, 2018
Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Stark Caverns
125 Cave Drive
Eldon MO 65026
Phone: 573-369-3306

Halloween on the Bagnell Dam Strip
Oct 27, 2018
Hours of Operation: 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Bagnell Dam Strip
Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark Missouri 65049
Phone: 573-365-6344

H.Toad's Halloween Party & Costume Contest
Oct 27, 2018
Hours of Operation: 8:00 pm – 1:00 am
H.Toad's Bar and Grill at Camden on the Lake
2359 Bittersweet Rd.
Lake Ozark MO 65049
Phone: 573-365-5620

Kid's Halloween Spooktacular at Captain Ron's
Oct 28, 2018
Hours of Operation: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Captain Ron's
82 Aloha Lane
Sunrise Beach Missouri 65079
Phone: 573-374-5852

SpookTacular Trick-or-Treat
Oct 31, 2018
Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
474 S. State Hwy 7
Camdenton Missouri 65020
Phone: 573-480-7978

Halloween Trick-or-Treating Event at Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace
Oct 31, 2018
Hours of Operation: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace
4540 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach MO 65065
Phone: 573-348-3829

It is going to be a spooktacular weekend at the Lake! If you have been thinking about buying a vacation house at the Lake of the Ozarks, never fear - there are no haunted houses here. The Lasson Team can help you get your vacation mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks secured. Visit our website to learn more, or give us a call. We would be honored to help you relocate to the Lake of the Ozarks and join this awesome community. Happy Halloween weekend from The Lasson Team!

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

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Michael Lasson

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

e-Fax: (866) 397-0318

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.

SaveSaveSaveSave

6 Tips to Save Money Without Changing Your Lifestyle

The end of the month always seems to creep up on you and you're wondering where all your money has gone.  You don't think much about where your money is actually going or how to lower those monthly car or house payments at the Lake of the Ozarks that are eating up all your income.  How can you end each month with more money, but without giving up the small luxuries you enjoy? These 6 tips below might just be the answer you've been looking for!

1. Trim Your Bills.

You can save on electricity just by turning off the lights when you leave a room.  Turn off the water while brushing your teeth to save on your water bill.  Keep the thermostat just a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter to save on your electric bill. Always adjust your thermostat a few degrees when you leave the house too.  In addition to utilities, you probably have a car payment, mortgage at the Lake of the Ozarks, and more!  Look into refinancing options to lower payments.  Even if it's just a few dollars a month, those dollars add up.
 

2. Examine What You're Using and Not Using

Many people have subscriptions to things they never use, such as gym memberships or a vast television channel subscription.  There's even an 80/20 rule that says people spend 80 percent of their tv-viewing time watching only 20 percent of their channels.  Consider scaling down your package or even switching to online streaming to cut the costs.  If you only use the gym once or twice a month, look into the walk-in fees rather than paying for a membership each month.  Do you have a pile of magazines stacking up that you never have time to read?  Consider cancelling your subscriptions or at least narrowing them down to the one you read the most.  

3. Cut Back on Grocery Waste.

Plan your meals before heading to the store. If you head in with no idea of what you're looking for, you will end up with a cart full of junk food. You'll end up with way more items than you intended on buying therefore blowing your grocery budget for the month. Only buying what you need will not only reduce your spending, but will also reduce waste of perishable food items.

4. Reduce the Number of Times You Eat Out

At the end of a long day, no one wants to take the time to cook a meal.  Sometimes it seems easier to just order takeout or go to a restaurant, but those habits are wasting away your income. Consider buying a Crock Pot to save some money and time with the food preparation.  You can throw in some chicken breasts and broth before work and dinner is just about ready when you walk in the door that evening.

5. Compare Prices and Shop Around

While in the store, you should always look at the unit sticker when trying to decide between two similar items.  The price of the best option might be higher, but gives you more for your money. Buy generic when you can; occasionally the quality won't be the same, but for the most part you are just buying the brand name on the same product.  Compare Wal-Mart's prices to your local grocery store to make sure you are getting the lowest prices in town.  On certain items such as toilet paper and trash bags that you use regularly, consider buying in bulk to save you money in the long run.  Check the paper ads and stock up when these items go on sale!  You may be paying more this month, but next month you won't have to buy it at all.

6. Skimp on Gasoline

With gas prices dramatically changing everyday, this is definitely an area of your monthly budget that you will want to keep an eye on.  To save on gasoline, consider shopping online, but if that's not an option, bundle your errands together.  Pick a time when you can go to several stores in the same trip rather than going to a different one each day and wasting gas.  Pay attention to gas prices while you are out and about.  Try to find the one on your route with the lowest price, but don't go out of your way to find one.  Most of the time the money you save at the cheapest gas station doesn't make up for the gas you burn looking for it.  There is even an app for your phone called Gas Buddy to help you find the nearest gas stations with the lowest prices.  Some stores such as Hyvee have programs that save you money on groceries and your gas, so look into those.  If you are shopping there anyway, you might as well same some money on gas.  Maintaining proper inflation in your tires will not only extend the life of your tires, it will also help you improve your car's fuel economy.

Maybe its your crazy shopping sprees or outrageous mortgage payment preventing you from ending the month with money to spare.  Unfortunately I don't have a cure for you shopaholics, but I can help you with your mortgage questions.  Call me today to discuss how to lower your house payments by refinancing your home at the Lake of the Ozarks! 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

Getting to Know Michael Lasson, Your LakeLender!

Getting a home loan at the Lake of the Ozarks is a big step to take.  It is important to find someone you can trust that will help you make the best decisions for you and your family.  We decided to ask Lakelender Michael Lasson a few questions about himself so you can get to know him better before choosing him to help you with this important aspect of your life.

1. Where did you go to school?
I attended Brother Rice High School in Chicago Illinois.  Then in July of 1993, I moved to Central Missouri.

2. Tell us about your family.
I am married to a wonderful woman, Michelle.  I have 6 children, Krystopher, Kristina, Andrew, Amber, Dareth and Becca, as well as a daughter-in-law, Megan.  I also have 3 beautiful grandchildren, Easton, Kayden and Hudson.  

3. What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to 70's and 80's country mostly, plus a variety of others.  However, you won't find me listening to any heavy metal or rap; I don't like that at all!

4. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy camping with the family and of course playing with the grandchildren.  Being a dad and a grandpa is one of the best experiences you'll ever have!

5. What is something about you that no one else knows?
I am deathly afraid of heights!  I love the Chicago Cubs, but am also told that I am a closet St. Louis Cardinals fan.

6. What motivates you at work?
Being able to help people is what motivates me most.  Being at the closing and knowing that because of my actions these people have purchased the primary home or vacation home of their dreams  And because of my help, they will be making lifelong memories in their new home at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

7. What is your favorite restaurant?
We have some of the best food here at the Lake of the Ozarks and nothing is better than Baxter's or Wobbly Boots!  But when I am traveling, I enjoy stopping at a Waffle House or Cracker Barrel. When I visit back home in Chicago, I have to go to Portillos; they have just great Chicago food! Arby's would have to be my favorite fast food place.  I also love White Castle, but my wife hates it!

8. Who is the one person that you admire most?
Actually, there are two people that come to mind.  I admire my wife Michelle because she is a great wife, mom, grandma and daughter, and just a good caring person.  I would not be the person I am today without the guidance of her.  For business, I also admire Bob Gattermeir.  I have always liked the way that he does his business and he is always very helpful in helping those around him succeed whether it affected him or not.  He is a really good people person with a heart that cares.

9.  What is your favorite movie and why?
I enjoy mostly comedies and then some musicals. My all time favorites would include Grease, Smokie the Bandit the original and Hair Spray.  Most recently, I really enjoyed Frozen.  I love them because they are uplifting and make me laugh.

10. Are you involved in any charitable groups?
I split up a lot of my time with the Bagnell Dam Association of Realtors and we have done several charitable things over the past 15 years or so.  In the past, I have been involved with the Eldon Lake Ozark Soccer Association (ELOSA), Eldon Baseball Association, and I'm sure I will be again as my grandchildren grow up in the ranks.        

When it comes to your financing needs, Michael Lasson is commited to working with you every step of the way. He'll discuss financing options, offer competitive interest rates on your Lake of the Ozarks mortgage loan and back it up with the First Class Service you deserve!  Now is a great time to consider purchasing or refinancing a home, so give him a call today at 573-746-7211 or send an email to mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have.

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

Mortgage Loans Made Easy with Michael Lasson

Many people find themselves overwhelmed with the home financing process, as your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender,  it is my job to ensure that you receive the best loan for your situation as quickly and easily as possible!

Here's an overview of the loan application process

1. STEP ONE - Pre-Approval  Call me first.  Why?  By giving me some general financial information, I can help you determine how much you will be able to borrow.  Having a pre-approved mortgage loan could give you more power when you're looking for a  home and negotiating the purchase price.  I will also review your credit report and evaluate your debt-to-income ratio.  This information will allow you to make an educated choice for your future financial security.
2. STEP TWO - Application & Processing  When you've made your decision on a home or property and have a contract with the Seller, the next step is to complete your loan application.  I try to make this process very simple by allowing you to complete this process online or in our office.  If you choose to do it online, you select "Full Application" from Apply Now drop-down menu on the left sidebar of my website and complete the application.  For those clients that are not comfortable completing their application, we will set up a time that is convenient and complete the process in our office.
3. STEP THREE - Loan Approval, Funding & Closing Your Real Estate Agent or the Seller will designate an Escrow/Title Company to handle the funding of your loan, along with many other factors which make your purchase go smoothly.  The Loan Closing is an exciting meeting where you will complete the final paperwork to purchase the home from the seller, sign your mortgage documents and receive the deed and keys to your new home!  We will coordinate with the escrow team and you'll sign the final papers at their office.

Now, How Do I Help You Get the Best Loan??

Customer service is my highest priority.  Throughout the loan-application process, I will provide you with regular updates on your loan process. You can also e-mail me with questions or new information anytime. If you need immediate assistance, I am just a phone call away!  I do my very best to be available to answer any questions that you may have about your mortgage loan process.

I can make you Lake of the Ozarks Home Mortgage Simple, Straightforward, Cost-Effective, and FAST!  As your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, I will work hard to help you buy your next home or property.

For resources and tips on financial services, please 
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Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct:  (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email:  mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

Job Creation for February is HIGHER than Expected!!

"Missed it by that much." Maxwell Smart. For the first time in several months, the number of job creations came in above expectations rather than missing the mark. Read on for details and what this means for home loan rates.

Despite the harsh winter weather, 175,000 jobs were created in February. This was above the 163,000 expected, and the largest gain in three months. In addition, there were revisions to the numbers for December and January, adding 25,000 more job creations than were previously reported.

The Unemployment Rate ticked up to 6.7 percent from 6.6 percent, while the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) remained at 63.0 percent, a 35-year low. The LFPR measures the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are looking for one, and it should be moving higher in a recovery. Overall, this report was a positive sign for the labor market, but more and consistent improvement is still needed.

In other news to note, research firm CoreLogic reported that home prices, including distressed sales, rose by 12.02 percent in January 2014 compared to January 2013. January marks the twenty-third consecutive month of year-over-year price gains. And inflation remains a non-issue, as evidenced by the Personal Consumption Expenditures report, which was in line with expectations.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Remember that the Fed is now purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based) to help stimulate the economy and housing market. This is down from the original $85 billion per month that the Fed had been purchasing. The Fed will be watching key economic reports closely in the weeks and months ahead. If economic data points are weak, the Fed may have to rethink the tapering it has begun. This will be a key story to monitor as we move ahead in 2014.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider purchasing a Lake of the Ozarks Home or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

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

2013 New Home Sales Increased by 16%

"Cold as Ice." Foreigner. While many parts of the nation were dealing with icy conditions last week, the markets were heating up with a slew of economic reports and another taper announcement by the Fed. Read on for details.

There was a mix of good and bad housing news last week, as Pending Home Sales were down 8.7 percent in December from November. The report cited harsh weather for the decline. New Home Sales also fell by 7 percent from November to December, to an annual rate of 414,000. While the December number was below expectations, there was good news for 2013 overall, as builders sold an estimated 428,000 new homes—16 percent more than in 2012.

Research firm CoreLogic also reported that completed foreclosures declined 14 percent from December 2012 to December 2013. However, the Case Shiller 20-city Home Price Index fell by 0.1 percent from October to November, the first decline since October to November of 2012. Overall, the housing market continues to improve.

Also of note, December Durable Goods Orders (orders for items that last for an extended period of time) fell by 4.3 percent, the biggest decline since July. Meanwhile, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2013 rose by 3.2 percent. This was above expectations, but below the 4.1 percent recorded in the third quarter of last year. The gains were led by a burst of consumer spending and an uptick in business investments. This is significant, as GDP is the broadest measure of economic activity. And inflation continues to remain tame, according to the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Despite some weak economic reports, the Fed decided to taper its Bond purchase program by an additional $10 billion, noting that economic activity has picked up and the labor market continues to improve. Beginning in February, the Fed will now be purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based). These purchases have been designed to stimulate the economy and housing market, and the figure is now down from the $85 billion in Bonds and Treasuries the Fed had been purchasing last year.

The timing of further tapering by the Fed will impact Stocks, Bonds and home loan rates throughout the year. It is a key story to monitor as we move further ahead in 2014.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

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

Anxiety Management for Public Speaking

Getting in front of a group of people to speak can cause a lot of anxiety for some people.  Even those that are very comfortable speaking with clients, referral partners or prospects can lose their confidence when it comes to public speaking.  

Before you back out of an opportunity to speak publicly, consider these benefits: overcoming fear, boosting self-esteem, honing critical-thinking and analysis skills, improving communication and networking opportunities, expanding your personal brand, getting more business, and impressing your audience... and your boss, if you have one.  Confidence is not easy to come by but you can master the skill with time.  

In the past if you got a case of the jitters, the standard prescription used was to find ways to force yourself to relax and calm down before giving your presentation. Except, this isn't the most effective way to channel that nervous energy. 

New Harvard Business School research shows getting excited reduces performance anxiety better than trying to calm down. "Anxiety is incredibly pervasive," says Alison Wood Brooks, PhD., author of the study. "People have a very strong intuition that trying to calm down is the best way to cope with their anxiety, but that can be very difficult and ineffective. When people feel anxious and try to calm down, they are thinking about all the things that could go badly. When they are excited, they are thinking about how things could go well." 

Because both anxiety and excitement are highly charged emotional states, it's easier to convince yourself that your anxiety is actually excitement, rather than try to convince yourself you're not anxious at all. Brooks says, "When you feel anxious, you're ruminating too much and focusing on potential threats. In those circumstances, people should try to focus on the potential opportunities. It really does pay to be positive, and people should say they are excited...even if they don't believe it at first." 

So, what's the best strategy? Dr. Brooks recommends that prior to any presentation you should tell yourself you're excited and forget about trying to calm down. In fact, simply saying "I'm excited!" out loud will naturally increase your feelings of excitement and get you pumped about the rewards of public speaking that are about to be yours! 

Give this helpful tip a try on your next public talk, and feel free to pass these tips along to your team, clients, and colleagues.  Good luck in your next opportunity!!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

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

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

NMLS #: 493712

December Job Report Gives Mixed Data

"Life is a mixed blessing, which we vainly try to un-mix." Author and journalist Mignon McLaughlin. The Jobs Report for December is in and the data was mixed. Read on as we un-mix the data and find out what it means for home loan rates.


Just when it looked like the job market was improving, the Jobs Report showed that only 74,000 jobs were added in December. This was well below expectations and was the smallest increase since January 2011. However, the number of job creations for November was revised higher by 38,000, bringing November's total to 241,000.

Adding to the confusion, the Unemployment Rate fell to 6.7 percent, which is the lowest level since October 2008. However, the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) fell to 62.8 percent, matching the number from October 2013 as the lowest level since the late 1970s. The LFPR measures the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are looking for one, and it should be moving higher in a recovery. In addition, 347,000 people left the workforce last month, though it is unclear whether these are people retiring, people leaving the labor force because they can't find a job, or a mixture of both.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Overall, the December Jobs Report was weak, which gives the Fed cover to continue its Bond purchases. Remember that the Fed had been purchasing $85 billion in Bonds and Treasuries each month to stimulate the economy and housing market. Due to strong economic data, the Fed decided at its December meeting to start tapering these purchases. Beginning this month, the Fed will now purchase $40 billion in Treasuries and $35 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based).

The decision to further taper these purchases will be dependent on economic data. If more economic reports are weak like the December Jobs Report, further tapering could be delayed and this timing could have a big impact on Mortgage Bonds and home loan rates this year.

The bottom line is that home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels and now remains a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance.  Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

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