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Local Fall Prep Checklist for Homeowners in Iowa

Iowa weather can change its mind pretty quickly in the fall. A warm afternoon can give way to a frosty morning, and outdoor projects become much harder...

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Guy fixing up his window outside of his house
Local Fall Prep Checklist for Homeowners in Iowa

Iowa weather can change its mind pretty quickly in the fall. A warm afternoon can give way to a frosty morning, and outdoor projects become much harder once freezing temperatures, wind, and ice arrive. Around Osceola, Lamoni, and Winterset, taking...

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Young adult sitting at a desk with his laptop and some financial reports in front of him
5 Smart Moves to Make with Your First Paycheck

That first paycheck feels good, and you’ve earned every dollar of it. Before it disappears on gas, food, and a few online purchases, take a minute to decide what you want it to do for you. So, what should you do with your first paycheck? Start...

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Girl packing box with all of her things in it
Dorm Room Essentials You Don’t Need to Overspend On

Dorm room essentials usually include bedding, towels, laundry supplies, shower items, basic storage, desk supplies, chargers, and a few everyday items that make campus life easier. You do not need to buy every trending organizer, gadget, or matching room...

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House building overlay on existing home with renovated kitchen
Building vs. Buying in a Small Town: What to Consider Before You Decide

Is it better to build or buy a home in a small town? The answer depends on your timeline, budget, location needs, and how much control you want over the finished home. Buying an existing house may help you move sooner, while building can give you more...

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Exterior of a suburban home in Midwest
8 Small Home Upgrades That Add Value Before Fall

As summer winds down, it’s a natural time to look around your home and think about what could use a little attention before fall sets in. Maybe you’re planning to sell in the next year, or maybe you just want your space to feel a little more...

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Close up of Garage Sale sign in front of house outside
11 Easy Summer Side Hustles to Earn Extra Cash

Summer can get pricey before you realize it. Between extra gas, weekend plans, cookouts, fair season, home projects and higher utility bills, those “little” expenses can add up fast. If your budget could use a little breathing room, a summer...

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Garage Sale sign zoomed in on with garage sale items in the background blurred
7 Garage Sale Secrets That Turn Clutter Into Cash

There’s something about spring in Iowa that makes us want to fling open the windows, clean every corner, and finally tackle that garage we’ve been ignoring all winter. And if you’re like most folks around here, you’ve got a few...

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View of home interior with shiplap added, fresh paint job and gleaming wood windows
9 Cheap Home Projects That Look Expensive (You’ll Love #7!)

Looking to elevate your home’s style without draining your bank account? Many homeowners want that “HGTV reveal” moment, but with a realistic budget. Whether you’re preparing to sell, entertaining guests, or simply craving a...

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Glass jar with label 'Swear Jar' on it and coins in it with person's hand dropping another coin in
3 Money Smart Week Challenges You’ll Actually Want to Try

April is here, and you know what that means: longer days, spring planting, and… financial literacy? Hear us out. Money Smart Week (April 5–12, 2026) is a national campaign focused on helping everyday folks feel more confident about managing...

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Woman's hand around a pink piggy bank with a clear jar of coins next to it
The Ultimate Financial Literacy Challenge for April: A 4-Week Game Plan for Smarter Money Habits

Between budgets, bills, savings goals, and credit scores, it’s easy to push those “I’ll deal with it later” thoughts to the back burner. Well, April is Financial Literacy Month, so it’s the perfect time to tackle those thoughts....

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