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Man with his hand on his head sitting at the table with his laptop, financial documents, coffee, and calculator
How to Stress Less About Money, Because It Hurts More Than Your Wallet

When money’s tight, everything feels heavier, your shoulders, your sleep, and yes, even your heart. It’s not just in your head. Financial...

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Man with his hand on his head sitting at the table with his laptop, financial documents, coffee, and calculator
How to Stress Less About Money, Because It Hurts More Than Your Wallet

When money’s tight, everything feels heavier, your shoulders, your sleep, and yes, even your heart. It’s not just in your head. Financial stress can seriously affect your physical and mental health, especially your heart. During National...

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Person's torso and hands in all black clothing and gloves holding smartphone with red hearts coming from it that have exclamation points in them
Romance Scams You Need to Watch for in 2026

Love might be in the air, but so are scams. Here’s how to protect your heart and your wallet. When you live in a small Iowa town, it’s easy to assume romance scams are something that happen “somewhere else.” But the truth is,...

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Stack of tax forms with reading glasses and edge of laptop on them
Get Ready for Tax Season with This Quick Prep Checklist

Tax season may not be anyone’s favorite time of year, but it sure does sneak up quickly. Whether you’re filing early with a refund in mind or still trying to locate your W-2 between snowstorms, a little preparation now can save you big headaches...

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Woman smiling with her smartphone in one hand and a credit card in the other hand
What Your New Year’s Resolution Says About Your Spending Style

It’s a new year, and if you’re like most Iowans, you’re probably thinking about what you want to do differently in 2026. Whether it’s finally taking that trip you’ve been talking about since 2021, building up your savings,...

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Two people lying in bed both on their phones
5 Habits to Actually Break in 2026 for Your Wallet & Well-Being

As the calendar flips to a new year (where did the time go!?), it’s tempting to make big, sweeping resolutions: save more, spend less, scroll less, wake up earlier. But let’s be real: most resolutions don’t stick. Why? Because they’re...

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Father, mother, and daughter sitting on the floor envisioning paint on their new home's walls with paint cans on the floor by them
Planning Your Big Home Project for 2026? Here’s What to Do Now

Thinking about redoing your kitchen, building that long-awaited sunroom, or tackling a major renovation in 2026? Well, now is the best time to plan all your big home projects for 2026! Big home upgrades are definitely an investment in your future....

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Woman snuggling her dog and looking outside at snowy yard
14 Smart Ways Iowans Can Save on Groceries and Utilities This Winter

Winter in Iowa can be a bit unpredictable and brings its own challenges and costs. Between rising heating bills, electric use, and the need for hearty meals, it’s easy for budgets to strain. But with a few intentional tweaks, you can cut costs,...

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Two people painting a plate and vase
Your Guide to Gifting Experiences Instead of Things This Year (15+ Ideas for Every Budget)

We all know the overwhelm of gift season: the endless aisles, the stuff that ends up forgotten or collecting dust, and the “what on earth do I get someone who has everything?” anxiety. What if this year you tried something different, something...

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Woman smiling at her smartphone while holding her debit card in her other hand
Is It Safe to Manage Your Debit Card on Your Phone?

Mobile banking isn’t just a trend; it’s how many Iowans manage their money today. Whether it’s checking balances at the grocery store or locking a debit card after losing a wallet, the ability to bank from your phone is a game-changer. Still,...

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debit cards, mobile apps, mobile banking, mobile wallet, security

Older man and woman sitting together and smiling at a tablet
How Much Should I Have Saved by 40? (And What to Do If You’re Behind)

October is National Retirement Security Month, and for many Iowans, it hits close to home. A recent survey found that nearly half of Iowa residents feel unprepared for retirement. If you’re in your 30s or turning 40 soon, you might be wondering:...

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401k, financial planning, retirement