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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...

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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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Farmer sitting at the bank with his local ag lender signing paperwork
How American State Bank Helps Iowa Farmers Thrive Season After Season

In Iowa, farming is a way of life. Whether you’re planting your first crop or managing a fifth-generation farm, you know the work never really stops. Calving season rolls into planting, planting into harvest, and before you know it, it’s time...

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Farmer standing in the field writing on a clipboard
Ag Lending 101: What Iowa Farmers Should Know Before Planting Season

When the snow melts, the soil thaws, and you see more tractors on the road than trucks, then you know spring has sprung in Iowa! Whether you’re running your first few acres or managing a multi-generational operation, one thing is true: planting...

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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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