budget

The words “budget” and “exercise” can often be put in the same category—both are necessary for a healthy lifestyle but are far from fun. If you have trouble sticking to a budget, you’re not alone. There are some very powerful reasons why human beings feel compelled to spend money—and there are some things you can do to psychologically trick yourself into spending less. The Need for Control. A study in Journal of Consumer Psychology found that compulsive

When you and your sweetheart set your budget each month, there are a variety of factors at play. Where can you get the best deals on groceries? How many date nights will you have each week? Do the kids have any sporting activities that require new equipment? At Iowa State Bank we recognize that everyone’s budget is different. No matter which categories you enjoy most, we’d love to showcase some great examples to help you find extra ways to save, and better identify which costs are worth

Get your family into the fun of Halloween without breaking the budget! Try these exciting costume ideas, courtesy of Iowa State Bank: Ballerina: Help you little one showcase her favorite after-school activity, by using her dance class attire for an easy Halloween costume! If you’re searching for a new dance outfit try this affordable option. At a price tag of only $25, a portion of these proceeds go directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Identity Theft: Give your

Winning in a baseball game or in your retirement savings is no easy feat! It takes dedication and determination to seal the win. As you begin to reexamine your retirement plan try these key pointers from Iowa State Bank to coach you along the way!   Load the Bases If you have available resources, make sure you’re using them! Just as a batter is primed to score with his bases covered in players, so are you by capitalizing on your 401(k), IRA, personal savings, and structured

Whether it’s skiing in the mountains, scuba diving among the reefs, or exploring history throughout famous museums, your ideal vacation can be anything you make it. Wherever you dream of traveling to, price is sure to be a factor in your decision. Make the trip of your dreams into a reality with these smart saving tricks to help fund your travels wherever they may lead. Open a dedicated savings account. To keep your goal clearly in sight and prevent overspending, establish

Building a successful financial future for your little one starts with a strong foundation. At Iowa State Bank we offer financial opportunities for all ages! Grow the building blocks of fiscal understanding with your children using these fun and easy lessons. See the value of savings: Before they understand the concept of retirement, help them see the advantage of long term savings. Just as companies offer to match their employee’s savings plan contributions, offer to match your child’s

Begin the journey of purchasing your new home with Iowa State Bank! We’ll help guide you through the process of securing a new residence for you and your family. Stick with these easy do’s and don’ts and you’ll be on the path to success. Do: Secure a loan before a home: While the hunt for the first house is exciting, your final decision will depend on the mortgage you can secure. Your first step in the home buying search should take place with a loan officer

Purchasing a new vehicle is always an exciting venture. Here at Iowa State Bank we want to help you maximize your buying experience with a trusted and affordable auto loan. Before you start roaming the lots, glance at our easy auto check list to see what type of vehicle you and your budget are searching for. Determine if you want a new or used vehicle. Many auto dealers today offer both new and used. While new can offer updated technology and the assurance of no prior owners,

Basketball season is in full swing and there are many comparisons to the sport that can apply to building your own personal budget. From knowing when to pass an expense, to hitting a three with an unexpected bonus, budgeting is a lot like basketball. Learn how to win at structuring your finances with this helpful game plan from Iowa State Bank. Brush up on your coaching. Every team is built around the choices of its coach, just as your budget is. The coach selects the players based off

Iowa State Bank Blog RETURN TO BLOG MAIN Taking the Terror Out of Halloween Expenses Between costumes, jack-o-lanterns, décor, and mountains of candy, the cost of Halloween may be the most terrifying part of the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American spends about $77 on decorations, candy and costumes each year. Treat your monthly budget by sticking to these cash-saving tips from Iowa State Bank: Make use of the dollar store: Whether