savings

Now that we’ve welcomed a new year, we must also begin welcoming new saving habits. Setting reasonable resolutions isn’t always the easiest, which is why BANK wanted to offer some simple ideas to start. Begin promoting your financial positivity by picking one or two of these savings resolutions to implement for the rest of the year! Make extra mortgage payments Making your minimum payments on what you owe is completely fine. However, try stepping up your game by increasing the amount

As the seasons change, so do your bills. However, finding new ways to save can be tricky when you’re already super savvy. By creating a good savings foundation during the fall and winter, you will be able to start 2018 off in a healthy financial state. That’s why BANK has compiled a list of tips and tricks to prepare your home for the seasons to come in order to save some cash! Install energy-efficient windows A low-emissivity glass also known as Low-E glass is used to help block

Magic is one type of entertainment that will never go out of style. Whether it’s David Blaine and his shocking stunts, or newly famous films such as Now You See Me, this classic art has proved to truly stand the test of time. While BANK may not be the best at slight of hand, we do have a few savings tricks up our sleeves! See if you can understand the steps to these financial stunts and make your fiscal success appear out of thin air.   Make your money disappear (into your savings!) Before

If you’re like us, starting a new diet, or working to exercise more often is more difficult than we initially planned. The same is true with many financial goals you may have. Saving for retirement, eliminating credit card debt, increasing your credit score; these are all things that take time and dedication to complete, but sometimes it’s hard to stay on track.   Luckily, Business Insider recently released an article that showcases just how it takes for your brain

If you’re in the market for your first home, congratulations! Becoming a homeowner is an exciting step on your financial journey. At Iowa State Bank, our dedicated mortgage lenders are here to help you find the best financing option for your new home. Remember to stop in and secure a pre-approval letter before you start your home search. After speaking with a mortgage lender to help determine your family’s ideal price point, it’s time to start viewing potential homes. During

When you make your savings plan, you often don’t think about the things you should spend extra money on. While scrimping on other items such as groceries or kids clothes could help you in the long run, there are some expenditures that could cost you in the future if you don’t pony up for the better option. At Iowa State Bank we suggest taking a second look at these seven products, and seeing if you need to upgrade the next time you buy:   Toilet Paper: You may not

Retirement, 401(k), stocks and bonds, the subject matter of saving for the long term isn’t often as appealing as saving for the short term. Perhaps that’s why nearly three-quarters of Americans are underestimating how much they’ll need for retirement. The United States is on the brink, if not already in, a retirement crisis. However, at Iowa State Bank we believe retirement saving can still be easily accomplished, there are just a few steps to get started:   The

One of the best things summer brings, aside from the beautiful weather, is time to enjoy with your family. Whether that’s planning a fun weekend adventure, or carving out a week to go exploring, your kids are sure to remember these getaways for decades to come. After years of trial and error, we’ve discovered some ideal destinations where you can stay in budget while enjoying all the perks of your family’s time away.   Wisconsin Dells, USA This midwestern hot spot

At Iowa State Bank we understand that adding to your family may not only be an emotional decision but a financial one as well. With the growing costs of childcare alone, it’s important to have a well-rounded plan for covering the expenses of your expanding household. In order to plan most effectively, we recommend structuring your budgeting into these three stages:   Beginning or Before Pregnancy: Examine your current health insurance to determine an estimate of

Congratulations on purchasing your home. You are now privileged to enjoy the thrills of home repair, maintenance, and occasional renovation. Depending on your mortgage structure, you may be paying off your home for up to thirty years. Luckily Iowa State Bank has some tips and tricks to help you reduce your repayment time. Using these three strategies, we’ll show you how to pay off more of your principal to decrease the term of your loan, and lessen your overall interest costs.   Method