Gift cards are a great solution for those people on your holiday list for whom you don’t know what to buy. With gift cards, on size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. But before you buy a stack of gift cards, consider these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to make . . . → Read More: Tips for Buying, Giving & Using Gift Cards
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Over the last several years, retailers report a 25-30 percent increase in online spending around the holidays. With more and more people heading to the Internet to complete their holiday shopping, Iowa’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has offered an advisory for online holiday shopping. Follow these common best practices when shopping online this . . . → Read More: Tips for Safe Online Shopping
Shop locally this Christmas shopping season — and find out how you can get a discount on Algona Bucks! Your locally-owned community bank invites you to shop your hometown first this holiday shopping season. Local businesses spend their money hiring local people who, in turn, spend . . . → Read More: Shop Local this Holiday Season Most service charges for your bank account can be easily avoided with a few easy tips: Know your minimum balance. Keep at least the minimum balance in your account. It is easier than ever to check your balance online, by phone or at an ATM to make sure you have the minimum balance. Understanding the ins and outs of credit is easier said than done, but following some basic steps can get you on the path to success. Use this list of credit dos and don’ts to help you get started. DO DO know the power of credit. Creditors look at your credit history as an indication of your future financial . . . → Read More: Credit Dos and Don’ts Another summer is coming to an end. Now that the hottest days, family vacations and back-t0-school rush are behind us, it’s a great time to give some attention to your personal finances. Prepare for the coming months — and the holidays on the horizon — with these end-of-summer tips. Pay quarterly estimated taxes. If you’re self-employed or . . . → Read More: 5 End-of-Summer Money Tips
Create your own savings jars.
For people of all ages, the best way to reach a savings goal is to start with a budget. A budget . . . → Read More: Help Your Child Start a Beginner Budget Whether you’re looking forward to a summer vacation close to home, on the coast or across the pond, you’ve probably been busy planning all the details of your trip. But have you thought about ways you can keep your money safe while traveling? Nothing can spoil a vacation faster than becoming the victim of a thief. Here . . . → Read More: Keep Your Money Safe on Vacation It’s official: As of June 21, summer has arrived. Summer fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune and often the simplest things bring the most pleasure. Here are some ideas for you and your family to consider this summer. Look for local events. From concerts to festivals, there are many ways to have fun without going great . . . → Read More: Ideas for Affordable Summer Fun |
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Taking time to plan your budget before heading out this Black Friday — or whenever you’re planning to do your holiday shopping — will help you have a happier and less stressful holiday season. Follow these tips to start 
