Plan Your Summer Vacation on a Budget

As the school year ends and the heat and humidity continue to rise, many Iowans are gearing up for this summer’s family vacation. Mountains or beach, on the road or in the air, there are steps you can take to save money this summer. So before you book your family’s tickets, consider these tips to help . . . → Read More: Plan Your Summer Vacation on a Budget

Tips to Teach Your Children About Money

As another school year comes to a close, the summer months provide a perfect opportunity for parents to proactively help their children establish a solid financial foundation. Each day presents all kinds of opportunities to talk with your children about spending money wisely and saving for financial goals. Parents can seize the teachable moments and turn them . . . → Read More: Tips to Teach Your Children About Money

Ways to Save this Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend offers a time for families and friends to gather together to enjoy each other’s company and to honor those who are serving and have served our country. Whether you’re traveling this weekend or hosting a cookout in your own backyard, here are some ways to save this Memorial Day weekend.

Traveling Tips
If you’re going . . . → Read More: Ways to Save this Memorial Day Weekend

5 Smart Ways to Use Your 2011 Tax Refund

Tax day has come and gone, and for many Americans, that means tax refunds are also on the way. If you’re expecting a refund this year, keep in mind that your refund isn’t really “free money” — in reality, Uncle Sam is paying you back for the interest-free loan that you provided during the year.

So, although . . . → Read More: 5 Smart Ways to Use Your 2011 Tax Refund

10 Money-Saving Tips for Spring

Spring has officially arrived! To celebrate the warmer weather and add some money to your pocketbook, here are a few tips to help you save some cash this spring:

Make a shopping list – and stick to it. Before you head to the store, make a list of the items you need and only buy the items . . . → Read More: 10 Money-Saving Tips for Spring

10 Timely Tax Season Tips

It’s coming soon…the deadline to file your taxes this year has been extended three days to Monday, April 18. The bonus days come thanks to Emancipation Day, a Washington, D.C., holiday that falls on Saturday, April 16, but is observed on April 15—thus prompting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to extend the tax filing deadline to . . . → Read More: 10 Timely Tax Season Tips

Save an Extra $1,000 This Year

Now that January has passed and we’re one month into 2011, it’s a great time to evaluate how your New Year’s saving plan is going. If your bank account isn’t where you wanted it to be by this time, read on to find out how save an extra $1,000 this year.

As of Feb. 1, there are . . . → Read More: Save an Extra $1,000 This Year

5 ways to be a financially responsible Valentine

Want to be the perfect Valentine for your significant other? Here are some tips to show him or her how “fiscally” attractive you can be.

Spend a romantic evening on a budget. Relationship woes often can be traced to finances. If money’s tight, don’t stay at home and grumble about money trouble, and don’t spend a night . . . → Read More: 5 ways to be a financially responsible Valentine

New Year’s Resolution – Get Financially Fit in 2011

2011 is just beginning! It’s an ideal time to set new goals, such as becoming physically fit or getting organized. The New Year is also a great time to assess your finances, gain control and stick to a new budget or saving plan. Taking control of your personal finances will allow you to save and prepare for . . . → Read More: New Year’s Resolution – Get Financially Fit in 2011

Be Alert to Dangers of Holiday Shopping Online

Many holiday shoppers will buy some, if not most, of their gifts on the Internet. According to the National Retail Federation, 50.8 percent of Americans will make at least one holiday purchase online. But as more consumers turn to the Internet to do their shopping, so do the fraudsters with their scams. 

Fortunately, there are some simple . . . → Read More: Be Alert to Dangers of Holiday Shopping Online