Take the Stress Out of Travel

With winter just around the corner, now is the time that many people start planning a tropical get-away for the winter. Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but under planning and overspending can lead to financial stressors. Consider the following tips...

Consumer Tips, mobile wallet

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative that raises awareness about online safety. A major part of internet safety is keeping up with the trends and methods scammers use to take advantage of personal information and finances. Artificial...

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual reminder to check the locks on our digital lives. This year, it’s important to remember that anyone can become the target of a scam when emotions take over and good judgment is rushed. According...

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank, a loved one, the government or law enforcement. And in this time of expanded use of online and mobile banking, the problem is only...

#BanksNeverAskThat, Beware of scams, Consumer Tips, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, Safety, Security

Iowa State Bank, Algona, Iowa and its holding company, Mid-Iowa Bancshares Co., have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Swea City Bancorporation, Inc. and its subsidiary bank, Bank Plus, a $157 million community bank headquartered in Estherville,...

Estherville, Graettinger, Ledyard, Swea City

It's hard to believe, but the end of the year is right around the corner. Between holiday plans, year-end expenses, and preparing for the year ahead, the next few months can pass quickly. The good news? A few simple financial check-ins now can help...

When it comes to fraud, one piece of advice has stood the test of time: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using technology, social media, email, text messages, and phone...

Consumer Tips, Fraud detection, identity theft

Have you ever received a text, email, or phone call that seemed legitimate, but something felt off? You're not alone. According to a 2025 Bankrate survey, more than two-thirds of Americans (68%) have experienced a financial scam or fraud at some...

Consumer Tips, Fraud detection, Safety, Security

Iowa State Bank contributed $10,000 to support the Ruthven Fire Department's construction of a new fire station, helping strengthen emergency services and invest in the future of the community. The new fire station will provide the Ruthven Fire...

September is National Preparedness month, and the question isn’t if scammers are going to target older adults but when. It’s important to be prepared for criminals when they come knocking. Fraudsters are capitalizing on sophisticated artificial...

Consumer Tips, identity theft, prevent fraud, Safety, Security