Skip to Content
Close Icon

Consumer Tips

Savings for college
Saving for College

Spring is just around the corner, and high school seniors everywhere are buzzing with plans for life after graduation. If college is part of your path, now is the perfect time — whether you’re early or a little late — to start mapping...

Read Full Post
Redefining Retirement in Your 50s
Redefining Retirement in Your 50s

Age 50 is a major milestone. Not only does it mean you've lived for half a century, but it also comes with some key advantages that can ensure you are saving enough for retirement. Now is the time to maximize your savings to ensure you can do what...

Read Full Post

Consumer Tips, Saving Money

Consider an allowance for your child
Start the New Year with an Allowance Plan for Your Kids

As the calendar flips to a fresh year, it's the perfect time to introduce new habits—especially ones that teach your kids valuable life skills. If your children are starting to show interest in earning their own money, consider using this opportunity...

Read Full Post

piggy bank, Saving Money

Financial make-over in 2026
Give Your Finances a Make-Over in 2026

With the start of the new year, now is the time to give your finances a make-over with these tips: Refresh your budget -- Take a good look at your budget and decide what needs to be updated. Examine all debts and expenses, as well as amounts you want...

Read Full Post

Saving Money

Build and maintain good credit
Build & Maintain Good Credit in the New Year

If you're looking to the new year as a time to build better credit habits, consider these tips, courtesy of the Independent Community Bankers of America. Open a checking account and keep track of your balance to help establish a credit history. Use...

Read Full Post
Protect Yourself from Fraud this Holiday Season
Protect Yourself from Fraud this Holiday Season

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone—including fraudsters. While you're shopping for gifts and enjoying the festivities, it's important to stay alert. Scammers don’t take time off, and the rush of holiday spending can make...

Read Full Post

Beware of scams, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, Safety, Security

Don't Let Santa's Wish List Break Your Budget
Don’t Let Santa’s Wish List Break Your Budget

When it comes to holiday spending, make the most of Santa’s wish list this Christmas: Plan ahead to avoid impulse purchases that may result in overspending or excessive gifts. Know the spending game. Research prices and upcoming sales events,...

Read Full Post
recap your financial year
Recap Your Financial Year & Plan for the Next

With the end of 2025 drawing near, it’s a great time to look back at spending patterns and habits, review savings and investments, make a plan for paying off debt, and set financial goals for the upcoming year. By taking a few simple steps at the...

Read Full Post
Support small business and shop local
Support Small Business & Shop Local

This holiday season, Iowa State Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are urging consumers to keep their spending local by shopping with community-owned businesses this holiday season. Supporting local businesses can make a big...

Read Full Post
Beware of Holiday Scams
Don't Let Scammers Steal Your Joy this Season

Iowa State Bank urges consumers to use extra caution online this holiday season. Scammers take advantage of unique opportunities during the holiday season to defraud consumers.  These involve phishing emails, charity scams, delivery scams and travel...

Read Full Post

Beware of scams, Fraud detection, prevent fraud, protect identity, Safety