Saving Money

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...

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

School is back in session, and that means it's time for a quick lesson in money management for students and families. Whether you're buying textbooks, paying tuition, or managing everyday expenses, the right digital banking tools can help keep...

 Kids' Book Picks for Grades 6 – 8 With the start of a new school year just around the corner, now is a great time to encourage reading habits that can last a lifetime. Books are also a wonderful way to introduce important life skills,...

Smart Money Stories: Kids' Book Picks for Grades 3 – 5 August has arrived, and a new school year is just around the corner. As students prepare to head back to the classroom, it's a great time to help them build skills that will benefit...

From Piggy Banks to Possibilities: Kids' Book Picks for Grades Kindergarten - 2 As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to encourage a love of reading while introducing important life lessons. For young children,...

July 1 is National Financial Freedom Day, a reminder that financial independence is something worth pursuing, not just hoping for. It’s the point where your savings, investments and income give you real choices. Most people want it but far fewer...

Consumer Tips

The graduation cards are opened. The checks are cashed. Your student’s bank account balance is looking pretty good… for now. You’ve had the “money talk” with your soon‑to‑be college student, but let’s be honest—when...

Algona High School, Bishop Garrigan High School, College, R/A Schools, Saving Money, Undergraduate

April is Financial Literacy Month, and building wealth over time requires simple habits, not complicated strategies. According to Annuity.org, 25% percent of U.S. adults say they don’t have anyone to ask for trusted financial advice. Below are some...

Saving Money