One of the best financial lessons you can ever teach your kids is how to save money. Once kids become fans of saving money, and learn how to do it, they’re taking a valuable step forward in building a great financial future. And as a parent, one of the most satisfying things in life is […]
Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Is it time to put Santa on a budget?
It’s that time of year again – malls all over the country are busting at the seams and wish lists from children and family members are slowly starting to make an appearance. If you dread this time of year for what it does to your bank account, you’re not alone. Holiday spending can easily get […]
5 common myths about mortgages
With something as complex as mortgages, it’s not surprising there are numerous myths surrounding this financing tool. Separate the fact from fiction by reviewing our list of 5 common myths and misconceptions about mortgages: Myth #1: If you’re over 60 years old, you can’t get a 30-year mortgage This is a very common misconception, and […]
Best financial advice ever received: Kent Jehle
Editor’s Note – this article is part of our series “Best financial advice I’ve ever received.” People frequently ask bankers the best piece of advice they have ever gotten. So for this series, we’re asking MidWestOne employees to share the best money management tips they’ve ever gotten. The best piece of financial advice I ever […]
What are IFA loans and how do they work?
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, or a seasoned pro, don’t finalize your home financing until you’ve considered Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) loans. If you qualify, it could result in substantial savings for you! What is the IFA? The IFA was formed in 1975 to help low- and moderate-income Iowans attain housing. Since then, IFA’s role […]
5 great financial habits that pay off
When it comes to money and finances, we all develop habits. Unfortunately, we often develop habits that aren’t financially sound – spending lots of money, impulse shopping, over-using credit cards, not saving, and many others. To avoid getting locked in to bad habits, it’s a lot better to set-up some good habits and stick to […]
Debt – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Debt is one of those subjects most people don’t want to talk about…it can be embarrassing and frustrating. The truth is, understanding different kinds of debt is one of the most critical elements in financial success and security. Today, many Americans are in more debt than they planned, or ever expected. The reason is simple: […]
How to create a safe password for online banking
In today’s online world, we all have lots of passwords we have to remember to access everything from social media to online stores to bank accounts. As a result, it can be tempting to use a simple password, or one that you use for other online accounts, for your online banking password. This can be […]
4 smart ways to pay for college
Deciding how to pay for college is a daunting task. One of the most important things to do is start saving as early as possible. Even if you’re only putting away $30 a month, saving money now will pay off when your children are ready to head to college. When trying to decide what plan […]
eBook: Your guide to buying and financing a home
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’re a seasoned pro, purchasing a house is a big step that can be stressful and overwhelming. First there’s the matter of finding the perfect home for you and your family. And after that, there are countless steps that have to be completed: getting finances in order, setting a […]
