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 […]
Take some “interest” in comparing credit cards
As you grow up and head out to the real world, the more you’ll be responsible for making very important financial decisions. One of the most important is choosing the right credit card. There are literally thousands of different credit cards, from different companies, with different rates, and different fees. As a result, it’s really […]
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 […]
Have you set your financial objectives?
Setting financial objectives for you and your spouse is an important part of planning for the future as a newly married couple. Goals are critical to financial success and are a fundamental part of the financial planning process. After all, if you don’t have goals and objectives, what is the point of financial planning in […]
Applying for your first loan
Applying for your first loan can be an overwhelming and sometimes confusing process. In fact, there are a number of things you should do before you even start the process of applying for a loan. First, build your credit. The number one hurdle a young person will come across is not having established credit. A […]
Do you know your net worth? It’s worth it!
It’s always interesting, and helpful, to figure what your net worth is – especially if you just got married. Before you got married, your net worth was just about you. Now, it’s the combination of your net worth and your spouse’s net worth. Calculating your net worth is actually very simple. Basically, you list the […]
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 […]
