There’s something about spring in Iowa that makes us want to fling open the windows, clean every corner, and finally tackle that garage we’ve been ignoring all winter. And if you’re like most folks around here, you’ve got a few...
Read Full Post
April 5, 2026
April is here, and you know what that means: longer days, spring planting, and… financial literacy? Hear us out. Money Smart Week (April 5–12, 2026) is a national campaign focused on helping everyday folks feel more confident about managing...
Read Full Post
April 2, 2026
Between budgets, bills, savings goals, and credit scores, it’s easy to push those “I’ll deal with it later” thoughts to the back burner. Well, April is Financial Literacy Month, so it’s the perfect time to tackle those thoughts....
Read Full Post
When money’s tight, everything feels heavier, your shoulders, your sleep, and yes, even your heart. It’s not just in your head. Financial stress can seriously affect your physical and mental health, especially your heart. During National...
Read Full Post
February 14, 2026
Love might be in the air, but so are scams. Here’s how to protect your heart and your wallet. When you live in a small Iowa town, it’s easy to assume romance scams are something that happen “somewhere else.” But the truth is,...
Read Full Post
January 14, 2026
Tax season may not be anyone’s favorite time of year, but it sure does sneak up quickly. Whether you’re filing early with a refund in mind or still trying to locate your W-2 between snowstorms, a little preparation now can save you big headaches...
Read Full Post
As the calendar flips to a new year (where did the time go!?), it’s tempting to make big, sweeping resolutions: save more, spend less, scroll less, wake up earlier. But let’s be real: most resolutions don’t stick. Why? Because they’re...
Read Full Post
Winter in Iowa can be a bit unpredictable and brings its own challenges and costs. Between rising heating bills, electric use, and the need for hearty meals, it’s easy for budgets to strain. But with a few intentional tweaks, you can cut costs,...
Read Full Post
As we near the end of summer, it’s tempting to pack in one more last-minute vacation, shop those clearance sales, or enjoy spontaneous outings to try and make the most of your time before fall. While all of this sounds great, overspending at the...
Read Full PostAs we near the end of summer, it’s tempting to pack in one more last-minute vacation, shop those clearance sales, or enjoy spontaneous outings to try and make the most of your time before fall. While all of this sounds great, overspending at the...
Read Full PostFeatured Blogs
May 19, 2026
7 Garage Sale Secrets That Turn Clutter Into Cash
May 5, 2026
9 Cheap Home Projects That Look Expensive (You’ll Love #7!)
April 5, 2026
3 Money Smart Week Challenges You’ll Actually Want to Try
April 2, 2026
The Ultimate Financial Literacy Challenge for April: A 4-Week Game Plan for Smarter Money Habits
March 16, 2026
How American State Bank Helps Iowa Farmers Thrive Season After Season
March 3, 2026
Ag Lending 101: What Iowa Farmers Should Know Before Planting Season
February 17, 2026
How to Stress Less About Money, Because It Hurts More Than Your Wallet
February 14, 2026
Romance Scams You Need to Watch for in 2026
January 14, 2026
Get Ready for Tax Season with This Quick Prep Checklist
January 7, 2026
What Your New Year’s Resolution Says About Your Spending Style
