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3 Money Smart Week Challenges You’ll Actually Want to Try

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...

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The Ultimate Financial Literacy Challenge for April: A 4-Week Game Plan for Smarter Money Habits

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....

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Man with his hand on his head sitting at the table with his laptop, financial documents, coffee, and calculator
How to Stress Less About Money, Because It Hurts More Than Your Wallet

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...

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Romance Scams You Need to Watch for in 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,...

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Get Ready for Tax Season with This Quick Prep Checklist

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...

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5 Habits to Actually Break in 2026 for Your Wallet & Well-Being

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...

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14 Smart Ways Iowans Can Save on Groceries and Utilities This Winter

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,...

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5 End-of-Summer Spending Traps to Avoid
5 End-of-Summer Spending Traps to Avoid

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...

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deals, debt, online banking, spending money, summer, tips, travel

5 End-of-Summer Spending Traps to Avoid

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...

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deals, debt, online banking, spending money, summer, tips, travel

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation in Iowa
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation in Iowa

Summer in Iowa: It’s the perfect time to get out, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime – but you don’t have to break the bank to do it! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing staycation or an affordable weekend getaway,...

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budgeting, family, iowa, tips, travel, vacation, Vacation Budgeting