Personal Finances

The CD Ladder: A Safe Way to Grow Your Money

Written by Nathan Woolard

Looking for a safe, long-term savings option that still gives you access to your money at regular intervals?  CD laddering might be right for you.  A CD (certificate of deposit) allows you to deposit funds into an account for a specific amount of time at a fixed rate.  It’s... Read More

How Much Can I Afford to Spend on Housing?

Written by Nathan Woolard

There’s a lot of excitement involved in buying a new home and it can certainly be fun to look around at options that fulfill your more extravagant dreams.  However, when getting caught up in the thrill of your fantasies, you might forget to ask yourself the most... Read More

Budgeting for the New Year

Written by Nathan Woolard

When it comes to mapping out your personal finances, the most important rule is simply that you need a budget.  There are many factors to consider when establishing your spending limits, and it can be difficult to decide where to begin.  No need to worry!  Just follow these tips to get your budget rolling:

·         Track your... Read More

Written by Nathan Woolard

The holiday season is a time to rejoice and celebrate with loved ones, but it can also put a huge strain on an unprepared wallet.  We’ve all suffered our share of cringeworthy “overspend” moments and paid the price for them in more ways than one.  After a long year of watching your spending, the temptation to splurge can be overwhelming, especially in... Read More

Written by Nathan Woolard

It may just look like an innocuous little number, but your credit score is a very important part of your financial growth.  Scores will typically be effected most by your payment history on loans and credit cards, the amount of revolving credit you regularly use, the length of time your accounts have been open, the types of accounts you hold, and the frequency with which you apply for new credit.

So why does your credit score matter?  For... Read More

Written by Nathan Woolard

The start of college marks many young adults' first steps into a world of greater independence. Students are able to make new friends, find new interests, and explore a whole new level of financial autonomy. So it follows that college is the perfect time to start developing practical money management strategies that will help throughout school and beyond:

Are you ready to purchase your first home, or upgrade to a different property? Buying a home is an important decision, but can often seem intimidating and overwhelming. Review these eight steps so you are ready for each stage of the process.

1.       Prequalification - Before you begin your home search, visit with a lender to see how much you may qualify for. This helps narrow the search down and having... Read More

Whether you are buying your first home, or looking to upgrade from your existing home, saving up for your down payment can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be- utilize these tips below to be on the path to your new home sooner rather than later!

·         Establish How Much You Will Need: It is hard to start saving and stick to it if you do not have a plan outlined. Many organizations require 20%... Read More

Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

With the new year well under way, tax season is quickly approaching. According to CNBC, the average Iowan received a tax refund of $2,590 in 2017. While it can be tempting to spend the extra cash on a dream vacation or the latest technology trend, smart planning and self-control can improve your financial situation for the entire year. Here are six ideas to incorporate into your tax refund planning this year:

·      ... Read More