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Published On
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Conducting a Periodic Review of Your Estate Plan
With your estate plan successfully implemented, one final but critical step remains: carrying out a periodic review and update.
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3/1/2013
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Put Your Tax Return to Work for You
If you're fortunate enough to receive a tax return this year, consider putting it in savings. Here are some other financially smart uses for your tax return.
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3/1/2013
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What Is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?
While others may call themselves financial planners, only
those who demonstrate the requisite experience, education, and ethical standards are awarded the CFP® mark.
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3/1/2013
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Key Estate Planning Documents You Need
There are five estate planning documents you may need, regardless of your age, health, or wealth.
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2/1/2013
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The Benefits of Tax-Advantaged Savings Vehicles
Taxes can take a big bite out of your total investment returns, so it's helpful to look for tax-advantaged strategies when building a portfolio.
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2/1/2013
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Tips to Save Money When Budgets are Tight
Use the following tips inspired by the America Saves Week website to save money when budgets are tight.
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2/1/2013
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Life Insurance Tax Traps for the Unwary
There are a number of situations that can easily lead to unintended and adverse tax consequences. Here are some of the life insurance tax traps you may want to avoid.
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1/1/2013
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Saving for Retirement
Although most of us recognize the importance of sound retirement planning, few of us embrace the nitty-gritty work involved. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
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1/1/2013
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Tips for Managing Your Mortgage
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) provides the following suggestions to manage a mortgage and protect your investment in good times and bad.
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1/1/2013
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Healthy Personal Finance Resolutions
While resolving to eat better and exercise more is a good thing, you should be sure to make resolutions that pertain to the overall health of your personal finances as well.
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12/1/2012
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How to Give Wisely and Well
Here are some tips that can help you become both a generous and wise donor.
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12/1/2012
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Not So Fast: Think Before Paying Off Mortgage Early
Although prepaying homeowners think they're doing themselves a great service, some financial advisers say they're making a mistake.
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12/1/2012
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FSB Third Quarter Earnings 2012
Waterloo, Iowa, based Farmers State Bank, has continued to thrive and support its customers in the Cedar Valley throughout the economic hardships of the past several years.
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11/1/2012
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Take Advantage of The Low-Interest Rate Environment
Whether you want to save, spend or invest, consider your options and choose the strategies that best suit your particular financial circumstances.
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11/1/2012
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Income in Respect of a Decedent
IRD is income that the decedent earned but did not receive prior to death.
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10/29/2012
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Top Year-End Investment Tips
Taking a little time out to make some strategic saving and investing decisions can affect not only your long-term ability to meet your financial goals but
also the amount of taxes you'll owe next April.
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10/29/2012
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Common Email Security Mistakes
Here are some simple yet important security tips you should know in order to keep your email account as secure as possible.
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10/1/2012
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Family Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Company
A properly formed and maintained FLP or FLLC can facilitate the transfer of your
business to the next generation, protect assets from potential creditors, and minimize income, gift, and estate taxes.
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10/1/2012
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Social Security: What Should You Do at Age 62?
Before you put down the tools of your
trade and pick up your first Social Security check, there are some factors you'll need to weigh before deciding whether to start collecting benefits early.
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10/1/2012
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Leaving a Legacy
To ensure that your legacy reaches your heirs as you intend, you must make the proper arrangements now.
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8/29/2012
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Money Management Tips for College Students
As college students go back to the classroom this fall, they will be thinking about course schedules, test scores and GPAs. FSB reminds students to also think about how they plan to spend, save and manage their money.
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8/29/2012
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Protecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance
Your life insurance needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career stage, and your goals.
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8/29/2012
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Advanced Estate Planning Concepts for Women
Advanced estate planning isn't just for women who are or were married. You'll want to consider whether these concepts and strategies apply to your specific
circumstances.
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8/1/2012
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Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
If you're self-employed or own a small business and you haven't established a retirement savings plan,what are you waiting for?
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8/1/2012
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Should I Refinance?
Many homeowners are asking the question, "Should I refinance?" Follow these tips to help answer that question.
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8/1/2012
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Protect Your Privacy on Summer Vacation
As you make your summer travel plans, consider these tips for protecting your privacy.
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7/1/2012
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Charitable Giving
Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans.
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6/26/2012
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The Investment Tax Landscape
Countdown to 2013
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6/26/2012
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Clean Out Your Financial Records
Before your paper shredder goes to work, check this list from Iowa Jump$tart on how long to keep financial records.
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6/1/2012
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Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT)
A grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) is an irrevocable trust into which you make a one-time transfer of property, and from which you receive a fixed amount annually for a specified number of years
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6/1/2012
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How Much Annual Income Can Your Retirement Portfolio Provide?
Your retirement lifestyle will depend not only on your assets and investment choices, but also on how quickly you draw down your retirement portfolio.
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6/1/2012
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How To Protect Your Family’s Financial Security
One of the main reasons we buy life insurance is so that when we pass, our loved ones will have enough money to pay off our remaining debts and final expenses.
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5/1/2012
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New eNotices
Save time and paper by having your important FSB notices delivered electronically. Choose to have your FSB notices, such as CD maturity reminders or overdraft letters, sent to your email just like your eStatements.
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5/1/2012
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The Power of Dividends in a Portfolio
If dividends are reinvested, their impact over time becomes very dramatic.
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5/1/2012
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How Grandparents Can Help with College Costs
As the cost of a college education continues to climb, many grandparents are stepping in to help.
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4/2/2012
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Teach Children to Save Day
Here are some tips for parents and other adults to help the children in their lives become smart savers.
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4/2/2012
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Planning for Incapacity
Planning ahead can ensure that your health-care wishes will be carried out, and that your finances will continue to be competently managed.
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3/15/2012
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Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
You may never be able to completely prevent your identity from being stolen, but here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.
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3/15/2012
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Maximize the Value of Your IRA
The keys to maximizing the ultimate value of your IRA are simple...
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3/1/2012
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Money-Saving Tips for Spring
To celebrate the warmer weather and add some money to your pocketbook, here are a few tips to help you save some cash this spring:
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3/1/2012
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Your Questions - Answered
In an effort to better help our customers, the staff at FSB has taken the time to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions by customers...
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3/1/2012
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Equity-Indexed Universal Life Insurance
Equity-indexed universal life insurance (EIUL) is a type of permanent, cash value life insurance...
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2/1/2012
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Identity Theft Prevention
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing types of financial fraud. Use these tips to help avoid having your identity compromised...
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2/1/2012
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Mobile Banking 101
Nine out of ten Americans have a cell phone and, according to research by The Nielsen Company, more than half of them are smart phones.
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2/1/2012
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Changing Jobs? Take Your 401(k) and ... Roll It!
If you’ve lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan.
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1/3/2012
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La Porte City Now Open
Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Farmers State Bank opened its newest branch located in La Porte City at 508 Highway 218 N.
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1/3/2012
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New Student Debt Repayment Plan
President Obama announced a plan that seeks to help college graduates pay back their federal student loans...
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1/3/2012
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Simplify Your Finances
If time is a precious commodity for you, here are seven ideas to save time...
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1/3/2012
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Social Security & Medicare Figures for 2012
If you receive Social Security or SSI benefits, here’s some good news...
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1/3/2012
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Introducing Cedar Falls School Pride Cards
FSB is giving Cedar Falls something to cheer about - the Cedar Falls Tigers School Pride Card!
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12/2/2011
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Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out your credit cards...
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12/2/2011
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The Gift of Low Interest Rates
It’s that time of the year when everyone’s wish lists come out. Coincidentally, so do hundreds of coupons, one-day specials, and markdowns.
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12/2/2011
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Dangers of Holiday Shopping On-line
Many holiday shoppers will buy some, if not most, of their gifts on the Internet. According to the National Retail Federation...
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11/1/2011
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Myths and Facts about Social Security
Myth: Social Security will provide most of the income you need in retirement.
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11/1/2011
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New Branch to Open in La Porte City
FSB is pleased to announce the opening of our eighth branch in La Porte City on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
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11/1/2011
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Investment Scams on the Internet
The Internet has become the communication channel of choice for many investors. It has also become a popular place for thieves and scam artists to find victims.
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10/3/2011
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Protecting Your Internet Activities and Electronic Data
When using the Internet for financial transactions, be sure the sites you visit are secure.
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10/3/2011
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Reasons to Consider Online Banking
Using the Internet to interact with FSB can help simplify your financial affairs. Here are ten reasons...
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10/3/2011
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Are You Investing Enough?
Most Americans haven’t tried to figure out how much money they’ll need to fund their retirement - so naturally, they don’t know if they are saving enough...
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9/21/2011
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Leaving a Legacy
You’ve worked hard over the years to accumulate wealth, and you probably find it comforting to know that...
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9/21/2011
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Take a Long Term View
Although investing in the stock market has always involved both opportunities and pitfalls, volatility serves...
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9/21/2011
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A Guide To Trust Services
Why do so many financially successful individuals and their families trust institutions to meet their financial management needs?
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9/1/2011
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Financial Management Tips for College Students
College students understand grade-point averages and test scores, but do they understand their credit score or...
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9/1/2011
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Setting and Targeting Investment Goals
Setting investment goals means defining your dreams for the future. When you’re setting goals...
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9/1/2011
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Is Your Estate Plan Up-To-Date?
It’s important to periodically check up on the plans you’ve set in place. Take a moment to look over your various...
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7/29/2011
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share, but competing with the desire to own your home is your need to invest...
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7/29/2011
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Safe Online Banking
Online banking makes managing money convenient for millions of American households. With a few clicks of...
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7/19/2011
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A Growing Trend... Special Needs Trusts
A special needs trust is a specialized legal document designed to benefit an individual who has a disability. This type..
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7/1/2011
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The Joys and Financial Challanges of Parenthood
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the average cost of raising one child to age 18 ranges from...
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7/1/2011
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2011 Estate Planning Myths
To learn more about how a trust could enhance financial security for you and your family, arrange to meet with...
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6/1/2011
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Building a Financial Strategy
A financial strategy is simply a plan for how you are going to handle your finances. It does not have to be overly complicated, but...
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6/1/2011
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10 Tips for Avoiding Online Scams
International scam artists use clever schemes to defraud millions of people around the world each year...
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5/12/2011
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Fundamentals of Investing
Investing is simply the process of acquiring assets that you hope will grow in value. Investments can include...
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5/1/2011
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Protect Yourself From Fraud
Here are some tips from the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help you protect yourself from...
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5/1/2011
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Spring Into Savings
Spring has officially arrived! To celebrate the warmer weather and add some money to your pocketbook...
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5/1/2011
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Maximize Your IRA
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) continue to be one of the most powerful ways to accumulate...
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4/1/2011
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Mobile Banking 101
Nine out of ten Americans have a cell phone; and, according to research by The Nielsen Company, more than half of them will be using a smart phone by...
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4/1/2011
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Protect Your Wallet
There aren’t too many things worse than the panicked feeling of a missing wallet or purse...
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4/1/2011
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10 Tips for Paperless Record-keeping
Paper statements, receipts and other documents scattered around the house are easy to misplace and...
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3/2/2011
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Get a Jump-start on Your Taxes
By now, you’ve probably noticed important tax documents arriving in the mail and...
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3/1/2011
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How to Save with a Home Refinance
Housing costs are generally one of the largest components of most household budgets. With interest rates changing so frequently, you should
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3/1/2011
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Secure Your Family's Future
Estate planning is often only considered essential for wealthy or older individuals. However...
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3/1/2011
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Shedding Light on Tax Season
Filing your income tax returns can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. It is something...
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3/1/2011
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Protect What Matters Most
Your life insurance needs can depend on a number of factors...
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2/1/2011
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Trust Services That Fit Your Future
Trusts can be a complicated area of financial management, and...
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2/1/2011
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Building a Nest-Egg
Often it seems that saving money is almost impossible. Yet having a...
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1/1/2011
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New Year, New Budget
A budget is generally thought of as a rigid plan on how you can spend your money. While this is true, you may...
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1/1/2011
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Simplify Your Finances
If time is a precious commodity for you, here are eight ideas...
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1/1/2011
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Before Buying Your First House
Owning your own home has been part of the "American Dream" for years.
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12/16/2010
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Evaluating Refinancing Your Mortgage
If you are like most people, your home is your most valuable financial asset and...
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12/16/2010
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Fund Your IRA
Fund Your IRA the Easy Way With an Automatic Savings Plan
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12/16/2010
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Making Annual Gifts
What is the simplest estate planning tool around? Gifting! Make substantial annual gifts now while you can...
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12/16/2010
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Mutual Funds and Income Taxes
Mutual funds offer many benefits such as...
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12/16/2010
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Health Savings Accounts
We all need health insurance and...
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11/24/2010
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Ten Reasons to Consider Online Banking
The Internet is definitely changing the way we live. It has quickly become...
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11/24/2010
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Use Automatic Savings Programs to Reach Your Financial Goals
One of the simplest and most effective tools you can use.
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11/24/2010
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Put Your Identity on Lock-Down
Up to 500,000 individuals each year are victims of identity theft...
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11/1/2010
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Steps if You Are a Victim
If you suspect misuse of your personal information to commit fraud, take action immediately. Keep a record of...
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11/1/2010
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Tips to Protect Your Plastic
Tips to keep your debit card safe and secure...
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11/1/2010
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Go Paperless With eStatements
Each month it seems like that stack of bank statements on your kitchen counter is quickly becoming an overwhelming mountain of paper. Not only is it cluttering up your cooking space but...
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10/1/2010
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Making Your Password Secure
Hacking, phishing, and all forms of security intrusion are on the rise. Officials have found that...
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10/1/2010
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New Baby...New Budget
When a newborn baby enters into the world, your financial picture is bound to...
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9/1/2010
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Saving For Education
A college education can be the key to success for many young adults across the country, but...
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9/1/2010
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Measuring the Gap
Once you have estimated your retirement income needs, take...
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8/1/2010
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Saving Your Retirement
When you know roughly how much money you’ll need, your next goal is to save that amount.
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8/1/2010
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Using the Right Tools
The following are some of the most common retirement savings tools...
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8/1/2010
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College Credit
Credit cards are an important financial tool for students, especially those living away from home.
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7/1/2010
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Running Up Your Credit Score
A credit score is a measure of risk based on a person’s credit history.
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7/1/2010
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Thawing the Credit Freeze
A credit freeze occurs when a consumer requests...
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7/1/2010
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It’s Our Privilege to Serve You
We know that getting your money from ATMs is important.
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6/1/2010
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Don’t Be Fooled by Bogus Pop-Up Warnings
Everybody has seen them, those boxes that suddenly appear on a computer screen...
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5/1/2010
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Mobile Money Management
Mobile banking has progressed from a trendy offering to a necessity in today’s marketplace.
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5/1/2010
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Pay Every Bill on One Screen
FSB Bill Pay offers you the convenience of paying your bills when and how you want to.
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5/1/2010
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New Lending Regulations
In 2009, major revisions were made to two key regulations affecting the mortgage lending industry: the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
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4/1/2010
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Phishing for Your Personal Information
Phishing attacks use ‘spoofed’ e-mails and...
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3/1/2010
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Strengthening Online Banking Security
It is our commitment to you that access to your financial information is secure.
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3/1/2010
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