Tag Archives: savings

Start the 52-Week Savings Challenge!

Whether it’s a house, a new vehicle, or other lending options, having a down payment is always a great first step. In this 52-week challenge you will begin saving a little at a time to accumulate $5000 this year! Here’s how it works, every week you deposit a different amount into your savings account. As the weeks go on you begin to build a steady base little by little. At the end of the year you will have saved $5000 if done correctly. You can also add to the numbers shown below if you’d like to save more than $5000. Simply take the additional amount you would like to save, and divide it by 52. Now add that number to each of the deposit amounts for the year and you have your game plan.

$5000 is a substantial sum of money that offers endless potential, so here are some ideas to get you started!

Vacation: Take a break and enjoy an exciting new destination with your family! Cruises start at less than $700/person, and a week in Florida typically runs $4000+ for a family of four.

New Vehicle: You can either purchase a used vehicle with the $5000 (or less), or you can use the $5000 to put a down payments on a more expensive vehicle you’ve had your eye on.

Down Payment on a Home: With $5000 on top of your current savings, this may finally be the year you decide to become a homeowner! There are many lending options to help you purchase your new home that can work together with your budget.

Wedding: A little creativity may be involved but the celebration can go on! With the largest event expenses being the venue, food, and photographer, finding inventive shortcuts can turn $5000 into the wedding of your dreams!

No matter what you’re saving toward Iowa State Bank & Trust Company is here to help you achieve it! Stop by the bank or call us today at (641) 472-3161 to get started with one of our convenient savings accounts.

Shrinking Student Loans

Over 40 million Americans utilize student loans. Across the country that adds up to be over 7 billion dollars in national debt, second only to mortgages. Take another look into your finances with these student loan tips courtesy of Iowa State Bank!

Choose your loans wisely: Calculate the cost of the necessities – tuition, room and board, textbooks, and transportation – and sign loans that cover only what you need, even if you qualify for more. A part-time job or summer position can provide funds for added nonessential expenses. When possible, apply income from a part-time job to pay back a loan’s interest while you’re still in school to save hundreds on repayment when you graduate.
Increase your payments: If you’re on a 10-year installment plan, you’re paying a decade of interest on top of your original loan, adding more debt to your plate. When possible, pay back more than the minimum agreement each month and chop off extra time and interest. If you have multiple loans, direct your additional payments towards the loan with the highest interest rate. The faster you can pare down the principal, the less you accrue in exorbitant interest.
Make installments as often as you are able: With less time between payments for interest to accumulate, an accelerated payment plan can decrease your repayment term. By doubling your schedule of installments and making more payments over the same time period, you’re able to lessen the interest and pay your loan off sooner.
Track your interest: Motivate yourself with a continually updated track record of your current interest. The longer you have the loan, the more money you spend towards interest. Incentivize yourself by creating a cap for how much you want to pay in interest each year. Let that help guide you to make extra payments per year.

If you have questions on your student loan payments, or choosing the right option for your future education, call (641) 472-3161 or stop by today!

Teaching Your Children the Value of Money: 5 Simple Lessons

Building a successful financial future for your little one starts with a strong foundation. At Iowa State Bank we offer financial opportunities for all ages! Grow the building blocks of fiscal understanding with your children using these fun and easy lessons.

See the value of savings: Before they understand the concept of retirement, help them see the advantage of long term savings. Just as companies offer to match their employee’s savings plan contributions, offer to match your child’s investment in a purchase. If they save for half the amount, you’ll contribute the other half.
Create a goal chart: Saving for a car, a college degree, or a home takes years of planning. Let your child see the value of long term savings by helping them visually track progress in their own investment. Choose a purchase such as a new tech device or a day trip to an amusement park. Based on their allowance and other sources of income, draw a column of boxes to represent the number of weeks of savings it will require, then draw an X or place a sticker in each box once they save the weekly amount.
Open a savings account: An interest-bearing savings account can help your child track their money as it expands through simple deposits and compound interest. Open an account for your child early on to educate them on the concept of finances, and have them deposit a percentage of their allowance each month to see their own wealth grow.
Demonstrate checking: When your child is comfortable with complex addition and subtraction, have them assist you as you track your deposits and purchases while balancing your checkbook. Show them a bank statement and explain the different components, identifying which numbers help you balance your checking account. Take this opportunity to explain the relationship between savings and checking accounts and give examples of why and when you would use each.
Set an example: Your children look to you to set a precedent, so if you save, they save, and if you spend, they spend. Set up a savings jar at home for extra change and designate these additional funds to fun family events such as ice cream trips, movie nights, and more. Show them the power of savings one coin at a time!

Iowa State Bank wants to see you and your little ones succeed. Stop in today to learn about our savings account options!

The Benefits to Filing Your Taxes Early

Spring is almost here and so is tax season! Get a head start on your filings this year with our quick and easy tips. Remember, the sooner you file your taxes the sooner you receive any potential deductibles!

File your taxes IF necessary.

After receiving your W-2’s from employers, determine if you need to file taxes, or if you are able to claim exemption. If you have had money withheld from your paycheck, you want to file taxes. As a general rule, if you’re single making over $9,750, or married and filing jointly making over $19,000, then yes you need to file your income taxes. There are however additional financial limits for head of household, widowers, and tax payers over 65. Once you’ve determined that you need to file the next step is choosing your manner of filing.

Choose the best medium of filing for you.

With so many options in filing your taxes it’s hard to decide which option is best for you and your family. If your household income is less than $58,000 the IRS provides free online filing software that can be used to file relatively simple returns. If you prefer to do the filing yourself and are well versed on potential deductions and other regulations, you can print out the tax forms mail your taxes straight to the IRS. If you’d like some added assurance in your filings, using a tax software or hiring a local tax consultant can be beneficial when you have a more complex tax filing, or want further education throughout the tax process.

Utilize your deductions.

Filing income taxes can at times feel like a run-around, however if done properly the outcome can benefit you greatly. Deductibles are an opportunity that many citizens take advantage of, allowing you to deduct various expenses from your taxable income, potentially bringing you to a lower tax bracket. Below are several simple ways you can utilize tax deductions.

Charitable donation deduction – keep receipts for any donation to a certified non-profit, even baked good donations may be deducted if the receipts are kept from the purchase of ingredients.
Relocation deduction – after moving 50 or miles away for a new career you are able to deduct the cost of moving expenses, storage, and travel expenses if you have worked there for 39 weeks or more. If you have not yet worked 39 weeks, but you will accomplish that number in the coming year, you may still file your deduction.
Mileage deduction – maintaining a rigorous travel log, may seem tedious, but it will pay off in the long run. If you’re driving for volunteer work, job-hunting, or doctor’s appointments you can deduct the mileage from your taxable income so long as you have your travel log and relative receipts.

Did you know nearly 20% of U.S. taxpayers wait until two week before the deadline to turn in their annual taxes? Don’t delay, stop by the bank today to see what options we have to secure your potential refund.