Looking to Start a Business and Unsure Where to Start?

Farmers Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging customers to plan for their financial future by establishing and maintaining good credit habits to create a blueprint for financial wellness and prosperity in the New Year.

Good credit is essential to a strong financial foundation, so it’s important to build and maintain responsible credit practices that demonstrates sound money management principles to help you achieve your short and long-term...

Below are some financial tips from the American Bankers Association ag experts for America's young and beginning farmers.

In 2020, Iowans lost more than $17 million to fraud, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission. That’s an increase of nearly 49% from 2019. Those figures only prove how important it is to stay vigilant and know how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

It is unlikely fraud will ever be completely eliminated. Fraudsters adjust their strategies every year and are always on the lookout for new methods to commit crimes. As technology advances, so do these criminal...

Giving children an allowance is a great way to introduce them to the concept of financial responsibility. The hands-on experience children receive from handling money can go a long way toward developing financial literacy.

Simply giving them money each week isn’t enough, though. For children to get the most value out of their allowance, it needs to be accompanied by lessons on responsible spending. While this may be time consuming, it will prove valuable to them as they grow older.

For...

Before you can make the transition from renting your home to owning your home, you will need to have a substantial down payment, typically 3 to 20 percent of the home’s value. To help potential homebuyers save, check out the following tips:

Speak to a mortgage professional and determine how much you’ll need for a down payment. Create a budget and calculate how much you can realistically save each month –...

Now that you’re settling in to your new home, there are some important things you need to consider. Farmers Bank recommends the following tips.

Here are our top 10 favorite websites to help students find scholarships that suit their major or financial needs:

More than 70 percent of college graduates began their career owing more than $37,000 in student loans in 2017. Considering the additional living expenses they’ll soon face, new college graduates would be wise to focus on their financial future right now. Farmers Bank has highlighted six smart financial decisions college graduates should consider to position themselves for financial success as they embark on their next phase of life. 

The habits new graduates develop right...

With interest rates at record lows, consumers face a number of choices for managing their money.  Whether they want to save, spend or invest, consumers are encouraged to consider their options and choose the strategies that best suit their particular financial circumstances.

         Tips for low-interest-rate periods:

According to the National Council on Aging, almost 90 percent of the financial abuse committed against older Americans is done by someone they know. More than ever, it is imperative for seniors to select a trustworthy person to properly manage their finances and personal affairs.

Fraudsters often prey on seniors experiencing cognitive decline, limited mobility and other disabilities that require them to rely more heavily on others for help. Appointing someone you trust to handle your...