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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...

Last year, more than 100 million Americans received an average tax refund of $2,869 deposited back in their bank accounts after filing their taxes.  As millions of Americans await reimbursement from Uncle Sam, below are six tips for making the most of their tax refund.

Consider filing as soon as you can get your tax documents in order to receive your refund more quickly and, most importantly, to prevent fraudsters from claiming your refund before you do. Your tax refund can...

When considering buying a home, the down payment you put upfront plays a major role in your future housing expenses. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the amount you save can greatly influence your interest rate, monthly housing payment and also your need for mortgage insurance. As you prepare for the home buying process, Farmers Bank is highlighting six tips to help you cut the extra costs and save a substantial amount for your down payment.

Typically, lenders...