Finances Information

Local News

Evaluating Your Estate Plan
(Posted on 1/10/2012)
It’s vital, but hard to discuss, so come to Fayette on February 16th and get help.

FICO Score
(Posted on 9/13/2010)
...get your free credit report.

Paying Off Debt
(Posted on 3/23/2010)
The debt management principles behind the PowerPay program are proven. The three principles are: do not acquire any new debt, keep the total amount of money going toward debt elimination constant until all debts are repaid and, finally, when one debt is paid off, roll that payment over to one of the other debts

What is an Entrepreneur?
(Posted on 2/25/2010)
Much has been written about entrepreneurs. Some of it portrays entrepreneurs as almost mythical characters who obtain their skills from a unique genetic combination. However, research tells us that entrepreneurship can be learned. The information below provides some characteristics and skills you may want to acquire to improve your entrepreneurial ability.

Free online workshop helps farmers understand financial world
(Posted on 11/13/2009)
As agriculture becomes more and more complex, farm and ranch managers need to understand and communicate in the financial world.

News from Iowa State University Extension

ISU Extension Volunteers Offer Tax Help to Rural Iowans
(Posted on 1/26/2012)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a program that provides free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income Iowans. ISU Extension and Outreach works with local partners to recruit and train volunteers and provide technical support for VITA sites in 42 rural counties.

Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.

Smart Investing Online Course Meets Investment Challenges for Different Life Stages
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
Iowans who want to learn to make wise investing decisions should register for Smart Investing, a free online course that begins the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

Poverty and Food Needs Profiles Offer County Data
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Poverty statistics have climbed during the past decade, and food insecurity rates have increased across Iowa and the nation as a whole. Researchers from Iowa State University have assembled the latest data on these issues in a series of publications, now available online.

Extension Provides Educational Resources beyond Iowa Borders
(Posted on 9/29/2011)
In 2011 Ernst & Young began partnering with Biz Kid$, a national financial education television series about kids, money and business, to provide educational materials for its EY Connect Day program. Soon a search for kid-focused budgeting activities led Biz Kid$ to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

New Face for Family Finance at ISU Extension
(Posted on 9/22/2011)
Timothy Griesdorn is the newest addition to the family finance team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Remember Tax Tips When Paying College Expenses
(Posted on 9/8/2011)
Mary Beth Kaufman, a family finance program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, reminds students and parents paying college expenses to keep receipts and be aware of tax benefits that can help offset college costs.

Financial Coaches Build Financial Stability in Iowa Families
(Posted on 9/1/2011)
Just as a sports coach improves a player’s athletic prowess, a financial coach can improve the financial stability of Iowa families. That's why ISU Extension and Outreach is offering Sharpen Your Financial Coaching Skills in several Iowa communities.

Workshop Helps Iowa Educators Build Financial Literacy Skills in Students
(Posted on 9/1/2011)
As Iowa students begin a new school year, many can look forward to developing better financial literacy skills along with their more traditional subjects. That’s because their teachers, who were trained in the Family Economics and Financial Education (FEFE) curriculum, are better equipped and confident to teach them what they need to know about financial literacy.

Register Now for Financial Literacy Teaching Workshop
(Posted on 5/17/2011)
Iowa middle and high school teachers have until June 1 to register for training in the Family Economics and Financial Education (FEFE) program, a nationally recognized financial literacy curriculum. The workshop is set for July 13-15 at Iowa State University.