Tax Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks
(Posted on 1/23/2012)
"The lure of quick cash before you get your tax refund will cost you big money through high fees and hefty interest rates," states Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Field Specialist. Refund anticipation loan (RAL), which is a loan borrowed against and secured by a taxpayer’s expected tax return, may be a thing of the past after this year. The last bank still funding RALs has agreed to stop after this tax season, under a settlement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

2011 Farmer's Tax Guide Now Available
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. Use this publication as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return.

Achieving Financial Goals
(Posted on 12/8/2011)
Financial stability and reaching financial goals involves hard work and discipline. “While it’s easy to earn money, it’s oftentimes more difficult to save consistently,” says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Field Specialist. Making smart choices and setting goals is important.

IRA Retirement Investing
(Posted on 11/28/2011)
Social Security was never intended to be the sole source of income in retirement…it is a supplement, says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. . “Although some organizations pay a retirement pension, these types of retirement plans are becoming less common. As a result, we are forced to take retirement savings into our own hands,” she adds.

Using "Dollar Cost Averaging"
(Posted on 11/9/2011)
Dollar cost averaging is a technique designed to reduce market risk by purchasing securities at predetermined intervals and set amounts. This system tends to reduce market risk and eliminate some of the guesswork of deciding when to invest, explains Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist.

Determine Your Asset Allocation
(Posted on 10/19/2011)
Asset allocation – how much money is invested where – is the single most important factor in determining your return. Consensus among most financial professionals is that asset allocation is one of the most important decisions that investors make, shared Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. Your selection of individual securities is secondary to the way you allocate your investment in stocks, bonds, and cash.

Loans: "No" means no, but what does "yes" mean?
(Posted on 9/6/2011)
Once upon a time, when you applied for a loan the answer was either “yes” or “no.” In recent years, shades of gray have been introduced. Now when someone applies for a loan, “no” still means NO. But all “yes” answers are not created equal. One person may get a “yes,” with a very good interest rate. But another “yes” answer may involve an interest rate that is 2-3 points higher. And third “yes” may offer a rate that is higher still.

Tax Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses
(Posted on 9/6/2011)
Most students have arrived on campus, unpacked their belongings, shopped for books and supplies, and attended their first classes for the fall semester. Soon payments will be due on University bills. Erin Ludwig, ISU Extension Family Finance Program Specialist reminds students and parents paying college expenses to keep receipts and be aware of tax benefits that can help offset college costs.

Trouble Paying Back Your Student Loan?
(Posted on 8/5/2011)
If you are having trouble repaying student loans, it is important to act quickly…before you are in default. The government can garnish your wages or offset your income tax refunds if you fail to make payments on federal loans for nine to 12 months. Private loans are turned over to a collection agency which can cause long-term damage to your credit.

One-on-One Financial Coaching Available
(Posted on 7/12/2011)
Are you in need of a financial tune-up? Are you struggling to manage your finances? Are you not sure what bills to pay first? Don’t know where to look for help? No matter what your income level is, there may be times when we need to seek help, especially when it comes to managing our finances.

Employer Plans for Retirement
(Posted on 5/19/2009)
It is important to personally save for retirement. However, one in three workers report they have not started. “A good way to save for retirement is to take advantage of retirement options through your employment,” says Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension and Outreach Family Finance Field Specialist. There are several types of plans available.