How You Can Develop a Solid Savings Plan
This America Saves Week, set some time aside to see if your savings plan is working for you.
Bank MidwestMarch 1, 2019
Focus on Seniors: Watch Out for Holiday Scams This Season
Holidays are a busy and stressful time of year. There's traveling and planning for visitors. Buying and wrapping presents for loved ones. Avoiding the flu. Cybercriminals know the hectic nature of holiday preparation and attempt to take advantage of anyone who may not be paying close attention, particularly older adults.…
7 tips for farmers to develop a strong marketing plan
One of the keys to success for today’s agricultural producers is a strong marketing plan which includes knowing break-even costs, having a solid action plan and keeping emotions out of it, according to tips released by the American Bankers Association at the ABA National Agricultural Bankers conference in Omaha, Neb.…
Bank MidwestNovember 14, 2018
It’s Time To Get Smart About Credit
October 18, 2019, is Get Smart About Credit day! The American Bankers Association Community Engagement Foundation works with banks around the country to raise awareness about the importance of using credit wisely. This national campaign aims to help young people develop responsible credit habits -- from building a credit history…
Bank MidwestOctober 17, 2018
Note the Rules of Using Gift Money for a Down Payment
Down payments are challenging for many first-time homebuyers. It seems that the initial financial stab at home ownership is among the greatest roadblocks of owning a home. If you are in the process of buying a home, using a gift can allow you to achieve that 20% down payment.…
Bank MidwestSeptember 20, 2018
How to Have the Life Insurance Talk
There are some tips to keep in mind to begin the conversation about life insurance.
Bank MidwestSeptember 13, 2018
Taking inventory of your homeowners insurance
Flooding, hurricanes, fires or tornadoes. We know they can happen. If you haven't witnessed it personally, just turn on TV or your computer to see the devastation in our region and elsewhere in the country. It's hard to imagine the actual experience of having your home destroyed or living in temporary shelters. This inability to…
Bank MidwestJuly 25, 2018
What Not To Do Yourself Before Selling Your House
It’s not all that uncommon. You tried to fix something in your house using all the analytic skills you apply to other parts of your life, inspired by how easy it looks on HGTV. With all the best of intentions, however, what seemed simple turned into an obviously less-than-expert job.…
Bank MidwestJune 28, 2018
Why Should I Use a VA Loan
The VA loan is one of the best mortgage loans there is. Here are some reasons why. First, VA guarantees the loan for 100% of the appraised value of the property (technically, the loan is for the Notice Of Value amount, which in most cases is the same thing). This…
Bank MidwestMay 24, 2018
How does a home appraisal really work?
Home appraisals are typically required during the home buying process in order to determine the current fair market value of the home. The home appraisal process is a combination of science and opinion—but mostly science, even though the value that the appraiser delivers is called an “opinion of value” as…
Bank MidwestMay 17, 2018
Equal Housing Lender