VisionBank of Iowa
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

Scam Alert: Please be cautious of phone calls, text messages, or emails claiming to represent VisionBank or other financial institutions. Do not share personal or account information with someone you do not know. If you ever have questions about a request, hang up and call you local branch directly. 

For your protection, remember these important guidelines:

  • VisionBank will never ask for your account number, online banking credentials, or debit card PIN over the phone.

  • If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal or financial information.

  • If you receive a suspicious text, do not clink on any unknown links. 

  • If you answer a call and suspect fraudulent activity or feel uneasy about the questions being asked, hangup immediately and call us back directly at 515-956-4343 to verify any account activity.

Back to School Shopping on a Budget

August 3, 2026

How to save money on school supplies.

Believe it or not, school is about to be back. That means it’s time to think about spending money on back-to-school supplies. Unfortunately, you may be looking at spending a considerable amount. Here are some ways you can save on back-to-school shopping this year.

Search for Help

Before you do anything, search for coupons, deals, and discounts. Most companies will offer you discounts for signing up for emails. There are also browser extensions and apps that scour websites for the best deals.

Shop Online First

Speaking of online shopping, typically, that’s where you’ll find the best sales and discounts. So don’t just rush out to your favorite retailer. Check the store’s website first to see what is available.

Go Generic

Generic products are almost always cheaper than popular brands. In fact, one study found that generics are usually about 25 to 30 percent cheaper than name-brand products. That discount adds up when you have to purchase a lot of items.

Leave the Kids at Home

If you have to shop at a brick-and-mortar retailer, go by yourself. We know it’s not always possible to leave your kids at home when you run errands, but kids have a funny way of adding items to your list. A solo shopping trip is almost always a cheaper shopping trip.

 

Do One Thing: Make a list of school supplies and stick to it.

 

The material provided on this page is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. VisionBank and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.

« Back

© 2026 Vision Bank of Iowa. All rights reserved.