News - Page 23

“I really need my tax refund, to cover bills and pay down debt. How can I get it as fast as possible?”

The average individual tax refund was $2,895 in 2017, according to the IRS. I understand why you’d want so much money in your hands ASAP: For the typical American, that would cover rent for about three months, or a car payment for almost six months.

The problem? If you don’t spend it strategically, you could be back in the same position by St. Patrick’s Day. The issue isn’t that you want your tax refund now. It’s that you need it now.

People who don’t have much money during the rest of the year can become big targets during tax refund season.

For those living paycheck to paycheck, tax refunds — which average around $3,000 — may be the largest chunk of unobligated cash they see all year. Retailers hope to get some of that money, but so do debt collectors, buy-here-pay-here car lots and purveyors of interest-free loans that come with fat fees. People flush with cash need to proceed with caution

Seeing the emergence of a new filing season scam, the Internal Revenue Service today urged tax professionals to step up security and beware of phishing emails that can secretly download malicious software that can help cybercriminals steal client data.

VisionBank is proud to participate in Money Smart Week April 21-28, 2018, and there is an exciting opportunity for Central Iowa students to earn money for college through the Money Smart Kid Essay Contest, sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association.

December is always filled with lots of extra activity, much of it related to holiday shopping and celebrating. But in the midst of a season of higher spending and hectic schedules, it’s also a prime setting for increased fraud manifesting itself in dozens of ways. As such, December is also National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month – the month for increasing awareness and becoming more alert about identity theft, data breaches, cybercrimes and other fraud issues.

Ames, IA - VisionBank is going to – and dropping from – new heights in support of youth programming. As part of VisionBank’s ongoing commitment to community and building opportunities for youth, one of its own is rappelling down a 7 ½ story building in the Ames Campustown area to support the Boys and Girls Club of Story County (BGCSC) Over the Edge event on Friday, October 27.
 

Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers.

Say you’re diligently saving money for your upcoming wedding, you plan to own your own business someday, and then in 40 years you want to retire to a beautiful farm. How do you juggle such different financial goals?

Getting married is not just a major emotional step. It’s a financial one, too. Your goals and money management methods may change a lot once you’re hitched.

Teens with summer jobs might be earning their own money for the first time — but it won’t be the last. The money habits they learn now could last for decades. Here’s how to help your teen make the most of a job and those paychecks.