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On March 7, 2018, Collins Community Credit Union joined credit union advocates, members, and employees from around the state to rally against the proposed tax hike that recently passed through the Iowa Senate. As they hiked the hill to show the legislature the importance of keeping our not-for-profit institution's taxes the way they are, employees at Collins branches around the state showed their support by wearing t-shirts donned with the phrase, "I love my credit union," and "Protect Financial Choice."

Fact vs. Fiction - Cedar Falls Branch Manager, Tom Blandford sets the record straight on Iowa Credit Unions. A response to the January 2 column, "Everyone should be paying their fair share."

With restaurants packed, heart-shaped candy filling every grocery store, and advertisements for expensive jewelry everywhere, the clear message seems to be that in order to enjoy a fulfilling Valentine's Day with your partner, you need to spend a lot of money. However, more expensive dates do not necessarily mean the couple will enjoy the experience more. Simple, inexpensive dates are often the best way to spend Valentine's Day with your loved one, whether it is your first Valentine's together or your fiftieth.

In this era of life-changing developments in science and technology, it is easy to believe that we must be getting smarter every year. Yet with respect to our financial decisions, this may not always be the case. Excessive consumer spending is a major and enduring issue in the US, with 38% of US households holding a revolving credit card balance, over half a million people filing for personal bankruptcy annually over the past decade, and almost half of the working population having no retirement saving at all.

Social media platforms include a variety of web and mobile-based applications and websites that are designed to facilitate users in creating and sharing content. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, you use social media everyday! These platforms have risen astronomically in popularity over the past decade compared to static, non-interactive services, and they have also made a considerable impact (although you may not realize it) on our spending habits.

The concept of "YOLO," or "you only live once," has become a popular theme among millennials. While the message of not allowing fear to dominate your life or letting opportunities pass you by is admirable, too often it can be used as an excuse to justify poor financial decision-making. After all, if you live only in the now, you do not have to worry about the tough tasks of saving money, investing, or making critical financial decisions for your future.

With 2018 around the corner, you've likely started telling yourself, "New year, new me!" If so, that's great! Take a moment to ensure the "new you" includes new financial planning. From reviewing your finances to paying off debt, here are four financial resolutions to consider for 2018.

If you missed all the great sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't fret! You can still get your holiday shopping done on a budget and from the comfort of your couch. Check out these great gift ideas for the loved ones in your life.

From buying gifts to throwing parties - during the holiday season you end up spending money as if it grows on trees. Then when January rolls around, you're on a ramen noodle diet! It doesn't have to be like this. I'm here to give you a couple quick tips on how to host an authentic and creative holiday party that's well within budget.

Check out these 7 ways to give back without spending a dime!

This year, once again for many underprivileged kids in the Cedar Rapids area, Santa will be wearing a badge and driving a police car. The Cedar Rapids Protective Police Charity is raising money for their annual Santa Cop program, where local officers will take kids shopping for warm winter clothes and perhaps a few toys as well.

Wish you could retire right now? For some of us, this may seem like a fantasy that will never be reached. But, most Americans can retire early if they take the right steps.

According to a new survey, approximately 26% of adults have no savings set aside for emergencies while another 36% have yet to start putting away money for their retirement. But sometimes, life happens. We are frequently faced with unexpected expenses, ranging from a traffic ticket to medical bills. Using a savings account is the easiest and least expensive way for many families to cover these expenses.

With International Credit Union Day right around the corner, we'll dispel four of the biggest myths about credit unions.