The link between money as a source of stress and a couple’s relationship challenges is clear, but an often-overlooked fact is that couples experiencing financial disagreements rarely revolves around a lack of money to spend on basic necessities. In other words, money itself does not cause relationship difficulties, but is often a distraction that masks deeper concerns or areas of disagreement between the two. 

For many college students graduating with student loans, the end of their college years may bring the stress of figuring out how to address the repayment of their debt. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward to understand, with certain protections available from the federal government, and many loan servicers are willing to work with borrowers even when it is not legally mandated.

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.