Dollars & Sense Blog
Want more detailed information on loans, renting vs. buying, credit scores, or finances? Check out Heartland Bank's blog!
Staying Safe While Shopping Online
Online shopping can be convenient and budget-friendly, and it keeps you warm when the weather outside is frightful. But, it can also leave your personal and financial information vulnerable. Follow these tips for hassle-free cyber shopping.
True Costs of "Free" Trial Offers
Trying before you buy might seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes what starts as free or low cost can result in huge charges. Know how to protect yourself from hidden costs.
Online Passwords: Changing with the Times
If you’ve spent any time around computers and the internet, you’re familiar with passwords. For many years, the best practice was to go for complex passwords with a mix of character types. However, new kinds of hacking require a different approach to security.
The Most Common Types of Fraud & How to Protect Yourself
Hacking, fraud, identity theft: according to the Federal Trade Commission, the number of cases reported is growing every year. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Perks of Shopping Small
Thanksgiving leftovers are in the fridge and holiday shopping is officially underway. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday often overshadow their small business counterpart, Small Business Saturday is becoming more popular each year, and for good reason. Read on for 5 reasons why you should make the effort to shop small this year.
Teacher Gifts for Any Budget
Show appreciation for the teachers in your life with a gift they’ll really love. Check out this list of gift ideas that work with any budget.
Money and the Single Senior
Facts of life: Most retirees will be single for some period of time, and most of those singles will be women. Throughout the life cycle, financial planning for singles differs from planning for couples. Obviously, there is only a single set of assets to work with, and no surviving spouse to plan for. Less obviously, taxes are higher for singles, and they have no partner to fall back upon in case of adversity.
Philanthropy and Your IRA
Making a direct transfer from an IRA to a charity, long a valuable planning strategy, has become even more valuable following the enactment of 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.