Your Bank and Social Media
Learn the benefits of following and engaging with Heartland Bank on social media.
Five Factors That Impact Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a three-digit number that plays an important role in qualifying you for everything from loans and credit cards to apartment rentals and some insurance policies. It usually falls between 300 and 850 (a higher number is better) and its calculation has a lot to do with the five factors explained below. …
Credit History Is More Important Than Credit Score
When applying for most loans, lenders will be sure to focus on your credit score – a three-digit number that plays an important role in qualifying for loans, credit cards, apartment rentals and more. However, your focus should be placed on something else instead: your credit payment history. Your credit payment history is the most …
Seven Tips For Creating Stronger Passwords
You’re in the process of registering a new online account to make a purchase and have come to the point where it is asking you to provide a password for your newly created account. Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers which makes your next step, creating the new password, crucial to keeping …
How To Spot Lottery Scams
It typically starts with a phone call, email or letter stating, “You’re a Winner!” We’re talking about “Lottery Scams” that, according to the most recent data from the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $301 million to this kind of fraud. Here are some ways to spot a sweepstakes or lottery scam, courtesy of the …
15 Tips For Keeping Your Money Safe While Traveling Abroad
You’ve finally decided on a destination and have booked your hotel and flight. And whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, ensuring the security of your finances is a crucial, often overlooked part of preparing to travel abroad. In this article, we’ll share essential tips that go beyond the typical advice that will …
Retirement Readiness
A recent survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute suggests growing anxiety about retirement among those in the last decades of their careers. Some 69% of those aged 55-65 agreed that retiring at age 65 “doesn’t apply to them.” 22% reported that in the last 12 months they’ve decided to retire later than planned. More than …
The “Scammers Hall of Shame”
The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert for a new scam for stealing from vulnerable families, one which the agency believes should be in the Top Ten List of the Scammers Hall of Shame. The scammer impersonates a representative of the funeral home, and says that additional funds must be paid immediately or the …
9 Credit Mistakes That Could Cost You Money
Your credit history plays a big role in your financial life. Not only does it weigh heavily in determining the loan terms and interest rates you’re offered, but it can also impact other parts of your life, such as whether you get a job, an apartment or even a security clearance. When it comes to …
11 Steps to Get Out of Debt
Millions of Americans are dealing with debt overload every day. If you’re one of them struggling to pay your loans, credit cards or other bills, here are some steps you can take to begin getting out of debt. 1. List your debts. Experian.com makes some great suggestions on how to create a list of what …