US mortgage rates rise for fourth straight week, hitting 3.05%
U.S. mortgage rates rose for a fourth straight week, with higher borrowing costs threatening to crimp the housing rally. The average for a 30-year, fixed…
Finance
Your money: Worry about the right thing with estate taxes
Death and taxes may be the only certainties in life, but death taxes are only a remote possibility for most people. The vast majority of…
An estate plan — do I need it?
A common misconception surrounding estate planning is that only “wealthy” people who own large homes with manicured lawns and drive luxury vehicles need an estate…
What creates wealth and financial independence?
What creates wealth and financial independence? This is a question that people often wonder about, and in turn, seek out answers from their financial adviser,…
Tech tax ruling might prompt a refund
Iowa businesses enjoy some of the most generous sales tax exemptions for computer hardware and software in the nation. However, until recently, outdated definitions in…
Your money: If a stranger offers you student loan forgiveness, hang up
Student loan scammers have a new hook: “Biden student loan forgiveness” or “stimulus forgiveness.” Behind the pitch is the same old fraudster playbook, one that…
Weekly commodity wrap-up
Biden meets world leaders, plans cooperation President Biden made his first foray into foreign trade by meeting virtually with Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. Our northern…
Your money: Why you don’t want to be an executor
Being asked to be an executor is an honor you might want to pass up. Settling an estate typically involves tracking down and appraising assets,…
Your money: What gig workers need to know about taxes
If you became a gig worker during the pandemic, beware: Your taxes just got more complicated. Gig work — Uber driving, Instacart shopping, Amazon Flex…
5 tips to improve your credit score in 2021
If 2021 is the year you’re going to make the leap to become a first-time homebuyer, we’re rooting for you. Maybe you’ve gotten sick of…