Blog

5 Reasons to Shop Local This Holiday Season

11/01/2022

It’s no surprise that shopping locally has many benefits for the community. However, with the increased ease and efficiency of online shopping, it’s getting harder for many small businesses to compete. Even though your local boutique, butcher, or garden store might not have all the same conveniences as Amazon or big box stores, you may be surprised by what they can do for you that a bigger store may not. Continue reading to see why you should make a new stop the next time you shop.

How to Save Money on School Supplies

08/01/2022

There's never a bad time to teach children financial responsibility, but it may be difficult to find unique ways to help them relate it to the real world. As inflation and high gas prices continue to wreak havoc on the average American’s budget, now is the perfect time to start teaching your kids how to handle necessary expenses during times of economic difficulty.

Costly Home Repairs, Household Items, and Their Price Tags

07/01/2022

Whether you’ve been a homeowner for a long time or are a renter looking to buy your first home, you know one thing for sure: homes and the items that go in them are EXPENSIVE. No matter where you live, there are certain things you may have to repair or replace. When things break down, it can seem like the expenses just keep piling up, putting you in a mountain of debt. Don’t stress, we can help. At Availa Bank, we have plenty of options available to you to prevent you from tearing your hair out the next time the dryer makes a weird noise.

Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them

06/01/2022

Every year, senior citizens lose tens of thousands of dollars due to scams. The elderly are often targets for fraud schemes because it is believed they hold the most wealth and will be an easy target, especially when they're using new technology or devices. At Availa Bank, we want to help. Keep reading to learn more about the latest financial scams targeting seniors. 

How to Handle Financial Stress in Times of Inflation

05/01/2022

After the events of the past two years, money and health have become two of the biggest stressors in the average American's life, whether you're 15, 80, or anywhere in-between. It's no wonder that as inflation continues to affect families, business owners, and communities, everyone is looking for some relief. During National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we want to help by providing some tips and resources you can use to manage your finances through tough times. 

How to Start Saving For A Home

04/01/2022

Saving for your first home can be overwhelming. Every day you hear reports of home prices skyrocketing, and you're probably wondering, how could I ever save enough for my own? Don't worry, we're here to help. We can help you figure out what changes you need to make (small or large) to get closer to your dream home.

5 Best & Worst Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

03/01/2022

If you’re like me, you probably view tax season with a mix of dread and excitement. Dread because you have to get your taxes done at all, and excitement because you’re hoping to receive a nice tax refund.

However, it’s important not to let the excitement of getting more money distract you from putting it where it works best for you.

5 Ways to Help Your Heart & Your Wallet During American Heart Month

02/01/2022

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa? In 2020 alone, Iowa had more than 23,000 hospitalizations and $1.4 billion in costs due to heart disease. 

We know how hard it can be to stay on track financially when you don’t feel your best. It’s even harder to stay ahead when the average hospital stay for heart-related illnesses can be upwards of $100,000 depending on how long your stay is and how severe your condition is. Let us help you stay focused on your health and not your growing medical bills this American Heart Month with our best tips to benefit your health and wallet at the same time!

How to Stick to Financial Resolutions

01/01/2022

Well, the new year is finally here. January first has come and gone and you're probably thinking about the resolutions you've made or plan to make within the first month of this year. If you're a chronic "resolution-er" who makes lofty goals but can't seem to get the momentum to put them into action past the spring, you may be wondering what the point is of making another set of resolutions you'll never accomplish. 

How Much Money Should I Spend on Holiday Gifts?

12/01/2021

The holiday season is a popular time to spend money, especially when you're buying extra food, decorations, and gifts for all the festivities you have planned. In 2020 alone, Americans spent roughly $188.2 billion online buying gifts. This was a record high for online sales, not counting all of the transactions done in store.