Demystifying the World of Mutual Funds

Investments. Yeah, we said it.   You’re probably thinking “I don’t know much about investments. They’re scary, and maybe even a little boring”. Boring? What? No! We think investments are cool. They rank right up there with pocket protectors and dad jokes. The prospect of learning about investments doesn’t exactly scream “FUN!”, but we think it’s important to arm you with at least enough information to start a conversation. Give us an opportunity
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Realizing your dream home probably requires obtaining a mortgage. But what if you want to build your dream home on a specific lot of land, build an addition, or tackle a major renovation? If this sound appealing to you, you may want to consider getting a residential construction loan that’s designed to help you with home construction financing. This type of loan is a short-term loan up to eleven months and is used to pay for the cost of building or remodeling a home. It allows for multiple
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With a new year, comes new laws effective January 1, 2020. In December 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was signed into law making way for changes that have a real impact on retirement and estate planning. Here are some key takeaways and what they may mean for you: RMD delay to age 72. From 1975 to 2019, an individual was required to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from their Traditional IRA, SEP IRA, Simple IRA, and 401k/403b
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Money Management within online banking can help you create a complete picture of your financial accounts. It’s free, secure, and easy to use.   Watch this video to learn where it is located within Online Banking on a computer and on a cell phone: As mentioned in the video, most outside accounts can be added including checking and savings accounts, investments, credit cards, loans, mortgages and other lines of credit. You can even customize them for easy identification!
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This month our team has been focusing on expanding knowledge surrounding estate planning. Contrary to what happens all too often, estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” activity. The reality is life plans and estate plans collide causing the need to review and update. Major life events such as marriage, birth, death, divorce, starting a new job or career, buying a home, starting college, illness or disability all impact our estate plans.   We get it. Talking about death
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First Citizens Charitable Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that 68 area organizations were the recipients of $457,740 in donations in 2019. Recipients are: Belmond Area Arts Council $1,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa $5,000; Booktown Mora $3,000; Build a Better Belmond $5,000; Central Gardens of North Iowa, Inc. $2,500; Charles City Community School District $10,000; City of Floyd $1,000; City of Mason City $5,000; Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce $2,500; Clear Lake Public
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A credit card may seem like just another tool to help you make purchases, but it can be much more. When used responsibly, a credit card can help you build a good credit history. This could allow you to get loans at favorable interest rates, insurance with lower premiums, or better pricing with a cellular plan. The use of a credit card is directly connected to your credit score, the report card for borrowers. The responsible way you handle your credit card is recorded in your credit history for
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First Citizens Bank is committed to bringing the most up-to-date products and services to our customers. As we begin the New Year, this is a perfect time to take control of your finances and set some savings and budgeting goals for 2020. One way to do this comes FREE with First Citizens Online Banking, and is called Money Management. Money Management allows you to see a holistic picture of your finances all in one place. You can link any outside bank accounts, loans, credit cards, retirement
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2019 was a very eventful year! Before jumping into 2020, we’d like to share a collection of First Citizens moments from the past 12 months:    January Our Clarion employees helped supply the Wright County Catholic Cluster's Medical Mission trip to Haiti with small bottles of baby shampoo, baby powder, and baby wipes.     February Our Charles City employees donated to "Charles City Cares" which helps elementary and middle school students who are in
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Discouraged about not having enough money for your holiday season expenses? This most wonderful time of the year can put a strain on anyone’s wallet. Take the pressure off next year’s holiday season by setting money aside early with a Christmas Club account.  Here are 5 great features about this interest earning savings account:* There is no minimum opening deposit. There are no service fees! Deposits can be made in any amount at any time. Interest is calculated on
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