Conserving energy. Reducing landfills and pollution. Protecting the environment.  Chances are, you already know the impact that recycling can have on sustaining our planet. What you may not know, however, is the impact recycling can have in your home – and in your budget.

What do you want in life? A new car? Your own home? A great college education for your children?

For many people, knowing a tax refund is on the way can be a big relief, an exciting treat, or both. And the sooner the refund arrives the better.

Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer, Iowa View contributor 

How can an industry that claims to be “not-for-profit” keep billions in profits each year tax free?

Credit unions are now a $1.3 trillion industry, and reported $9.7 billion in tax-free profits in 2016. Three-fourths of those profits were in credit unions with more than $1 billion in assets. 

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Suzie Ross and Carla Winterink joined the First Security Service Center.

Banks are national leaders in preserving the security of customer data. The industry dedicates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to data security, and adheres to strict regulatory and network requirements. The banking industry’s first priority is to protect consumers and make them whole.

Whether your retirement unfolds as a beautiful dream or a scary nightmare depends largely on the financial decisions you make today. But if retirement planning is brand-new to you, you're not alone.

Black Friday sales save you money, but just how far will your dollars go?

We crunched the numbers to find out. Here are some of the ways you could spend your Black Friday budget this November 24 (but keep in mind that many deals begin on November 23, Thanksgiving Day).

Bobbi Spainhower, Investment Sales Assistant at First Security, recently received the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow^SM (LUTCF^®) designation.

Companies of all sizes are being targeted by criminals through business email compromise scams. 

First Security was excited to welcome Charles City area educators back for the start of the 2017-2018 school year by serving them breakfast on Tuesday, August 22. Nearly 300 teachers and staff gathered in the new middle school commons for breakfast, allowing them to catch up with one another before the start of the new school year.

As the back-to-school season is upon us, many of today’s younger consumers are likely gearing up to spend money, yet among U.S. adults ages 18 to 34, just over half are paying their bills on time. Furthermore, 44% of high school students report that they don’t know what a credit score measures, according to a study conducted by the Consumer Federation of America.

Managing finances can be complicated for small-business owners, especially when such a business is first getting started. Many entrepreneurs skip the important step of opening a business bank account, and instead use personal accounts to manage their business expenses. Opening a business account at First Security can have many advantages.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Kim Schlader has been promoted to Lead Retail Lender.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Michelle Warner has joined the Rockford and Marble Rock offices’ retail team.

First Security recently donated $3000 to the Charles City Family YMCA Annual Sustaining Campaign (ANSU).

First Security Bank & Trust hosted their second annual agricultural seminar at the Greene Community Center on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. The event, titled Field to Finance, focused on a variety of topics ranging from the economic outlook for agriculture in 2017, various government programs, and how to effectively work and communicate with family members in a business.

By Tammy G. Bruzon, America Saves

America Saves Week (February 27 – March 4, 2017) is an annual opportunity for individuals to assess their savings and take financial action. Each year, we encourage savers – or potential savers – just like you to set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce the promotion of Stacie Peterson to Lead Branch Office Representative in Rockwell.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Sara Titus has joined the First Security Video Banking team.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Sydnie Wagler has joined the First Security team in Manly.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce the promotion of Tommy Stice to Senior Credit Analyst.

Raising Awareness for Data Privacy Day January 28

In recognition of National Data Privacy Day on January 28, First Security is urging consumers to take an active role in protecting their data.

“First Security’s first priority is to protect our customers’ money and their financial data,” said Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer, President/CEO. “We use a combination of safeguards to protect our customers’ information, and we encourage our customers to partner with us in that effort.”

First Security employee, David Jarvill, has successfully completed the requirements for and has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® Certification.

Throughout the summer, First Security’s Video Banking crew grilled and handed out free hotdogs as a fun way to introduce more customers to the Video Bankers and the technology that First Security offers. First Security, a leader in cutting-edge financial products and services, is the first bank in North Iowa to begin using interactive video banking technology.

First Security Bank has an opening for a Mortgage Loan Processor within the Loan Operations Department and a Wealth Management Representative in our Hampton Office.

Our Mobile Banking App Just Got a Makeover!

Beginning Thursday, October 20, the Dumont Office will temporarily close for one week during the demolition of the city-owned building next to ours. 

First Security Bank & Trust is pleased to introduce CardValet®, a mobile card management application that helps reduce account fraud by allowing cardholders to monitor accounts with their smartphone and control how, when and where their debit card is used.

The First Security Bank & Trust Board of Directors and President/CEO Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer are pleased to announce that Josh Dodd has joined the First Security team in the Manly office.