SmartHer Money

06/02/2026

Whether you’re tracking expenses with a spreadsheet, a budgeting app, sticky notes, or a notebook by candlelight, the best budget is the one that works for you.

Old school or high tech, detailed or simple, what matters most is having a plan that supports your personal goals. Start small if you need to. Even cutting back on a few extra expenses can make a real difference over time. The important part is simply getting started.

For more budgeting tips and best practices, visit smarther.iowa.gov

How do you keep your budget organized? Apps, spreadsheets, cash envelopes, pen and paper, something else? Share your approach in the comments 👇

05/29/2026

No one:
Absolutely no one:
Still somehow your bank account: getting charged for a subscription you forgot existed

A quick money check-in does not have to be complicated. Take a few minutes to look through your recurring charges and automatic purchases. Canceling even one or two things you no longer use can be an easy way to free up a little room in your budget.

What is one subscription you canceled and never missed?

05/27/2026

It's storm season in the Midwest, which also means it can be the season of unexpected expenses! Whether it's a runaway tree or hail damage, SmartHER money wants you to be prepared for whatever the wind may blow your way!

Find free resources and expert guidance about starting our building up and emergency fund at smarther.iowa.gov, and Learn more about what to do after a disaster hits with a comprehensive post-disaster insurance claims guide to help you in your recovery process, at https://iid.iowa.gov/post-disaster-resources

This page contains important information following a natural disaster.

05/26/2026

Building financial confidence does not have to feel overwhelming. Sometimes, the smartest first step is simply taking a few minutes to learn something new. 💡
🎥 Watch the video here:

Judge Judy Sheindlin earned $47 million a year since 2012 from CBS, making her one of television’s highest-paid hosts. Since her show “Judge Judy" premiered ...

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Spring and warmer weather is a time for our favorite outdoor events and activities; farmer's markets, outdoor concerts, and even our favorite fair time fun is just around the corner!

It's a great time to spend time with friends and family, soak in the sun, and maybe even spend a little time away online shopping temptations! Let us know in the comments, what are some of your favorite upcoming local events? Bonus points if they offer affordable family fun!

05/18/2026

Welcome to the SmartHER Money Farmers Market! We grow Better Money Habits by the crate load, rooted in expert knowledge, freshly grown for modern women and families!

Check out SmartHER.Iowa.gov and learn more about our scrumptious selection of tools and services designed to make you more confident and more prepared for the future. And in our market, our resources are always FREE and ready for your knowledge consumption!

05/15/2026

Movies make money schemes look fast, glamorous, and wildly complicated, but real financial success does not have to look anything like that. Whether it is the polished deception, the ambition and excess, or the hustle and reinvention, the big screen loves drama. Real life usually works better with simple habits, thoughtful choices, and steady progress over time.

You do not need a risky plan or a cinematic plot twist to set yourself up for success. A few smart steps, repeated consistently, can make a real difference.

What is one simple money habit that has helped you the most?

05/13/2026

Don't give up your piping hot no-foam skim latte with an extra shot quite yet! Our demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and hectic schedules can take a lot out of us! Saving money does not have to mean cutting out every little thing you love. It is about taking small steps, investing wisely, trimming back what you do not really need, and making steady progress over time. ☕🎬💸

That can still leave room for an awesome movie night or your favorite coffee order.

A few thoughtful choices today can build real momentum for tomorrow. For more tools, tips, and resources, visit smarther.iowa.gov

05/12/2026

Spring cleaning is not just for closets and cabinets. It can be a smart time to tidy up your finances too. Take 5 minutes a day to look through your bank statements, credit card charges, and app store purchases for subscriptions or automatic payments you may no longer need.

Small recurring costs can add up quickly, and clearing out a few unused charges can make more room in your budget for what matters most.

What is one subscription you have canceled recently and did not miss at all?