SmartHer Money

SmartHer Money Follow us for the latest and greatest financial information for women! Why focus on financial information for women? Enough of that!

Just the facts … and a bit of fun, too. 😊

We’re here to share the latest and greatest financial information for women. Along the way, we’re mixing in deep insights into the psychology of money, some seriously practical tips, tactics and techniques for SmartHER planning, saving and retirement, learning modules to get you up to speed fast and a bit of lighthearted motivation to get started and keep

going. Plainly stated, money stuff is different for women. We tend to earn less, learn less about financial matters from our parents and deal with less support from the financial community than men. We deal with kids and parents and spouses and often put ourselves at the end of the must-do list. Further, we’re bombarded with unhelpful advertising and cultural mores that are both misleading and unfair. Take some time for your financial self. Attend one of our live events, read up on budgeting, investing, retirement and more, and in general enjoy this opportunity to get SmartHER about money. Visit our website to learn more: https://smarther.iowa.gov/

💙 September is Life Insurance Awareness MonthLife insurance can be an important part of a broader financial plan, helpin...
09/04/2026

💙 September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

Life insurance can be an important part of a broader financial plan, helping provide financial support for the people who depend on you if the unexpected happens.

This month is a good time to ask:

• Do I currently have life insurance coverage?
• Is the amount still appropriate for my family’s needs?
• Have major life changes affected the coverage I may need?
• Do my beneficiaries need to be reviewed or updated?

Life insurance isn’t just about planning for the unexpected—it can also be about helping protect the financial future you’re working to build.

Learn more about insurance, saving and financial planning resources at smarther.iowa.gov

09/04/2026

💪 Financial confidence starts with knowledge.

From building savings to strengthening money-management skills, small steps can help you feel more prepared and confident about your financial future.

SmartHER Money offers free tools, education and resources designed to help women take greater control of their finances.

✨ Start building your money confidence at smarther.iowa.gov

08/31/2026

Small moves. More confidence. Very chic. ✨

A few smart money habits can make managing your finances feel a little more effortless. 💗

Automating your savings, checking your credit score and paying your full statement balance when possible are simple steps that can help you stay organized and build stronger financial habits over time.

Find more practical money tips and free resources at SmartHER.Iowa.gov.

Could you enjoy a full weekend without spending money? 💵✨A no-spend weekend can be a simple way to reset your budget, us...
08/28/2026

Could you enjoy a full weekend without spending money? 💵✨

A no-spend weekend can be a simple way to reset your budget, use what you already have and discover new ways to have fun without reaching for your wallet.

Try a few of these ideas:
🍿 Have a movie night at home
🥘 Build meals around ingredients already in your kitchen
📚 Visit your local library
🚶 Take a walk, hike or explore a nearby park
🎲 Host a game night with friends or family
🧹 Declutter and find items to sell or donate

Even skipping a few takeout meals, shopping trips or paid activities could save $25, $50 or more. Those small savings can add up over time and help support an emergency fund, reduce debt or move you closer to another financial goal.

What is your favorite free weekend activity? Share your ideas in the comments, and visit SmartHER.Iowa.gov for free tools and resources to help you feel more confident about your finances.

💬 How has caregiving shaped your finances?Many women balance caring for children, aging parents, spouses or other loved ...
08/21/2026

💬 How has caregiving shaped your finances?

Many women balance caring for children, aging parents, spouses or other loved ones, and those responsibilities can affect finances in ways that are not always easy to see.

Common examples include:

• Reducing work hours or taking time away from a career
• Paying for child care, transportation or medical needs
• Using savings to help support a loved one
• Delaying retirement contributions or other financial goals
• Taking on more household expenses or unpaid responsibilities

Every caregiving experience is different, but talking about these challenges can help women feel less alone and better prepared.

How has caregiving affected your financial plans or priorities? Share your experience in the comments.

SmartHER Money offers free tools and resources to help women plan, save and prepare for the future. Visit SmartHER.Iowa.gov

🏡 What purchase are you most proud of?Maybe it was your first home, a reliable car, an education, a business investment ...
08/19/2026

🏡 What purchase are you most proud of?

Maybe it was your first home, a reliable car, an education, a business investment or something that helped support your family.
The purchases we feel best about are often the ones tied to careful planning, saving and a clear sense of purpose.

Share yours in the comments:
• What did you purchase?
• Why was it meaningful to you?
• What helped you prepare for it financially?

SmartHER Money can help you plan for future goals with free budgeting tools, savings resources, calculators, courses and practical guidance designed to make financial decisions feel more manageable.

Explore free resources at SmartHER.Iowa.gov

💬 At what age did you become financially independent?Financial independence can mean different things to different women...
08/17/2026

💬 At what age did you become financially independent?

Financial independence can mean different things to different women. It may be the age you began paying your own bills, moved into your first home, stopped relying on family support or felt confident making financial decisions on your own.

Share your experience in the comments:

• How old were you when you became financially independent?
• Was the transition gradual or did it happen all at once?
• Is your experience similar to or different from what your children are experiencing today?

Rising costs, education expenses, caregiving responsibilities and changing career paths can all affect when independence becomes possible.

SmartHER Money offers free resources for women at every stage, including:

• Budgeting tools
• Free financial courses
• A downloadable workbook
• Savings and retirement calculators
• Guidance on planning, earning, saving and preparing for retirement

Explore the free resources at smartHER.iowa.gov

💵 You got a raise! Now what?A raise is worth celebrating, and it can also be a great opportunity to strengthen your fina...
08/14/2026

💵 You got a raise! Now what?

A raise is worth celebrating, and it can also be a great opportunity to strengthen your financial future.

Consider using the extra income to:

• Increase your emergency savings
• Pay down high-interest debt
• Raise your retirement contribution
• Build a fund for an upcoming expense
• Set aside a small amount for something you enjoy

You do not have to choose only one. Even dividing the increase among two or three goals can help you make progress while still enjoying the moment.

What would you do first after receiving a raise? Share your answer in the comments.

Find free tools and resources from SmartHER Money at SmartHER.Iowa.gov

💬 Money Questions to Ask Your PartnerHealthy financial conversations can reduce stress, build trust and make future plan...
08/12/2026

💬 Money Questions to Ask Your Partner

Healthy financial conversations can reduce stress, build trust and make future planning easier. You do not need to have every answer, the most important step is starting the conversation.

Try asking:
• What financial goal matters most to you right now?
• What does financial security look like to you?
• Are there upcoming expenses we should plan for together?
• How should we divide shared bills and household costs?
• Are there debts or financial obligations we should discuss?
• What is one money habit we could improve as a team?

Choose a calm time, avoid blame and focus on shared goals.

Find free tools and resources from SmartHER Money at SmartHER.Iowa.gov

⏱️ What can you do for your finances in 10 minutes or less?Improving your finances does not always require a full aftern...
08/11/2026

⏱️ What can you do for your finances in 10 minutes or less?

Improving your finances does not always require a full afternoon or a complicated plan.

Sometimes, one small task is enough to help you feel more organized and in control.

Try one of these quick financial tasks:
1) Review your latest bank statement
2) Check your credit card balance
3) Cancel an unused subscription
4) Transfer a small amount into savings
5) Update a financial account password
6) Review one recurring monthly bill
7) Check the due dates for your upcoming bills
8) Set a calendar reminder for an upcoming bill
9) Write down one short-term savings goal
10) Make a list of your automatic payments

The trick is getting started. Ten focused minutes today can help you build better habits, reduce financial stress and move closer to your goals.

Choose one task and complete it before the day is over.

Find free financial tools and resources from SmartHER Money at SmartHER.Iowa.gov

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