(BBB Newswire) – The holiday expenses may be looming on your credit card bill, or perhaps the bank balance is a little lighter from the extra gifts exchanged with family and friends. If this is the year to reduce your debt and bump up the savings account, it’s not a bad idea to revisit prior financial goals. The Better Business Bureau says the post-pandemic continues to affect many households. People are reassessing retirement timelines, considering where and how they live, and assessing future personal goals in the face of the new variants. Several federal financial programs have come to an end, while employment opportunities have varied from one sector to another. As consumers look ahead to the new year, having stable financial footing may become a necessary goal to meet day-to-day needs.

When thinking about current finances and sticking to a New Year’s Resolution, consider these tips from BBB:

• Inventory your credit cards. Credit cards are known to have high-interest rates, and this can waste a lot of money over time. Reach out to the credit card company to see if a balance transfer offer can be used to switch to a card with a lower rate or ask if the interest rate can be lowered. Research the financial institution where the credit card is held on orgfirst. Read the terms and contract very carefully – there may be big penalties if a payment is missed. If you have multiple cards, decide which debt-paying strategy is best for you. Some experts recommend paying off cards with the highest interest rates first. Others recommend paying off cards with the smallest balances first. Additionally, try sending in payments throughout the month. Put the $5 that would have been spent on a morning coffee towards debt instead.

• Avoid wasting money on unethical businesses or scams. When making a purchase or choosing a business, check with BBB. Making careful decisions now can save time, money, and headaches later. Research all companies at org, and check BBB Scam Trackerregularly to see what scams are happening in your area.

• Take advantage of free tools. There are many online tools that can help manage and reduce debt.

• Start budgeting. Creating a written budget and tracking spending is one of the best ways to save money and stop spending more than what is earned. First, figure out how much debt you have; you need an accurate picture before you can figure out your budget. Note the difference between fixed expenses, needs, and wants. If you have debt, include repayment goals in your budget. If possible, factor in retirement and emergency savings. Save money by giving up morning coffee – and cooking at home instead of getting takeout. Factor in any alternate income that you can think of, like selling unused items or part-time work in the gig economy.

When possible, shop and use BBB Accredited Businesses that follow BBB’s Standards for Trust.

For more information:

• BBB’s New year’s guide
• BBB’s Money HQ

ABOUT BBB: BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free. BBB provides objective advice, BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit BBB.org for more information.

ATLANTIC, IOWA – Cass County Public Health is offering a free program called Disaster PrepWise that guides older adults through the steps of creating a disaster plan to handle any type of emergency. This program is offered at no cost to older adults in the area. Victoria Means, Public Health Service Coordinator, says “Preparing for an emergency can seem overwhelming, and most people aren’t even sure where to begin. We work one-to-one with adults and couples to talk through different scenarios and potential problems, and then we’ll work together to create a personalized plan on how to navigate the emergency if it should arise.”

Developed by researchers at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, Disaster PrepWise consists of five modules and two additional sections on special topics. Participants will develop a personalized disaster management plan that they can share with their family, friends, and neighbors. Means says “We’ll start with a personal and household assessment, which means we’ll talk with you about what’s unique to you both in terms of risks and assets. From there, we work on developing emergency information, important documents, supply kits, and more.”

Additionally, part of the planning assistance is making sure individuals are signed up to receive Alert Iowa messages. Alert Iowa is a communication tool used to inform the public about inclement weather, public safety events, or other emergencies.

The planning sessions will take place at Cass County Public Health, 1408 East 10th St., Atlantic, Iowa, unless otherwise arranged. While the planning is typically geared towards individuals or couples, small groups can also be accommodated. Please call Victoria Means at (712) 243-7443 with questions or to schedule a disaster planning session.

(Radio Iowa) – The four Iowans elected to serve in the U-S House for the next two years must await the election of a House speaker today (Tuesday) before they can be sworn into office. All four have said they back California Congressman Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker, but he may not have enough G-O-P support to win the job. Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of LeClaire alluded to the potential stalemate in a video statement last (Monday) night.

“Back in our nation’s capital where I’m hoping to be sworn in tomorrow on January 3rd,” Miller-Meeks said. “…Tomorrow should be interesting, but hoping that we have a very uneventful day.”

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion and Congressman-elect Zach Nunn of Bondurant have praised McCarthy for his role in getting fellow Republicans elected to a majority of seats in the U.S. House. A spokesperson for Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull says Feenstra also supports McCarthy for speaker.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held their annual organizational meeting today (Tuesday), and voted to retain Steve Baier as Board Chair for 2023 and Mark O’Brien as Vice-Chair. They also voted to hold their regular weekly meetings on Tuesday’s at 9-a.m. They removed a clause in their schedule, which had stated they would meet on the last business day of the month, instead of Tuesday. Therefore their meetings will take place every Tuesday, unless otherwise necessary to meet on another day of the week.

The meeting on Jan. 3rd was the first official session for Board Member Wendy Richter, who was elected in the November General Election, when she ran unopposed.  The Board voted to set mileage reimbursement for County Employee Business travel at 50-cents per mile, with the exception of the Sheriff’s Civil Processor, which was set at the Federal rate of 65.5-cents per miles.

The Medical Examiner’s fee, was set in accordance with the Code of Iowa, at the current rate. The official county newspapers were retained the same as last year. The Board tabled action, for the second week in a row, on approving a five-year lease with the Cambridge Law Firm, for the upper story of the County-owned building at 707 Poplar Street. The decision to table was made because Supervisors O’Brien and Pettinger want to speak with the law firm’s owners or representatives…something they have not yet had a chance to do, because of the holidays.

The lower half of the building houses the Cass County Communications Center.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday) held their annual organizational meeting, with the election of officers. The Board voted to appoint Mike Olson as Board Chair, and Charla Schmid as Vice-Chair, for 2023. They also moved to appoint board members and alternates to numerous committees or boards. In other business, they voted to keep the schedule for their regular Board meetings the same in 2023 and in the past year, that being at 8:30-a.m. on Tuesday’s.

The Board also acted to approved the Montgomery County Employee’s Holiday Schedule for 2023, and designated the three, Official County Newspapers, which are unchanged from the past year.

The Board then adjourned the Organizational Meeting and opened their regular session, at 8:45-a.m. During the meeting, they acted on administrative resolutions. Elected officials administered the Oath of Office to their respective office deputies and assistants, and the Board approved a Hungry Canyons Alliance annual membership fee of $5,000. They’re next regular session will take place 8:30-a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Police Department today (Tuesday), said there were four arrests over the holiday weekend.

Friday night, 21-year-old Antoinette Clement, of Creston, was arrested at her residence on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault/1st Offense. Clement was taken to the Union County Jail where she was released after seeing the Magistrate.

At around 2:26-a.m. Saturday, 53-year-old Catherine Ann Scadden, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Union County Law Enforcement Center for OWI 2nd Offense. Scadden was taken to the Union County Jail where she was later released on $2000 cash or surety bond. And, at around 10:45-p.m., Saturday, 21-year-old Malachi Shon Elms, of Orient, was arrested in Creston for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent Behaviior. Elms was taken to the Union County Jail where he was released after seeing the Magistrate.

Monday night, 20-year-old Zoe Paulette Marie Parmenter, of Creston, was arrested at her residence for Harassment/3rd Degree. Parmenter was transported to the Union County Jail where she was released on $300 cash or surety bond.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic has a short agenda for their 5:30-p.m. meeting Wednesday, at City Hall. Mostly, their business consists of action on administrative matters, such as:

• An Order to Approve First Whitney Bank & Trust as the City’s Official Bank for the City Checking Account for 2023.
• An Order to Approve the Atlantic News Telegraph as the City’s Official Newspaper for Legal Publications in 2023.
• A Resolution (#01-23) “Amending the City of Atlantic Personnel Policy, by repealing and replacing Series 200 Code 203 “Drug Free Workplace,” with New Code numbered as the same.”  The language in the final line of the Resolution changes from “Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from your position,” to “…immediate termination of employment.”

In his report to the Council, City Administrator John Lund will discuss a Legislative Briefing, a FY 2024 Budget Update, and a January 18th Council Work Session and Budget Workshop, meeting. There will also be a report from Mayor Grace Garrett, and regular Council Committee reports, prior to a Public Forum.

(Shenandoah, Iowa) – Police in Shenandoah report three arrests to kick-off the New Year. On Sunday, at around 9:19-p.m., Officers with the Shenandoah P-D conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of S. Center Street, on a vehicle with an expired registration tag. Upon further investigation, 31-year-old Cody Michael Allbee, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Possession of a controlled substance (Marijuana) – 2nd offense. He posted a $1,000 bond and was released, with additional charges pending.

Monday night, 22-year-old Andrew Douglas Holmes, of Shenandoah, was arrested on a Pottawattamie County warrant stemming from an original charge of Theft in the 2nd Degree. Holmes was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) – 1st offense, and Poss. of Paraphernalia. He was unable to post a $6,300 bond, and was transported to the Page County Jail.

And, later that same night, Shenandoah Police were dispatched to the 200 block of University Avenue, for an unknown male who had entered an occupied residence. While Officers were enroute, the suspect fled on foot. He was located at the intersection of South Avenue and Center Street, after the reporting party providing a physical description of the suspect. 39-year-old David Llewllyn Warkentien, II, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Burglary in the 2nd Degree and Public Intoxication. He was unable to post a $10,300 bond, and was transported to the Page County Jail.

(Radio Iowa) – As soon as spring arrives, an eastern Iowa community will launch an ambitious home-building effort with plans to construct ten houses using 3-D printers. Charla Schafer, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, says they’re eager to get started as the Mississippi River town needs more homes — and residents — but there simply aren’t enough contractors and supplies to make it happen. Schafer says the ten houses will be modest in size. “The first one we print will be probably around 1,300-square-foot on slab, with attached or detached garage, depending on the lot,” Schafer says. “As we get into infill lots within neighborhoods where maybe something’s been torn down, based on the sizing, we may need to go to a two-bedroom, but the intent for most part is to do three bedrooms.”

The foundation and both the exterior and interior walls can be 3-D printed. And once they get started, the ten houses should go up rapidly, especially when compared to traditional construction, which often takes a month. “3-D printing is much quicker to create the home. You can have a home printed in as short as 28 hours,” Schafer says. “We also know that the cost, right now, they’re looking could be about 15% less and they believe over time, they’ll be able to hold that down even a little bit more, which will allow homeowners to maybe get into a home a little quicker than they could in the past.”

That lower cost is key, she says, since real estate prices have been bounding the past several years. Schafer says 3-D printing is far more economical than the traditional route. “Typically, you can drive down labor to about three to four people on site to do the home printing, because the machine is printing it in just layers of cement as it goes around, so you have some cost there,” Schafer says. “And then you also have some savings by using a crete mix versus a typical construction stick build.” Another potential price cutter will be the ingredients the 3-D printers use, including a time-tested all-natural product that’s being grown on plots at Muscatine Community College. “They have the only hemp program in the state and hemp is the leading additive that’s being researched to add into the crete mix,” Schafer says. “They’ll be doing a research component alongside of this as well to see how hemp may fit in and what that does is, it makes it more environmentally friendly as you print.”

Due to the housing shortage, she says about 11-thousand people drive to Muscatine County to work daily, including a quarter of the school district’s teachers.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Lottery plans to move to some more modern methods of payment for prizes in the new year. Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says paper checks had been the standard. “It just became obvious pretty quickly that a check, which is the primary form of payment that you will receive, especially if you come to an Iowa Lottery office today, a check just isn’t used as much today, as it once was, ” Neubauer says. She says a working group in the organization studied the options and what Lottery customers want. “People are looking for options that have, first of all, greater speed, and second of all, more convenience,” she says.

Neubauer says cash payments won’t go away, but they do plan to start using prepaid debit cards that allow retailers or Lottery offices to load the prize money onto the card.  “So if you go into a store, certainly cash would continue to be an option. But for example, if it’s a store, and it’s late at night, and the store doesn’t have a lot of cash on hand, a lot of times right now that store isn’t able to pay your prize,” Neubauer says.

Neubauer says retailers could pay prizes from 20 up to 600 dollars on the cards — while lottery offices could use the prepaid debit cards for prizes from 20 up to five-thousand dollars. They hope to start a pilot project with the debit cards in six months. The other change would allow prizes that have to be redeemed at Iowa Lottery offices to be made through what’s called an A-C-H payment that goes directly into a person’s bank account.

“So the person wouldn’t get a hardcopy check, they wouldn’t have to cash it, they wouldn’t have to, you know, drive somewhere, or do that electronically, the payment would just be made directly into their account,” Neubauer says. “It’s going to take a little bit more time to put that in place, we’re looking at that probably somewhere in the second half of calendar year 2023, or at the end of fiscal year 2023.”

The A-C-H prize payments could go up to five million dollars. Neubauer says they are only making a couple of changes because they have to be very careful about the security surrounding the prize money. “There are so many forms of payment available in the marketplace today, especially when it comes to you know, consumers just paying each other money or sending money to each other. But we have to make sure that the security procedures in place and that whatever payment option we would be looking at that it has staying power,” she says.

Neubauer says the large jackpots from lotto games would still be paid out by wire transfer, as that is the safest method.