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By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

A recent LendingTree survey found nearly half of the 2,000 consumers surveyed are dreading the holidays due to the financial costs.  There are ways to reduce the financial stress of the holidays and purchase gifts that promote financial wellness. 

• Start with creating a budget for all your holiday expenses such as gas, food, decor, holiday cards, and travel.  Include a predetermined monetary amount for each person on your gift-giving list.  Sticking to a budget will prevent you from spending more than you can afford.
   
• Consider using a cashback credit card or other similar rewards offer, but only if you can use credit responsibly and can pay off the balance in full.
  

Des Moines, Iowa – Tanya A. Schettler, age 48, of West Des Moines was recently charged with one count of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony).

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau which began in August of 2020.  In a criminal complaint filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, it is alleged Schettler provided false information to an insurer related to the date of loss to a commercial property resulting from a fire, knowing the loss had occurred during a period when no insurance coverage was in effect.

 By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

The Iowa Insurance Division together with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (SEC OICA) are encouraging consumers with investment accounts to provide their financial firms with a trusted contact.

A trusted contact is an individual you authorize your investment firm to contact in certain instances. The trusted contact cannot make trades or decisions regarding the investor’s account and does not become a power of attorney, trustee, executor, or legal guardian. Designating a trusted contact may be helpful in several circumstances. The investment firm may reach out to the trusted contact when they are concerned about fraud, are unable to reach the account owner after numerous attempts, in the event of a natural disaster, or have concerns about a health issue.  When the firm reaches out to a trusted contact, the firm is only able to release information that is reasonably necessary to assist the firm in the administration of the account.

Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa ranked #1 in the U.S. for most affordable personal auto insurance according to a recent study by the Insurance Research Council.

“Affordable auto insurance is good news for Iowans,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said.  “With Iowa’s ability to keep the cost drivers of insurance down and with a competitive market that provides many options for consumers to choose from, I look forward to Iowa continuing to lead in this area.”