Blog

Four Fresh Money Moves to Start the New Year

The new year is upon us! If one of your goals is to improve your finances in 2021, we have some tips for you.

Review Your Credit Report

If you haven’t reviewed your credit report in a while, the start of the new year is a great time to do it. Experts recommend checking your credit reports once-a-year to look for reporting errors and potential identity fraud. 

Helping Your Ag Business Grow: Machinery and Operation Financing from FIB

 Running an Ag business takes expertise, hard work, and money. If any of these variables is missing, you’re going to have a hard time.

Expertise can be taught. Hard work can be learned.

But money is something altogether different.

Beef Up Your Dairy Operations with a Dairy Farm Loan

USDA Census of Agriculture data ranks milk from cows as the fourth largest contributor to Minnesota’s agricultural sales, accounting for 9.4 percent of the state’s total agricultural products sold. On average, a Minnesota dairy farm has 200 head of dairy cows and spent $882,160 to produce milk in 2019. This spending generated $1.6 million of economic activity in the state – a significant source for our state! 

Three Holiday Spending Tips to Keep You on Track Financially

The holiday season is a joyful time of family, gifts, and festive celebration. Unfortunately, sometimes financial worries add a lot of stress to our holidays. Here are three tips that will reduce stress and help you stay on track financially.

What Business Banking Services Can We Help You With?

With First Independent Bank as your business banking partner, you can manage your finances with confidence. We offer the capabilities of the big banks, but also you get personal service, flexibility, and the local decision-making of a trusted community bank.

Is That Email a Phishing Scam?

Phishing scams are plentiful right now, and they can sometimes be hard to spot. What is "phishing?" Scammers use email messages (and sometimes text messages) to trick you into giving them your personal information. What they are ultimately after are your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers, with the intent to gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts.

How an Ag Loan Can Help Your Farm Grow

At First Independent Bank, we are passionate about partnering with farm and agricultural operations across Minnesota. One of the services we provide is financing and lending support to launch, operate, and expand agricultural and farming facilities across the state.

Qualifying for a USDA Loan

What is a USDA Loan and Are You Eligible for One?

When shopping for a new home, there are many types of mortgages to choose from. One of the lesser-known types of mortgage loans is a USDA loan, which is a zero-down-payment mortgage for rural and suburban homebuyers. USDA loans are issued through the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

First Independent Bank Stands with Minnesota Hog Farmers

Minnesota is the nation's third-largest hog-producing state and pork is critical to our state’s agricultural economy. Though swine farmers (and farmers in general) are no strangers to navigating difficult times, the last six to nine months have been tough for our friends in the swine industry.

3 Refinancing Mistakes to Watch Out For

Mortgage refinancing rates are still low compared to historic standards and many homeowners are choosing to refinance their mortgage loans, saving thousands of dollars in interest over the life of their loans.