Why Iowa Women Need SmartHER Money

A survey commissioned by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services in December 2020 states a lack of financial knowledge by 40% of Iowa women as the obstacle to […]

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The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services Postpones Inaugural SmartHER Money Conference in Cedar Falls

The SmartHER Money Conference has been postponed until further notice.  Circumstances have changed quickly, negatively impacting the presence of presenters and attendees.  We look forward to holding this conference at […]

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The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services Welcomes SmartHER Money Keynote Speaker Manisha Thakor

We are so excited to welcome Manisha Thakor CFA, CFP to Iowa to present her “Own Your Finances. Own Your Life.” keynote at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial […]

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Consumer Connection: Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services launches SmartHER Money

Sonya Sellmeyer

As your state government agency, the Insurance Division is here to help provide financial literacy to all Iowans through our Save4Later program.  It’s important for all Iowans to have the tools to […]

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Inaugural SmartHER Money Conference for Iowans Is Aug. 19 in Cedar Falls

The SmartHER Money women’s financial empowerment conference, presented by the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, features a nationally renowned keynote speaker, expert panelists, engaging exercises and all the […]

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Financial Literacy is Critical

Research Says . . . Iowa Women Want to Learn About Investing

In our three-part financial literacy gender gap series, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services did a deep dive into all the reasons women lag men in financial literacy and […]

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Managing Debt & Providing women with financial education

Closing the Financial Literacy Gender Gap

Sonya Sellmeyer

By Sonya Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocate This article is the second of a three-part series on closing the financial literacy gender gap.  Throughout the United States, women lag men in financial literacy. […]

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Woman meeting with financial planner

Financial Literacy Gender Gap Is Harmful to Women

Sonya Sellmeyer

This article is the first of a three-part series on closing the financial literacy gender gap. I am grateful for the women who blazed the trails before me, so I […]

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Gender Pay Gap

Study Results: Financial Literacy Gender Gap

Sonya Sellmeyer

Women lag men in financial literacy. The gender-based gap may negatively impact the financial well-being of women. Financial literacy has been linked to several important outcomes, including wealth accumulation, stock […]

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