Dream. Plan. Live.

With college costs steadily rising, planning ahead feels more crucial than ever. But everyone seems to have advice on it -- and it's impossible to fight through the noise.We will unpack what it means to financially plan and prepare for those big college expenses, break down what a 529 plan is, and get clear and smart steps to build a solid foundation for your kids' education.Guest: Keith Deitering, Vice President of Wealth ManagementLooking for more advice for growing your dream business?  Visit our business blog for more tips from the business experts in your community and at Bank Midwest.Bank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Whether you're a massive company or a solo entrepreneur, keeping all kinds of fraud out of your business can halt operations — unless you have the right tools.Guest: Stacie Wolter, Fraud Analyst at Bank MidwestSara Lewis, Treasury Management Specialist at Bank MidwestLooking for more advice for growing your dream business?  Visit our business blog for more tips from the business experts in your community and at Bank Midwest.Bank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

There's no one-size-fits-all advice in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. Clichés like 'think outside the box' sound good, but they fall short when you're elbow-deep in building your business plan.In this special episode of Dream, Plan, Live, we're serving up morsels of wisdom from savvy business leaders. From the nitty-gritty of daily operations to game-changing leadership mindsets, we've compiled outstanding business voices with practical insights and a touch of inspiration.Guest: Brent Donner, Owner of DLC ManufacturingAmanda Nelson, Owner of Blue Haven Barn and GardensRandy Rohlfsen, Owner and Manager of Emerald Hills Golf CourseDan Winkowitsch, Owner of Tri-State Grain ConditioningJackie Thorson, Owner of Thorson HeatingLooking for more advice for growing your dream business?  Visit our business blog for more tips from the business experts in your community and at Bank Midwest.Bank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

The holidays are here! That means cozy weather, being with loved ones, putting up holiday decorations, and… shopping! But as you work to hunt down those perfect gifts, fraudsters are also on the hunt for your information. To prepare you for the holiday season, we've got all the new tips and tricks to keep fraud out of your holiday plans.Guest: Stacie Wolter, Fraud Analyst at Bank MidwestLooking for more advice for growing your dream business?  Visit our business blog for more tips from the business experts in your community and at Bank Midwest.Bank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Whether you're an entrepreneur, farmer, non-profit leader, or business owner, this episode will help you automate and optimize your cash flow. We'll will delve into the three major categories of treasury management: inflow, outflow, and security. Guest: Brooke Ortmann, VP of Retail Banking at Bank MidwestLooking for more advice for growing your dream business?  Visit our business blog for more tips from the business experts in your community and at Bank Midwest.Bank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Blue Haven Barn and Gardens is must-have wedding venue in Sioux Falls, SD. But owner Amanda Nelson did not get her start as a wedding planner or a restauranteur. She actually got her start in finance.So how did Amanda go from managing a bank to owning the city's premiere wedding venue? And what can aspiring business owners learn from Amanda about jumping head-first into entrepreneurship?Guest: Amanda Nelson, Owner of Blue Haven Barn and GardensRick Rysavy, Market President and Commercial Banker at Bank Midwest Sioux FallsBank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

There are a lot of businesses based around recreation, from pottery studios to climbing gyms. Today, we're breaking down how these complex businesses operate. How do they grow? And what does it take to lead a business based on play?Guest: Randy Rohlfsen, Owner and Manager of Emerald Hills Golf CourseBank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Jackie Thorson, owner of Thorson Heating, is a driven, innovative, and resilient entrepreneur. She advocates for women in the trades and gives generously back to her Sioux Falls community. It's safe to say she's a rising star in her field.  Here, Jackie discusses how she got into HVAC as a woman, how she found financing for her business, and what makes her business stand out.Guest: Jackie Thorson, Owner of Thorson HeatingRick Rysavy, Market President of Sioux Falls Branch, Commercial LenderBank MidwestMember FDIC"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Growing up, Brent Donner didn't know he'd be a business owner, but when his path turned unexpectedly into laser fabrication, his life transformed. He quickly became one of the leading experts in the industry. Brent discusses advice for business owners, making difficult choices for his company, and finding the right partners to invest in your growth.Guest: Brent Donner, Owner of DLC ManufacturingShannon Hillesheim, Market President of New Ulm Branch, Ag and Commercial LenderBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: "Midsummer Sky" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Cottages" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Your business is unique - even from your competitors. That is why your business thrives. But the unique things about your business also put you at specific risk. In this episode, we buzz through everything you need to know about protecting your business and, most of all, finding the right insurance partner for your operation.Guest: Ashley Volk - Commercial Lines and Large Accounts Manager, Bank MidwestJosh Peterson - Commercial Insurance Agent, Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: "Loopster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Easy Lemon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

You've worked your whole life to build your business. What will the next generation look like? We sat down with a farmer, a lender, and an insurance agent to understand what goes into a successful succession plan.Guest: Kent Stensland, Chief Credit Officer and Chief Trust Officer, Bank MidwestCurt Peterson, Insurance Agent at Bank MidwestJohn Myhre, FarmerBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: "Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0"Eternal Hope" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0"Study And Relax" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this series, we're chatting with savvy entrepreneurs who partner with Bank Midwest about how they've built their businesses. Today, we're chatting about growing your business through technological advancements, leadership changes, and being a learner.Guest: Dan Winkowitsch, Owner of Tri-State Grain ConditioningBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: "Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0"Magic Scout - Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Easy Lemon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The holiday season is here! But no matter what time of year it is, finding the perfect gift can be challenging. In this episode, we'll chat with three incredible guests this week, who will talk about different approaches to finding the perfect gift and shopping safely.Jump Ahead in the Conversation:Shopping Locally: 0:55Shopping Online: 5:57Buying Gift Cards: 9:33Guests: Marsha Lechefske, Owner of Booj Boutique Stacie Wolter, Fraud Analyst at Bank MidwestKatie Siepker, Retail Operations Supervisor at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Study after study shows that practicing gratitude profoundly affects your relationships, work environment, outlook on life, and even your finances. But how do you actually practice gratitude? Guest: Abby GoodlaxsonPhysical Education and Health Teacher at Okoboji High SchoolBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Inflation is hitting everyone everywhere: clothing, home items, and cars are just the tipping point. But the breaking point for many people has been at the grocery store. We've got dozens of easy ways to help you cut down on your grocery budget.Guest: Cissa Tusa, Collections Support Specialist at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

It should be no surprise that anyone can be the victim of a scam. Con artists can quickly manipulate people who know better and turn their upside down. It happens every day. Since Halloween is approaching, we thought we'd take a minute to talk about how heart-pounding scare tactics lead to fraud.Here are three stories based on actual events with tips on how to stop these scams in their tracks.Guest: Stacie Wolter, Fraud Analyst at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: "A Singular Perversion" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Serpentine Trek" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Awkward Meeting" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"This House" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Expensive home projects are bound to happen. They can be a nightmare, and it can feel like your options are limited. That's why I reached out to Sara Dvorak, a mortgage lender at Bank Midwest, to ask her about your options to finance your hair-raising house project with a Home Equity Line of Credit.Guest: Sara Dvorak, Mortgage Lender at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic:"The House of Leaves" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Cheery Monday" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Gen Zers and Millenials are at the beginning of their careers. They're caught in the middle of these massive changes in our work culture. As we look ahead to the rest of our lives, it can feel overwhelming to think about how you move up in your job and how to find a job that you actually like.Here's our guide to moving up in your career when the culture of work is changing directions.Guest: Suzi Kalsow, VP of Learning and Development at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Paying fees can be such a pain, especially when you don't expect them. But you can avoid paying a lot of these fees. You have to know how your bank works and plan ahead.Guest: Jessica Janni, Retail Operations Manager at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Ask yourself, "If I couldn't work for six months or a year, what kind of effect would that have on me and my life?" Tune into this conversation to learn about an essential financial planning tool that can save your income in the worst-case scenario.Guest: Jeff Amundson, Commercial Insurance Agent at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

For people who are college-bound, or even family members who have college-bound people, this is a crazy time of year. But it's important to make sure your student is protected from accidents, thefts, and more.Guest: Kevin Martinson, an insurance agent at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

Whether you want to maximize your management or keep it simple, the Bank Midwest mobile banking app has tools to build your financial journey for your specific needs.Guest: Brooke Ortmann, Treasury Management SpecialistBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

We've seen a lot of headlines in the past few days and weeks about “rising interest rates” or how “the fed has raised interest rates.” In this episode, we'll untangle what that means for you and your bank account.Guest: Steve Goodenow, Former CEO/President and Current Board Member for Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

If you're thinking about becoming a pet owner, you probably spend a lot of time daydreaming about your new furry friend. But of course, there are financial choices to consider when you're thinking about becoming a pet parent, and it can be hard to predict. Here's a breakdown of the real costs of bringing a pet into your life.Guest: Amy Radcliffe and Laura Fischer from Bank Midwest's marketing teamBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

This is Fraud Noir. Cue the smooth jazz.In this new series from Dream, Plan, Live., we'll walk you through a story about a new scam, and it's your job to tell if there's something fraudulent afoot. We'll also talk to a fraud analyst to give you tips about protecting yourself from scams and stopping them in their tracks. Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Stacie Wolter, Fraud Analyst at Bank MidwestHard Boiled by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3857-hard-boiledLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseI Knew a Guy by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3895-i-knew-a-guyLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license 

Financial stress can overtake your life in so many different ways, regardless of your financial situation. You can probably think of a few right now. But that is exactly why we're going to crack open the topic of stress and money today.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Lori Harms, Retail Associate at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

When you think about a Board of Directors, you might picture a group of people in suits, sitting around a massive, oak table, talking about big figure numbers or ten-year plans. And for some organizations, this may be the case. But board service is an incredible way for people with specialized skills to dedicate consistent time and shape the future of the causes they care about.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Kurt Wiegers, Chief Marketing Officer at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

There are an endless number of ways that volunteering benefits people in your communities, but you shouldn't overlook the ways volunteering can bring light to your own life. Here are our tips on where to start volunteering when you want to give back.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Nate Amborn, Senior Network and System Administrator at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Since 2020, we've seen astonishing growth in donations to community non-profits, and more and more people today are making donations an integral part of their lives. Whether you have a little disposable income you'd like to share or you see a need in your community that you want to support, making donations in any way you can is one of the biggest ways you can help that cause make a difference.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guests: Ali Schmitz, Executive Assistant at The Okoboji FoundationKent Stensland, Chief Credit Officer at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Did you get a new job? Are you moving into your own place? Did you buy your dream home? Are you moving out-of-state? Is your family growing?There are so many exciting reasons to move to a new place. But picking up your life to move somewhere else is never easy. Tune in to our step-by-step guide to making sure your next move goes smoothly.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Nikki Tietje from Bank Midwest's auditing teamBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Whether you get into a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, car accidents happen to everyone, even the most experienced drivers. But if you get conflicting information about how to handle the situation, listen to our step-by-step guide to navigating an accident like a pro.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Curt Peterson from Bank Midwest's insurance teamBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

I'm sure you have plenty of people in your life who will tell you that you should travel. But there might be things stopping you from taking your dream trip. In this episode, you'll hear the basic steps of planning a trip, we'll share some of our best travel tips for saving and spending money, and we'll help you unleash your inner travel bug. Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Lydia Varboncoeur, a contact center manager at Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

You've dreamed about owning your own home someday. But how do you know when you're actually ready to buy a home? In this episode, we sit down with a mortgage lender at Bank Midwest to learn about how much you should expect to save for your dream home and what your first steps are to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Kim Soderholm, a mortgage lender with Bank MidwestBank MidwestMember FDICEqual Housing Lender.  NMLS #: 878037Music: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

There's not a one-size-fits-all approach to budgets. But today, we'll teach you how to budget, help you fit it for your lifestyle, and get you on the path to living your dreams. Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Molly Fransen from Bank Midwest's commercial lending departmentBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0

This will be the year you start saving more, and all it takes is a few simple steps. Here are our top tips and resources to build a stronger financial start today!Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Guest: Luke Donnenworth from Bank Midwest's commercial lending teamBank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

You have big dreams for your life, but they don't have to be wishes. Your neighborhood financial experts at Bank Midwest are here to help you.Want more finance tips from your neighborhood experts? Follow Bank Midwest on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Bank MidwestMember FDICMusic: Cheery Monday Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0