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7 Budget-Friendly, Midwest Road Trips for Families

Posted on July 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Step one foot inside your local retail store, and you’re sure to see back-to-school sales and even pumpkin spice-flavored stuff on the shelves — signs that summer’s almost over already! 😭

But there’s still time to hit the road with the fam and enjoy another adventure or two! And the Midwest has some great destinations that are perfect for a budget-friendly day trip or long weekend!

Here are some of our team’s faves:

If The Great Outdoors is Your Happy Place:

There’s lots to do in Mahoney State Park, which sits between Lincoln and Omaha. You can stay in a cabin or hotel. Activities include hiking, a treetop ropes course, observation tower, zero-entry wave pool, miniature golf, disc golf, paddle boarding, horse trail rides, theater performances and much more. Wildlife Safari Park, a drive-through safari, is also just minutes away. – Jean Holman
Ledges State Park is a quick day trip where I love to take my family and dogs. According to Iowa DNR, this four-mile trail system is “one of Iowa’s most historic and unique nature destinations, especially for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts,” offering “breathtaking excursion amongst Iowa’s natural beauty.” The hiking is great, but the streamwalk is my favorite. Pack for a picnic. – Molly Maguire
The Rocky Mountains, Colorado. One of our favorites was renting a cabin in Estes Park. Not only is the scenery amazing, when you head into town, you can get up close and personal with the elk. And go see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre! –Eric Smith
A road trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota is amazing. Our favorite spot is the Roughlock Falls area tucked away in Spearfish Canyon. In the future, we look forward to exploring some of the caves in the Black Hills and the Badlands. –Curvin Larson

Did Someone Say, “Road Trip?!”

Northeast Iowa:A family road trip to Northeast Iowa is a must! The Mississippi River offers so many beautiful sites. Between Dubuque and heading north up the river and then over to Decorah is just silly pretty. The Marquette-McGregor area has always been a favorite. While you’re there, stop by Spoke Cave for a tour. Then head to White Springs Supper Club for some walleye or catfish. – Jason Pleggenkuhle
Omaha, Nebraska:
- We go to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo every couple of years and will either stay the night or spend the day there. –Kyle Guldenpfennig, #TallMoneyMan
- We go to Omaha to visit family. We don’t really go anywhere, but there’s lots to see and do around the area. –Charlie Chedester

If You Think Life is Better at the Lake:

Back home to Silver Lake is my family’s favorite getaway to relax. It’s so peaceful on the water, seeing wildlife. We enjoy boating and jet skiing. But this small, rural community also has a nice golf course. And there’s a new coffee shop uptown. –Linden Heikens
We purchased a lake home on Diamondhead Lake a couple of years ago. It’s been awesome to get away with family to relax, floating on the water and boating. –Derek Draisey
Okoboji, Iowa:
- Traveling to Okoboji has been something I have enjoyed since childhood. As we make the turn toward Boji, it’s always a contest for the first person to see the lake and say, “I saw the lake first! I saw the lake first!” A favorite place to stop on a hot day is for a Nutty Bar at Arnolds Park; they never disappoint. –Sara Fuller
- Now that Spirit Lake’s our permanent home, we’re already at a place where friends/family are always coming up to visit. We spend a lot of time out on the boat. We feel truly blessed. –Kim Hinrichsen

Kids grow up, and tomorrow’s not promised. Take the trip!

“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.”

-Winnie the Pooh

We’re here to help you map out your budget so you have room to enjoy your journey and life’s adventures. And good news — you don’t need to sell your house and move into an RV to do so!

Yes, you can skip a month’s mortgage payment through refinancing. And obviously, if you haven’t taken advantage of the near historically low rates, that’s money you’re missing out on that you could be putting toward your dreams. But rates aren’t everything either. Debt consolidation is also a great reason to refinance your home. You could shorten your mortgage term while saving thousands of dollars! That’s where you need an experienced professional, like each of our licensed home loan originators, who will take the time to offer a comprehensive review of your specific scenario and help you achieve long-term financial success.

We can help you get the most out of your money and put you on the path to your destination. Contact your loan officer today to learn more.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Black Hills, Charles D. Chedester, Charlie Chedester, Curvin Larson, Debt consolidation, Derek Draisey, Jason Pleggenkuhle, Jean Holman, Kim Hinrichsen, Kyle Guldenpfennig, Ledges State Park, Linden Heikens, Mahoney State Park, Midwest Road Trips, Molly Maguire, Northeast Iowa, Okoboji, Omaha, Refinance, Sara Fuller, TallMoneyMan, Team Chedester | Leave a comment

MFLCares About HDSA

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Pictured from left to right: Eric, Mark and Bill Smith at HDSA Iowa’s 2015 Team Hope Walk. The Smiths have raised both awareness and dollars for HDSA Iowa in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disorder that has affected them deeply. Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) and their families through support and services.

Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used to help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) and their families through support and services.

“Midwest Family Lending continues to be one of our biggest business supporters in the Des Moines metro,” says Andrea Bauer, president of Huntington’s Disease Society of America – Iowa Chapter. “HDSA truly feels honored to continue to have their support year after year. We love seeing the MFLC team at our yearly Team Hope Walks and Celebration of Hope Gala.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause a month to support that is meaningful to them. Eric Smith, licensed mortgage loan originator with Midwest Family Lending, nominated Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Iowa Chapter (HSDA). The Smiths have raised both awareness of and dollars for HDSA Iowa in hopes of one day finding a cure for the disorder that has affected them deeply.

“HDSA supports families with HD and is helping find a cure for this brain disease that’s passed down in families from generation to generation,” Eric says. “Unfortunately, one of my brothers, Mark, passed away from complication of HD in June of 2020. And my brother, Bill and sister, Becky, are suffering with HD. With our support, along with that from the community, we hope to raise awareness and one day help find a cure.”

About HDSA Iowa

HD is a fatal genetic disorder that deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities, usually during their prime working years. It’s described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s simultaneously. The disease is caused by a gene mutation; any child of an affected parent has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disease.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is “the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease.” From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with Huntington’s disease and their families.

Its mission is:

To help individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease and their families through support and services
To educate both the public and health care professionals about Huntington’s Disease
To promote and support research directed at discovering a treatment and ultimately a cure for Huntington’s disease.

Living with Huntington’s Disease

See what it’s like to live with HD in this ABC News story featuring two families affected by Huntington’s disease.

How You Can Help

Donate

It’s not too late to donate to the 2021 Team Hope Walk!

Stay Informed

Follow HDSA Iowa on Facebook to keep up to date on HD news and events.

MFLCares is a program of Midwest Family Lending, a local mortgage company committed to creating customers for life and to community impact. Check out our calendar to learn more about the great causes MFLCares has supported this year.

“Huntington’s Disease is an extremely rare genetic disease with a small footprint. Having the support, awareness and advocacy from business leaders like Midwest Family Lending helps us grow our awareness.”
-Andrea Bauer, HDSA Iowa

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Eric Smith, Family is Everything, HDSA, HDSA Iowa, MFLCares | Leave a comment

MFLCares Gives Back to the Indianola YMCA

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Midwest Family Lending’s Katie McIntyre (right) presents Heather Hulen (left), executive director of the the Indianola YMCA a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program.

The Indianola YMCA is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used in support of the local non-profit’s mission to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all through programs and services that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“Thank you for selecting the Indianola YMCA as your charity for the month of June. This generous contribution helps us to continue offering scholarships to individuals and families in need so that no one is turned away from the Y,” says Heather Hulen, executive director of the Indianola YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. “We are so grateful for your commitment in helping us to continue the Y’s missions of Social Responsibility, Healthy Living and Youth Development.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause each month to support that is important to them. Katie McIntyre, our marketing director is a dedicated member of the local Y. She nominated the local non-profit after seeing firsthand how it puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

“The Indianola Y and YMCA of Greater DSM have been such a blessing to my family and our community — especially with all they’ve offered to support both physical and mental health to those of all ages and income levels when many needed it more than ever the past year,” Katie says. “I’m grateful that through the Y, we can come together to model healthy habits for our children while supporting our community to thrive.”

About The Indianola YMCA

The Indianola YMCA is the result of a unique public/private partnership, with the City of Indianola, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, the Indianola Community School District and Simpson College all contributing to its construction and operation. The Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility guide its work in the community.

What the YMCA Does

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Des Moines strengthens communities throughout central Iowa by focusing on these areas of impact:

Youth Development: Empowering young people to reach their full potential
Healthy Living: Improving individual and community well-being
Social Responsibility: Providing support and inspiring action in our communities

Five full-facility YMCA gyms in the Greater Des Moines area plus the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus and Y Camp in Boone, Iowa, provide spaces to play, to learn, to be healthy, to eat well and to give back. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive.

More than 150 Years Positively Impacting Central Iowa

For more than 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines has empowered communities by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By the numbers:

140
- People call the Y’s supportive housing campus home
18,000
- Individuals given access through scholarships
100,000
- People served in central Iowa

Access for All

Through generous donors, the Y is accessible to individuals and families at all income levels. Financial assistance is available for membership, swim lessons, youth sports, camp, before and after school care and many of the other programs the Y offers. Eligibility for assistance and the amount of support given is determined on an individual basis.

In FY2020 the YMCA of Greater Des Moines Association averaged 42,188 members, of which 8,109 (almost 1 in 5) received some level of financial assistance. More than $1,500,000 of financial assistance was awarded in 2020.

How You Can Make a Difference

When you support the Y, you help give young people a chance at a brighter future, inspire healthy living and build vibrant communities right where you live!

Join the Y!

When you join the Y, you’ll discover new ways to connect with your potential, purpose and community. No matter where you are on your journey, the Y is where you can be, belong and become.

Volunteer &/or Give

The Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to strengthen the foundations of community. Share your time, talent and treasure at the Y, and change lives and communities, including your own. Whether volunteer to help with special events, coaching or mentoring youth or raising funds for the Annual Campaign, your skills and interests will make a difference.

About MFLCares

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other.
Heather Hulen, executive director of the Indianola YMCA, A division of The YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Greater DSM, Indianola, Indianola YMCA, MFLCares, YMCA, YMCA of Greater Des Moines | Leave a comment

Summer Bucket List!

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Summer’s officially here! Here’s what’s on some of our bucket lists, along with some tips for having the best summer ever!

• Go to Okoboji, and enjoy the sun, the lake and the fact that we can go sit at a restaurant and support the local community! ~Sara Fuller
• Take a family vacay in August after baseball’s over and before our son leaves home to go to college. My wife’s a teacher, so I love her being home for the summer. Our family enjoys sitting out on the deck together. It’s fun to get to spend time outside with people post-pandemic. ~Jason Pleggenkuhle
• Daufuskie Island, SC. Try a new ice cream place. Golf with the kids each week, teaching focus, discipline, manners, respect, self-worth, patience and the ability to enjoy/appreciate their surroundings. Camp at least two times per month & invite friends. ~Charlie Chedester
• Now that Spirit Lake’s our permanent home, we’re already at a place where friends/family are always coming up to visit. We spend a lot of time out on the boat. The Iowa State Fair is my husband’s favorite. We’re going to catch Blake Shelton and the Doobie Brothers there this year. ~Kim Hinrichsen
• Explore DSM with the kids and maybe take a few trips to local zoos. With the zoo pass, we are able to get free or reduced entrance at other zoos across the country. That has already paid dividends for us. ~Kyle Guldenpfennig, #TallMoneyMan
• Boating and jet skiing at Silver Lake. ~Linden Heikens
• Catch up with friends and family. ~Molly Maguire
• Concerts: Blake Shelton (at the Iowa State Fair) and Garth Brooks (at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln). Trips: Heading to Colorado to see our grandson! ~Jean Holman
• Family fishing trip and golfing. ~Derek Draisey
• See a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre! ~Eric Smith
• Enjoy a good old, smalltown Fourth of July celebration in my wife’s hometown, including a parade and fireworks on the lake, which we couldn’t do last year. And, of course, loading up on Runza’s (seasoned ground beef mixed with cabbage and onions baked inside a bread pocket) on the way home! ~Mark Engleman

What’s on your family’s bucket list?

Contact us today to see if refinancing could save you some cash to put toward your dreams or to help finance your backyard oasis. With home values skyrocketing it’s a great time for a free mortgage analysis to see if you can get out of mortgage insurance. And if a new place to call “home” is on your list, we’re got you covered there too!

It’s sure been hot in the Midwest so far this summer. But did you now that according to NASA, 2020 tied for the hottest year ever?! Summer’s the perfect time to keep the house cool and bring the party outdoors. These yummy BBQ recipes from Jean, one of our awesome licensed home loan originators, are sure to be the hit of your summer picnic!

Smoked Beef Brisket

Ingredients:
12-14 lb. beef brisket, trimmed
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
3-4 pecan, hickory or oak wood chunks or pellets, depending on your smoker

For the rub:
¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
¼ cup paprika
¼ cup smoked paprika
2 ½ Tbsp. course sea salt
3 Tbsp. granulated garlic
1 Tbsp. onion powder
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. red pepper

Directions:
Brush or rub brisket generously with Worcestershire sauce. Coat entire brisket with rub and chill 1 to 4 hours (can do the night before and refrigerate overnight).

Remove brisket from refrigerator and let stand 1 hour.
Meanwhile prepare smoker: Temp. 250-260 degrees
Place brisket fat side down, and close smoker. Smoke 5 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the brisket where the point and flat meet registers 165 degrees.
Remove brisket from smoker, wrap tightly in wax-free butcher paper; return brisket to smoker. Cook 3-5 hours more hours, checking temperature each hour until meat thermometer inserted into the center of the brisket registers 200 degrees.

Remove brisket from smoker; open butcher paper, and allow steam to escape for 2-4 minutes. Re-wrap, and let brisket stand in butcher paper 2 hours.
Remove brisket from butcher paper, slice meat across the grain into ¼ inch thick slices.

Smoked Pork Butt

Ingredients:
8-10 lb. bone-in pork shoulder roast (pork butt)
½ cup peanut oil
2 cups Season All Rub (recipe below)
1 cup Pork Brine Injection (recipe below)
3-4 maple or cherry chunks or pellets, depending on smoker
¾ cup apple juice

Season All Rub
¾ cup paprika
½ cup turbinado sugar
¼ cup seasoned salt
¼ cup coarse black pepper
2 Tbsp. granulated garlic
1 Tbsp. granulated onion
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. chipotle powder

Pork Brine Injection
1 cup apple juice
1/8 cup white vinegar
½ cup sugar
1/8 cup kosher salt
½ tsp. hot sauce
½ Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. Season All Rub

Trim excess fat from pork butt. Coat port butt with peanut oil, followed by a liberal coating of Season All Rub. Using an injector, inject 1 cup Pork Brine Injection into pork butt at 1-inch intervals. Chill for 4-6 hours.

Remove butt from refrigerator, and let stand 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare smoker temp. to 275 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Place pork in smoker, close lid and smoke for 4-6 hours or until the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165 degrees.
Remove pork from smoker, and wrap tightly in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Return pork to smoker. Continue cooking until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 200 degrees.
Remove pork butt from smoker; open foil, and allow steam to escape for 2-4 minutes. Let pork rest in foil 2-4 hours.
Remove pork from foil, and place on cutting board. Shred pork. Discard fat, and serve!

☀️ Summer, winter, spring or fall, we’re here to help you have room in your budget to have your best summer ever and live your best life!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bucket list, budget, Charlie Chedester, Derek Draisey, Eric Smith, Jason Pleggenkuhle, Jean Holman, Kim Hinrichsen, Kyle Guldenpfennig, Linden Heikens, Mark Engleman, MI, Molly Maguire, Refinance, Sara Fuller, Summer | Leave a comment

Don’t Forget to File For Your Homestead Credit by July 1!

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Did someone say, “Free $?!”

In Iowa you’re eligible to obtain the credit on one property if:

It’s your primary residence 6 months out of the year. AND
You apply by July 1.
- But you can file whenever if you haven’t yet (Hello, 2020 homebuyers who may have missed this amidst the craziness that was our world last year). You just won’t receive the credit for the year if you don’t file by July 1.

It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!

Visit: http://iowaassessors.com, and find your county.
Search for your property.
Look for a link to complete your homestead credit application.

How much are we talking here? It’s free money — does it even matter?! Basically, it varies based on the credits for which you qualify and the taxes on your home. But most people end up save a couple hundred dollars, each year! A.K.A. totally worth your time!

Already filed? You’re set for future years so long as you remain eligible.

Sorry, Nebraska’s not so nice. You’re only eligible if you’re one of the following:

Older than 65
A qualified disabled individual OR
A qualified disabled veterans or their widow(er).

Here’s more information for Nebraska residents including how to file.

Questions? We’ve got answers.

We’re always happy to help with all your home ownership inquiries and to help you save $! We strive to be a great resource for all things home ownership to our customers. And what we can’t answer, we can connect you with the experts who love what they do as much as we do mortgages!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Homestead Credit, Iowa Assessors | Leave a comment

MFLCares about Meals from the Heartland

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Midwest Family Lending Corp

Midwest Family Lending’s Madeline Myer and Hannah Fuller present Meals from the Heartland Executive Director Greg DeHaii a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program.

Meals from the Heartland is our featured charity this month and has received a $1500 donation through our MFLCares program. The funds will be used in support of the local non-profit’s mission of “empowering people to save starving children”.

“We are beyond blessed to be a part of such a caring community that includes the recent donation from our friends at Midwest Family Lending,” says Greg DeHaai, Executive Director of Meals from the Heartland. “Donations are critical to our mission as we do not receive government funding. All ingredients are purchased with the generous donations of our volunteers, supporters and community. Meals are distributed to those in need right here in Iowa, across the U.S. and around the world.”

Through MFLCares, Midwest Family Lending employees nominate and select one cause each month to support that is dear to their hearts. Hannah Fuller, our mortgage processing associate, nominated Meals from the Heartland after seeing firsthand the impact the local non-profit makes on both the lives of those in need and on those who volunteer.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to volunteer with this organization on numerous occasions,” Hannah says. “They are changing lives every day, making a difference for everyone involved and demonstrating the importance of serving others.”

What Meals From The Heartland Does

Meals from the Heartland is a non-profit organization composed of volunteers who package meals for delivery to starving children in Iowa, across the U.S. and around the world. The 501(c)(3) is made up of volunteers from businesses, schools, churches, community organizations and beyond.

How You Can Help

Donate and feed a child. Volunteer and change a life. Give and make a difference. Every dollar and every hour you give could mean a better life for a hungry child, right here at home or abroad.

Onsite packaging takes place every Tuesday-Saturday at the organization’s West Des Moines Packaging Center. Or you can volunteer to help the hungry by scheduling a private or mobile hunger fight.