DES MOINES, IA (09/14/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is urging women not to miss out on a valuable experience. He's talking about the 5th Annual Iowa Women and Money Conference, scheduled for October 8, 2011 at the Polk County Convention Complex. This one-day event is expected to draw a large group of women who are interested in finding financial success and improving their financial security. The conference, including lunch, is free to attendees.

This year's keynote speaker is Certified Financial Planner and financial educator Dee Lee. Lee has been consulted as an expert for TV and radio stations across the country and has been quoted as a resource in many respected publications such as USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. Her keynote presentation is sure to motivate and inspire any woman looking for financial guidance.

The Iowa Women and Money Conference is specifically designed to address the unique financial challenges women face in their work and personal lives. "Our goal in hosting this special event is to empower women by providing them with information that will aid them in getting their financial houses in order," stated Fitzgerald.

Conference sessions will focus on money management for women of all ages, economic backgrounds, and levels of financial knowledge. An impressive line-up of speakers and financial experts will provide sessions like Financial Freedom for Women, Avoiding Identity Theft, Financial Management during Economic Uncertainty and more. Space is limited, so visit www.iowawomenandmoney.com and register today.

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Register for a chance to win a $529 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/24/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $529 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 31.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary from their 2011 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

DES MOINES, IA (02/04/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is looking to reunite owners with a vault full of cherished treasures this Valentine's Day. "We have an assortment of sentimental items waiting to be reclaimed such as rings, necklaces, pocket watches, love letters and photos," Fitzgerald said. "You never know, some of these items may have been tokens of affection given from Grandpa to Grandma on a past Valentine's Day."

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans, past and present to check and see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them by visiting www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com. "We are constantly updating our website. Our goal is to get as many people as possible to check their names for any unclaimed property," Fitzgerald stated.

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $122 million to more than 310,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Companies and banks in Iowa and from across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the State Treasurer each year. Common examples of unclaimed property include money in forgotten savings/checking accounts, uncashed insurance benefit and payroll checks, IRA funds, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents, gift cards, utility refunds or deposits.

Treasurer seekers are encouraged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed assets waiting for them. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.

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Contributions to College Savings Iowa accounts must be made by December 31, 2010

DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Once again, the year has flown by, and it's already time to start looking ahead to 2011. Before the big ball drops on New Year's Eve, State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has an important reminder about College Savings Iowa. "The new year is upon us, but before you start celebrating, don't forget to make your final contributions to your College Savings Iowa accounts," Fitzgerald said. "If you're still looking for the perfect gift for a child or grandchild, don't miss this opportunity to give them a gift that will last a lifetime."

Contributions to College Savings Iowa must be made by the end of the year to qualify for 2010 state tax deductions. Account holders can deduct up to $2,811 for each open account and can contribute online at www.collegesavingsiowa.com.* All other contributions must be submitted by December 31, 2010. Contributions sent by mail must postmark checks by December 31, 2010.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investments tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United Sates or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, call 888-672-9116 or visit collegesavingsiowa.com.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.