Investments

Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Conversation with Todd Smith of Bank Iowa

Matt Moklestad

Matt Moklestad , CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®, MBA

Marcus Iwig

Marcus Iwig , CFP®, CPA, MAcc

With guest Todd Smith
09/23/24

Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Conversation with Todd Smith of Bank Iowa | Financial Perspectives

This week, Matt Moklestad has a conversation with Todd Smith, the Mortgage Director at Bank Iowa, as he breaks down the complexities of mortgage rates. With nearly 30 years of experience in the banking and mortgage industry, Todd shares insights on how mortgage rates are determined, the factors that influence them, and tips for securing the best rates.

0:00 – Introduction

1:05 – How is a mortgage rate determined?

4:00 – Why does my rate vary between lenders?

7:03 – How do Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) differ?

8:20 – Will the fed’s latest rate cut impact mortgage rates?

11:20 – Closing Thoughts

Keep Reading

Investments

The Real Benchmark for Your Portfolio: Your Required Rate of Return

Zach Dalluge

Zach Dalluge, CFP®, CKA®

04/21/26
Investments

What the Patchwork of Returns Reveals About Diversification

Ben Berger

Ben Berger, CFP®

04/14/26
Investments

Staying Invested During Uncertainty: A Conversation with Wes Crill (Dimensional Fund Advisors)

Gretchen Muller

Gretchen Muller, MBA

04/11/26
Lifestyle

What I Learned About Nurturing New Beginnings at Every Stage of Life

Gretchen Muller

Gretchen Muller, MBA

04/10/26
Investments

Discovering What’s Next

Kent Kramer

Kent Kramer, CFP®, AIF®

04/10/26
Chart of the Month

Chart of the Month – April 2026

Jack Davies

Jack Davies, CFA®

04/07/26
Investments

Investing through Uncertainty: A Perspective on the Iran Conflict & Markets | Financial Perspectives

Kent Kramer

Kent Kramer, CFP®, AIF®

03/25/26
Investments

How to Think About Taxes in Retirement – Beyond Just Paying Less

Andy Mullan

Andy Mullan, CFP®

03/10/26
Investments

Market Volatility in 2026: Don’t Let Headlines Drive Your Financial Plan | Financial Perspectives

Gretchen Muller

Gretchen Muller, MBA

02/14/26
Investments

Cybersecurity in 2026: Phishing, AI, Deepfakes, & IoT | Financial Perspectives

Gretchen Muller

Gretchen Muller, MBA

01/16/26
Investments

Why Market Highs Aren’t a Reason for Worry

Kent Kramer

Kent Kramer, CFP®, AIF®

12/29/25
Investments

Thanking Giving Healing

Kent Kramer

Kent Kramer, CFP®, AIF®

11/25/25

PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION at www.fostergrp.com/disclosures. A copy of our written disclosure Brochure as set forth on Part 2A of Form ADV is available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Let’s talk.

Let’s talk.

Contact us – without obligation – whenever you have a financial question, idea, or need a second opinion. And discover how having your financial life Truly Cared For can help you feel more confident and in control. You can select your preference to start a conversation.

Prefer to call us? 515-226-9000

Prefer to call us? 515-226-9000

By providing a telephone number and submitting the form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of further messaging.