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Putting Iowans’ Money to Work
A look at the progress, results and impact of the Treasurer’s Office
Issued October 2026
A Message from State Treasurer Roby Smith
Since taking office in January 2023, my mission has been simple: protect Iowans’ money and put it to hard work.
I’ve always believed public service should be measured by results. In the Treasurer’s Office, we keep score by what we deliver for Iowans—and I’m proud to say we’re putting points on the board.
Whether we’re earning more on the State’s investments, returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners or helping families save for the future, our focus is on making your dollars go further.
Here’s what that looks like:
- More than $1.56 billion in interest earned through investments in Iowa’s Pooled Money Fund since I took office.
- More than $7.25 billion invested in ISave 529™, with fees reduced three times and more Iowans participating than ever before.
- More than 4,700 active IAble® accounts and over $54 million invested—more than doubling the number of accounts and tripling assets.
- $38.2 million in cash and shares returned through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt during fiscal year 2026, setting a new annual record.
These accomplishments have a direct impact. Investment earnings help support public services and ease the burden on taxpayers. Lower fees leave more of families’ savings working for their future. And returning unclaimed property puts money back where it belongs—in Iowans’ hands.
I’ve also made it a priority to bring the Treasurer’s Office directly to the people we serve. Visiting all 99 counties gives me opportunities to listen, strengthen local partnerships and connect Iowans with programs that can make a difference in their lives.
We’re continuing that work by expanding the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program to include the new Money Match initiative, increasing savings opportunities through IAble and lowering costs for ISave 529 participants.
We’re also looking ahead to the next generation’s future here in Iowa. In this issue, you’ll learn about FirstHome Iowa, a new savings and investment program being developed to help individuals, parents and grandparents save toward a first home in Iowa. Our goal is to make homeownership more attainable and help more young Iowans put down roots right here at home.
The scoreboard tells us we’re making progress, but the real measure of success is what those results mean for Iowans: more money saved, more opportunities ahead and greater confidence in their financial futures.
As your State Treasurer, I remain committed to protecting your money, putting it to work and delivering the service you deserve.
Sincerely,
Roby Smith
Iowa State Treasurer
Your Money May Be Looking for You
You may have money waiting for you—and through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, we’re taking a new approach to putting it back in your hands.
In September, we launched Money Match, a new initiative that proactively connects Iowans with their unclaimed property. Using information from the Iowa Department of Revenue, Money Match identifies eligible owners and returns their money directly when the necessary details can be automatically verified—without requiring them to submit a claim.
Money Match builds on Great Iowa Treasure Hunt’s ongoing work to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners, reaching Iowans who may not know they have money waiting.
Keep searching! Not all unclaimed property qualifies for Money Match, and some properties require additional information or documentation. Visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov regularly to search for yourself, your family or your business. Searching and claiming your property is always free.
Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has helped reunite Iowans with unclaimed money for decades. Unclaimed property can come from many sources, including forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, refunds and other financial assets. Each year, millions of dollars are waiting to be claimed by their rightful owners.
ISave 529 Cut Costs Twice in 2026
Saving for education now costs less with ISave 529. Two fee reductions in 2026 means more of families’ money stays invested for future education expenses.
On July 1, the plan’s only fee was decreased. On September 1, it decreased again to 0.15%—meaning account owners now pay just $1.50 per year for every $1,000 invested.
Account owner spotlight: Kevin and Julie recently shared how their ISave 529 account funds helped their children. Check out their story at ISave529.com.
More Savers, Stronger Futures: IAble’s Growth Across Iowa
More Iowans with disabilities and their families are using IAble to save for the future. Since 2023, the number of active accounts has more than doubled to over 4,700, and assets have tripled to more than $54 million.
Behind that growth is a commitment to reaching more eligible individuals and helping them understand their savings options. The Treasurer’s Office has strengthened relationships with disability advocates, service providers and organizations including Special Olympics Iowa, Easterseals and ASK Resource Center to raise awareness and connect families with information and support.
Through these partnerships and outreach across Iowa, we're helping more individuals with disabilities plan for their needs, pursue their goals and build greater financial independence.
Working Behind the Scenes: Iowa’s Pooled Money Fund
State dollars can keep working while they wait to be spent. Through Iowa’s Pooled Money Fund, the Treasurer’s Office invests money State agencies do not immediately need, prioritizing safety, keeping funds available to meet obligations and earning a return.
Since 2023, these investments have generated more than $1.56 billion in earnings—an average of more than $1 million a day.
For Iowa taxpayers, those earnings make a difference. Investment income helps pay for public services, reducing the amount that otherwise would need to come from taxes or other revenue sources. The Treasurer’s Office also has a record amount—more than half a billion dollars—invested in Iowa banks and credit unions, helping support local lending and grow economies in communities across the state.
It’s one way the Treasurer’s Office puts Iowans’ money to hard work: protecting public dollars while making them go further.
Introducing FirstHome Iowa: A Place to Start. A Future to Build.
A first home is more than a place to live—it’s a place to put down roots. That’s why I’m excited to introduce FirstHome Iowa, a first-in-the-nation savings and investment program being developed to help more young Iowans build their futures right here at home.
Much like families use 529 plans to save for education, FirstHome Iowa will give individuals, parents and grandparents a way to save toward a down payment on a future first home in Iowa. Whether a home purchase is years away or closer on the horizon, the goal is to make homeownership more attainable and help the next generation stay and thrive in Iowa.
More details are coming soon! Watch for updates on program features, eligibility and when you can open an account. You can also sign up for our interest list at FirstHomeIowa.com.
ISave 529 and the ISave 529 logo are trademarks of the Iowa Educational Savings Plan Trust.
IAble is a registered mark of the Iowa ABLE Savings Plan Trust.
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