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Buy Now, Pay Later: The Pros and Cons

Have you heard of BNPL programs? Short for Buy Now, Pay Later, BNPL programs have been around for a while, but they have increased in popularity as online purchasing has become more common.  It isn’t hard to see the appeal of these plans that allow you to take possession of a purchase while postponing the

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Making a Fresh Start with Your Personal Finances

The New Year is a great time to look at your life and make some needed changes.  This is especially true for your personal finances.  If you’re ready to make your personal finances in 2022 work for you, then here are some places where you might consider changing your approach. Be More Engaged It can

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Tips for Selling a Home in the Winter

Spring is the season that is typically associated with home buying and selling, but the truth is that in every season there will be some people who need to buy a home and others who need to sell.  While winter may not be the most popular time to sell a home, there are ways to

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Ways to Reduce Winter Heating Costs

Temperatures are beginning to fall, and it’s only going to get worse!  We have several months of cold winter days ahead of us so we might as well settle in.  We’ll get out our warm sweaters and throw another log on the fire as we watch the snow fall and the wind blow.  Sounds cozy,

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Banking Without Stepping Foot in the Bank

Going to the bank used to be a part of the routine errands that everyone had to do on a regular basis.  In the past few years, things have changed.  Technology has influenced all of life and industry, including our banking habits.  Trips to the bank have decreased as we’ve gained the ability to do

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Protecting Your Small Business from Fraud

Businesses have always had to put measures in place to guard against scams, fraud, and theft.  However, with the technological advances that businesses have enjoyed over the last century, criminals’ means for stealing have greatly expanded.  To keep your company safe, you need to be proactive and stay one step ahead of the thieves.  The

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Buying a Home in 2021

With all the changes we have experienced over the past 18 months, you may be wondering about the home buying process. What has changed about the way homebuyers search for, select, and finance a home and what has stayed the same? Keep reading to learn more about the unique challenges and opportunities of buying a

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Keeping Finances On-Track in a Busy Season

Life is full of different seasons, some easy and enjoyable, others that are difficult and busy.  We are all constantly moving from one season to another, having to adjust to new obligations and expectations.  During busy seasons, our finances can quickly get off-track. We don’t have as much time during busy seasons to keep a

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Be Prepared for Unexpected Severe Weather Events

When it comes to central Illinois weather, if there is one thing you can count on, it’s that it is unpredictable.  Throughout the winter months, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are a constant threat.  In the spring, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and even tornados can occur without much warning.  Whatever the season, the bottom line is

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Federated Bank: Your Local PPP Source

Almost every business has been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and many are in dire need of assistance because of it.  One way that the government has tried to help struggling businesses is through an assistance program called the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the coronavirus relief funding

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