By Joan Honeycutt The days of summer are fading fast, but for many central Illinois residents, that isn’t all bad news. For some, the hot, sunny days of July are hard to beat. Yet with its cool relief from the heat and spectacular views, autumn is also a beloved season in central Illinois. The kids […]
Consumer Tips
Minimizing Student Loan Debt
By Mary Lukow Student loan debt has become an epidemic in our country today. The total student loan debt weighs in at over 1.2 trillion dollars. Students exiting college with a burdensome debt load may find that it complicates life and keeps them from making choices like buying a house or starting a family. Many […]
Tips for Avoiding Overdraft Fees
By Tom Cleary Money doesn’t grow on trees. It doesn’t just appear in your bank account or arrive on your doorstep. You work hard for the money you have, and you don’t want to just throw it away. Having to pay overdraft fees may make it seem like that’s exactly what you are doing. No […]
Protect Your Investment with a Home Inspection
By Andrea Eldert A home inspection is just one piece of the home-buying process. But it is an important piece. Home inspections offer a protection for prospective home-buyers. It helps them see what problems a home has. If home-buying or home-selling is in your future, you may be curious about exactly what you can expect […]
Money Management Tips for Family Caregivers
By Tom Cleary Have you heard of the “sandwich generation”? No, the term does not reference elementary-age kids who survive on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It is actually a phrase given to describe the many Baby Boomers who are helping to care for their children and grandchildren while also caring for their parents. With […]
Banking Tips for Millennials
By Andrea Eldert Adulthood is inevitable for every generation…and, Millennials, you are no exception. While the youngest of you are still in middle school, high school, or college, more and more are entering the busy years of building a career and a family. Many are just getting started; others are a little more experienced. So […]


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