By Steve Wedig Most of us are creatures of habit. We get used to doing things a certain way, and we just continue on doing them that way. Sometimes even when we know that there is a better option, we are hesitant to make a change. While this is a common approach, it is not […]
Personal Finances
Emergency Savings Funds: What You Need to Know
By Tom Cleary You may have heard financial experts talk about emergency savings funds. Perhaps you have money saved for an emergency. Or maybe you hear this term and just simply stop listening. If you have neglected putting money away in anticipation of the unexpected, you are not alone. As this article notes, a recent […]
Best Investments in Home Renovation Projects
By Cindy Cabbage There are many reasons that homeowners choose to embark on home renovation projects. Sometimes a home must be modified to meet the needs of a growing family or a changing situation. Other times damage from a storm or fire make home improvements necessary. In other situations, the renovation is meant to simply […]
Great Fall Getaway Ideas in Illinois
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 […]
Save on Summer Cooling Costs with These Small Changes
By Cindy Cabbage As the breezy days of spring melt into the balmy days of summer, you may notice that your energy costs are on the rise. Air conditioners are notorious for consuming large amounts of energy so when the weather turns hot, cooling bills will increase. Few of us are ready to turn off […]
5 Reasons You Should Make an IRA Contribution
By Cindy Cabbage Do you have an IRA? If so, have you made your 2016 contribution yet? Even though we’ve turned the page on the calendar, you still have a little time to make an IRA contribution attributable to 2016. Maybe you already knew that. But maybe you aren’t convinced that building your IRA is […]
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender