SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will showcase hands-on training programs available in Taylorville at the Construction and Welding Expo Monday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m. Prospective students are invited to this free event at LLCC-Taylorville’s north building, 800 South Spresser. No registration is needed. Saturday, July 13, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — There’s a best time to buy just about anything , but knowing which product will go on sale at what time isn’t always easy. Saturday, July 13, 2019
More than 400 people recently joined in TCCU Taylorville’s annual Member Appreciation Day event. Near-perfect weather combined with the appeal of a picnic-style lunch to swell the number of attendees. “We had staff and Board members cooking over the grill the whole time between 11:30 and 1:00,” says Wil Perkins, TCCU President. “It was great! Saturday, July 6, 2019
US adds solid 224,000 jobs, making Fed rate cut less certain
WASHINGTON (AP) — The strength of the jobs report the government issued Friday could complicate a decision for the Federal Reserve late this month on whether to cut interest rates to help support the economy. Most investors have anticipated a rate cut in July and perhaps one or two additional Fed cuts later in the year. That scenario may be less likely now. Saturday, July 6, 2019
I own a single-family home in the Silicon Valley. There's about $1 million equity in it and an annual property tax of $2,000 (thanks to Proposition 13, which limits annual tax increases).
I no longer live in the area. I advised my adult children that they could live in the house by building a second story and renting out the first floor, much as I am doing now. (I'm currently receiving about $6,000 from a tenant.) That way, they could build the second story with some of the equity that's in the house, and their mortgage payments would be covered by the rent. Saturday, July 6, 2019
Dear Helaine: I want to know what to do with my small but steadily increasing savings. I'm one year into a new career after staying home with a small child while grinding away at school. My husband supported us so we could (painfully) survive on just his income. He grew up middle class, so he graduated with no student loans and $200,000 from a trust he won't touch. He works a union job that pays OK and has a good pension plan. Saturday, June 29, 2019
(AP) — The SEC recently passed new regulations it says will ensure that brokers act in their clients’ “best interest.” But what does that mean for you? Saturday, June 29, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — Marijuana is having a moment. Experts recently dubbed cannabis the fastest-growing industry in the U.S. Legal weed generated $10.4 billion in the United States in 2018, and the number of "plant-touching" jobs is expected to pass 500,000 by 2022 , according to New Frontier Data, a cannabis market research and data analysis firm. Saturday, June 29, 2019
ILLINOIS — Julie Wollerman, Regional Superintendent for Bond, Christian, Effingham, Fayette, and Montgomery Counties was sworn in on Friday, June 28, 2019 for her second full-term of office. She was sworn in by the Honorable Judge J. Marc Kelly of the Fourth Judicial Circuit in the courtroom of the historic Fayette County Courthouse. Saturday, June 29, 2019
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Taylorville Community Credit Union, Taylorville, Illinois has achieved another Superior 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. Saturday, June 29, 2019
The Trump administration’s decision to shift some Customs and Border Protection agents to the southern border is leading the agency to cancel some interviews for the Global Entry traveler-screening program. Saturday, June 22, 2019
Southeast Asian leaders will commit to conclude a long-delayed regional trade pact this year despite lingering odds to fend off risks from a protracted U.S.-China trade war when they gather for a weekend summit in Thailand. Saturday, June 22, 2019
I recently sold my house and bought another one. I did a 20% down payment, received a decent interest rate on the mortgage, and still have funds left over from the sale. I don't want them to sit around doing nothing in my savings account, but I'm sort of undecided about what I should do. Saturday, June 22, 2019
While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Erik Goodge was severely wounded during a deployment to Afghanistan. After returning home, the veteran became passionate about finances as he navigated his post-military life and benefits. Saturday, June 22, 2019
Jenner Ag has been selected as one of the finalists for the Great Game of Business All-Star Award for the sixth consecutive time. Saturday, June 22, 2019
Dear Helaine: I need your advice on my financial situation. I am married, in my early 70s, and still at work. I earn $100,000 as a hairstylist. My husband is retired with no pension or any other means of income besides $1,500 monthly in Social Security. I am receiving $1,600 from Social Security monthly. Saturday, June 15, 2019
AUBURN — Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Co. (RECC) treated members to a bill credit, dinner by Country Girl Catering and ice cream from Carl’s Ice Cream prior to the start of its annual meeting on June 6. Saturday, June 15, 2019
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is expanding the services they provide to central Illinois businesses in the financial services arena with the hiring of two new Business Development Managers in May. Justin Roley and Jennifer Wheat have both been designated this title and will be responsible for reaching out to central Illinois business owners and managers to provide financial services, products, and benefits tailored to the specific needs of each business. Saturday, June 8, 2019
Credit Collection Partners (CCP) is proud to announce it has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work in Collections in 2019. Saturday, June 8, 2019
With the cost to own a new vehicle rising, it’s more important than ever to consider what you’ll pay for a car loan and to shop for the best interest rate. Saturday, June 8, 2019
President Donald Trump announced late Friday that he had suspended plans to impose tariffs on Mexico, tweeting that the country “has agreed to take strong measures” to stem the flow of Central American migrants into the United States. But the deal the two neighbors agreed to falls short of some of the dramatic overhauls the U.S. had pushed for. Saturday, June 8, 2019
I felt very edgy in the first weeks of the Trump administration. I thought about altering my investments and even considered stocking up on gold coins. But my financial adviser talked me out of it and told me to stay the course. It worked for a time. Saturday, June 8, 2019
DECATUR — Land of Lincoln Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Smith as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer. Before joining Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Smith was the Vice President of Internal Audit, Loan Review, and Compliance Officer at SCB Bancorp, Inc. in Decatur, IL. Smith has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry having served in various other capacities both at a local CPA firm and at Security Bank in Springfield, IL. Saturday, June 1, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — Many people plan to work past normal retirement age, by choice or necessity. But most aren’t taking the steps that could increase the odds they’ll be able to do so. Saturday, June 1, 2019
WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite pushback from U.S. business, Mexico and Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump is doubling down on his threat to slap a 5% tariff on Mexican imports unless America’s southern neighbor cracks down on Central American migrants trying to cross the U.S. border. Saturday, June 1, 2019
NEW YORK (AP) — Many small business owners who never went to business school feel at a loss when they’re trying to assess their companies’ finances, managing their staffers or marketing their products or services. There are many resources available for those who want to get a grounding in business basics, including many courses that are free or low-cost: Saturday, June 1, 2019
You won't pay for health care in retirement with one lump sum. That's the way these expenses are often presented, though, and the amounts are terrifying. Saturday, May 25, 2019
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Corey Conroy as Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer. Conroy most recently held the position of AVP of Retail Sales at LLCU. Saturday, May 25, 2019
Many small business owners who never went to business school feel at a loss when they’re trying to assess their companies’ finances, managing their staffers or marketing their products or services. There are many resources available for those who want to get a grounding in business basics, including many courses that are free or low-cost: Saturday, May 25, 2019
A security lapse at a major real estate title company exposed the bank account numbers and other sensitive information contained in 885 million files. Saturday, May 25, 2019
I'm about to graduate from a master's program and start a job with a $60,000 salary. Currently, I have a $10,000 student loan with my credit union at a 4.5% interest rate and two federal loans (undergraduate and graduate) at 5.4% and 6.8% interest rates. I am single. Saturday, May 25, 2019
When President Donald Trump visits Japan, he’ll be able to point to Tokyo’s streets to drive home a sore point in trade relations between the allies: the absence of made-in-USA vehicles. Saturday, May 25, 2019
Samantha Ealy graduated with a bachelor’s degree and $70,000 in debt. She worked multiple jobs to pay off student loans, a car, medical bills and credit cards in three years. But looking back, Ealy sees a few missteps. Saturday, May 18, 2019
Deere cut its profit and sales expectations for the year as a trade war between the U.S. and China escalates at the same time that farmers are attempting to recover from a planting season besieged by heavy rains. Saturday, May 18, 2019
Taylorville Community Credit Union’s 5th Annual Freedom Tree community food drive begins Monday, June 3rd, and runs through Friday, July 12th. All area residents and credit union members are encouraged to donate boxed and canned food items, as well as cash donations, to benefit local food pantries. Saturday, May 18, 2019
On May 8, 2019, several employees from Bayer/Monsanto Company and two village employeesworked together to clean up the local park in Stonington. They painted foul ball poles, raked leaves along fences, picked up sticks, sprayed weeds, planted flowers at the village hall. In addition, they will be planting more flowers along Route 48 to keep the community looking good. Saturday, May 18, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — The results are in for the winners of the Breeze Courier’s Pet of the Year contest, the pet look-a-like contest and the ugliest pet contest. A panel of independent local judges selected the winners. Saturday, May 11, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — As the school year comes to a close, you would expect most high school juniors relishing in the nirvana of passage into their senior year. Not so, for at least one Taylorville High School senior-to-be, Gabriel Goodroe. Gabe, 17, has his sights set on fairs, festivals and community celebrations for his first season running his Kona Ice business all across central Illinois. Saturday, May 11, 2019
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s combative approach to trade has been one of the main constants among his often-shifting political views. And he’s showing no signs of backing off now, even as the stakes intensify with the threat of a full-blown trade war between the world’s two biggest economies. Saturday, May 11, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — Marie Kondo has inspired countless people to wipe out clutter. Her KonMari organizing method, popularized by her book and Netflix series, lays out how to get more joy from your life and possessions. Saturday, May 11, 2019
PANA — Pana Community Hospital Board of Directors and the Foundation Board held their annual meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 30, at Oak Terrace Resort near Pana. Matt Beavers, Chairman of the Board of Directors, welcomed the over 100 guests stating his pleasure in serving on the hospital’s board of directors. Saturday, May 11, 2019
Dear Helaine: My situation is a mixed bag. I'm currently an adjunct professor who somehow manages a decent -- $75,000 -- income. I'm 34. I have $80,000 in an IRA and another $20,000 in emergency savings. Saturday, May 11, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — This elegant and classic all brick ranch home has been well maintained through the years. A one owner, it has 1844 sq. ft. of living area. At the center of the living room is an imposing stone fireplace. The "retro-kitchen is meticulous and provides display shelving in the upper cabinets. Plus a corner seating area. Friday, May 10, 2019
Dear Helaine: I'm in my mid-50s, and I left the workforce (where I made low six figures and socked away money) to move back to a city I left decades ago and back to my parents' home to take care of them. They are both in their early 80s and ill with neurological diseases that rob you of movement or mind, but don't actually cause death. Both need more and more help, and it's expensive. They have no long-term-care insurance; it'll all be out of pocket. Saturday, May 4, 2019
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ top newspapers were honored this week at the Illinois Press Association’s annual convention in Springfield. More than 100 daily and nondaily newspapers competed in 44 editorial and advertising categories. Saturday, May 4, 2019
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Taylorville native Allison Martin, a Clinical Professor of Law at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, has been named a Dean's Fellow at the law school for 2019-2020. These honors are designed to reward clinical faculty for outstanding performance in teaching or service. Saturday, May 4, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — It warms the heart and makes one feel very proud when one drives around the corner of Park and Webster Streets in Taylorville and sees all the State Flags waving in the breeze. Bill Easley, an AMVET, was integral in starting the Veteran’s Park in 1999. The flags that fly so proudly are the original flags. Over the years some have become faded and torn and a good number of the flags desperately need to be replaced. Saturday, May 4, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — This home was taken down to the bare studs and brought back with new electrical, plumbing, fixtures, high efficiency heating and cooling and R-30 insulation. Friday, May 3, 2019
Maximizing a home down payment can make sense: The bigger the down payment, the lower the monthly mortgage bill and the better the chance of building equity more quickly. Saturday, April 27, 2019
I like to be generous. A friend and I went to dinner at a restaurant at my recommendation. I tried to pay for our dinner with some gift cards I had. She tried to make me use them only on myself. She spoiled my enjoyment of our dinner. Why couldn't she just enjoy the dinner and the fact that I wanted to use my gift cards on her? Saturday, April 27, 2019
It’s a situation many new business owners land in — they’re so anxious to find customers and clients that they work for little or no money. Or take on projects they don’t like. Saturday, April 27, 2019
Memorial Medical Center is the only hospital in downstate Illinois to be recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Bariatric Surgery by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Friday, April 26, 2019
Monarch butterfly populations have been declining, but efforts by Illinois agriculture are working to reverse that trend. A diverse coalition of sixteen organizations and agencies with ties to agriculture unveiled an action plan for monarch conservation on Earth Day. Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Hi Helaine: I'm 25 years old and have around $50,000 in student loan debt from undergraduate and graduate school. My mother recently passed away, and I'm inheriting about half a million dollars in various forms of assets. There are liquid assets, some real estate and an annuity. Should I leverage part of this inheritance to pay off my student loan debt in full? Saturday, April 20, 2019
DECATUR — Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) will be breaking ground on a new location in Centralia, Illinois on Tuesday, April 30th. LLCU has operated a branch within the Murray Center for several years, but it was a small office with limited access to members. The new, full-service, innovative branch is very accessible and easy to find, located at 234 N. Poplar Street in Centralia. Saturday, April 20, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — As a result of its recent opening of a branch location in Pana, IL, Taylorville Community Credit Union has hired additional staff in the new office. Saturday, April 20, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm, salutes 5-Star Taylorville Community Credit Union, Taylorville, Illinois for its continued financial excellence. Saturday, April 20, 2019
SPRINGFIELD — Five separate rehabilitation programs at Memorial Medical Center have been accredited for another three years by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Saturday, April 20, 2019
SPRINGFIELD — Central Illinois Foodbank kicked off the 14th Annual Corporate Food Fight Challenge this month with a goal of having 20 businesses compete in the food, funds and friends competition. Saturday, April 20, 2019
KINCAID — Excellent home. This home has been updated throughout. This home consists of two bedrooms and 1 and 1/2 baths and sits on a large double lot. It has a full basement that has had all the wiring, plumbing, heating and cooling updated in it. There is a recently added gas log fireplace with a beautifully done brick front. The kitchen cabinets and flooring in the living room and kitchen have been installed in the last year. Friday, April 19, 2019
