With more TV streaming services than ever before, from newcomers like Disney Plus to stalwarts like Netflix, consumers may feel the ideal viewing experience is finally at hand. Saturday, April 13, 2019
Getting your credit score today is easy — just turn to your bank, credit card issuer or one of the many apps and websites out there. Saturday, April 13, 2019
Bitter cold temperatures and high winds prevented the LEAD program participants from touring local media outlets back on January 30, so taking advantage of the warmer, spring like temperatures, the 2019 LEADership group first toured the Breeze-Courier, where Kim Paisley led this year’s participants on an up close and personal look at the inner workings of the paper. Participants were fortunate enough to watch as Wednesday afternoon’s Breeze-Courier rolled off of the press, was collated and prepared for delivery. They also learned how advertising space is sold and allocated within the paper, as well as how articles are generated, edited and assigned to specific pages in the paper. Saturday, April 13, 2019
My husband and I own a home and have put two children through college. We carry financial debt for that, but we have frozen payments for a while.
My 10-year-old business has taken a nosedive, and I lost money last year. I am looking for a job, but there are not many companies wanting to hire a 60-year-old woman. In addition, we've Saturday, April 13, 2019
Dear Helaine: My financial life feels extremely unbalanced, and I don't know where to begin to fix it. Thanks to a divorce settlement many years ago, I bought a house in a popular summer community. It's now worth $2 million, and I own it free and clear. My finances worked as long as my ex paid child support, but our daughter aged out of it, and I am slowly sinking in a very expensive boat. Saturday, April 6, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Taylorville Community Credit Union recently welcomed a new staff member to its Taylorville office. Linsey Richardson joined TCCU-Taylorville as a full-time Teller. Saturday, April 6, 2019
The saying that debt is easy to get into and hard to get out of hits home for younger Americans: At the end of 2018, 18- to 29-year-olds carried over $1 trillion in debt, according to the Federal Reserve. That’s the highest level since 2007. Saturday, April 6, 2019
Location is so important and this property doesn't disappoint being close to Taylorville Lake on the popular East Lakeshore Drive. Friday, April 5, 2019
I have stock in a family business my father left me when he passed. My sister, my two brothers and I own equal shares, a little more than half the business. The rest is owned by a few cousins who also inherited shares. I am no longer involved in the business, have no emotional attachment and could use the money. Saturday, March 30, 2019
The first two years of any business venture can often yield sink-or-swim results. For Morrisonville’s Tom Carter, and his wife Erin, the couple are definitely swimming. Saturday, March 30, 2019
MATTOON, Ill. — First Mid Bank & Trust recently announced the recipients of the 2018 Chairman’s Award for Excellence. Among the recipient list was Brad Carriker, Christian County Community president in Taylorville. Carriker was nominated by his colleagues for his hard work and dedication to helping customers find the right solutions for their financial needs, and for playing an integral role in the Taylorville banking center’s growth. Saturday, March 23, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — There’s a dirty little secret of the student debt crisis. One that affects millions of borrowers, but isn’t talked about at dinner tables, on social media or in think pieces about student loans. Saturday, March 23, 2019
Don’t miss this lovely two bedroom home with two full bathrooms. Boasting over 1700 square feet, this home has had a huge family room addition on back of home that is 24’32’. Friday, March 22, 2019
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) has earned a 5-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, “The Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm”. This 5-Star Rating verifies with consumers that Land of Lincoln Credit Union has superior financial strength, reliability and trustworthiness. Saturday, March 16, 2019
My fiance and I are 27, debt-free and combined earn $150,000. We also live in a city with a high cost of living and rents. We both think it would be great to have our monthly payment going toward something we can own when our lease is up this summer. However, we only have $10,000 saved specifically for a down payment. Saturday, March 16, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Having just closed the books on its most successful year in its history, Taylorville Community Credit Union announced plans to open a fourth branch facility, in Pana. “We’re excited to announce the opening of our branch office in Pana,” admits TCCU President, Will Perkins. “We have temporarily leased space at 308 S. Poplar, until our new building can be completed. The target date for that is late autumn. Saturday, March 9, 2019
PANA — People First Bancshares, Inc. held its annual meeting of shareholders on March 6, 2018 at Peoples Bank & Trust in Pana, IL. During the meeting, James D. Randolph, and David T. Dorn, Jr. were reelected to three year terms as directors of the Bank and Holding Company. Other directors of the Bank and Holding company are George Hiler, David Slater, Brad Davis, Michael E. Beyers, John Gardner, and Michael M. Trexler. In other business, amendments were approved to modernize and update the company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Saturday, March 9, 2019
Let’s be real: For millennials, having an emergency fund is way down on the financial worry list, behind student loan debt, medical bills or saving for a down payment. Saturday, March 2, 2019
On February 26th, Penny Larson of Midland Community Bank-Taylorville, presented a $742 check to Amy Hagan and volunteers for the benefit of the Taylorville Food Pantry. Saturday, March 2, 2019
All current members of Taylorville Community Credit Union are encouraged to attend the credit union’s upcoming Annual Meeting. The combination business meeting / social event will be held Tuesday, March 12, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taylorville. Reservations are required; participation is free. Saturday, March 2, 2019
I have two sons who will be entering college in 2021 and 2022. My husband and I did the Maryland prepay plan for several years. But we quickly realized they might not want to stay in Maryland, so we stopped contributing. Then we got divorced three years ago and stopped saving for college altogether. Saturday, March 2, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Newer ranch style homes with an open floor plan in Taylorville are hard to come by, so don't miss this one! Oh and this ranch has no steps! That's right, not a single step making it ultra handicap accessible. Constructed in 2001, this well maintained ranch has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Saturday, February 23, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — This two story, duplex that has been completely renovated in the past couple of years is in an excellent location. Saturday, February 23, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — From the paved driveway to the covered front porch you will fall in love with this home that has 3,700 total square feet. Saturday, February 23, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Immaculately kept and maintained home located close to Lake Taylorville, this ranch style home has 1600 sq ft on the main floor with a 1480 sq ft finished basement. Saturday, February 23, 2019
There’s a dirty little secret of the student debt crisis. One that affects millions of borrowers, but isn’t talked about at dinner tables, on social media or in think pieces about student loans. Saturday, February 23, 2019
Hi, Helaine: I am a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. I have been in my assigned country for about a year, and I have one more year to go. Saturday, February 23, 2019
You would pay more to rent a house like this than you would to buy it. This ranch home is great for those looking for three bedrooms, two car attached garage and a home that has a large eat-in kitchen along with a nice size living rom. The home has beautiful hardwood floors in the living room, hallway and master bedrooms plus there are hardwood floor under the carpet in the other bedrooms. Friday, February 22, 2019
Nicole Christianson, a 26-year-old sales rep, was tired of writing big checks for tiny apartments. And she wanted to do more with her cash than stash it in a savings account. Saturday, February 16, 2019
Jeremiah Risley and Jeff Tumiati traveled to Washington, D.C. recently, along with others from the Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA). Saturday, February 16, 2019
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), a sixty-year old foundation based in New York City and a leading voice in the world of Cerebral Palsy and disabilities, announced today that Reaching for the Stars, A Foundation of Hope for Children with Cerebral Palsy (RFTS), one of the largest parent-led global CP nonprofits, will become part of CPF. Saturday, February 16, 2019
In early November, word began to leak that Amazon was serious about choosing New York to build a giant new campus. The city was eager to lure the company and its thousands of high-paying tech jobs, offering billions in tax incentives and lighting the Empire State Building in Amazon orange. Saturday, February 16, 2019
Hi, Helaine: I'm planning to retire in two years, when I turn 70. For the past two years, I upped my contributions to my 401(k), and am now having 26 percent of my gross pay taken out. Saturday, February 16, 2019
DECATUR, Ill. — Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) staff worked throughout the year to raise funds for its 2018 Charity of the Year, The Good Samaritan Inn. As a result of their efforts, LLCU staff recently delivered a donation check for $7,000. In addition, the staff at LLCU volunteered 355 hours of service to the Good Samaritan Inn in 2018. Saturday, February 9, 2019
DECATUR, Ill. — SCORE Decatur (decatur.score.org), mentors to America's small businesses, in partnership with the Mt. Zion Area Economic Development Corporation, will host a free one-hour workshop to aid start-up entrepreneurs on Saturday, March 9 from 10 – 11 a.m. during the Mt. Zion Expo & Taste at the Mt. Zion Convention Center in Mt. Zion, Ill. Saturday, February 9, 2019
Dear Helaine: I am almost 62 years old and my husband just passed away. He had a life insurance policy for $50,000. My only debt is the mortgage on our home, which has a remaining balance of $110,000. My monthly payment is a little more than $1,100, and that includes my escrow account covering my property taxes and homeowner's property insurance. I am paying an additional $300 to $400 a month toward the principal. Saturday, February 9, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Linda Crawford, President, First National Bank in Taylorville, celebrated her 40th anniversary with the bank on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The Board of Directors, Officers and employees had a small celebration to recognize her hard work and dedication to the bank. Saturday, February 9, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — Linda Crawford, President, First National Bank in Taylorville, celebrated her 40th anniversary with the bank on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. The Board of Directors, Officers and employees had a small celebration to recognize her hard work and dedication to the bank. Saturday, February 9, 2019
DETROIT (AP) — Cold temperatures can sap electric car batteries, temporarily reducing their range by more than 40 percent when interior heaters are used, a new study found. Saturday, February 9, 2019
NEW YORK (AP) — The new tax law has eliminated or limited some popular business deductions including those for entertainment expenses and interest on loans and credit lines. Tax professionals predict this filing season is going to be more complicated and painful as business owners see how much money they can no longer deduct. Saturday, February 9, 2019
TAYLORVILLE — The historic Anderson Jewelers is still set to close its doors on February 15, but, as it turns out, the closure will only be short lived. Saturday, February 9, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — Tyler Luker of Plano, Texas, is a high school junior who already knows which college he wants to attend (University of Missouri), how much it costs ($43,300 for out-of-state residents) and how much he can expect his single mother to contribute: nothing. Saturday, February 9, 2019
Before you tackle lofty financial resolutions like paying off debt this year, do yourself a quick favor and freeze your credit reports. It’s free, doesn’t affect your credit score and helps protect your financial future. Saturday, February 2, 2019
Meadow Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation has been named to the Illinois National Nursing Home Quality Care Collaborative Honor Roll to recognize its performance on the Nursing Home Compare long-stay quality measures. Nursing homes on Nursing Home Quality Collaborative Honor Roll have achieved a quality measure composite score of six or less for at least one quarter, which has aligned with the top 10 percent of nursing homes in the U.S. Saturday, February 2, 2019
Central Illinois Foodbank recently scored 950 out of 1,000 possible points on an AIB International Consolidated Standards for Food Distribution Centers’ audit, which is a comprehensive food safety program. Saturday, February 2, 2019
Pana Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Coleen Rakers as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. Coleen has joined physicians Dr. Gloria Dycoco, Dr. Deo Quizon, Dr. Dennis Yap, and Dr. Marlon Muneses as well as Tabitha Litz, FNP. Saturday, February 2, 2019
A friend of mine took out huge private student loans to pay a hefty tuition bill at a private college. It's several years later, and she's struggling to make even the minimum payments. Yes, she shouldn't have taken out those loans, but what's done is done, and she's trying to figure out how to handle her obligations in a reasonable manner. Saturday, February 2, 2019
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The roiling debate over protecting underground drinking water around rock quarries used for disposing of demolition debris has quieted for a few months as the Illinois Supreme Court decides whether the state should force landowners to drill wells for groundwater monitoring. Saturday, January 26, 2019
CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) — Eastern Illinois University’s enrollment has jumped 7 percent this spring semester compared with the same time last year. Saturday, January 26, 2019
LINCOLN, Ill. (AP) — Wind farms in central Illinois may be interfering with the radar on weather apps, and residents should watch out for such disparities when using the resources, according to local meteorologists. Saturday, January 26, 2019
NEW YORK (AP) — Small business owners who want to use independent contractors need to be sure these workers really aren’t employees. Saturday, January 26, 2019
(NERDWALLET via AP) — These days, many of us wear different hats to earn income on the side. You might clock out of one job and into the next as a ride-hailing driver, Airbnb host, Etsy shop owner or pet sitter. Saturday, January 26, 2019
Dear Helaine: My husband and I are in our mid-60s, and we're finding it harder and harder to save money because our earnings from work are going down. We have retirement savings and accounts we could tap while waiting to collect Social Security at our full retirement ages, or even later when our benefits max out at age 70. Saturday, January 26, 2019
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Dehority as the Business Development Officer. Doug will be responsible for reaching out to central Illinois business owners and managers to provide financial services and products, specific to each business’ needs. Saturday, January 19, 2019
As a way to give back and thank the local law enforcement and firefighters, not only for their endless efforts during the tornado but also for the help daily, Wellness Care Center in Taylorville designated a special day Wednesday, January 16. Saturday, January 19, 2019
Almost two years ago I moved into my parents' house to save money. Thanks to that decision, I've been able to pay off my student loans, and now my only debt is a car loan. I pay $530 a month, and the balance is $8,800. It comes due at the end of 2019. Saturday, January 19, 2019
Back some 43 years ago, in 1976, the Litchfield area was in need of a new Country Insurance Agent. After some suggestions by area businessmen and farmers, Anthony “Tony” Marten agreed to accept the challenge moving from a career teaching High School Agriculture, Student Counseling, and Farming. Saturday, January 19, 2019
Most financial to-do lists focus on what you need to get done by Dec. 31, but there's also a brief window early in the new year to save yourself some significant cash. Here are three tasks to consider doing now: Saturday, January 19, 2019
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is pleased to announce that they have achieved a company-wide goal of exceeding 2,000 hours of employee volunteerism in the communities served by LLCU. As of December 31st, LLCU had a total of 2,489 hours volunteered by staff, which is the equivalent of more than 62 work weeks. This was achieved by a staff of around 120 employees. Saturday, January 19, 2019
