Holiday shopping doesn't have to be a budget-busting enterprise. Joan M. Kelley, of Luminaire Financial Group in Rockford, explains how to survive the financial crunch and still come out ahead. ...

If you’re in a position to provide financial help to your grandchildren, your generosity is likely to be greatly appreciated. Here are some things to consider before acting on your desire to give younger family members a financial boost. Ways to Provide Assistance There’s more than one way to contribute to your grandchildren’s financial well-being. Select the method that works ...

What exactly is a trust, and how can it help your family to protect its assets while supporting the next generation? Julie Enloe, of Illinois Bank & Trust, explores this helpful tool. ...

When it comes to selecting a financial professional, bank, attorney or insurance company, relationships matter. We’ve found some of the region’s top providers, who pride themselves on building trust. ...

We can think of many reasons to buy local, from the feel-good to the economically good. Here's an argument for why supporting locally owned businesses can boost our region's economic health. ...

Meet a team of commercial bankers who determined to try a different approach to serving local businesses, and learn how they've found success during a challenging first decade. ...

Are you carefully preparing your retirement investments so that they're aligned with your needs and goals? Curt Vorachek, of Sikich LLP, suggests a few ideas for successfully planning your retirement. ...

The two genders behave differently in many ways, including their investment strategies. Mike Donnelly, of Edward Jones Investments, explains how men and women invest, and how you can use that knowledge to make smart decisions. ...

Before beginning your new business or growing your current one, be sure you're prepared for everything that comes with your business loan. Jennifer Krutchen, of First National Bank & Trust, explains. ...

Are you financially prepared for the future? Failing to save enough money could impact the quality of your retirement or your ability to recover from disaster. David Zierke, State Farm agent, offers some helpful ideas for stashing cash. ...