The anniversary of 9/11 always reminds me that our lives can be changed dramatically in the span of a day. We could not have imagined on September 10 that such tragedy would strike or that so many people’s lives would be changed. It’s one of the reasons it’s so...

Enjoy your long weekend soaking up the final vestiges of summer? Last minute visits to your Western Illinois pool, outdoor amusements, a little grill-out … maybe buying a new car?Typically Labor Day is one of the biggest car shopping days of the year. As dealers look...

It’s almost September as I write this. First, I need to remind you that the filing deadline for tax extensions is nearing. October 16th will be here before you know it:(309) 975-1009 If you’ve comfortably waited around at home thinking you have plenty of time to...

Here we are, nearing the end of August, looking September and fall in the face. And that calls for a couple tax-related reminders.1. If you’re a teacher... you’re a true Western Illinois hero, which is why I want to make sure you remember that you can claim up to $300...

I want to start today by sending my thoughts to those suffering and grieving in Maui. You’ve likely heard about the wildfires raging there (the deadliest in more than a hundred years, actually, with search efforts only just beginning). If you’re at all interested in...

Remember when music went digital? No more massive stacks of CDs or worries over scratched discs. You could exchange all of that for your first-generation iPod that fit in your pocket.But if you’re old enough to remember that, you also remember a less-than-legal shared...

Well, let’s start with some good news on the economic front. After the latest earnings reports, it looks like the GDP is doing better than analysts thought thanks to consumer spending and an aggressive investment attitude by businesses this year. Recession fears...

Looks like another (and most likely final) fed interest rate hike is expected this week. Curbing inflation never seemed so expensive, am I right?Because your dollar just doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to, being more focused on tracking your money is more...

Man, I love summer. Longer days, time outside in nature, burgers on the grill… scorching hot weather… Okay, so that last part not at all. And the heat continues to turn up across the US and parts of Europe (it was so hot they closed the Acropolis multiple...