It’s time to “Spring into Savings!” As you dust your baseboards, take a moment to dust off your savings goals as well. Whether you haven’t started yet, or you’re not as far along as you’d hoped, this article will discuss emergency funds and other types of savings accounts. Learn to identify the barriers that may be preventing you from saving ..read more

Established in 1913 and family-owned since 1930, Flanagan State Bank has been a testament to the belief in one family helping another. But what exactly is the role of a bank in the community? How do local banks foster growth, stability, and support for their members? In this post, we’ll look at the many ways local banks can serve and ..read more

Budgeting is the core of all good money management, playing an integral role in your financial stability. Following a good budget can ensure that you live within your means, have enough money set aside for emergency expenses and important life goals, and avoid the pitfalls of overwhelming debt. In addition to all these important benefits, sound financial management can help ..read more

You’re starting your own business and will need to start making payments to vendors, utilities, and maybe even employees soon. You know the next step is to open a business checking account, but as with every aspect of starting a business, you may have questions about the best way to do so: What exactly do I need to open a ..read more

If you find yourself counting the last few dollars each month to make sure you have enough to cover your expenses, you aren’t alone. In a recent survey, 7 out of 10 Americans claim to live paycheck-to-paycheck, unable to meet their financial obligations should they face a large expenditure or loss of income. In fact, about a quarter of Americans ..read more

In today’s bear market, with the S&P 500 down a quarter for the year, many customers are wondering: what are the benefits of investing if returns aren’t guaranteed? But investing, by definition, is all about long-term commitment. Investments you make today may not make you rich tomorrow, but they will still pay off with dividends years down the line. However ..read more

Have you been thinking of starting an organic farm operation or switching to organic? Explore this guide to learn more about organic vs. conventional farming in Illinois ..read more

Since 1913, Flanagan State Bank has been a financial institution in the heart of Illinois that has stood the test of time. We span cities like Flanagan, El Paso, Benson, Bloomington, Le Roy, Gridley, and Pontiac, and in that time, we’ve come to champion causes that matter to us and our community.  As a family-owned institution since 1930, we’ve come ..read more

Establishing a smart financial roadmap involves more than just navigating the present; it requires a strategic approach that embraces both the immediacy of short-term needs and the foresight for attaining long-term aspirations. While short-term financial goals are crucial for today’s financial security—addressing pressing concerns and unexpected challenges—long-term financial goals can help ensure sustained prosperity and stability, as well as build ..read more