Finance
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Transparency in lending practices protects small businessesMar 28, 2026 1:43 pm - Consumers are protected against predatory lending in Illinois. Small businesses are not.
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4 strategies for an organized tax season
Mar 28, 2026 12:24 pm - Every year, tax day sneaks up in a hurry. Whether you use tax preparation software or outsource to a certified public accountant, here are some key strategies to ensure a smooth and worry-free tax season.
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Tips for filling out your FAFSA forms to avoid mistakesMar 26, 2026 2:09 pm - When you hear that the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2023 made it easier to apply for federal financial aid for college, you may think, “This will be easy!” True, the act reduced the number of questions, but people still find the form so complex and overwhelming that the process seems designed to confuse them.
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Women leading the future of financial confidenceMar 23, 2026 3:11 pm - Across the financial industry, women are playing a vital role in advancing that confidence through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
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‘Zombie’ second mortgages spur new battles in state capitols
Mar 21, 2026 1:24 pm - A Bloomberg News investigation last year found that more than 600,000 second mortgages taken out before the 2008 financial crisis — and then largely forgotten amid a wave of loan modifications during the recovery — remain outstanding across the country. Debt collectors buy these mortgages for pennies on the dollar and then demand homeowners pay bills that often include years of back interest.
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How community banks are fighting back against fraud for Chicago-area customersMar 21, 2026 1:00 pm - According to recent industry research from Bankrate, 40% of Americans experienced a financial scam or fraud attempt in the past 12 months, up from 34% the year before. Over a lifetime, nearly three-quarters of Americans — 73% — have encountered some form of financial fraud, and 11% report actually losing money.
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Understanding Business Email CompromiseMar 21, 2026 11:22 am - Email is central to how today’s businesses operate. It’s fast, convenient and deeply embedded in everyday workflows. Unfortunately, that reliance has also made email a prime target for fraud. Business Email Compromise, or BEC, has become one of the most common and damaging threats facing organizations of all sizes, and it continues to become more sophisticated.
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The role of community banks in sustainable local growthMar 21, 2026 11:00 am - Community banks play a crucial role in building strong, resilient local economies.
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Tax scams are on the rise. Here’s what to know
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How to set and invest your emergency fund