September 30, 2024
In an environment of rising costs, business owners face significant pressures as insurance companies become increasingly selective. A conservative approach by insurers can make finding affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage challenging for many business owners.
Factors driving rising insurance rates for businesses include:
Type of Business:
The nature of your business significantly influences ...read more
September 26, 2024
For many parents, the opportunity to pay for their children’s education means setting them up for success later in life. Among the myriad of savings options available, 529 savings plans offer a wide range of benefits that provide flexible ways for families to save. Ryan Mefford, a Financial Advisor at ...read more
September 24, 2024
Planning a wedding can be both magical and stressful for couples and their families. One way to reduce stress is to plan the budget and expenses ahead of time, which provides reassurance and control over financial decisions.
We talked with Casey Pittman, a professional wedding planner originally from Central Illinois. As ...read more
September 13, 2024
Sometimes life can throw curveballs your way that could negatively impact you financially, such as a job loss, medical visits, or car/household repairs. To financially protect yourself from unexpected events, it is recommended that you save enough funds to cover three to six months’ worth of your living expenses. These ...read more
September 12, 2024
Life can throw you unexpected challenges, from job loss to family emergencies, illnesses, or accidents. While you can’t predict everything, taking proactive steps can help you preserve your financial stability and be prepared for the unexpected.
1. Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside a fixed amount each week or month. Learn ...read more
September 9, 2024
Building credit might seem intimidating at first, and the process can have added pressure when knowing the purchase of a home or vehicle relies on a solid credit background. While stress and worry are natural, we would like people to know that with the right steps, anyone, whether a high ...read more
September 9, 2024
Do you have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) account? If so, it’s imperative that you check the account often to guard against fraud. Scammers can gain access and potentially drain thousands of dollars quickly by stealing identities and fooling lenders. There has been a significant increase in HELOC-related ...read more
September 1, 2024
First Mid is honored to recognize Karen Dickson, Community Development Officer, as our Volunteer Spotlight for September 2024. Karen is committed to supporting local community organizations through volunteerism, consistently demonstrating our core values.
What causes are you passionate about supporting through volunteerism? I am most passionate about supporting causes that focus ...read more
August 27, 2024
Why are insurance rates rising and why can it be more challenging for renters and homebuyers to secure insurance coverage? In a tough market, insurers raise rates to match rising costs. They also become more selective about approving policies that present higher risks. Knowing these factors can help you make ...read more
August 22, 2024
A health savings account, or HSA, is a popular way to manage your healthcare costs, especially as insurance premiums continue to rise. Is an HSA right for you? It's difficult to say without knowing the details of your situation, but HSAs offer various features that should benefit almost anyone. If ...read more