financial planning

Now that the tax deadline for 2022 has passed, as a business owner, you might be left thinking about ways to make it easier when the next one rolls around. Since many are busy enough actually running the business, it's easy to push the accounting work to the side, which is fine... until tax season approaches. By then, you have a mammoth job ahead of you.
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With unemployment rates reaching all-time lows in many areas throughout the country and positive job projections on the horizon for the foreseeable future, finding employment should be as simple as showing up. And, in some sectors, that may be true: a record number of Americans left their jobs in 2021 and 2022, creating a market flush with openings. But many job markets and industries — those with great compensation, flexibility, and benefits, in particular — have remained highly competitive, and job seekers need to offer strong resumes, cover letters, and interviews to secure these desirable positions.
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After watching gas prices skyrocket, savvy buyers in Illinois are thinking twice about big purchases like vacations, automobiles, and homes. While speculation seems to be vacillating between optimistic and decidedly less than, consumers are left with questions and not many answers. Does it make more sense to drain your savings to pay for a new vehicle or to finance with any number of loan options?
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Considering the barrage of daily concerns, your homeowner's insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind. And yet, examining and reevaluating home insurance policies on an annual basis is a critical facet of homeownership, ensuring adequate coverage and protection for the most valuable asset and source of equity for many people in Illinois and beyond. Premiums, like much else in the current economic climate, are forecasted to see some big increases in the coming year, with some expected to exceed $1,000 a year and many slated for rate hikes in the double digits.
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Amidst all the excitement (and worries, reservations, and, yes, sometimes tears) of an emptying nest, parents often fail to consider their kids' health insurance in the ensuing chaos. While most colleges and universities mandate student health insurance, those young adults choosing a different path may fall through the coverage cracks. And, navigating health insurance options and necessities can be overwhelming for even the savviest of parents.
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As prices for gas, consumer products and services rise often insurance costs follow the same trend. Insurance premiums for car insurance can vary based on multiple factors. Here are 8 tips to think about when trying to lower your car insurance premium.
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Teenage employment not only helps instill a sense of financial responsibility, but may also help with developing interpersonal skills, gaining valuable professional experience, and building character. As the school year approaches its end in Illinois, it might be time to discuss a summer job with your teen and review options and opportunities for success. Following are some considerations to give you and your child a leg up in the hunt.
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