Blog
Want more detailed information on loans, renting vs. buying, credit scores, or finances? Check out Heartland Bank's blog! We update with new information often.
Do’s and Don’ts When Using Shopping Apps
August 31st, 2018
Retailers such as Target and Amazon are embracing mobile applications to help consumers save money and time with features like digital wallets and augmented reality. When used strategically, apps can streamline in-store trips and online purchases, but shoppers could also find that convenience comes with a risk: impulsive decisions and overspending.
Peak Cycle?
August 23rd, 2018
Economies and markets tend to behave much like cars accelerating or decelerating. Best pay attention when approaching red lights…
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Awards $250K Via Community First Capacity-Building Grant Program
August 20th, 2018
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) is pleased to announce $250,000 was granted through its Community First® Capacity-Building Grant Program to seven nonprofit lenders in Illinois and Wisconsin.
How to Shop for Used Clothes — and Why You Should
July 12th, 2018
Buying used clothes at thrift stores may seem like a smart way to slash your spending — and it is. You ought to get gold stars and stickers for spending $10 on jeans instead of $50.
5 Mobile Banking Alerts to Help You Fight Fraud
July 12th, 2018
If a bank account is a house for your money, then mobile alerts are your alarm system. These email or text alerts can help you keep track of when your money enters and exits your accounts — and make sure there’s no breaking-and-entering either.
Fresh Ways to Save Some Green at the Farmers Market
July 02nd, 2018
The difference between the produce at farmers markets and supermarkets is more than “tomayto” versus “tomahto.” And buying fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets offers opportunities to save money in ways you might not find at a grocery store.The produce sold at most supermarkets is typically harvested before it’s ripe, says Chris Curtis, executive director of Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets. Then it’s transported — often long distances — before arriving at the store, she says. The many people involved in getting a tomato from the vine to the store and, finally, into your tote may get a slice of your payment, Curtis says. That doesn’t leave much for the farmer.When you buy a tomato at a farmers market, however, “almost all of your dollar is going directly to the grower,” Curtis says. That grower picked the produce ripe, soon before selling it. A recently harvested peach tastes better than that “hard little green ball” sold at large retailers, she says.
How to Lower Your Energy Bill
June 27th, 2018
Energy bill too high? It might be time to consider the physics behind your energy use. The scientific attributes of heat and energy mean particular appliances and factors affect your utilities bill disproportionately.
A Few Things We’re Watching - Pt 3
June 01st, 2018
Foreign currency movements routinely impact the revenues and expenses of corporations and have done so to an even greater extent over the last several decades of globalization.
5 Survival Strategies for Camping on a Budget
May 31st, 2018
Exploring nature and sleeping under the stars can be viewed as an economical vacation. But buying gear and booking campsites or renting an RV can add up.
8 Ways to Get Cheap Movie Tickets
May 31st, 2018
Grab a movie ticket, snacks and a seat. As the lights dim in the theater, take a look around. Spoiler alert: The person sitting next to you might have paid less to see the same movie.