Education Center

So you graduated! You got a high school diploma, cap & gown—and a long list of new responsibilities. Now you can look forward to juggling food costs, school supplies, and social life. To ensure everything goes smoothly, you should open a checking account if you don’t already have one. +

Everyone can agree that having emergency savings is ideal, right? Personal finance experts have preached the importance of having three to six months of living expenses put aside for emergencies or a “rainy day.” +

Creating a budget is one of the most effective ways to take control of your finances. A well-structured budget helps you track your income and expenses, build savings, and make informed financial decisions. +

Better Banks is pleased to sponsor the 2025 Cuddles with Kindness Valentine’s Day Teddy Bear Drive and serve as a drop-off location. +

In today’s financial landscape, convenience and efficiency are key. Managing your finances doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you can streamline your banking by keeping your checking and loan accounts at the same institution. +

With the shortage of homes on the market, chances are you're considering building your next home. Embarking on the journey to build a new home is incredibly exciting, but we know it can also feel a bit daunting. +

Hey, grads! Congratulations on crossing one of the significant milestones in your life – high school graduation. The world is your oyster, and whether you’re heading off to college, starting a job, or taking a gap year to explore your passions, there's one thing you can’t avoid: financial responsibilities. +

The easiest and most effective way to save is automatically. Think about it: Saving automatically is the exact same way that millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. +

With their smaller size and localized focus, community banks foster a sense of belonging and community. Unlike larger financial institutions, the money you deposit with a community bank stays within your community, reinforcing the bond and shared prosperity. +

As we approach the bustling season of planting and cultivation, farmers gear up for more than just sowing seeds and tending to their crops. Amidst the agricultural rush, tax preparation and planning are pivotal tasks that require attention and strategic foresight. +

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, the importance of educating our children about financial literacy cannot be overstated. Adopting good habits early can positively impact how children handle money. +

In the complex and ever-changing landscape of personal finance, one thing remains constant: the importance of building and maintaining good credit. Your credit score plays a pivotal role in your financial life, impacting everything from securing a mortgage to getting a favorable interest rate on a car loan. +

Managing personal finances can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to avoiding overdraft fees. These fees can quickly accumulate, putting unnecessary strain on your wallet. +

Retirement is one endeavor that falls into the “someday” category. So what are the steps to take when you’re ready to jumpstart your retirement journey? Glad you asked! +

Where you choose to bank matters. Consumers can make change happen at the community level by aligning with their community bank and putting their money to work in the neighborhood they call home. +

Refinancing can be an opportunity to lower your monthly payments, pay off your loan quicker, reduce your overall interest expense or even get cash out. But be sure to weigh the costs and benefits first. +

Community banks like Better Banks take in deposits and distribute loans that feed into a self-sustaining micro-economy and keep funds right here in Central Illinois. +

Better Banks is celebrating Financial Literacy Month in April, encouraging Americans to take control of their financial future by learning fiscally responsible habits and implementing these lessons. +

Today and every day, Better Banks recognizes and celebrates the contributions of America’s local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enterprises. +

If you own a home and are looking to borrow money, consider the benefits of a home equity loan or line of credit. +

The festive season means fun with friends and family, goodwill, and giving. Unfortunately, it also is prime time for fraudsters trying to take advantage of your holiday spirit. Learn how to protect yourself. +

Once the thrill of becoming a homeowner wears off, reality sets in. Your home will likely be the most significant investment in your lifetime. Regular maintenance is necessary if you want to preserve its value over time. +

Research shows the road to financial well-being starts at a young age. It’s when children begin developing skills around money they’ll need as adults. Your child’s teenage years are a great time to help them build strong money management skills. +

If you own a home and are looking to borrow money, consider the benefits of a home equity loan or line of credit. Home Equity loans and lines can be used to pay for a variety of things including home renovations, consolidating debt, college tuition, major purchases and more. +

The number of decisions you have to make when buying a new car can be dizzying. And while many of them will depend on your individual needs and wants, there are some steps you should take no matter what to ensure you get the best deal. +

Meeting financial goals as a family can be challenging. But inspiring your family to help and contribute to a financial goal doesn’t have to be a painful process, especially when the result is an exciting family vacation, a new family car, or college savings. +

One of the greatest contributors to financial stress is debt. If you're having a tough time financially, it can feel isolating, but the truth is 80 percent of Americans have consumer debt. +

Better Banks announces a scholarship competition that enables Illinois high school seniors to enter a statewide essay-writing contest. +

Better Banks has announced a new contest for high school seniors who plan to continue their education in the fall. The Dorm Room Makeover Contest encourages students to earn entries by managing their bank accounts using digital banking. +

Jill Easley was recently promoted to Branch Manager following the retirement of Barb Miller. Additionally, Jessica Shawgo will assume the branch’s head of the loan department. +

Better Banks has announced a new Branch Manager in the Chillicothe branch. Jen Jeakins was recently promoted to the position. +

Better Banks will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2023. Better Banks has expanded to 9 communities and proudly serves customers as an employee-owned community bank. +

To honor their commitment to improving the communities in which they live and serve, Better Banks has announced a new contest - Better Your Community. +

Once again, Better Banks is holding its annual Socktober Sock Drive benefitting the families of Children’s Home Association of Illinois. The Sock Drive is a month-long event where new socks in any size for both girls and boys of all ages are collected. +