Standard Bank Blog

If you are newly married, or planning on getting married soon, be sure to allocate time to consider some of the financial aspects of marriage.  Marriage will change how you handle your finances and it can also be the source of anguish in a marriage.  After you are married, you and your spouse will be financially responsible for each other, and to each other.  This responsibility includes legal things like being liable for joint debts and filing a joint income tax return and physical things like putting food on the table and paying the rent. 

Don’t take the summer off from saving! It may seem like saving money is impossible. Or a big chore. Unexpected expenses or the temptation of a “must have” item or a fun event can make even the best plans tough to stick to. Yet having a financial cushion is one of the most important things you can do to feel financially secure. 

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with Cystic Fibrosis. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May; it typically marks the beginning of summer and because it is a federally observed holiday, many have the day off and take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. 

The Windy City ThunderBolts are ready to roll into the 2013 Season with opening game Monday, May 27^th at 6:05pm against the Frontier Greys. This is where the fun begins with family and friends experiencing a ballgame together at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood, IL. 

Congratulations to all the recent college graduates! Now it’s time to start reaping the rewards of your hard work – starting a career, getting your first apartment … and paying off your student loans. 

As the weather is warming up many of us have already started planning all sorts of activities and vacations. Planning these events can be fun but paying for them is a different story. Carrying cash or checks can be a headache and somewhat risky, while credit cards hit you with a high interest rate. 

Summer and warm weather are right around the corner. Aren’t they? Now is the time to start planning your summer activities and trips. Luckily, we live in or near a great city so we don’t have to go far or spend a lot to enjoy some summer fun.

The fact is, we all could use a little help when it comes to managing our finances.  Money doesn’t come with instructions, and that’s why banks, businesses, schools, libraries and others are joining together to help support financial education during Chicago’s Annual Money Smart Week® – April 20^th through 27^th. 

Although it may not seem like it, let me remind you that March 20th was the first official day of spring. The terms “snow” and "unseasonably cold weather" have still been a part of our vernacular these past few weeks. And I think we probably all agree that we’ve had enough of winter.