We are excited to announce the latest addition to PressReader's global all-you-can-read newspaper and magazine platform. As part of its mission to bring trusted, world-class publications to readers around the world, the company has partnered with The Economist, one of the most well-read global affairs magazines, and a widely recognized provider of critical analysis. It…
Finance
Resources for charitable giving
Feel confident when making charitable donations by doing a bit of research with these free resources.
Resources for Charitable Giving
For many reasons, the end of the year is a common time to make charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations. Some are inspired to participate in Giving Tuesday, while others are thinking ahead to their tax returns. Whatever your reason for getting caught up in the spirit of generosity, there are free resources available to help…
DIY Research: Financial Information
April is Financial Literacy Month and a great time to get your financial affairs in order. Clear, accurate information is of utmost importance when making financial decisions such as working to improve your credit score, taking out a loan, investing your savings, planning for college or selecting a bank to open a checking account. Be…
Helpful websites for renters facing eviction
Here are some resources for renters that are affected by the recent expiration of the eviction moratorium: Eviction Help Illinois is a new program that offers free legal help for Illinois residents facing potential eviction and landlords not represented by a lawyer. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Look-Up Tool: This tool connects people with local programs that may…
Minding your money with library resources
There is a lot of economic news to keep track of these days. If you’ve got your mind on your money, the library has some helpful resources to put those economic indicators in perspective. These databases are freely available from any public computer in the library, or from home with your library card. Valueline: This investment…
Insurance Calculators
ValChoice, an independent data analytics company focused on the U.S. insurance industry, is offering our patrons unlimited access to online calculators, insurance company ratings, tutorials and “how-to” videos, worksheets, and other tools designed to help users understand how insurance—such as car and home insurance—is priced, and how to decide on policies based on their age,…
Cook County Property Tax Bills
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas recently announced that the second installment payment of property taxes is due August 3 but because of the pandemic, Cook County residents can pay without charge through October 1. Partial payments are accepted. Property owners can pay online at the Treasurer's website. They can also search for refunds and verify…
Weiss Ratings Medigap Report
Our newest web resource is Financial Rating Series Online, "powered by Weiss Ratings and Grey House Publishing." Apart from bank, credit unions, and stock ratings, probably the most exciting aspect is the Weiss Ratings Medigap Report. "Build Your Own Customized Medicare Supplement Insurance Planner," is how they subtitle it. These reports are available for people age 65 and…
Leasing vs. Buying a New Car
Will you be needing a new car in the near future? Have you wondered what the advantages are to leasing a new car? Consumer Reports just published an article comparing and contrasting both approaches as well as a specific example that compares the financing details between buying and leasing a 2017 Honda Accord. There are pros…