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By Becky Whitlow Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL Whether you’re ready to retire, just joining the workforce, or somewhere in between, regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record could make a big difference when it’s time to collect your retirement benefits. Just think, in some situations, if an employer did not properly report […]

By Becky Whitlow Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL Your summer job might be ending soon. You might even hold a part time job while you’re in school. You can easily jump to the head of the class and secure your future with a few simple steps. As a young worker, you’re in the […]

By Becky Whitlow – Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL On Memorial Day, we honor the soldiers and service members who have given their lives for our nation. Social Security respects the heroism and courage of our military service members, and we remember those who have given their lives in defense of freedom. Part of […]

By Becky Whitlow – Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL Social Security is here for you when you’re traveling, whether it’s just a state away or when you’re abroad. When you open a personal and secure my Social Security account, you can access it on your terms. We put you in control of your […]

By Becky Whitlow – Social Security District Manager in Springfield, IL One of the greatest gifts you can give a grandchild is the gift of financial literacy. Helping them save money early in life and showing them how to make wise spending decisions goes a long way toward a bright financial future. As they get […]

Early June is a great time to enjoy the excellence of southern Illinois’ grape and wine industry at one of the many vineyards within the boundary of our unique grape growing region, the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area. Over 25 years ago, the Renzaglia family at Alto Vineyards stepped into unknown territory, introducing a new […]

By Justin LaBerge For most folks, January is a time when we consider the all possibilities that lie before us in the next 12 months. A fresh calendar means a fresh start, and we can’t help but wonder how we can make the most of it. Perhaps we’ll shed a few pounds. Or go back […]

By Brian Sloboda Walk into any sporting goods or camping store and you will be faced with several types of water repellents that can be applied to boots, tents and other types of gear to keep it dry. What if you could apply a similar substance to power lines that would prevent them from accumulating […]

By Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless Dear Pat: Now that winter is here, I’d like to make my home more comfortable by keeping cold air out. I’m planning to have a contractor inspect and seal air leaks. However, a neighbor mentioned that I could seal up my home too much and cause ventilation problems. Is […]

By Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless Dear Pat: I’m trying to make my home as energy efficient as possible. I recently installed a new heat pump and efficient water heater, and increased the amount of insulation in my home. I also enlisted the help of a home energy auditor, and he didn’t find much in […]