Spot the Scam: 5 Common Fraud Schemes to Watch for in 2026 Fraud is evolving at the speed of technology, with scammers utilizing new tools, such as artificial intelligence, to devise innovative methods for stealing from consumers and businesses alike. In fact, 73% of American adults have experienced an online scam or attack, according to […]

What Is a Reverse Mortgage Loan? A financial tool to help older homeowners access the equity in their homes, without selling or moving. A reverse mortgage loan is a specialized type of home equity loan available to homeowners aged 62 and older. It allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into […]

Flanagan State Bank Donates to Middle School August, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $32,000 to sponsor four classrooms at the new El Paso-Gridley Middle School that opened for students in late August 2022. While the El Paso-Gridley district had planned to reuse as much furniture as possible from the previous junior high building, the sponsorship helped ensure students truly started off the year in an […]

December 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $15,000 to assist with refinishing the gymnasium floor at Cornell Grade School. The previous floor was heavily used, and the completely refinished floor offers a better facility for students and the community. The funds allowed the floor to be sanded down, striped, bright new graphics […]

Summer of 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $25,000 to the El Paso-Gridley Unit 11 Agriculture Department for installation of six new welding booths for student vocational training and help with needed electrical upgrades at the high school building. The new custom-made welding booths were completed over the summer and were ready […]

October, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $25,000 to the Agriculture program at Heartland Community College, allowing Heartland to purchase lab equipment, seed, and other key elements for their Ag labs. Ag labs are used by over 100 HCC students throughout the course of a year and support 10 different courses and […]

September, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $10,000 to the Roanoke-Benson School District earlier this year with a check presentation during a school board meeting. The donation was made to support the district’s efforts to purchase and install new smart boards in classrooms at Roanoke-Benson Junior High School. “With the generosity of […]

Established in 1913 and family-owned since 1930, Flanagan State Bank has been a testament to the belief in one family helping another. But what exactly is the role of a bank in the community? How do local banks foster growth, stability, and support for their members? In this post, we’ll look at the many ways […]

Fraud: What Your Bank Will Never Ask You For (and How to Know It’s Really Us) Banking has changed a lot over the years. Many of us now deposit checks from our phones, check balances on the go, and move money without ever stepping into a branch. These tools make everyday banking easier, but they […]

December 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $15,000 to assist with refinishing the gymnasium floor at Cornell Grade School. The previous floor was heavily used, and the completely refinished floor offers a better facility for students and the community. The funds allowed the floor to be sanded down, striped, bright new graphics […]

Summer of 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $10,000 to the Flanagan-Graymont Fire Rescue through a matching campaign to purchase a LUCAS 3 CPR device. The device, which can administer high-quality CPR to those experiencing a cardiac event, was recently purchased and placed in service to the community. “As a department, we […]

October, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $25,000 to the Agriculture program at Heartland Community College, allowing Heartland to purchase lab equipment, seed, and other key elements for their Ag labs. Ag labs are used by over 100 HCC students throughout the course of a year and support 10 different courses and […]

Summer of 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $25,000 to the El Paso-Gridley Unit 11 Agriculture Department for installation of six new welding booths for student vocational training and help with needed electrical upgrades at the high school building. The new custom-made welding booths were completed over the summer and were ready […]

Tips for Avoiding Text Scams After years of having a cellphone, you’re probably used to scam or robot calls and junk email hitting your inbox. But now cybercriminals are taking it one step further, flooding your device with scam text messages. Receiving an unexpected text from an unknown number can happen occasionally as people mistype […]

September, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $10,000 to the Roanoke-Benson School District earlier this year with a check presentation during a school board meeting. The donation was made to support the district’s efforts to purchase and install new smart boards in classrooms at Roanoke-Benson Junior High School. “With the generosity of […]

Flanagan State Bank Donates to Middle School August, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Flanagan State Bank donated $32,000 to sponsor four classrooms at the new El Paso-Gridley Middle School that opened for students in late August 2022. While the El Paso-Gridley district had planned to reuse as much furniture as possible from the previous junior […]

November 26, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—In a check presentation ceremony on Monday, November 25, 2019, Flanagan State Bank formally provided a sponsorship for a major update to the playground space at the El Paso-Gridley Centennial campus. The Centennial campus for third and fourth graders will now have a fitness course playground that offers […]

Fraud: What Your Bank Will Never Ask You For (and How to Know It’s Really Us) Banking has changed a lot over the years. Many of us now deposit checks from our phones, check balances on the go, and move money without ever stepping into a branch. These tools make everyday banking easier, but they […]

Planning for the future, particularly when you don’t know what could be around the corner, can feel overwhelming. It’s that feeling of being overwhelmed that can often cause people to do nothing and only think about their immediate financial needs.    But having a safety net to fall back on should the unexpected happen can […]

When it comes to carrying cards, there are typically two types of people: those who rely solely on credit cards and those who stick to their debit cards. Credit card carriers may believe that credit is safer than debit, while some debit card users grew up hearing cautionary tales about overspending with credit cards. What […]

From texting scams to fake online marketplace ads, there are no shortage of ways that local and cybercriminals can use technology, as well as digital vulnerabilities, to scam money out of unsuspecting victims. Check fraud may not seem like a high-tech crime. In fact, it’s been around for centuries—at one point getting so bad that […]

When it comes to preparing for retirement, do you find yourself asking, “I know the basics, but am I really educated about retirement planning?” We hear over and over again about the importance of saving for retirement, but what will you actually do with your time once you’re there? From encore careers to staying healthy […]

With today’s higher interest rates, certificates of deposit are becoming an increasingly popular savings choice. But, as with many savings products, understanding the interest rate—and the specific way it’s calculated—can make a difference in the return on your investment. In this post, we’ll offer a basic primer on how compounding and non-compounding (simple) interest rates […]

With the tax deadline fast approaching, it’s easy to feel unprepared and overwhelmed. But it’s not too late to take advantage of some last-minute tax tips for 2023 that can help you save money and maximize your return this year. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a business owner, you can benefit from several strategies […]

Whether it’s your first or your fifth, signing up for a new credit card is an exciting moment but comes with some important responsibilities. They’re a powerful tool that can give you access to countless benefits and improve your credit score when used thoughtfully. This guide will help you be prepared with the best credit […]

In this guide, we’ll share tips for buying a new vehicle now or anytime in Central IL.

You’ve saved your money for a down payment and are ready to buy a home. But what if you can’t find your dream home for sale in today’s crazy real estate market? New home construction may be a viable alternative for homebuyers frustrated with the scarcity of listings. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences […]

When considering buying a home, your upfront down payment can play a major role in your future housing expenses if your loan program requires it. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the amount you save can greatly influence your interest rate, monthly housing payment, and mortgage insurance needs. If you aren’t planning on using […]

Expanding your business is one of the most exciting milestones a business owner can reach. It’s a sign of success and a step toward a bigger future. But before diving into a loan application, the most important question to ask is: “Am I truly ready?” Knowing when to grow is just as critical as learning […]

It’s true that every successful business starts with a great idea. But the ones that endure are always supported by a strong financial plan.   Think about the moment your business idea first took hold. Maybe you were sketching designs for a boutique in your Pontiac apartment, perfecting a recipe in your Bloomington kitchen, or […]

You’re starting your own business and will need to start making payments to vendors, utilities, and maybe even employees soon. You know the next step is to open a business checking account, but as with every aspect of starting a business, you may have questions about the best way to do so: What exactly do […]

In this guide, we will cover how you can make the right hiring decisions in all steps of the process so your small business in central Illinois can hire the best employees for your open positions.

Planning for your retirement can be confusing and overwhelming when you look at all the various IRAs and employer-sponsored plans. In this article, you’ll learn the similarities and differences between two common employee-sponsored retirement plans: the 401(k) and the 403(b). How the 401(k) and 403(b) Work 401(k) Plans 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans Final Words How […]

No matter your age, it’s smart to begin saving for retirement as soon as you land your first job. Yet, many people still wait. According to the latest Federal Reserve data, less than half of U.S. adults feel confident they’re on track with retirement savings. If your employer offers a retirement plan like a 401(k), […]

  As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, new technologies like GPS-guided tractors, drones, and soil sensors are reshaping how many growers across Central Illinois manage their operations. These tools aren’t just futuristic gadgets—they’re proven to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and increase yields. Of course, investing in equipment—whether cutting-edge or conventional—often comes with a high […]

  Facing the prospect of investing in new equipment can feel like standing at a crossroads. It’s not just a major financial commitment—it’s a pivotal decision that could define the future of your business. But how can you move forward with confidence, knowing that your investment will not only pay off but propel your company […]

Farming is a complex enterprise—and an expensive one, too. In fact, according to the USDA, the average farm expenditures in Illinois are over $300,000 per year, with profit margins for small family farms usually coming in under 25%. Financing can help bridge the gaps and allow farmers to take advantage of opportunities—but interest rates can […]

Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine. Here in Central Illinois, livestock farms dot the landscape. Of course, running an agriculture business can be expensive and overwhelming. Ag loans are an important source of funding to grow and expand your farm. To find the best ag financing solution for you, learn about […]

  As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, new technologies like GPS-guided tractors, drones, and soil sensors are reshaping how many growers across Central Illinois manage their operations. These tools aren’t just futuristic gadgets—they’re proven to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and increase yields. Of course, investing in equipment—whether cutting-edge or conventional—often comes with a high […]

Over the last decade, student loan debt in the United States has grown significantly, with one in five Americans holding some form of student debt. The average amount per borrower currently stands around $37,645, but for nearly 10% of borrowers, that amount can be more than $100,000.   As of 2023, Americans owe more than […]

    It’s not every day that someone finds themselves in a situation where they need to both sell and buy a new home basically at the same time. Relocating to a new job, needing more room for a growing family, or whatever the case may be, Flanagan State Bank is here to help with […]

Are you in the process of considering which mortgage loan program best suits your needs? If so, you’re not alone. The journey to homeownership is filled with decisions, and selecting the right loan program can feel overwhelming. But rest assured, your reliable partner, the Flanagan State Bank Mortgage Loan Officer, is here to navigate you […]

At Flanagan State Bank Mortgage Division, our lenders often field questions from customers like What is a mortgage pre-qualification? How do I get prequalified for a mortgage? and Do I need to be prequalified to make an offer on a home?   Pre-qualifications are an integral part of the home purchasing process. They might seem […]

Intimidated by the loan process? We understand, and we have your back. Here’s a brief rundown of what to expect when getting a mortgage loan. Keep in mind that each loan is unique, just like every person is unique, and because of this, the loan process may need to adapt to the individual we are […]

Being a homeowner brings numerous benefits for individuals and families and stabilizes communities. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) points out, homeownership can lead to community pride and dedication; families who own their own homes spend more time with their children, improving their long-term outcomes, and owning a home is an essential way for individuals […]

For a better understanding of how much money you’ll need to buy a house, we’ve provided this breakdown of local mortgage expenses in Illinois.

There are many types of mortgage loans available when it comes to buying a house. But it’s not always easy to figure out which one is right for you. Organized by life stage and situation, we’ll walk you through seven types of mortgage loans and when to use them. First-Time Homebuyers Buying your first home […]

We often hear questions from customers like, “Where can I find my checking account number?” as well as inquiries about setting up direct deposit, transferring funds, and handling a lost debit card. We’re always happy to help, but you may find the answers you need in our Frequently Asked Questions, covering topics like checking accounts, […]

It’s impossible to stereotype the modern American family. These days “normal” family life is simply undefinable. Multiple marriages, divorces, step-parents, bonus parents, single parents, and life partners make up happy households across the country. These modern family dynamics create unique challenges when calculating household income and expenses. No two families are the same, and therefore, […]

Establishing a smart financial roadmap involves more than just navigating the present; it requires a strategic approach that embraces both the immediacy of short-term needs and the foresight for attaining long-term aspirations. While short-term financial goals are crucial for today’s financial security—addressing pressing concerns and unexpected challenges—long-term financial goals can help ensure sustained prosperity and […]

Budgeting is the core of all good money management, playing an integral role in your financial stability. Following a good budget can ensure that you live within your means, have enough money set aside for emergency expenses and important life goals, and avoid the pitfalls of overwhelming debt. In addition to all these important benefits, […]

If you find yourself counting the last few dollars each month to make sure you have enough to cover your expenses, you aren’t alone. In a recent survey, 7 out of 10 Americans claim to live paycheck-to-paycheck, unable to meet their financial obligations should they face a large expenditure or loss of income. In fact, […]

In today’s bear market, with the S&P 500 down a quarter for the year, many customers are wondering: what are the benefits of investing if returns aren’t guaranteed? But investing, by definition, is all about long-term commitment. Investments you make today may not make you rich tomorrow, but they will still pay off with dividends […]

It’s time to “Spring into Savings!” As you dust your baseboards, take a moment to dust off your savings goals as well. Whether you haven’t started yet or you’re not as far along as you’d hoped, this article will discuss emergency funds and other types of savings accounts. Learn to identify the barriers that may […]

No one is born with mastery of money. For many, penny-pinching parents or the harsh realities of independently living were enough to teach them to watch every dollar and make saving a priority. For most of us, however, it can be difficult to reign in the spending, even when we want to reach important savings […]

Since 1913, Flanagan State Bank has been a financial institution in the heart of Illinois that has stood the test of time. We span cities like Flanagan, El Paso, Benson, Bloomington, Le Roy, Gridley, and Pontiac, and in that time, we’ve come to champion causes that matter to us and our community.  As a family-owned […]

October 28, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flanagan, IL—Local veterans are invited to attend a complimentary lunch on Friday, Nov. 8 in honor of Veterans Day. The free lunch event is held by Flanagan State Bank as a token of gratitude to those that have served. Veterans are invited to bring a guest with them to […]

We are honored and humbled to have been recognized by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™ with the Banky™ Award for our commitment to strong community banking. Read the full press release here.    

As nearly 2 million U.S. college students graduate this spring, Flanagan State Bank is stressing the importance of a sound financial lifestyle. Flanagan State Bank has highlighted financial tips recent college graduates should consider to position themselves for financial success as they embark on their next phase of life. “Budgeting is critical for young adults […]