Citizens National Bank of Urbana

Bank credit: is it growing, and where’s it going?

Lenders have loosened purse strings, but some sectors are monopolising bank loans. Hence the clamour for more credit

Here's What You Need to Look For to Make Sure You're Not Being Scammed at the ATM

Mortgage Loans: Stick With A Bank Or Go With A Broker?

It matters where you go for a mortgage. Who offers a better deal — a banker or broker?

Is a personal loan for you?

Personal loans have surged in popularity, due in part to increasing consumer confidence and a growing array of online lenders to provide them.

What Is the Difference Between a Bank and a Credit Union?

Labeled as profit mongers who invent outrageous fees and give mediocre customer service, banks have not made a good impression on consumers. As a result, many of us end up looking for alternatives.…

Terrible Financial Advice: Top 10 Tips You Shouldn't Follow

It seems like everyone from bloggers to your next-door neighbor doles out financial advice these days. It can be difficult figuring out who to believe, and bad tips can pop up as frequently as thunderstorms in the summertime

Savings Tips for Children

April 24th is National Teach Children to Save Day. We have employees going to local schools to teach children the importance of saving. Anytime is the right time to begin teaching children about mo…

Why Banks Ask for a Personal Guarantee Before a Loan

It’s a common scenario: You have a thriving business, and it’s doing so well that you believe it’s time to expand. That expansion requires more money, and, of course, increases your risk of failure. But you have studied your options, talked with advisors, and everyone agrees it’s a smart and potentially lucrative move. Your bank …

Who Funds Mortgage Loans? Banks, Credit Unions, Mortgage Banks, and Brokers

Mortgage Banks channels can typically move much faster than commercial banks b/c they are less regulated, smaller and more nimble.

Will Credit Unions Replace Banks?

Credit unions are gaining more popularity among consumers as alternatives to banks for their higher rates and lower fees.

How To Get a Loan Without a Bank

In between Chase Manhattan and Vinny (who breaks your legs if you don't pay your loan) lie new online services connecting borrowers with lenders. They're not banks. They're websites that facilitate peer-to-peer connections. The two biggest--LendingClub and Prosper--offer borrowers interest rates...

Loans That Avoid Banks? Maybe Not

Peer-to-peer finance has a new swarm of lenders: some of the same kinds of big institutions it once shunned.

Is a credit union better than a bank?

Have you ever wondered if a credit union is better than a bank? The choice between the two will ultimately boil down to the different... more >

What Will the Bank Accept as Collateral for Your Small Business Loan?

What is collateral and what types of assets do banks and financial institutions accept as collateral for small business loans?

Many banks are easing loan standards, survey finds

It’s a good time for consumers to look for a loan. As competition in the finance sector increases, new survey findings suggest that many banks are swimming

Banks Frustrate Consumers Who Crave a Personal Experience

There's a disconnect between consumer expectations and the experience banks deliver. Banks think they are personal, but consumers disagree.

“Hey, Don’t you bank at a Credit Union?”

Do you belong to a credit union? If so, has anyone ever asked you about that? Maybe someone walked up and said “Hey Joe, don’t you bank at a credit union?” What was your reply?…

More loan growth for small banks, but can it last?

Elevated interest rates, economic uncertainty and financial sector fragility exposed by recent bank failures threaten to stunt lending activity.

Non-bank loans: quick, easy...and addictive?

Alternative lenders are gaining traction and handing out billions of dollars in loans to small business owners. But it could come at a cost.