The Portage Township YMCA will be holding an investment seminar given by Edward Jones, Financial Advisor Jamie Lewis, AAMS. The topic will explain why we believe it’s better to rely on fundamentals instead of emotions when investing.

In addition, the presentation illustrates the impact of staying invested during market highs and lows versus getting out of the market altogether.

This seminar is free and open to the public on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 10-11 a.m. and also every third Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m.

Get into the habit of conserving energy: electricity, gas, and water. It benefits you, the environment, and your bank account! If you follow this advice, an average family with a utilities bill of $175, could save between 20 and 35 percent. Horizon Bank can assist you with a home equity loan or line of credit if you’re looking to make your house more energy efficient.

[Via accesshorizon.com Conserving Energy and Conserving Your Bank Account]

After several years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black in 2012, says a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.

Profits in 2012 are forecast at about $17 per head, which would be the highest since 2006, Chris Hurt said. In 2006 corn prices were $2.30 per bushel, compared with the $6-$7 per bushel this year, and hogs were bringing a profit of $27 per head.

According to Hurt, while a return to profitability is welcome news, it seems there are more broad implications.

Managing your finances is an important step toward a secure future, but 61 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and more than 60 percent have no “rainy day” fund for emergencies. Follow these personal finance tips to see how you can begin to create a cash cushion in case of emergency.

Checking Account Cushion

Having a cash cushion in your checking account provides security for several reasons: