The holidays are over, and now it is time for the "Santa Shock," when you get the bills for all of your purchases. According to a study conducted by Lending Tree, consumers, on average, incurred a holiday debt of nearly $1,200. The Ohio Division of Financial Institutions tips to reduce your large bill are negotiating a lower interest rate, creating a debt payoff plan, or reducing your spending for normal monthly expenses. Experts say you don't want this year's holiday debt to spread to next year.

Buying your own home is the American dream, and the City of Lima is working to make that dream come true for residents. The city is hosting a couple of upcoming workshops. One with NACA, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, and another with the city regarding their first home loan down payment assistance program. City officials say it's important that people understand what assistance is available to them.

September 26, 2024, Press Release from First Financial Bank: St. Marys, OH – September 26, 2024 – First Financial Bank (Nasdaq: FFBC) will host a food drive in the St. Marys area from October 7-25, accepting canned food and nonperishable boxed food in specially marked bins at its financial center at 130 E. Spring St. After the conclusion of the food drive, First Financial associates will choose local organizations to receive the food for distribution into the surrounding community. Last year, First Financial Bank associates and volunteers donated over 6,600 food items throughout its four states of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois.

Dozens of property owners are coming out to dispute their new tentative valuation amount with the Allen County Auditor's Office. Informal hearings with the auditor's office started today and continue on Wednesday. Every three years, the state requires that property values be re-evaluated. The amount is determined by what properties around you are going for on the open market. You do have the chance to dispute your new valuation, and you need to bring documentation to back up your case.

July 30, 2024, Press Release from Quincy Thompson, Van Wert LIVE: [Van Wert, OH] - July 29, 2024 - Van Wert LIVE is excited to announce Superior Credit Union as a 2024 Fall Sponsor. They are committed to the Van Wert Live mission of providing entertainment that is SO GOOD it demands a return. This sponsorship goes directly to bringing the shows and keeping ticket prices low. Superior Credit Union, Inc., is headquartered in Lima, is a member-owned financial cooperative that serves more than 100,000 members at 25 western Ohio offices.  They opened the doors to the Van Wert branch located at 202 Towne Center Blvd in the Fall of 2023.

July 17, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is returning to the Ohio State Fair to help fairgoers search for and claim their lost or forgotten money. The 2024 Ohio State Fair will run from July 24 to Aug. 4. The division will have a booth available in the Department of Commerce’s “Commerce House” inside the Bricker Building, which is located in the middle of the fairgrounds. (Click here to view a map of the fairgrounds.)

June 27, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities urges Ohioans, particularly the elderly, to be cautious when considering investing in cryptocurrency. With the growing popularity and rapid adoption of digital currencies, all potential investors should always make sure they fully understand the inherent risks and red flags associated with cryptocurrency investments, especially given their popularity with bad actors looking to scam investors out of their money.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima residents met local professionals to learn what resources are out there to help them buy a home.