2026

Twin toddler boys sitting on a chair, each holding a book

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them. The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has rediscovered it and starts to play with it, that toy…

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About 20 people standing and posing in front of a curtain on a stage

Illinois Among Founding Partners of New Consortium to Expand Participation in 529 Education Savings Plans

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Proposed the Idea While Serving as President of the National Association of State Treasurers Chicago, IL — Today, these founding institutions announce the formation of the National Consortium on Education Savings Research (529 Consortium) , a multi-institution research partnership designed to increase understanding of and participation in education savings plans, especially among underserved and underrepresented families. The 529 Consortium brings together leading researchers, state treasurers and other state sponsors, and program administrators to build an integrated data infrastructure and conduct policy-relevant research on education savings initiatives.…

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Illinois state flag with eagle and shield

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces New Grants to Address Hunger After Federal Cuts

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced a new grant program to help volunteer groups battling hunger and food insecurity in the wake of federal government cuts to critical food programs. Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grants provide up to $5,000 to volunteer-driven food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar nonprofit organizations with no full-time employees. Frerichs launched the grant program after the Trump administration cut funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and a program that allowed Illinois farmers to sell their fresh food to Meals on Wheels and food…

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Twin toddler boys riding small bikes on a sidewalk

The Days Are Long but the Years Are Short

When people ask how I am doing these days, I often respond “exhausted.” My job keeps me very busy and I enjoy it, but it’s not why I’m tired. Our twins are almost 3, and although I love them very much, I suspect they might be stealing energy from me. I don’t know how else to explain how at the end of the day, they seem to have so much, while I have so little left in the tank. They may look like a tough biker gang, but they can,…

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two men in suits standing in front of the illinois flag and united states flag

New Name, Same Mission to Help You Save

I recently spoke with an employee of the park district and mentioned how much I enjoy our neighborhood parks. She asked me which one was my favorite, and I realized I didn’t really know the official names of any of them. They all have names to honor important people, but for me, the location is more important. For my boys, each one has earned a nickname based on a special feature in or near the park. We frequently choose between “Ropes Park”, “Metra Park”, “Sand Park”, “Church Park”, and “Choo-choo…

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