May 21, 2025 - The Memories that We Memorialize. As a kid, I spent a lot of time thinking about the U.S. military. My house was just seven miles away from Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. May 13, 2025 - Rooted in Respect. A couple of years ago at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, a state trooper approached my table and asked if I was around. He said he was a former student of mine, and he just wanted to say hi. May 6, 2025 - Honoring Our Moms. During the summer of 1993, my mother dropped me off at the airport. For two months, she would have no way to contact me. April 29, 2025 - Taking Care of Those Left Behind. Firefighters put their lives on the line every time they are called upon for help. There is no such thing as a routine call when fire is involved. April 22, 2025 - Helping Families Achieve a Better Life. I have spent some time telling you stories about Gifford, the small, rural East Central Illinois town I come from. That often leads people to ask if I grew up on a farm. April 15, 2025 - Working Together to Protect Our Air and Water. With Earth Day approaching, I've been thinking a lot about my time as a kid picking up trash along the road. April 8, 2025 - Following Your Own Path and Saving for the Future. Recently, I spoke with a group of high school students about working in government. April 2, 2025 - Tips for Fighting Computer Scammers. Last month, I was working on two separate laptops on different projects when I noticed one was flooded with announcements. Your computer has been compromised! March 26, 2025 - Creating Jobs and Retaining Illinois Businesses. The University of Illinois men's basketball team didn't do as well in the NCAA tournament as I would have liked. March 19, 2025 - Deal with Change, or Get Left Behind. It’s hard to miss all the talk about March Madness these days. It got me thinking about my own tournament run 38 years ago. March 12, 2025 - Focusing on What We Do Well. Erica and I don’t watch a lot of TV March 5, 2025 - IL ABLE Accounts Can Reduce Anxiety. A few years ago, I visited a state facility for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities February 26, 2025 - Fewer Obstacles, More Talent Lead to Bigger Wins. My dad was the tallest kid in his high school class of 32 students at Armstrong Township High School in East Central Illinois February 20, 2025 - Our Free Financial Wellness Tool Is Here for You. I know a lot of people in Illinois don’t look forward to the dark cold days of February, but two of my favorite holidays are celebrated this month. February 12, 2025 - Honestly, Abe Lincoln Banked in Springfield. Today in Illinois, we celebrate the birth of our 16th and greatest president. February 6, 2025 - Sometimes, It’s Good to Pick a Fight. Last week, I wrote about how we have streamlined the process for claiming your money. January 29, 2025 - Returning Your Money to You. Today’s newsletter focuses on my office’s unclaimed property program January 22, 2025 - Building Relationships is Good for Business. In today’s newsletter, we’ll talk about our family dog, saving for children’s education, saving for retirement, and more. January 15, 2025 - Saving for a Retirement with Dignity. In today’s newsletter, we’ll talk about the importance of retirement savings, how much missing money we have returned to you, and why so many barns are disappearing. January 8, 2025 - First Steps. 2024 was a big year for our twins. December 31, 2024 - My Resolutions for 2025. I used to think of New Year’s resolutions the same way I think of birthday wishes when blowing out candles: December 24, 2024 - Make the Holidays Brighter by Sharing. There is a lot of discussion about when it is appropriate to put up Christmas decorations. December 18, 2024 - Always Working to Return Your Money to You. As a kid, I loved Sesame Street. December 9, 2024 - Doing Our Best for the Most Vulnerable. Why would a father tell a generous relative not to give his son money for a birthday or a holiday? December 4, 2024 - Protecting Your Hard-Earned Money. My dad turns 80 next month, and in today’s world that means his phone constantly rings with shady people trying to take his money. November 27, 2024 - Honoring My Grandma by Serving Others. I know you’re busy getting ready to gather with family and friends this week, so we’ll keep this newsletter short and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. November 21, 2024 - Investing to Fuel Growth. A few weeks ago, I shared the story of my post-graduation job at the grain elevator in Royal, a small town in Northeast Champaign County. November 13, 2024 - Deciphering Education Jargon. When you're the first generation in your family to attend a university and the second generation to attend high school, you might be unfamiliar with higher education jargon. November 5, 2024 - Sharing Stories of Heroes. Soon after I was sworn in as Illinois Treasurer, I took a tour of our vault where we store the contents of safe deposit boxes that banks turn over to my office after they determine they've been abandoned October 30, 2024 - We Want to Return Your Rebate Checks to You. As a kid in Gifford, we only had a few hours to trick or treat, and my friends and I would dash around town to collect as much candy as possible. October 23, 2024 - Good Teammates Contribute and Work Together. Illinoisans mostly root for three baseball teams: the Cubs, the Cardinals, and the White Sox. October 17, 2024 - Let's Appreciate Agriculture and Creativity. I have been seeing combines rolling through fields on recent drives throughout downstate, and they have reminded me of one of the best jobs I ever had. October 9, 2024 - We're Returning Missing Money to More Illinoisans. If you've read these notes before, you've probably noticed that I usually tell a story from my life or about a friend or relatives, and a lesson learned, or a value taught. October 2, 2024 - Investing in a Brighter Future for Our Children. Sometimes, you've got to step out of your comfort zone to learn and improve. September 25, 2024 - Our State Is a Hub for Scientific Discovery. Everyone loves a field trip, and I still have strong memories of heading north to Chicago in seventh grade. September 18, 2024 - Improving Our Lives by Learning from Each Other. As a kid, you'd usually find me with a book. September 12, 2024 - Modern Technology Enriches Our Lives. I surely must have caused my parents a lot of anxiety the summer after my sophomore year of college. September 4, 2024 - Facts, Figures, and Transparency in Government. I was a curious kid and asked my parents A LOT of questions. August 28, 2024 - Sharing from Our Abundance. My daughter is a much less picky eater than I was as a kid. August 21, 2024 - Honoring a Legacy of Service. Back in the spring, I spoke to a group gathered outside the Capitol to remember fallen police officers. August 15, 2024- Our Loved Ones' Secrets and Stories. One of the great things about my job is the number of people I meet and what I learn from them — including things about my own family. August 6, 2024 - Plan Ahead Now to Pave the Road to a Happy Retirement Later. Five years ago this summer, Dad retired at age 75 from driving a truck. July 30, 2024 - A Different Treasurer's Note. One year ago on Sunday, our son Theo came home from the NICU. July 23, 2024 - It's Almost My Birthday, but I Have a Wish for You. Growing up, I was disappointed that my birthday fell in the summer. July 17, 2024 - Showing Support for a Young Person Can Be a Deeply Appreciated Gift. n about a month, a lot of parents will be dropping their children off at college for the first time. July 9, 2024 - A Tough Lesson I Learned as a Teen: Don't Be Too Embarrassed to Ask Others for Help. As my Mom drove me to the hospital, I felt like I was freezing, even though it was a hot July day. July 2, 2024 - A Fourth of July Spent in a Former Communist Country Made Me Appreciate America Even More. June 25, 2024 - Instilling Confidence in Young People Today Pays Dividends for Lifetimes. A few days ago, I had the honor of addressing the young women at Illini Girls State. June 18, 2024 - It Is Hard to Beat a Person Who Never Gives Up. I recently delivered the commencement address at Southland College Prep High School's graduation ceremony. June 10, 2024 - We Cannot Solve All of Illinois' Challenges, But We Can Be Part of the Solution. Last year, I got the perfect gift when our twin boys were born just a few days before Father's Day. June 3, 2024 - Preparing for First Steps and Next Steps. Next week, our sons Theo and Max will celebrate their first birthday. May 23, 2024 - Reuniting Purple Heart Medals with Their Rightful Owners. I was recently in Washington, D.C. for a couple of visits to the White House on fighting junk fees and discussing labor principles in private equity, as well as speaking to Nort May 20, 2024 - We Have to Take Care of Things, Including Investments, If We Want Them to Last. My dad didn't have a lot of money, but he taught me that if you buy quality things and take care of them, they will last a long time. May 14, 2024 - We All Do Better When We All Do Better. Growing up in Central Illinois, my first job that came with a paycheck was detasseling corn. May 6, 2024 - Honoring Our Fallen Heroes. As a child, I wanted to be a firefighter. April 29, 2024 - We Must Fix This U.S. Savings Bonds Problem. Last weekend, I finally got around to doing some spring cleaning at my house. April 23, 2024 - We Can All Do Something to Make the World Better. Yesterday was Earth Day, and I have been thinking a lot about the summer before my senior year of high school. April 15, 2024 - What Does the Treasurer's Office Do? Well, Let Me Tell You. At my first meeting of the National Association of State Treasurers, a fellow Treasurer offered an observation: "If you have seen one State Treasurer's Office, you have seen April 8, 2024 - Making Hay While the Sun Shines. My grandfather raised corn, soybeans, and cattle. April 1, 2024 - Making It Easier for People to Save for the Future. They say that opposites attract. March 25, 2024 - Helping Nonprofits Do Even More Good Work. We have made a lot of changes in the Treasurer’s Office. March 18, 2024 - We Are Part of the Solution. I was speaking to a class at Kennedy-King College the other day and mentioned that the job I have today is not the job I ran for. March 11, 2024 - A Small Gesture Can Go a Long Way. I grew up during the 1980s, when it seemed like large world problems could be solved by a bunch of pop stars getting together to record a hit song and hungry children could be fed for less than the March 4, 2024 - Betting on a Child's Education Is No Gamble. March Madness will soon be upon us. February 27, 2024 - Investing in Illinois Companies and Illinois' Future. In the early 2000s, I co-founded a startup engineering company that monitored bridges for structural integrity. February 19, 2024 - Our Financial Wellness Hub Is a Resource for You. When I moved to Taiwan to teach English after college, I didn’t speak any Chinese. February 12, 2024 - It's Lincoln's Birthday, So Let's Talk about Houses. Just a handful of states still recognize Abraham Lincoln’s birthday as a state holiday. February 4, 2024 - Buying a Practical Car, Like Saving for Retirement, Will Get You Where You Want to Go. My first car was a hand-me-down, two-door, black Chevy Cavalier. January 29, 2024 - Fighting to Make Sure You Get the Money that Belongs to You. As a kid, if I saw money sitting on the ground, I firmly believed in the rule of “finders keepers.” January 22, 2024 - Charitable Trust Grants: A Helping Hand for Nonprofit Groups that Help People, Communities. In my last Treasurer’s Note, I mentioned a nursing home. January 16, 2024 - Discovering Important Family Information, Which Sometimes Can Include Missing Money. In my last note, I mentioned that I wasn’t aware my grandparents hadn’t attended high school. January 8, 2024 - Illinois First Steps Program Provides Seed Money for a Child's Education. Babies have been on my mind a lot lately. December 28, 2023 - Looking Back on 2023, Looking Forward to 2024. 2023 is rapidly coming to a close, and I wanted to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous new year. December 19, 2023 - Sharing Holiday Traditions. Growing up, my family had a tradition that the kids could open one present after church on Christmas Eve. December 7, 2023 - Remembering Senator Scott Bennett, Who Fought for the Most Vulnerable. One year ago this week, State Senator Scott Bennett died from complications from a brain tumor in Urbana. November 27, 2023 - Why I Am Thankful. Every year at Thanksgiving, I like to take stock of the things that I am thankful for in my life. November 16, 2023 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Ten years ago tomorrow, a tornado hit Washington, Illinois. November 8, 2023 - The Uncle I Never Met. I frequently talk about how much fun my job is. October 2023 - More Money on Its Way. While many people will be celebrating Halloween tomorrow, Christmas will be coming early for about 73,000 people in Illinois. October 2023 - Money Can't Buy Happiness. “Money can't buy happiness” is an adage that some people live by, and others ignore. October 2023 - Working Hard and Retiring with Dignity. My parents chose different paths to retirement. September 2023 - Taking Care of Family. On Tuesday, I visited Gateway to Learning, whose mission is to provide lifelong learning for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that promotes active inclusion at home, at work, and in the c September 2023 - Your Money, Our Responsibility. As State Treasurer, I spend a lot of time looking at numbers. September 2023 - Let's Honor Workers on All Days, Not Just Labor Day. For nearly 40 years, my extended family has spent Labor Day weekend on the banks of Lake Sara just outside Effingham. August 2023 - Fighting for You. Last time, I talked to you about my summer job detasseling corn. August 2023 - Growi and ng Jobs on the Farm in Your Neighborhood. cBefore we get to the heart of this Treasurer’s Note, I want to thank you for the response to my last newsletter. August 2023 - First Steps...to Success. I have good news to share: My son Theo came home Friday after nearly eight weeks in the NICU. July 2023 - Life-Changing Moments. Last month, I shared our family’s great news that my wife, Erica, gave birth to our twins, Theo and Max. July 2023 - $2 Billion for You. We just set another record: $2 billion in investment earnings. June 2023 - Two More Bright Start Accounts. These past couple of days have been busy for me, my family, and especially my wife. June 2023 - Better Jobs and Stronger Communities. The flip of the calendar tells us it is June, but we at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office do not plan on a long vacation. May 2023 - Remembering Those Who Sacrificed, On Memorial Day and Always. As Memorial Day approaches, I am reminded of Operation Purple Heart. May 2023 - Better Jobs, Stronger Neighborhoods. We do more at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office than simply invest money. April 2023 - Beneath Our Good Stories Beats the Heart of an Economic Engine. We have good stories to tell at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. April 2023 - Financial Literacy Begins at Home. It is never too early to start teaching—or learning—good money habits. March 2023 - Financial Wellness for All. I have good news to share that will benefit individuals looking to improve their personal finances. March 2023 - Honoring Our Soldiers. Army Specialist Kenneth R. Wiest earned his Purple Heart inside a helicopter in the jungles of Vietnam, where he was deployed shortly after graduating from Mascoutah High School in 1968. February 2023 - The Fun—and Solemnity—of Unclaimed Property. Unclaimed Property Day is in February. February 2023 - Retiring with Dignity. I have good news for workers, employers, and the communities where they live and work. January 2023 - And Now, For Some Good News. I have good news to share that will greatly benefit individuals with a disability. December 2022 - Lessons and Gratitude in 2022. Merriam-Webster’s 2022 Word of the Year is “gaslighting.” December 2022 - Diversity and Transparency Are Good for Business. Research shows that diversity is good for business. November 2022 - Operation Purple Heart. We continue our unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to veterans or their loved ones November 2022 - Common Sense and Fighting for You. A little bit of common sense goes a long way. October 2022 - Mr. Joseph R. Stancak, His Relatives, And $11 Million. I really wish I’d met Mr. Joseph R. Stancak. October 2022 - Hire Good People with Common Sense. Hire good people, give them a clear directive, and let them go to work. September 2022 - Fighting for You. Sometimes the most significant battles never make the headlines. September 2022 - Remembering Labor Day, Respect, Planning, and Common Sense. Labor Day recognizes the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. August 2022 - A Little Bit of Common Sense. A little bit of common sense goes a long way. August 2022 - Enjoy the Fair And Join Me at the Auction. It is time for the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and I invite you to enjoy some of the best our celebration has to offer. July 2022 - Cream of the Crop Photo Winners. There is so much to love about summer. July 2022 - It Happened Again, and I’m Glad We Could Help. We did it again. June 2022 - Illinois Funds Receives Top Rating. I have more good news to share with you. June 2022 - Illinois’ 529: It’s More Than Just College. I have immense respect for skilled trade workers. June 2022 - Fighting for You. Sometimes, knowing that you are not alone can make all the difference in the world. May 2022 - When you do good work with Unclaimed Property, the results will follow. Illinois’ unclaimed property program reached another historic milestone this month when we paid its 1 millionth claim since 2015. May 2022 - Life Insurance Companies That Don’t Pay Death Benefits? I didn't believe it, either. April 2022 - Do We Have Your Money? Newspapers do publish good news. April 2022 - A Retirement with Dignity. We hit another milestone. March 2022 - Helping Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, immoral, and unjustified invasion of neighboring Ukraine must not stand. February 2022 - Teaching for a Lifetime. Much of what I have accomplished in life is due to great teachers. February 2022 - Thanks to You, We Did It Again. We set another record on Feb. 1, National Unclaimed Property Day. January 2022- Gift Cards: Don’t Save Them, Spend Them. I hope you were able to spend the holidays surrounded by friends and family. January 2022 - Our Thanks to Ernie. I never met Ernie Ulrich. I think I would have liked him. December 2021 - Lessons and Gratitude in 2021. Merriam-Webster’s 2021 Word of the Year is “vaccine.” December 2021 - Gift Cards: Don't Save Them, Spend Them. Odds are that you or someone you know will receive a gift card during the holiday season. November 2021 - Operation Purple Heart. Today, I ask you to help me with Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners. November 2021 - More Good News. I have good news to share with you. October 2021 - The Next 25 Years of College Savings. Affordable higher education and post-secondary training has helped millions of Americans improve their lives. September 2021 - Your Missing Money - Faster. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. August 2021 - More Good News. I have good news to share with you. July 2021 - Illinois' Greatest Returns. We work hard every day to return money and heirlooms to their owners through the Unclaimed Property program. June 2021 - Cybersecurity Training Coming to You. Cybersecurity threats are real. May 2021 - Saving for College. At the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, we often talk about providing tools to help people achieve their American Dream. April 2021 - $1 Billion for You. There is no doubt that the past year has been challenging. March 2021 - Working Together for Economic Growth. It was about one year ago that I spoke with a group of local leaders about economic development. February 2021 - Investing in You. We have reached another milestone: A record-shattering $15 billion is invested in the state’s two most popular college savings programs, Bright Start and Bright Directions. January 2021- Holiday Wishes Coming True. An early holiday gift greeted Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. December 2020 - Lessons and Gratitude in 2020. Merriam-Webster’s 2020 Word of the Year is “pandemic.” November 2020 - Gift Cards: Don't Save Them, Spend Them. Odds are that you or someone you know will receive a gift card during the holiday season. October 2020 - You Should Have Your Money, Not the State. Unclaimed property might be one of the state’s most misunderstood programs. September 2020 - Why Saving for College is Important in a Pandemic. COVID-19 continues to challenge us, especially children and parents as they determine how school and learning works best for them. August 2020 - Returning Your Money To Where it Belongs. $1 Billion. July 2020 - Working Together for Economic Growth. During the pandemic, we have all had to make changes. June 2020 - Investing in People During COVID 19. We hear a lot of talk about the ‘new normal.’ May 2020 - Helping Small Businesses And Their Workers During COVID-19. We know people are hurting. February 2020 - Making College More Affordable. I believe we have a new and innovative way to help more families attend college or trade school. January 2020 - Common Sense in 2020. There is a new front in our battle to return money to you. December 2019 - Looking Forward. This time of year prompts many of us to reflect on our accomplishments from the past year. November 2019 - College Plans Rated Best in the Nation. Since I took office, I’ve made it a priority to create college savings programs that Illinois can trust. October 2019 - Money Match - It's Your Money. Our innovative ‘Money Match’ program was so successful last year that we are doing it again. September 2019 - Fighting for Consumers. Too many of us feel nickel-and-dimed. August 2019 - Congratulations! One of the true pleasures of serving as the Illinois State Treasurer is being part of the annual Cream of the Crop photo contest. July 2019 - Your Money. We’ve done it again – and again, and again, and again. June 2019 - Investing in People. As Illinois Treasurer, I am the state’s chief investment and banking officer. May 2019 - Your Money. We reached another milestone in returning forgotten money and investments to their rightful owners. April 2019 - Banking on Common Sense. Banks are a critical component to any business. Without banks, or credit unions, business would not be able to write or cash checks, invest profits, or secure a loan. March 2019 - Honoring our Veterans. I recently had the distinct honor to return a Purple Heart and two Air Medals to the surviving family members of Lieutenant Walter B. Ingledew, Jr. February 2019 - ABLE Helping People with Disabilities. Two years ago, we in the state treasurer’s office embarked on a journey to help people with disabilities. January 2019 - Gift Cards: Don't Save Them, Spend Them. Odds are that you or someone you know received a gift card during the holiday season. December 2018 - It's Your Money. The new ‘Money Match II’ program will return $1.5 million in lost money to 63,000 Illinois residents without the usual need to gather paperwork or file an unclaimed property claim. November 2018 - College Plans Rated Best in Nation. Since I took office, I’ve made it a priority to create college savings programs that Illinois families can trust. October 2018 - Common Sense. I am proud to share the news that we just launched a new investment program to help pay down our state’s bill backlog and save Illinois residents as much as $70 million each year. September 2018 - Money Match - It's Your Money. We always are looking for new ways to improve how our office serves the public. August 2018 - College Savings Exceeds Expectations. We hit an important milestone this month with our college savings programs. July 2018 - Congratulations. Every year I’m excited to see the photos of the annual Cream of the Crop photo contest. June 2018 - Say No More. The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office invests $28 billion on behalf of Illinois residents, units of local government, and families saving for college. May 2018 - Memorial Day. Memorial Day has taken on additional meaning for me since becoming state treasurer in 2015. April 2018 - Follow the Money. Today, we know too many people do not trust government. March 2018 - Investing in Illinois. The Illinois Treasurer serves as the state’s chief investment officer. February 2018 - Investing in People. The treasurer’s office invests approximately $25 billion on behalf of taxpayers, college savers, and units of local government. January 2018 - Gift Cards: Don't Save Them, Spend Them. Odds are that you or someone you know received a gift card during the holiday season.