Treasurer’s Note Newsletter

March 4, 2026

Connectivity Creates Competitiveness

I recently read a description of an outhouse: A small building a hundred feet from your house that’s a hundred feet too far in the winter, and a hundred feet too close in the summer. This reminded me of a conversation I had with Dad a few years ago. I grew up with indoor plumbing. Every friend I knew had indoor plumbing. My father did not until he was about 8. Before then, he had to use an outhouse and bed pans. This shocked me. Although I knew indoor plumbing…

a group of men and women dressed in professional clothes standing at a table of memorabilia

February 9, 2026

Got a Question at 3 a.m.? Abe Can Lend a Hand

Last fall, I had the honor of attending an event for the 150th anniversary of a family-owned business. Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville has been in the same family for six generations. At an event marking the milestone, a family member said the business used to be open 365 days a year. He calculated that it was open 22,000 straight days before a later generation finally decided to close on Christmas. That tale of dedication got me thinking about my family. For many years, they operated a dairy farm. Cows don’t…

January 21, 2026

Mailbag January 22, 2026 – New Year’s Resolutions

QUESTION: In your last Treasurer’s note, you gave a recap of your 2025 resolutions, but I noticed you didn’t mention any for 2026. Did you make any for this year? A: Thanks for noticing, and thank you for the question. Some are similar to last year, and some are new. I think we are more likely to keep our resolutions when we share them with others to hold us accountable. So, here goes! *I want to cross the $2.5 billion mark for money returned to people, businesses, and nonprofit groups…

two boys under 3 years old on the bottom of a slide with red and green jackets

January 21, 2026

Make This Season Work for You

Illinois had one of the snowiest Decembers in some time. It also was very cold, which meant Max and Theo didn’t get to spend as much time outdoors as usual. This resulted in a little bit of cabin fever for both of them and their parents. They have a lot of toddler energy. In better weather, we spend as much time as possible outside to help them get some of that energy out. When they are stuck inside, it can be tough on them, tough on our house, and tough…

January 6, 2026

Turning the Page to 2026

Like millions of Americans, I make New Year’s resolutions. Last year, like millions of Americans, I resolved to exercise more, eat better, and lose weight. I had some work to do. The twins were born during summer 2023, and they brought us untold joy. Taking care of them also meant less sleep, more snacking and comfort foods, and no energy to work out. Bad habits formed, and pounds packed on. The good news: In 2025, I woke up early and regularly worked out before the boys woke up. I also…