Rail Heritage Trust Grant Awardees 2025

First Option Bank acts as trustee for the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust.

John Emery, a native of Chicago and ardent rail traveler and enthusiast, created this Trust upon his passing in 2012. John had traveled the rail in over 125 countries, wanted to help educate the public and help recreate and preserve the rail passenger travel experience that he loved. Funds are to be used to restore or rebuild ancillary facilities essential to the operation of a working passenger operation.

The...

Each day, Monday through Friday, one of our pigs will be hanging out near a well-known landmark or organization in our communities. A clue to the location will be posted ONLY on our Facebook and Instagram pages (click here to "like" us and follow us). If you’re lucky, you’ll find a piggy and be able to claim the prize! 

If you found a piggy,...

National Financial Literacy Month is finally here! At First Option Bank, we’re committed to offering you the resources you need to make healthy financial decisions — year-round. 

This month, we want to celebrate our customers who have achieved important financial milestones, whether that's opening a new credit card or buying your first home. Congrats!

If you're feeling less comfortable with your financial journey, that's okay too. Our free,...

For lots of people, the three digits making up your credit score are filled with mystery. How long do late payments stay on it? Is paying off a credit card account and closing it good or bad? And how high does it really need to be to afford the house you want?

Understanding how credit scores and reports work is an important step in your financial journey. Building positive credit and avoiding hits when possible can help you achieve your goals such as buying a home, leasing a car, or...

If your favorite website has the...

“We just didn’t talk about money.” That sentiment from Amy in the above video is similar and heard far too often from Americans when asked about how their childhood prepared them for the financial responsibility of being an adult.

In the past, talking about money has largely been a taboo subject. What we can now conclude is that avoiding such a crucial topic does not benefit young adults, and poor...

It’s Day Four of America Saves Week and today’s focus centers around reducing debt.

Do you consider paying down your debt as saving? You should! There are many natural benefits of reducing your debt, including increasing your credit score, saving money on interest and fees, and gaining more disposable or discretionary income to allocate as you see fit.

With so many Americans...

We have a question for you…

Fast forward to one year into your retirement. What does life look like?

Do you live in the town you’re in now, or have you moved to a different location? Do you spend your days relaxing at home, working part time to keep busy, volunteering, or traveling?
 

Today is Save to Retire Day of America Saves Week. It’s important for...

Day Two of America Saves Week encourages us to save for the unexpected. While saving for emergencies is always a much discussed topic in personal finances, here’s something that’s not as widely discussed: saving for opportunities.

If you are in the position to save, you’re not only saving for an unexpected car repair, medical bill, or appliance breaking down — you’re also saving for the last minute dinner invite with...

It’s America Saves Week! Each year we encourage our community to dedicate this week to pause and do a financial check-in, and this year is no different. Join us this week to get a clear view of your finances, set your financial goals, and make a plan to achieve them! Participating in the week will set you on the path toward building financial resilience, something we can all use as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

We kick off...