June 2, 2011 - Many people depend on certificates of deposit (CDs) to provide extra income. Yet CD rates have been fairly low for a while. In recent months, in fact, one-year CDs were paying about 0.5%, two-year CDs topped out at around 1%, and five-year CDs paid in the 2% to 2. 3% range. Those rates are scanty enough, but they can seem even lower in an economic environment marked by rising food and gas prices.

June 2, 2011 - Why go anywhere else for your hardware needs? Let Crossroads make your next project a snap with the right tools and supplies. If Crossroads doesn't have it in stock, they can order it for you and save your gas. The friendly folks at Crossroads Hardware are ready to help you pick out exactly what you need. After you come see us once, we bet you will be back. Crossroads Hardware has been locally owned and operated in Leonard for many years.

May 26, 2011 - If you are feeling shaggy or a little out of style, Hair Central on the Leonard Square can give you a fresh look to suit any situation. Hair Central is your full service barber/beauty shop carrying a complete line of hair care products. Men, women, and children of all ages are welcome. Tanning facilities are also available to get you ready for swimsuit season. Come on down and see us because we are always on the cutting edge at Hair Central.

May 19, 2011 - The school year is coming to a close, which means that if you have young children, you are now one year closer to college days -- and college bills. At the same time, you are moving nearer to your own retirement. Can you save for college while you put money away for retirement? Yes -- but it will take planning, patience and discipline.

Your first step is to be aware of the challenges you will face. As you know, the financial crisis of 2008 and early 2009 took a bite out of just about everyone's retirement portfolio. And even though the markets have bounced back strongly, you might still have some ground to make up in your 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other accounts. At the same time, budgetary pressures may lead to reductions in Pell Grants and other federally backed financial aid to students, so you may need to provide more assistance to your children than you once might have thought.