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HARRIS HELPFUL HINTS
During Challenging Financial Times, Families Can Still Control Own Destiny

CHICAGO, October 30, 2008 –Living through a volatile economic period can be very stressful. While there are countless issues for families to be concerned with, there are still many very important financial-related matters that they can manage independently, regardless of economic conditions.

Many people today are preoccupied with things they cannot control. It’s certainly natural to worry about such issues, but spending an inordinate amount of energy on worrying undoubtedly leads to high levels of stress. During challenging economic times, families are best served focusing their efforts on the things they can directly influence.

Savings and Spending
Families can control the amount of money they save each month. Clearly, the more savings, the easier it will be to weather events that can’t be controlled such as job loss, inflation and other unforeseen emergencies. In challenging times, families should consider pulling back on unnecessary expenditures and increasing their savings rate. Spending goes hand-in-hand with savings. Simply, the less you spend, the more you save. For some, it may make sense to hold off on major expenses and to limit luxury spending, and a surplus of savings will bring peace of mind.

Investment Strategy
Everyone has the power to decide where to put their money, and the ability to develop an investment strategy that is in line with long-term goals. There’s no better time than right now to revisit how much you’re investing and where the funds are going. A qualified financial adviser can help you determine the best course of action based on your risk tolerance.

Planning for Retirement
Saving for retirement remains important, regardless of economic conditions. And while dramatic swings in the markets will affect the balance of your 401K, SEP and IRA plans, that shouldn’t change your contribution strategy. The sooner you begin contributing to these tax-advantaged plans, the more savings you’ll have down the road. While market conditions may limit the amount you’re able to contribute each month, remain in control of your retire ment planning now so you don’t have to worry about it as you age.

Debt
We all maintain a degree of control of our debt, as well as our strategy for dealing with it. Now is not the time to incur additional debt, and if you have debt, now is the time to pay it off as quickly as possible. It will help to have the funds available for other expenditures and you’ll avoid any rate increases that might be lurking around the corner.

Credit
A strong credit score is critical for those seeking to obtain a loan at a favorable rate. Paying down debt, making bill payments in a timely fashion and removing incorrect information from credit reports can all help improve your score. If your family may be in need of a home or car loan in the not-too-distant future, take measures to improve your score before shopping for a loan.

Mortgage
Homeowners with a mortgage certainly have options, even during a down real estate market where selling might not be the best of those options. Many are immersed in mortgages that are no longer affordable. Owners in this situation might consider trying to sell, or perhaps rent their home. Mortgage holders should also explore re-finance options, particularly in situations where an adjustable rate mortgage makes them vulnerable to big swings in interest rates. And for those who are having trouble making payments, communicate with your lender and try to negotiate an alternate payment plan. Hiding from creditors is never the right option.

About Harris
Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name. For more information, please visit www.bmocm.com  or  .

Harris® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates. Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member NASD/SIPC, and SEC registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Securities are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, NASD and SIPC. HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.