News Releases

Tips For Keeping Your "Green" This St. Patrick's Day
BMO Harris introduces financial education website

CHICAGO (March 13, 2012) – For those who find themselves short on "green" this St. Patrick's Day, BMO Harris Bank, has created a website designed to help users better manage their money and learn ways to improve their financial standing.

The Helpful Steps website – www.bmoharris.com/helpfulsteps – is a simple yet powerful tool to help people arrive at a better place financially. The website focuses on arming users with resources and information related to saving money, reducing and eliminating debt, preparing for unexpected costs, and increasing awareness of their financial status.

"While some people may prefer to catch a leprechaun and secure their pot of gold, financial security takes time, preparation and hard work," said Mike Lewis, Regional President BMO Harris Bank. "BMO Harris wants to help them meet their financial goals without the help of fairytale char acters, which is why we launched this educational resource."

The site features tools, calculators and advice on money management subjects ranging from meeting savings goals to getting out of debt and preparing for the future. Among other things, BMO Harris makes these recommendations:

• Pay yourself first: Add your savings account to your monthly list of bills, and make saving a priority.
• Save more through small changes: Identify where you're spending money, and where you can make changes. For instance, packing your lunch instead of eating out could save you thousands over the course of the year.
• Maximize your savings: Once you've started saving, and know what you're saving for, set up appropriate accounts to manage your money. For instance, consider an IRA for retirement savings, and a money market account for your expanding nest egg.
• Write a budget: It's the most effective way to get on track to financial success. Don't forget to allocate funds for savings and charitable contributions, and to ensure that your spending doesn't exceed your income.
• Know your credit score: This rating will determine if you'll have access to key credit options – whether you're opening a new credit card or applying for a mortgage – in addition to driving the interest rate you'll be paying. Check your credit reports regularly to ensure accuracy and develop better credit habits to increase your score over time.

About BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO H arris Banksm and M&I® are trade names used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

BMO Harris Bank is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Banking deposit and loan products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (Harris SBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (Harris myCFO), an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (Stoker Ostler) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM) or its wholly-owned subsidiary HIM Monegy (Monegy), SEC-registered investment advisors. Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, Harris SBSB, Harris myCFO, Stoker Ostler, HIM, and Monegy, which are affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of BMO Financial Corp.,: 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. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/ or location.