Windows antivirus for a home office: balance security, performance, and VPN

[Luke45]

I'm setting up a new Windows desktop for my home office, and I'm trying to decide on the best antivirus software. I need something robust for online banking and client data, but I don't want a resource-heavy program that will slow down my system. I've used free versions in the past, but I'm considering a paid suite for the added firewall and phishing protection. For other freelancers or small business users, what have you found to be the most effective balance between security, system performance, and value? I'm particularly interested in real-world experiences with suites that include a VPN and how they compare to using separate, dedicated services for each function.