Owning a home is exciting, but it’s common to wonder “How much house can I comfortably afford?” Mortgage affordability is about more than what a lender says you qualify for. It’s about finding a payment that fits your budget, lifestyle and your financial goals. When people think about being able to afford a home, they often focus on the purchase price of a house. But your monthly payment is more important. It usually includes: Principal & Interest – The amount
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This article, written by Ashley Harrison and reviewed by Amber Barkley, originally appeared in Forbes on January 20, 2026. Mortgage rates spent much of 2025 parked in the upper-6% range, held in place by persistent inflation pressures and a cautious Federal Reserve. That began to shift late in the year as the Fed signaled it was ready to ease policy. Rates slipped ahead of the September 2025 rate cut, the first of the year, and then drifted lower again before the October meeting before continuing
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Press Release: Beecher, IL. (January 13, 2026) - At the January meeting of First Community Bank and Trust’s Board of Directors, Cameron E. Ohlendorf was elected as the 10th President of the Bank, which was founded in 1916. Greg M. Ohlendorf, the Bank’s last President & CEO, will remain on as Chief Executive Officer. Greg has served as President for 25 years. Cameron has been with the Bank since 2009, when he began his career as an intern. In 2012, he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan
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January is your reset button: new goals, new habits, and a fresh start for your finances. It’s also National Financial Wellness Month, so it’s the perfect time to give your money habits a quick check-in. At First Community Bank and Trust, we believe financial wellness is knowing where you stand and using the right tools to move forward. This post shares simple tips and helpful banking services to keep your progress rolling all year long. What Financial Wellness Really Means Financial
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