This article was originally published in S&P Global on March 25, 2026 and has been shortened. After a strong start to the year, the U.S. economic picture has grown more complicated. Growth remains positive, but a number of headwinds — most notably the escalating conflict in the Middle East — have tempered earlier optimism. Growth Still Positive, but Slower Ahead S&P now forecasts U.S. GDP growth of 2.2% for 2026, followed by an average of 1.9% annually through 2029. That's
Read More

Managing accounts receivable if often overlooked or underemphasized in day-to-day operations. When businesses don’t give proper attention to collecting what they are owed, cash flow can quickly tighten, leading to added pressure and unnecessary expenses such as borrowing costs or even bad debt. Every business owner should put just as much importance on collecting payment for delivered products or services as they do on driving sales growth and expanding market share. A well-structured and
Read More

This article was written by GoodTrust and published on December 19, 2025. A simple way to talk about what matters most—together. Talking about money, wishes, and the future doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. In fact, some of the most meaningful family moments come from these conversations. This guide is designed to make it easy, light, and surprisingly uplifting—so you can focus on clarity, connection, and peace of mind. Before You Start: Set the Tone Pick a low-pressure
Read More

This article, written by Linda Bell and edited by Amelia Buckley, originally appeared in Bankrate on January 29, 2026. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence what you pay for variable-rate home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and new home equity loans. Let’s break down how the Fed’s monetary policy affects how much it’ll cost you to borrow against your home. Following a string of rate cuts near the tail end of 2025, the Federal Reserve held steady
Read More

For many homeowners, their house is more than just a place to live, it’s one of their largest financial assets. As you pay down your mortgage and your home increases in value, you build equity. That equity can become a powerful financial tool when you need it. One way to make your home’s equity work for you is through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a flexible line of credit that uses your home as collateral. Instead of receiving a lump sum, you’re
Read More

This article was written by GoodTrust and published on July 16, 2025. Your digital life is bigger than you think—photos, emails, social accounts, even access to your devices. When the time comes, how can you make sure the right people have access to the right things, without leaving them overwhelmed? GoodTrust’s Digital Vault is designed to help you securely organize and store essential digital information for your loved ones. But what exactly should you include in the Vault—and
Read More

This blog post was published by Jean Chatzky from SavvyMoney. Understanding negative information on your credit report (and how it gets there). While no one ever plans to miss a credit card (or other) payment, sometimes we find ourselves in challenging financial situations. When you are living paycheck to paycheck — as millions of people are — it can be difficult to make your monthly earnings last until the next direct deposit. And when tough times descend, some people can end up
Read More

As we move further into 2026, the commercial lending landscape continues to evolve.  Lenders are operating with disciplined underwriting standards, borrowers are more strategic and capital continues to flow, but with greater selectivity. For business owners and investors, preparation and timing matter more than ever. In recent years, interest rate volatility and economic uncertainty have reshaped how commercial lenders assess risk. While the Prime Rate has stabilized after a rapid increase
Read More

Matthew Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Innovative Officer at Main Street America, wrote this article on February 3, 2026. Since 2022, we’ve been providing predictions for the year ahead to better understand the accelerated changes in society, technology, and the economy, and the anticipated impacts on our Main Streets and small businesses. While not an exact science, I hope this offers insight into how, at the intersection of diverse trends, new insights can emerge to inform strategic
Read More

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
Read More