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

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

This article, written by Justin Lahart and Konrad Putzier, originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal on November 11, 2025. The longest government shutdown on record has taken a bite from the economy. But the roiling effects of the closure, as well as the data disruptions it brought on, are likely to make it hard to know just how big that bite was. With each passing day, the now six-week shutdown’s drag on the economy has become more apparent. Thousands of furloughed government workers
Read More

With the calendar year coming to a close and the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to evaluate your business’s performance in 2025. Whether the results were positive or challenging, use what you learned to position your business for a successful 2026. To help you get started, here are a few key items to consider when building your year-end review checklist. Review your year-to-date financial statement. If you have prepared a budget for the year, compare your actual financial
Read More

Every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that while our digital world offers convenience and connection, it also presents new risks. From online shopping and mobile banking to social media and email, our daily lives rely on technology. But just as you wouldn’t hand your house keys to a stranger, you shouldn’t hand over your personal information without thinking twice. At First Community Bank and Trust, your financial safety is one of our top priorities. That’s
Read More