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

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

Customers are the lifeblood of every business, regardless of the industry. Whether you’re a skilled tradesman in construction, a professional in law or accounting, or a retailer, you rely on a steady stream of customers to keep sales moving forward. The question is…how do you make that happen every day? Setting sales goals at the start of the year is important, but without a plan to achieve them, those goals remain out of reach.  As a business owner, it is important to review
Read More

Every year on August 14, National Financial Awareness Day encourages individuals to take control of their financial well-being. It’s a day to reflect, reset, and make informed choices that help you reach your money goals whether that means finally starting a budget, reviewing your credit, or simply checking your bank accounts more often. No matter where you are on your financial journey, here are five practical, meaningful ways to boost your financial awareness today and set yourself up
Read More

This blog post was published by Jean Chatzky, with reporting by Casandra Andrews, both from SavvyMoney and commenting by Wendy Hoekstra, Vice President – Retail Lending from First Community Bank and Trust. Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance in the U.S. Plan ahead: Thinking of buying a home in the next few years? Set up a meeting with Wendy Hoekstra, Vice President – Retail Lending at First Community Bank and Trust to get an idea of how much you’ll need to save to
Read More

For more in depth information regarding this article, download the entire report here. What is the Beige Book? The Beige Book is a Federal Reserve System publication about current economic conditions across the 12 Federal Reserve Districts. It characterizes regional economic conditions and prospects based on a variety of mostly qualitative information, gathered directly from each District’s sources. Reports are published eight times per year. What is the purpose of the Beige Book? The
Read More