The U.S. Department of Treasury originally published this article on December 23, 2025. The following recommendations are non-binding guidance. All must comply with otherwise applicable restrictions. Frequently Asked Questions: Businesses Why is penny production being suspended? Over the past 10 years, the total production cost of the penny has risen from 1.3 cents to 3.69 cents per penny. These production costs include materials, facilities, and overhead. The U.S. Mint projects an immediate
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This article was published by Freddie Mac and last reviewed on January 13, 2026. As a homeowner, maintaining your home is an important responsibility. Timely maintenance, repairs and improvements help protect your home, provide your family with greater comfort and even enhance your home's value. Maintaining your home can also help you avoid costly problems later on. Once you move in, it's a good idea to set aside part of your monthly budget toward savings that could go to your home
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If you’ve owned your home for several years, you may have built more equity than you realize. That equity can be a valuable financial tool, helping you consolidate debt, improve cash flow, or achieve other important financial goals while making the most of your investment in your home. When many people think about a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), they often associate it with remodeling a kitchen or completing a major renovation. While that is one common use, it is
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Financial abuse targeting older adults causes significant losses for people over 60 each year. True losses from elder financial abuse could be even more as many go unreported, and of those that are reported, nearly half of adults say they were either victims or intended victims of financial exploitation. Community banks are in a unique position to help shield our elderly customers against such abuses. Through employee training and the use of technology to spot red flags and report suspicious activity
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We are excited to announce the upcoming upgrade to our NEW First eBanc! This transition will bring enhanced features, which you can view now on our web site, and a smoother experience for all users. To help you prepare, here is an overview of what to expect during the upgrade process. June 2nd, 2026 (Tuesday) 8:00 AM: First ePay & Zelle will be unavailable. Access to First ePay & Zelle will be removed from the current First eBanc. Users will not be able to set up or make changes to payments.
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Press Release: Beecher, IL. (May 4, 2026) — First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) encourage Americans to reinvest in their local community by shopping with small businesses during National Small Business Week, May 3-9, 2026. Small businesses form the backbone of the U.S. economy, employing more than 62 million Americans, representing nearly half of all private-sector employment. “Behind every small business is a story of hard
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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
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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
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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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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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