This article is based on information from multiple sources, including content originally published in Yahoo Finance on March 12, 2026, written by Dina Satore-Bodo with reporting by Lisa Marie Conklin, and material from National Mortgage Professional (March 23, 2026) by Lew Sichelman. All content has been compiled and edited for clarity and relevance. Prospective homebuyers have been dealt a complicated hand in recent years. Though mortgage rates fell below 6% in late February 2026, with the
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For many prospective homebuyers, the biggest perceived challenge to purchasing a home is the down payment. A common belief is that you must put 20% down to qualify, but that’s no longer the reality. Today’s mortgage options provide flexibility, making homeownership more accessible than ever. Low and No Down Payment Loan Options There are several programs designed specifically to help buyers who may not have large savings: Conventional Loans: Some conventional programs also
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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