Agentic AI. Maybe you’ve heard this new buzzword, maybe you haven’t. Either way, it’s a term you’ll likely be hearing more often in the years ahead. What is Agentic AI? Unlike traditional AI that simply answers your questions or generates content, Agentic AI is Artificial Intelligence that is designed to take action on your behalf. It can perform tasks, make decisions (within defined limits), and even complete multi-step processes with little or no human interaction. For
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Most people reuse the same handful of passwords across dozens of accounts. It’s easy to fall into the habit, but it also happens to be one of the most dangerous habits in online security today. Think about how many online accounts you have: email, online banking, social media, shopping sites, streaming services, medical portals, utility providers, and more. Recent studies suggest the average person manages between 75 and 110 online accounts. How Unique are Your Passwords Now consider
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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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This article was written by GoodTrust and published on May 6, 2026. When you think of estate planning, you probably think of wills and trusts, first. Maybe you also think of power of attorneys and medical directives. And that’s a great start, but thinking about your estate plan holistically, how all the pieces fit together to make the whole process as easy as possible for your family is the right next step. Whether you’re planning for the first time, already have documents in place,
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This article summarizes key findings from the NFIB Small Business Economic Trends Report for April 2026, released on May 12, 2026. To explore the data and analysis in greater depth, download the entire report here. If you've felt like running your business is harder than usual lately, the numbers back you up. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) — the country's largest small business advocacy organization — released its April 2026 Small Business Economic Trends
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In every community, small and medium-sized businesses are the driving force behind local investment, job creation and economic growth. Businesses that partner with their community bank gain a competitive advantage through access to financing and financial solutions that support expansion, equipment purchases, commercial real estate acquisitions, and seasonal cash flow management. At First Community Bank and Trust, we make every effort to understand your business and the story behind it. That’s
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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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