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The fundamental homeownership guide for first-time buyers

2026-10-15T08:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by Chase Home Lending

Key takeaways:

  • First-time homebuyers can feel intimidated by the homebuying process. However, there are resources that can help them prepare to enter the housing market.
  • Chase Home Lending has created a guide of essential topics and tips that can help first-time buyers start their journey to homeownership with confidence.

If you’ve never bought a home before, the idea of starting the process can be frightening. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

To help you start your journey, Chase Home Lending offers this essential primer on the key aspects of homeownership that first-time buyers should know before entering the market.

Let a home lending professional be your guide

Before you begin searching for your home, consult a home lending professional. They can help you get preapproved, navigate the homebuying market and review loan options.

What are all the costs of homeownership

If you’re making the move from renting to owning, you may be focused on the opportunity to build home equity but perhaps overlook the added costs like property taxes and home maintenance. Taking the time to understand the full scope of homeownership can help you decide if the time is right to buy.

Explore educational resources

If you’re a first-time buyer, the homebuying process can seem overwhelming. However, there are many resources available to help boost your homebuying knowledge, such as how-to guides, webinars and podcasts.

Pro tip: Make sure to check the Chase Homebuyer Education Center, where you’ll find answers to mortgage questions, useful tips for buying and maintaining a home and an Affordability Calculator that can help you determine how much home you can afford.

Learn about the factors that determine the mortgage approval process

During the mortgage approval process, lenders carefully review several factors that determine if they’ll approve your mortgage and at what rate. Two important factors that influence their decision are your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

Your debt-to-income ratio — how much of your gross monthly income goes toward monthly debt payments like rent, student and auto loans and credit card payments — helps creditors assess your financial health and creditworthiness. Lenders typically want to see that your DTI is low, as it tells them you’ll be able to manage your monthly payments with minimal issues.

Your credit score helps determine the interest rate and other costs you pay on a mortgage loan. If your credit score is high, it tells lenders that you have paid your bills on time and that you are responsible with your money, making you a more attractive candidate for a home loan.

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Understand your options beyond conventional loans

Interest rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. Taking the time to compare options from banks, credit unions and online loan providers can help secure a better rate.

Don’t forget that loans come in all different shapes and sizes. Conventional loans aren’t your only option. There are programs like FHA* and VA** loans, plus other options like fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages*** (ARMs) and low-down-payment loans that can provide greater flexibility and help with affordability.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a 20% down payment to purchase a home.

Create and stick to a monthly budget

Determining and sticking to a monthly budget is crucial to successful homeownership. Beyond the mortgage payment, you’ll have to budget for repair and maintenance costs, property taxes, insurance premiums and more.

Consider “practicing” your monthly payment to prepare yourself for what it will be like to have a mortgage. Doing so can help you get a better sense of your budget so you can be financially and mentally prepared for the investment.

Pro tip: Be sure to research property taxes and insurance premiums in the area where you plan to buy. These costs can significantly impact your overall budget and limit or expand your neighborhood options.

Don’t be discouraged by a down payment

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, the median down payment among first-time buyers was 10%. Also, keep in mind that some home loans may require only a smaller down payment of 3-5%.

Before you start your homebuying journey, commit to learning about the path to homeownership and make a plan to buy your dream home. To learn more about homeownership, mortgage rates, budgeting and more, visit Chase.com/Afford.

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

* FHA loans require an up-front mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), which may be financed, or paid at closing, and an FHA annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) paid monthly will also apply.

** Veterans, Servicemembers, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA is required to document eligibility. Restrictions and limitations apply.

You may be required to pay a funding fee unless the VA determines you are exempt. Exempt status is determined by the VA and confirmed through a COE. This one-time fee may be financed into your loan in most cases and is paid directly to the VA.

*** Estimated payments do not include amounts for taxes, homeowners insurance, or mortgage insurance (if applicable). Actual payments will be higher.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. See full disclosures at Chase.com/Afford.

Home lending products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

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FAIR Act aims to improve rare disease clinical trial, treatment access

2026-10-15T10:01:01

(BPT) – Teresa Barnes knows on a deeply personal level the impact that a devastating rare disease can have on a family. Over the course of 10 years, she watched her father, aunt and three uncles die from an incurable lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

IPF causes irreversible loss of lung function and impacts approximately 150,000 people in the United States. For patients, the lack of effective treatment options makes the need for new therapies especially urgent.

With family history being a risk factor for IPF, Teresa is concerned that her generation, as well as her teenaged daughter, may also face this disease.

Urgent need for rare disease innovation

Motivated by the need for faster progress in rare disease innovation and treatment options, Teresa is raising awareness about the FAIR Act (H.R. 7953), bipartisan legislation that was introduced in Congress in March. The FAIR Act would modernize how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates therapies for rare and life-threatening diseases.

More than 30 million Americans are living with a rare disease, yet the vast majority of them do not have an FDA-approved treatment. In some cases, Americans with rare diseases are waiting for access to clinical trials and treatments that are already available abroad.

A recent analysis of the FDA’s “Novel Drug Approvals” annual reports showed that between 2018 and 2025, 119 novel drugs were first approved outside the U.S. before they received FDA approval. Of these drugs, approximately half were for rare diseases, known as orphan drugs. Additionally, significant delays can exist in bringing new treatments to the U.S., with U.S. drug approvals lagging ex-U.S. approvals by months and sometimes even years.

Giving rare disease patients a voice

“For people with a rare disease like IPF, these types of delays are unacceptable because many of our patients are dying three to five years after diagnosis,” says Teresa, chief executive warrior at PF Warriors. “As a community, our greatest challenge is not just living with a rare disease. It’s knowing that promising clinical trials and therapies may exist but remain out of reach.”

If passed by Congress, the FAIR Act would create a streamlined pathway for the FDA to review and approve early-stage clinical trials and treatments that are already approved by trusted international regulators including the United Kingdom, European Union and Canada. At the same time, the FAIR Act would preserve the FDA’s autonomy and safety standards.

“In IPF, 30% of Phase 2 clinical trials are being conducted outside the U.S. The FAIR Act echoes what our community has long known — we need faster access here in the U.S. to clinical trials and therapies that are available in other countries,” says Teresa.

Supporting the FAIR Act

At the time of their passing, Teresa’s family members did not have access to many of the scientific advances that researchers are pursuing today. The FAIR Act is designed to help ensure that medical advances abroad are made available to American patients more quickly while also encouraging biotechnology companies to increase their investment in U.S.-based clinical trials.

The legislation is gaining support from leading life sciences organizations and patient advocacy groups, which view it as a practical solution to ensure patients do not wait unnecessarily for potentially lifesaving therapies.

For patients and families affected by rare and life-threatening diseases, the FAIR Act represents an opportunity to close access gaps and provide hope.

For more information and to learn how to take action, visit FAIRActNow.com.

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What happens when the business changes faster than the training?

2026-10-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • A growing number of companies are turning to an AI-powered platform to help customer-facing teams create training that will build skills around productive innovation and process changes.
  • Articulate, the market-leading platform for proprietary workplace training, is backed by 20+ years of learning science.
  • New enterprise integrations connect Articulate to the tools teams already use, from source material through publishing.

Since AI entered the workplace, organizations are changing fast, and their teams can’t keep up. Nearly three-quarters of frontline workers surveyed report experiencing skill gaps, according to a recent McKinsey survey, and those gaps are bound to widen as AI accelerates the pace and volume of product innovation and process changes. The pressure to close that gap often falls on the teams who build training for customer-facing roles — sales enablement, customer success, and support — and the L&D teams whose resources are being stretched to their limits.

It’s why a growing number of companies are turning to Articulate, whose AI-powered platform is built to help customer-facing teams create training to help build their skills in the era of constant, rapid change.

“You can’t buy the training that matters most to your business off a shelf. It’s specific to your products, your customers, your way of working,” said Monika Saha, Chief Commercial Officer at Articulate. “For most businesses, that kind of proprietary training has always been the hardest to get right and the fastest to go stale, and AI has only shortened its shelf life. That’s what we’re making easier to build and maintain.”

A market-leading platform built for every team

Articulate is the market-leading platform for building proprietary workplace training. Its newest release extends that capability in two directions. Nova, an AI agent built into Articulate 360 and backed by 20+ years of learning science, gives L&D teams more range. Frontline brings the same learning science and quality standards to teams across the business.

“You can’t buy the training that matters most to your business off a shelf. It’s specific to your products, your customers, your way of working,” said Monika Saha, Chief Commercial Officer at Articulate.

Frontline is built for the teams closest to the customer. It empowers sales enablement leaders, support managers and more to build training directly. Those teams can build their own training while still operating within the standards L&D already set, including brand guidelines and governance.

Nova is an AI agent that handles complex workflows that used to span multiple applications, including multi-format translation, AI-avatar video and training kit generation. Each is grounded in instructional design principles, turning information across the business into training that people can learn, retain and apply. Nova is built into every eligible Articulate 360 subscription.

New enterprise integrations connect Articulate to the tools teams already use, from source material through publishing: pulling content from Google Drive and OneDrive, and launching training creation directly from Claude, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. On the publishing end, teams can publish training directly to Thinkific in one click, or use Connected Packages.

As organizations rethink how they prepare employees for a rapidly changing workplace, the focus is shifting from simply adopting AI to helping people grow with it. By combining their deep expertise in learning science and what’s possible with AI, Articulate is helping build a workforce ready for whatever comes next.

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5 ways to improve ventilation in residential and multifamily homes

2026-10-15T13:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Proper ventilation is integral to the comfort and well-being of residents in multifamily constructions.
  • Builders and contractors should carefully consider methods to improve airflow and indoor air quality while simplifying construction and installation.
  • The Panasonic WhisperFresh line meets the ventilation needs of builders and residents.

When it comes to single-family and multifamily construction, ventilation shouldn’t be an afterthought. Without proper ventilation, individual units, common areas and other spaces in the building can become stale, hot and humid — in short, uncomfortable. Considering that Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, proper ventilation is essential to the success of a high-density residential building project.

For builders and contractors, strategies that optimize airflow and indoor air quality (IAQ) can make a huge difference in residents’ comfort and health as well as a building’s long-term performance. Here are five key ways developers can improve airflow across every unit of a multifamily project.

Ensure consistent fresh-air delivery

Achieving balanced airflow in every unit of a multifamily building is critical for the comfort of all residents. When ventilation is uneven, you’ll end up with some units starved of fresh air and others overventilated, leading to discomfort and inconsistent air quality across the property.

To ensure building residents receive consistent fresh air in their units, builders and contractors should consider sourcing continuous-supply fans with precise cubic feet per minute (CFM) control. This feature ensures that fresh, outside air is delivered directly to each unit, maintaining consistent IAQ from the ground floor to the penthouse.

Choose mechanical ventilation designed with tighter building envelopes in mind

Modern buildings are being built tighter than ever, improving energy efficiency and reducing air leakage. However, that tight envelope also means that fresh air cannot enter the building through cracks and gaps in walls and windows, leaving residents breathing stale air.

Without a well-designed mechanical air supply, you risk not only residents’ comfort but also code compliance. To complement the tightness of modern buildings and deliver the comfort and IAQ residents expect, look for supply fans designed with ASHRAE 62.2 code compliance in mind from the start.

Another detail to consider is humidity. Left unchecked, moisture accumulation encourages mold growth, compromising residents’ IAQ and building integrity. This is of particular concern in hot, humid climates like Texas, the Gulf Coast and California, where climate control drives code compliance and comfort. Prioritize ventilation solutions that deliver enhanced climate-control performance with humidity and temperature sensing.

Don’t forget about noise control

One of the primary reasons occupants tamper with or turn off mechanical ventilation systems is operational noise. It’s not enough for a fan to perform well. Fans that operate quietly are essential in residential environments where bedrooms and living spaces sit in close proximity to mechanical equipment.

Contractors should prioritize supply fan models rated for ultralow sone levels, less than 1 sone. That’s quieter than even a running fridge. Installing quiet equipment protects indoor comfort, ensures residents leave systems running as designed and minimizes noise complaints post-turnover.

It’s not enough for a fan to perform well. Fans that operate quietly are essential in residential environments where bedrooms and living spaces sit in close proximity to mechanical equipment.

Plan for flexibility and scalability

Multifamily developments and single-family homes vary widely in layout and size, not just building by building. A single project might feature a mix of studio apartments, three-bedroom townhomes, in-law suites and sprawling corner units. Instead of sourcing different fan models to accommodate multiple layouts and unit sizes, choose flexible, scalable ventilation systems.

When sourcing supply ventilation systems, make sure the models you’re considering offer versatile mounting options so that you can place the fan unit horizontally or vertically on a wall or ceiling. Also, look for models with simplified electrical integration so you can install them without worrying about proprietary wiring requirements. Combined, these features will enable easier installation in high-volume multifamily construction, regardless of size or layout.

Choose solutions built for long-term performance

After a building is finished and the residents have moved in, performing frequent maintenance in individual units can be challenging, disruptive and ultimately costly. That’s why choosing durable, easy-to-maintain ventilation is crucial to the long-term performance of any multifamily building.

Look for options with features that can reduce downtime and operating costs over the life of the building. For example, supply fans that feature access doors provide residents with easy filter access without requiring a service call. Choosing a model that uses a standard filter also simplifies the process for residents and building owners today and down the line.

Sourcing for success

Product shot of the Panasonic Whisper Fresh Plus unit.

Finding fresh-air mechanical ventilation systems for multifamily projects doesn’t have to be difficult. When searching for solutions that meet the above criteria, consider models from the Panasonic WhisperFresh® line.

The line includes three ventilation solutions — the original WhisperFresh® Select, as well as two new additions to the family: WhisperFresh® and WhisperFresh® Plus. All three models offer simplified compliance thanks to built-in FID displays, ASHRAE 62.2 Support, ENERGY STAR® certification and HVI certification. The line is also designed for easy installation, featuring flexible mounting options, a simplified hardwired design, a paintable access door and standard filters. And as the name suggests, these ventilation solutions are whisper-quiet, operating at less than 0.3 sones.

For builders seeking climate performance, the Plus and Select models include humidity and temperature sensing. The captured real-time environmental data gives builders performance visibility and control to meet evolving codes and residents’ expectations.

“Our expansion of the WhisperFresh line was done with builders, contractors and multifamily developers in mind,” said Leon van Oostende, Group Sales Manager at Panasonic Eco Systems. “And it couldn’t have come at a better time. Across the country, energy codes are tightening, and ventilation requirements are becoming more complex than ever. With our three-tiered platform, builders can find the code-compliant model that best fits their project needs, from entry-level to climate-adaptive options.”

For more information about Panasonic indoor air quality solutions, including energy recovery ventilation (ERV) and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems, visit: https://iaq.na.panasonic.com/.

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4 Design Trends That Will Shape Kitchens and Baths in 2027

2026-10-14T16:09:00

(BPT) – After years of neutral, one-size-fits-all rooms, homeowners are looking for spaces that feel like their own, with finishes that get better with age and layouts that fit how they really live. In 2027, expect kitchen and bath design to move toward warm finishes, expressive shapes, personalized function and outdoor areas that match the rest of the house.

1. Warmth, Patina and Jewel Tones

Brizo Unlacquered Brass faucet running water into a white sink.

Stark whites and cool grays are giving way to color and character. Emerald, sapphire and garnet are popping up in tile and cabinetry, along with warm metals on faucets and hardware.

Living finishes are a natural extension of this shift, changing over time to reflect the home and the people who live in it. Brizo Kitchen & Bath introduced its first living finish, Unlacquered Brass, in the Faircroft™ Kitchen Collection. With use over time, the finish develops a one-of-a-kind patina shaped by touch and daily life.

“People are thinking more intentionally about every detail in the home, including the pieces they interact with every day,” says Celine Kwok Garland, Lead Industrial Designer at Brizo. “A faucet can have as much personality as a light fixture or a piece of art. We carefully consider how a finish will age, how a handle feels in your hand and how each piece contributes to the character of the room.”

2. Tactile, Sculptural and Architectural Forms

Roccesco™ Bath Collection including a halo shower head.

Materiality and form will take center stage in 2027 as sculptural silhouettes, expressive handles, architectural glass and tactile materials bring greater dimension to everyday fixtures. Reeded glass, in particular, is moving beyond the shower door across cabinetry and lighting, where its textured surface softens the light and adds visual depth.

The Roccesco™ Bath Collection by Brizo® brings this approach to the bath through geometric forms, reeded-glass lever handles and a sculptural halo showerhead, drawing inspiration from contemporary Italian design.

3. Personalized, Seamless Functionality

Brizo Unlacquered Brass faucet running water into a white sink.

Rather than following standard layouts, homes are increasingly being designed around the routines of the people who live in them. In the bath, shower and thermostatic systems allow homeowners to personalize temperature and flow, creating an experience that can shift from a quick morning rinse to a more restorative evening ritual.

That same emphasis on intuitive functionality is shaping the kitchen, where technology is making everyday tasks easier without competing with the design. Touch-activated and hands-free features help streamline work at the sink while remaining discreet within the space. Brizo®SmartTouch® Technology, available on select faucets, allows users to start and stop the flow with a simple tap on the spout, body or handle.

4. Indoor-Outdoor Continuity

As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to blur, homeowners are approaching these spaces with a more unified design perspective. In 2027, outdoor kitchens will increasingly reflect the same attention to materials, finishes and design found inside the home, creating a natural extension of the interior rather than a separate entertaining space.

Reflecting this shift, Brizo recently expanded its outdoor offerings, bringing Litze® and Odin® collections outside in 316L marine-grade stainless steel. Engineered to withstand exposure to sun, salt and freezing temperatures, the collections extend the same design language found indoors to exterior spaces.

An outdoor shower in a lush garden.

Taken together, these trends point to homes that feel incredibly personal and considered, where materials, forms and technology work together to create spaces that are as individual as the people who live in them.

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Bread Is the Foundation of the Family Meal

2026-10-14T12:41:00

(BPT) – By Eric Dell, President and CEO, American Bakers Association

Every trip to the grocery store is a balancing act. You’re watching the budget and doing quick math on how far each dollar will stretch. You’re scanning nutrition labels, planning the week’s meals, and hoping what lands in your cart will get eaten. And if you’re like me, you’re looking for convenient options to pack a nutritious lunch before the school bus arrives.

For generations, bread has helped families manage all that juggling. Friday, October 16, is World Bread Day, and it’s a good time to appreciate why.

Nutrition You Can Count On

Bread is more than a convenience. A single slice can deliver fiber, iron, magnesium and B vitamins, which are nutrients many Americans don’t get enough of. Grain foods like bread contribute nearly 40% of the dietary fiber in the American diet.

Bread also has a remarkable public health record. Enriched grains, a practice built into bread production for more than 80 years, has played an important role in improving nutritional health. Notably, fortification of enriched grains with folic acid is credited with reducing neural tube birth defects by nearly one-third in the United States. Few foods can claim that kind of a public health achievement.

Affordable, Accessible and Dependable

Bread has connected people across tables and cultures for thousands of years. It is a nutritious staple that makes sense for households at every income level. When grocery bills are stretched, bread is a dependable food that delivers real nutrition for your dollar. In fact, 99% of U.S. households purchased a baked good last year. Baking is clearly woven into everyday American life.

From Farm to Family

That dependable loaf doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of American farmers, millers, bakers and the workers who ensure fresh, affordable bread reaches families every day.

The baking industry employs 800,000 people nationwide. In 2024, commercial bakers invested $15 billion in American-grown ingredients like wheat, corn, sugar and eggs. More than 85% of core baking ingredients come from U.S. farmers and processors, and one-third of all flour milled in this country goes to commercial bakeries.

That partnership supports jobs and strengthens local economies. It also keeps shelves stocked, so families can find affordable, nutritious bread wherever they shop.

The Foundation for Everything Else on the Plate

Bread’s greatest strength is its versatility. As the foundation for countless meals, bread brings together protein, vegetables and other nutritious foods. Just consider a single day’s menu. Avocado toast with your coffee. A pita stuffed with hummus and veggies for lunch. Tuesday taco night with the family.

Bread helps bring together grains, protein and produce to create nutritious, convenient and portable meals that feed both children and adults. Today’s bread aisle also offers more choices than ever, including varieties with added fiber, protein or whole grains to fit different appetites and lifestyles.

A Day to Rediscover Bread

A resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025 celebrates bread as a “nutritious, affordable, and culturally significant staple food.” It encourages Americans to explore new varieties and pair them with nutritious foods. We agree.

On World Bread Day, explore the versatility of bread by trying something new, whether a hearty whole grain, a soft flatbread or a sourdough loaf. Pair it with your family’s favorite protein and vegetable to create a nutritious, satisfying meal everyone can enjoy.

Bread is nutritious, affordable and familiar, and American bakers, farmers and millers have kept it at the center of our tables for generations.

For more information about bread’s role in a nutritious diet, visit www.bakingfeedsamerica.org.

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Why comfortable seating matters at Thanksgiving Dinner

2026-10-14T08:33:00

(BPT) – When you and your loved ones gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, good food and gratitude are table stakes. What really matters is comfortable seating, which allows your guests to linger longer and get into those meaty, meaningful conversations that are as important to the holiday as the turkey and pumpkin pie. According to new research from iconic furniture brand Stressless, 76% of Americans think it’s important that where they sit is comfortable, and another 46% say it’s important that where they sit is also ergonomic.

Folks like to linger after dinner

On average, people spend two hours and 24 minutes eating their Thanksgiving meal — including appetizers, entrées and desserts. And 93% stay seated at the table after the feast is finished. In fact, 62% of Gen Zers want their Thanksgiving to last even longer, according to the survey of 2,000 Americans who celebrate the holiday. Yet, survey respondents rated the comfort of the chairs they sit in for Thanksgiving Dinner a mere 3.7 out of 10, where 1 is extremely uncomfortable and 10 is extremely comfortable. Ouch!

Cue Stressless Dining. With its rounded shape and Scandi style, the Stressless Bay Lowback dining chair automatically adjusts your seat and back position to recline effortlessly, reducing leg pressure and fatigue, bringing comfort to your Thanksgiving table, even when the meal is over. You can dine, recline and stay comfy. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

Spilling the tea goes with passing the gravy

Survey respondents also shared their favorite topics of conversation at the Thanksgiving table: reminiscing (40%), family gossip (34%), life updates (34%), TV shows and movies (33%) and sports (30%) were the top five. The questions that make us squirm are about politics, careers and family planning. Nearly a third of millennials and Gen Z say the worst question of all is “When are you going to get a ‘real’ job?”

No wonder 35% of those surveyed said it’s likely their Thanksgiving gathering will include some drama this year.

There’s a lot to be thankful for

Take heart, because 43% of respondents believe their Thanksgiving will be drama-free instead. They also said they enjoy being with their family and sharing what they’re grateful for. Other favorite activities include watching football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together, bringing favorite dishes and carving the turkey. And 82% of Americans surveyed think gathering around the table with loved ones for Thanksgiving is worth all the planning stress they experience leading up to Turkey Day.

So laugh off the awkward questions, kick back in comfort and savor the moment!

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Nearly 9 in 10 Millennials and Almost 8 in 10 Gen Z Carry Debt

2026-10-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – New research reveals how AI, gambling and money shame are shaping younger Americans’ financial lives.

Millennials and Gen Z are facing significant financial pressure, with many seeing their debt grow every day from increased living costs, lingering expenses and unexpected life events. For some, that pressure is shaping not only how they manage their money, but also where they turn for financial guidance and how they think about relationships, family and their futures.

A new study by National Debt Relief in partnership with Wakefield Research* shows how deeply younger Americans are challenged by debt and the stigma around it, trusting AI over loved ones, taking financial risks to pay off debt and rethinking major life decisions.

How widespread is debt for Gen Z and millennials?

Debt is widespread among younger Americans, with nearly 9 in 10 millennials (87%) and almost 8 in 10 Gen Z (77%) currently carrying debt. When looking at unsecured debt, such as credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), more than 7 in 10 millennials (73%) and 6 in 10 Gen Zers (60%) carry unsecured debt. Credit card debt was cited as the most common.

Rising costs and unexpected expenses are the greatest contributors to that debt. Millennials cite economic factors (49%) and unexpected expenses (49%) as the most common causes of their debt in the last year, while Gen Z cites unexpected expenses (40%) as the leading driver of their debt.

Why younger Americans turn to AI for advice

Unfortunately, debt carries a stigma and feelings of shame for many younger generations that can make it uncomfortable for them to talk about. In fact, 6 in 10 millennials (60%) and a similar share of Gen Z (59%) say they’d rather publicly display their weight than their total debt. That discomfort may be one reason younger Americans are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for financial guidance.

Nearly 7 in 10 millennials (69%) and 64% of Gen Z have used AI for advice about a financial challenge or struggle, compared with 45% of Gen X and just 23% of boomers. And 65% of millennials and 53% of Gen Z say they would feel more comfortable discussing financial struggles with AI than with the people closest to them.

This turn to AI is also influencing the financial decisions of many younger Americans. Forty-six percent of millennials and 35% of Gen Z say AI has encouraged them to make a major purchase they were uncertain about. However, traditional financial resources still rank as the most trusted source of financial guidance among both generations.

“Financial struggles can be incredibly personal, and younger adults may be looking for places where they can ask questions without feeling judged,” said Timi Joy Jorgensen, Ph.D., “The Joyful Money Doctor” and personal finance expert with National Debt Relief. “AI can be a useful starting point but shouldn’t replace trusted guidance that takes a person’s full financial situation into account.”

How younger Americans are responding to financial pressure

While some younger Americans are turning to AI for financial guidance to avoid feeling judged, the pressure they face can also lead to riskier approaches to addressing debt. Among those who regularly participate in gambling, trading and similar activities, 65% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials say they have done so in an attempt to pay off debt.

“Borrowing money to gamble in hopes of paying off debt can create a cycle that leaves people in an even more difficult financial position,” said Cathleen Bell, vice president of Customer Research & Insights, National Debt Relief. “When debt feels overwhelming, understanding your options and crafting a safer plan with an expert can offer a more sustainable path forward.”

Financial pressure is affecting major life decisions for younger Americans

Financial pressure is also shaping how younger Americans think about their futures and relationships. Nearly three-fourths of Gen Z (72%) say people should prioritize financial security even if it means not having children. Debt can also affect how younger generations evaluate potential romantic partners, with about half of millennials (49%) ranking debt among the top three things they want to know about a potential partner, more than arrest history, religious beliefs and political views.

Social payment apps can affect how younger generations perceive each other as well. One-quarter of millennials (25%) say they’ve formed an opinion about someone’s financial habits based on their Venmo transactions, compared with 17% of Gen Z and 15% of Americans overall.

These pressures are also shaping younger Americans’ expectations for their own financial futures. Nearly half of millennials (46%) and one-third of Gen Z (33%) say a debt-free life is not a reality for them.

“Financial stress can make long-term goals feel further out of reach,” said Bell. “Having a clearer picture of your finances can help you make decisions with greater confidence.”

Everyday spending can contribute to debt

Everyday purchases can also make existing financial pressures harder to manage. About 7 in 10 millennials and Gen Z with debt (71% and 69%, respectively) say convenience purchases like subscriptions, food delivery and social media shopping have contributed to what they owe, compared with 51% of Gen X and 33% of boomers.

For younger generations, the urge to “treat yourself” can outweigh financial constraints as well. Seventy-two percent of millennials and 64% of Gen Z say they’ve bought something they felt they deserved even when they couldn’t afford it at the time, compared with 36% of boomers.

Tips for handling debt

Understanding how much you owe and what is contributing to debt can help determine what steps to take. Strategies to manage debt include:

  • Take an honest look at your finances. Total your debt, income and monthly expenses so you know exactly what you owe and what you can realistically afford to pay down.
  • Build a realistic budget. Review essential and recurring expenses, including subscriptions, streaming services and food delivery, to understand your total monthly costs and identify nonessential spending that can be reduced.
  • Pay in full when possible. Whenever possible, pay your full statement balance rather than the minimum due. Paying only the minimum can mean continuing to accrue interest on the remaining balance.
  • Choose a repayment strategy. Focus on your highest interest rate debt first to save money over time or pay off the smallest balances first for quick wins that build momentum.
  • Know when to seek expert guidance. If debt feels unmanageable on your own, learning about the debt relief options available and speaking with a professional can help you determine what approach may fit your financial situation and budget.

Finding the right debt relief solution

The strategies above can help make debt more manageable, but significant debt can sometimes be difficult to address alone. In those situations, expert guidance can help consumers understand the options available and determine a path forward.

If you’re struggling with $7,500 or more in unsecured debt, National Debt Relief offers a personalized approach to resolving debt and working toward greater financial stability. The company creates a customized debt relief plan based on a client’s individual financial situation. Clients make deposits into a dedicated savings account they own and control, building funds that can be used toward negotiated settlements.

National Debt Relief works with creditors to negotiate eligible debts for less than the full amount owed. Clients do not pay a settlement fee until a debt has been successfully negotiated, the client approves the debt relief settlement, and at least one payment has been made toward it. Clients also receive access to financial education and resources to build healthier financial habits.

“Asking for help shouldn’t be a last resort,” added Bell. “For people carrying significant unsecured debt, it’s crucial to know there are solutions to help them get back on track.”

Learn more at NationalDebtRelief.com.

*Survey Methodology: The National Debt Relief survey was conducted by Wakefield Research through a custom online survey of 2,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The survey included twenty (20) content questions, along with custom screeners and demographic questions. It included responses from 550 millennial adults with oversample interviews conducted to increase the total number of Gen Z respondents to 500.

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How to explore the world, one dish at a time

2026-10-12T07:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever driven for an hour to find a food truck with an amazing local dish, or planned a vacation around one city’s famous market? If so, you could be a “culinary tourist”: one of the many travelers hungry not just for great eats, but who find that food is a fun, immersive way to explore local ingredients and learn about global traditions and cultures.

This is the spirit behind the Global Kitchen video series from the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), which just released its second season showcasing the best street food and culinary hidden gems in destinations worldwide.

Then if these glimpses of global flavors inspire dreams of travel, USTOA tour operators can help make them a reality. Whatever cuisine you want to try, tour companies vetted and backed by USTOA have the expertise to take the planning and logistics off your hands, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Discover the unique flavors of 3 featured cities

USTOA’s Global Kitchen season 2 offers fun, fast-paced videos from local chefs and food experts who sample flavors of diverse cities including Québec City, Canada; Cali, Colombia and Chongqing, China. The one thing these cities’ foods share is their distinct sense of place. From local ingredients to the cultural traditions that created them, these foods immerse you in each destination.

Here are highlights you’ll want to check out.

Unique sweet and savory treats in Québec City, Canada

Follow food columnist Allison Van Rassel as she tastes sweet and savory items that seem familiar, but with a uniquely Québécois twist. Ingredients and culinary influences rooted in the foodways of the region’s Indigenous Nations blend with Québec’s French heritage to create dishes worth savoring.

You’ll witness a celebration of winter as locally sourced maple taffy is pulled over fresh snow by La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec’s Rebecca McWhirter. You’ll also watch the creation of a famous Gerry Burger (named for Québécois rock singer Gerry Boulet) at La Baraque à Frites: fried chicken on a grilled brioche bun with crispy bacon, pickles and Buffalo mayo sauce. Then enjoy seeing a mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwich made on a crisp gaufrette (waffle) with Charlevoix cheese and sautéed apple at Chez Maude.

Bountiful fruits and thriving markets in Cali, Colombia

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Photo courtesy ProColombia

Journey to the Pacific region of Colombia, where the city of Cali, known worldwide as the salsa capital, draws from its indigenous roots, Spanish Colonial history and incredibly diverse local ingredients to create street food you need to explore on foot.

Chef Catalina Vélez brings you to La Alameda Market, where you’ll find an amazing variety of fruits not found anywhere else in the world, like the chontaduro fruit (from chonta palm trees), which must be cooked before it’s eaten with salt and honey. You also get to watch how tamales are made from cornmeal dough (masa), filled with pork and/or chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, onion, garlic, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and hogao (a traditional Colombian sauce), then wrapped in plantain leaves and cooked. Vélez then samples a local treat called cholados from a street cart: shaved ice topped with fruit syrup, fresh local fruits and coconut, drizzled with condensed milk.

Spicy meals in Chongqing, China

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Take a trip through the neighborhoods and night markets of Chongqing, China with Chef Charlie Yang and content creator Matt Soren. They watch cooks create glutinous rice balls and sample Chongqing’s signature xiaomian: a spicy noodle dish tossed in chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.

Yang and Soren visit a night market featuring dishes where visitors choose their own culinary adventure. This includes Chongqing’s renowned “hot pots,” communal meals that diners cook themselves using meat and veggies in bubbling broth with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, plus barbecue stalls where diners choose skewers of local meats, seafood and veggies like lotus root and eggplant to be grilled on the spot.

Try your hand at global recipes

Before traveling, immerse yourself in international cuisines through the online Global Kitchen Cookbook, with recipes from the featured cities:

  • Buenos Aires: Beef Empanada Baked in A Wood-Fired Clay Oven
  • Germany: Swabian Maultaschen
  • Malta: Ricotta Pastizzi
  • Finland: Lohikeitto Salmon Soup
  • Calgary: Cedar Planked Prime Rib Roast of Alberta Beef
  • Hong Kong, China: Olive Oil Sour
  • Yucatan: Cochinita Pibil
  • Madrid: Madrid Contemporary Cocido
  • Türkiye: Kadinbudu Köfte
  • Chongqing, China: Mapo Tofu
  • Québec City: Crispy Waffle Grilled Cheese with Apples, Onions and Melted Cheese
  • Cali, Colombia: Torta de Pandebono

Plan your culinary adventure

While all the cities in the series are very different, they share one important quality: a food scene worth traveling the world for. To find the best food around the globe, you need a guide who knows where to find top local restaurants and markets. Plan your next trip with a USTOA tour operator member who can draw on their expertise and connections to help you taste dishes worldwide, while you explore the culture and history that inspired them. Learn more at USTOA.com.

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Turn your living room into the ultimate Halloween cinema

2026-10-09T18:31:00

(BPT) – Are you a fan of scary movies? Sitting in a cold, dark theater isn’t the only way to enjoy the chills and thrills of horror. You can bring the deliciously unsettling fun home by creating a Halloween home cinema experience. Check out these three scary-smart ways to turn an ordinary night on the couch into a spooktacular evening.

1. Let the lighting follow the fear

What is the last thing you do before you settle in to watch a Halloween classic? You turn off the lights. Lighting is an essential tool in creating a more immersive horror film experience, and there’s more that you can do beyond simply flipping a light switch.

Imagine if you could adjust the lighting to match the onscreen action. With the new Govee TV Backlight 3, you can supercharge the chills with adaptive lighting. The TV Backlight automatically syncs with each scene, while its AI content filters and SGS-certified color accuracy help enhance the lighting effects. So if you’re watching a thriller, the surrounding light will become moodier and more restrained, boosting the building tension.

2. Enjoy a terrifying Halloween marathon in comfort

When marathoning Halloween films old and new, you need to prioritize staying comfortable from one fright fest to the next. Make sure you have enough cozy seating, warm blankets and seasonal snacks and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.

You should also consider how you can make it easier for your eyes to take in every scary moment during a long viewing session. For example, with the Govee TV Backlight 3, you can create a balanced pool of ambient light for bias lighting without filling the room with harsh glare. Instead of projecting a single wash of color, the system divides the screen into multiple zones to pick up colors. The result? A layered, natural glow around your TV that creates a more comfortable viewing environment.

3. Set the mood with eerie decor

One of the most enjoyable parts of the Halloween season is decorating — and not just outdoors. Decorating your living room for a night of cinematic frights can turn simple goose bumps into a whole-body shudder. Drape spider webs above the doorways, add bloody handprints to windows and stick glow-in-the-dark ghouls on the wall.

Lighting can also become an integral part of your Halloween decorations. Using Govee’s TV Backlight solutions, you can turn your TV area into a sinister focal point for the season. Whether you choose the Backlight 3 Lite, Backlight 3 Pro or the AI Sync Box 2, these options offer easy, tool-free installation with adhesive backing and flexible light strips that adapt to different TV sizes. It’s one of the simplest ways to transform your ordinary living area into a scary sight for the season.

Dim the lights and cue the screams

Silence your phones, curl up on the couch, click play and get ready for a creepy cinema experience from the safety of your home. Whether you’re following a slow-burn thriller or a cult classic slasher, these three tips can turn your place into a spine-chilling Halloween theater. Happy haunting!