Renaissance Financial - Bill Eckert, Senior Financial Advisor

06/23/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common expectation in early-career roles.

Recent data shows that about 4.2% of entry-level job postings now reference AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago. Internship postings are even higher, with more than 10% including AI-related requirements.

The trend spans a range of industries, with the strongest presence in technology roles, along with growing adoption in areas like financial services and marketing.

At the same time, many students report learning these tools on their own, as formal training continues to catch up with workplace expectations.

While the overall job market for new graduates remains competitive, familiarity with AI tools is becoming one way candidates can stand out across a variety of roles.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/29/entry-level-jobs-calling-for-ai-skills-nearly-doubled-from-a-year-ago-report.html

06/18/2026

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in the United States.

This year’s list includes 11 sites connected to America’s 250th anniversary and the country’s ongoing conversations around equality, preservation, and shared history.

Sites on the list include places tied to civil rights, women’s rights, immigration, religious freedom, Indigenous heritage, and Revolutionary War history.

For the first time since the list began in 1988, each selected site will receive a one-time $25,000 grant to help address preservation needs and raise awareness of the stories connected to these places.

Historic preservation is not only about protecting buildings or landmarks. It is also about keeping the stories, struggles, and contributions behind those places visible for future generations.


Source:

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of the most endangered historic places in the United States

06/16/2026

Restoring the Great Wall of China is a careful process, and in some places, it is happening one brick at a time.

The Great Wall stretches roughly 13,000 miles, but it is not one continuous structure. Instead, it is composed of many sections built over several dynasties over about 2,000 years.

One restoration effort focuses on the Jiankou section, a steep, rugged section of the wall north of Beijing. The work requires traditional masonry skills, local knowledge, and a deep respect for preserving the structure’s historic character.

For Cheng Yongmao, known as Old Cheng, the work has become a life’s calling. After decades as a bricklayer and restoration specialist, he now helps guide efforts to protect and repair parts of the wall for future generations.

The project is a reminder that preserving history often depends on patience, craftsmanship, and the people willing to protect what came before.


Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/chinas-great-wall-restored-one-brick-time-rcna344682

06/11/2026

Treasury yields have risen as bond prices have fallen, reflecting renewed attention to inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment.

Treasurys are U.S. government bonds, and their yields often move based on expectations for inflation, economic growth, and Federal Reserve policy.

When inflation remains elevated, investors may expect interest rates to stay higher for longer. That can make existing bonds less attractive, pushing prices down and yields up.

Higher Treasury yields can also affect other parts of the economy. The 10-year Treasury, for example, is closely tied to mortgage rates, which can influence homebuyers' borrowing costs.

Rising yields may also affect corporate borrowing, stock valuations, and the broader cost of capital.

While higher yields can signal concern, they can also reflect a market adjusting to new economic data. For consumers and businesses, the key takeaway is that bond market movement can ripple into borrowing costs and financial decisions over time.


Source:

U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.

06/09/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/06/car-payments-squeeze-americans.html

06/04/2026

Master your budget with the 50/30/20 rule: Allocate 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment.

Visit https://www.rfc.com/resource-center/investment/monthly-budget for a monthly budget spreadsheet.

06/02/2026

2026 brings new tax rules, and some could make a real difference for small business owners. Want help figuring out what matters most for your situation? Reach out to me — I'm here to guide you!

05/28/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier? Drop it below. 👇

05/26/2026

Two out of every three S&P 500 companies mentioned AI on their Q4 earnings calls. That's not a trend. That's a signal.

The last time a technology shifted this many boardroom conversations at once? Smartphones. And we know how that turned out. Some sectors are all in. Others are barely speaking the word. That gap between the early movers and the quiet ones? It matters for investors.

05/21/2026

You've done the hard work. Now come the fun choices.

A life well-lived doesn't have to be extravagant. One moment you may crave that favorite food from childhood, the next an elegant wine at a table under the stars, and finally a chef-inspired dream you talk about for years to come. There are no wrong answers to how you experience joy. Only the freedom to celebrate the way you deserve, thanks to the good decisions you've made along the way.

Savor every bite. You've earned it.