The Importance of Monitoring Carrier Financial Strength Ratings

Credit Card Debt in the U.S. — $1.28 Trillion and Rising

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York issued a report last week on credit card debt in the U.S. At the end of the 4th quarter of last year we had charged our cards up to $1.28 trillion. That’s a 5.5% increase over the 4th quarter of 2024. 

That said, a rise in spending always goes up in the 4th quarter because of holiday spending. 

J.D. Power on Insurance Buying —
More Purchasing Digitally

J.D. Power says the number of people purchasing insurance digitally is on the rise. The Digital Insurance Predictions 2026 survey finds 44% of insurance policy buyers are now getting their insurance via those channels. 

On the 1,000 point scale, digital customers are ranking their experience at 801 or even higher, and 92% say they will continue to use digital channels in the future. 

Master Your Minutes: The Ultimate Guide to Time Management

“Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can’t afford to lose.” — Thomas Edison 

Did you know February is National Time Management Month? It’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and reclaim control over your schedule. Time is your most valuable resource—and how you manage it can make or break your success. Yet many professionals struggle with distractions and inefficiencies that drain energy and productivity. 

Insurance Shopping Dropping — J.D. Power Report

J.D. Power regularly reports on how happy consumers are with insurers and their rates. A report on the 4th quarter of 2025 by J.D. Power and TransUnion’s LIST Report said the number of people shopping for home, auto and renters insurance averages 13%. 

The 4th quarter auto shopping figures are 0.2% down from 2024 and down 0.3% year-over-year. Actual auto switching fell 0.4 points. 

Your Clients & Their Budgets & Insurance — Lots of Rethinking Going On

Nationwide did a survey late last year on Americans and family budgets. A high percentage are reassessing spending and their insurance budgets. 

• 47% will be making fewer impulse purchases
• 32% are buying used or secondhand goods rather than something new
• 48% have canceled vacations
• 46% are going to skip — or at least delay — an auto purchase 

We’re using our credit cards more now than in the past. 

Climate Change, Home Buying & Homeowners Insurance

Kin is a direct-to-the-consumer, digital homeowners insurance company. The firm has produced its first annual Kin’s Homeownership Trends Report. The document says half of U.S. homeowners are considering a move. It also notes there will be more stability in the homeowners market in 2026 compared to 2025. 

On the negative side, the report found homeowners are worried about climate change issues and high insurance costs. Those are two major factors being considered when purchasing a home or changing homes. Kin calls it “weather anxiety.” 

AM Best — Homeowners Insurance Outlook Stable

By Jonalyn Cueto, Insurance Business

AM Best’s latest market segment report, Market Segment Outlook: US Homeowners, has raised the outlook for homeowners insurers from negative to stable. The reasons range from moderate premium growth to improved catastrophe risk management practices to a better outlook in the property reinsurance market. 

Insurance & Small Business

Hiscox did a study of small businesses and insurance. In the last two years — the insurer said — small business has reported an increase in revenues. Even with more business, a frightening 77% of those businesses continue to be underinsured. 

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