November is a month for reflection and gratitude—and a great time to protect what matters most. In this issue, we’re sharing tips to help keep your personal information secure, insights on rising health insurance costs for 2026, and a look at how technology is reshaping the job market. We’ll also honor the history and meaning behind Veterans Day.
Home Financing
Cybersecurity Best Practices During the Mortgage Process
Managing a Home Purchase
When you apply for a mortgage, you’re sharing some of your most sensitive data, including your Social Security number and financial data. While this information is necessary to secure your home loan, it also makes you a target for cybercriminals. In fact, 1 in 20 consumers become victims of mortgage-related fraud, and first-time homebuyers are the most at risk.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself against wire fraud. By following some straightforward cybersecurity practices—and working with a lender like APM that is committed to protecting your data—you can minimize risk and focus on finding your dream home.
Why Homebuyers Are Targets for Cybercriminals
During the mortgage process, you’re dealing with life-changing amounts of money, often under tight deadlines. The emotional excitement and stress of buying a home can cloud judgment.
Plus, multiple parties are involved, including real estate agents, loan officers, title companies, and inspectors, giving criminals more opportunities. Here are some of the most common mortgage-related scams.
Wire fraud: The biggest threat
Here’s how it typically happens: You’re days away from closing on your new home. You receive an email that appears… Read more.
Source: apmortgage.com
Insurance
Health Insurance Costs Set to Rise for 2026
Around 165 million Americans buy their health coverage through their employers, which is often considered the most valuable benefit on offer. However, with 2026 enrollment just around the corner, many workers are wondering if their insurance premiums will become more expensive.
Considering that prices have been rising for over 20 years, with healthcare costs going from 13% of a median family’s household income to 25% in 2021, it’s a legitimate concern.
Several recent employer surveys provide predictions as to how companies will manage rising healthcare costs for 2026.
- The benefits consulting firm Mercer found that employers expect health care plan costs to rise by nearly 9% on average if they don’t take action to control costs.
- Another consulting firm’s surveys came up with nearly identical results, stating that employer health care costs will climb 9.5% next year.
- HR consulting firm Segal’s survey results estimated a 9% increase for health plans and 11% for prescription drugs.
Whether employers decide to pass higher costs on to their staff is something that probably won’t be revealed until the November enrollment period begins. Those who decide not to raise their employees’ premiums may do this to encourage them to stay, especially in industries that find it difficult to find workers with certain degrees or skills.
Source: nbcnews.com
In the News
Is AI Contributing to Unemployment?
As the labor market cools, jobs are getting harder to come by, especially for young workers. Lately, artificial intelligence tools have been blamed for eliminating entry-level jobs…but studies have found that it’s too soon to blame AI. One major factor: interest rates.
Higher rates tend to slow down the labor market because businesses are directing more budget toward interest payments and less towards staff and hiring. Also, recent graduates tend to suffer more when employment slows, and there are considerably more of them looking for jobs this year.
According to the St. Louis Fed, nearly 40% of the current workforce now has a bachelor’s degree or higher. That’s up from about a quarter of all workers in the early 2000s. However, as of 2021, just 22% of jobs required a bachelor’s degree.
Regardless of AI’s involvement, when there are more graduates than there are jobs that require grads, the unemployment rates for this group increase.
Source: money.com
Did You Know?
History of Veterans Day
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World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Read more…
Source: department.va.gov