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NFCC Financial Stress Forecast Reaches 6.7 in Q2 2026

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Households Continue to Manage Debt While Running on Empty

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®) today released its Financial Stress Forecast (FSF) for the second quarter of 2026, reporting a score of 6.7 out of 10, up from 6.6 in the previous quarter, matching the prior projection. The forecast also projects financial stress will remain at 6.7 in Q3 2026, suggesting that elevated financial strain has become a persistent reality for many American households.

While NFCC’s proprietary consumer debt metrics show modest improvements in household debt conditions, overall financial stress remains stubbornly high. At the same time, total revolving credit outstanding increased from $1.06 trillion to $1.08 trillion, highlighting the growing dependence on credit as consumers work to manage rising costs and constrained cash flow.

The latest forecast points to a growing disconnect in household finances: Consumers appear to be making progress managing existing obligations, yet many are doing so with diminishing savings and very limited financial flexibility. Unfortunately, this also means that they have developed an increasing reliance on credit to bridge budget shortfalls.

“Consumers are working hard to manage their debt, but financial stress remains stuck at unusually high levels,” said Mike Croxson, CEO of the NFCC. “For many households, the financial cushion isn’t there when unexpected expenses occur.”

Key Findings from the Q2 2026 Financial Stress Forecast

Consumers Are Managing Debt, but Financial Stress Is Not Easing
The FSF reached 6.7 in Q2 and is projected to remain the same in Q3. Rather than signaling a broad-based recovery, the forecast suggests that elevated financial stress has become entrenched. Many households continue to meet their obligations, but the underlying financial pressures that drive stress have not materially improved.Debt Indicators Improve While Credit Reliance Grows
NFCC’s proprietary debt metrics have improved modestly over the past two quarters. However, rising revolving credit balances indicate that many consumers are increasingly relying on credit to maintain day-to-day financial stability. This combination of improving debt management and growing credit dependence suggests that household budgets remain under significant strain.Reduced Financial Buffers Leave Households Vulnerable
Since reaching a post-pandemic low of 3.5 in 2021, the FSF has steadily climbed before stabilizing near current levels. Persistent inflation, higher borrowing costs, and depleted emergency savings have reduced the financial cushion many households once relied upon, leaving them increasingly susceptible to unexpected expenses and income disruptions.

Early Action Can Help Prevent Financial Setbacks

The NFCC encourages consumers to seek guidance before financial strain escalates into missed payments, mounting debt, or long-term financial hardship. As household budgets remain under pressure from higher costs and limited financial flexibility, taking proactive steps to review spending, strengthen cash flow, and address debt challenges can help consumers regain control before small setbacks become larger financial obstacles.

“The encouraging news is that many consumers are still meeting their financial obligations,” said Mike Croxson, “The concern is that they’re doing it with less financial cushion than they’ve had in years. When budgets become this tight, a relatively small setback can have outsized consequences. That’s why seeking trusted help early remains one of the most effective ways to protect long-term financial stability.”

About the Financial Stress Forecast

The NFCC Financial Stress Forecast is a forward-looking indicator that combines proprietary data on consumer counseling behavior with broader economic markers to predict future trends in household financial stability. Unlike backward-looking delinquency reports, the FSF identifies stress before it results in charge-offs.

About the NFCC

Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the oldest nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being. With a nationwide network of NFCC Certified Credit Counselors serving 50 states and all U.S. territories, NFCC nonprofit counselors are financial advocates, empowering millions of consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, loans, housing decisions, and overall money management. For expert guidance and advice, call 800-388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org.

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SOURCE National Foundation For Credit Counseling

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Driven Tech Named No. 571 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

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August 11, 2026

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Company Recognized for Triple Digit Three-Year Revenue Growth, Earning a Place Among the Nation’s Most Successful Independent Businesses

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Driven Tech Inc. today announced it has been ranked No. 571 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year,” said Vinu Thomas, President and COO of Driven Tech. “Our continued triple-digit growth is a validation of the strategy we set in motion — to build a different kind of technology company focused on customer outcomes, deep engineering expertise, and innovation. A 92.7 Net Promoter Score and 93.4 Customer Satisfaction score demonstrate that we’re scaling without compromising the experience and outcomes we deliver for our customers. As AI fundamentally reshapes the enterprise, we’re continuing to invest aggressively in our people, capabilities, and AI-enabled platform strategy to help organizations build an AI-Driven Digital Foundation with Pervasive Security at its core. We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity ahead.”

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance-it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14-16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.

About Driven Tech, Inc.

Driven Tech is a Security and AI-first technology integrator specializing in Pervasive Security, Applied Intelligence, and AI-Driven Digital Foundations. The company helps organizations modernize infrastructure, secure digital environments, and harness artificial intelligence to improve cyber resilience, operational efficiency, and business outcomes. Driven delivers advisory, professional, and managed services across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, data, and AI, enabling customers to securely innovate in an increasingly AI-driven world.

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Tripper Allen
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Oxford + Bond
tripper.allen@oxfordandbond.com

This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

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SOURCE Driven Technologies

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Kroger names Nate Faust Executive Vice President and Chief eCommerce Officer

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August 11, 2026

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CINCINNATI, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) today announced that Nate Faust will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief eCommerce Officer, effective September 1, 2026.

Faust brings more than two decades of experience building and scaling highly impactful eCommerce businesses, most recently at Olive creating a waste-free delivery and returns experience for brands like Rhone, Cynthia Rowley and Rent the Runway. As a founder, operator, investor and advisor, he has consistently been at the forefront of supply chain innovation, digital commerce and customer experience.

“Nate built businesses that redefined what customers expect from eCommerce, built on speed, value and the experience of getting exactly what the customer ordered,” said Greg Foran, CEO of Kroger. “That is the standard we are holding ourselves to as we grow our digital business. I am thrilled to welcome Nate to the team.”

Faust is the co-founder of Jet.com, the mass merchandise eCommerce marketplace. As Chief Operating Officer, he led first-party merchandising, replenishment, fulfillment, and customer service. He also launched the groundbreaking Smart Cart model that rewarded customers with lower prices for shopping more efficiently.

After Jet.com was acquired by Walmart in 2016, Faust served as Senior Vice President of Walmart U.S. eCommerce Supply Chain, where he led a multi-year transformation of the customer delivery experience. 

Earlier in his career, Faust was a member of the executive team at Diapers.com, where he built what was the fastest fulfilment and delivery network in eCommerce – offering free one- and two-day shipping nationwide and same-day delivery in key markets.

“Kroger has deep customer relationships, unmatched loyalty data and a footprint that puts us closer to customers,” said Faust. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work alongside Greg again and build on that strong foundation, continuing to improve the customer experience in this fast-growing part of the business.”

Faust holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S.E. in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University.  

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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Visual Comfort & Co. Opens New Showroom in Newton, Massachusetts

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August 11, 2026

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HOUSTON, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visual Comfort & Co. announces the opening of its new Newton showroom, a 4,000-square-foot destination showcasing the company’s portfolio of designer lighting partnerships, including AERIN, Thomas O’Brien, Ralph Lauren, Alexa Hampton, and many others.

The showroom features an immersive demonstration area where decorative lighting, architectural lighting, lighting controls, and shading solutions come to life within a home environment. Here, guests can experience the essence of “visual comfort” firsthand, discovering how intentional lighting design not only enhances the richness of fabrics, finishes, and artwork, but also shapes mood, atmosphere, and overall well-being. The space also integrates motorized shades, including the company’s new custom Roman Shade program, to illustrate how smart shading and layered lighting work in harmony to balance natural daylight and interior illumination.

“The Greater Boston design community has a longstanding appreciation for craftsmanship, timeless design, and exceptional quality,” says Gale Singer, founder of Visual Comfort & Co.’s direct division. “Our new showroom makes it easy to experience the beauty and simplicity of integrated lighting and shading, with our lighting design experts helping bring each project from concept to completion.”

The showroom is open for walk-ins or by appointment. In-person or virtual consultations can be scheduled by calling 617.409.5509 or at visualcomfort.com/us/showrooms/newton. 

Visual Comfort & Co. – Newton 
230 Needham St, Suite E5
Newton, MA 02464
617.409.5509

About Visual Comfort & Co.:
Visual Comfort & Co. is the world’s premier resource for whole home lighting solutions, spanning decorative, architectural, ceiling fans, landscape, integrated controls and shading. Collaborating with the most talented and influential designers and brands in the industry, Visual Comfort offers an unparalleled assortment of products for every category, style, and price point. With over 70 showrooms and growing across the US, UK, and Asia, Visual Comfort continues to advance its vision of enhancing people’s lives through the power and beauty of light.

For more information, visit visualcomfort.com.

Press Contact: Sabrina Hames, sabrina@blitzerandcompany.com 

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SOURCE Visual Comfort & Co.

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