Nearly two million federal student loan borrowers pursuing lower payments and loan forgiveness have been stuck in processing limbo, in some cases for nearly a year. But after a flurry of recent developments this month, these borrowers may finally start to see some movement in the coming weeks. The turmoil stems from ongoing issues involving income-driven repayment plans. IDR is an umbrella term describing a collection of four separate programs – ICR, IBR, PAYE, and SAVE – that offer borrowers affordable payments tied to their income and family size, and (historically) a pathway to eventual student loan forgiveness. Typically, borrowers…

As tax season comes to a close each year, many Americans rush to meet the April 15 deadline and celebrate when they received a big refund. But according to tax experts, these popular strategies might actually be costing you money. Mark J. Kohler, M.PR.A., C.P.A., J.D.,Founding and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, specializing in tax, legal, wealth, estate, and asset protection planning and Timothy Wingate Jr., an IRS-certified tax specialist and founder of G+F Business & Financial Consulting, say taxpayers often fall for three common traps — and correcting them can lead to smarter financial decisions all year long. Here’s…

In a rapidly digitizing world, cloud computing has become the backbone of innovation. However, as the world races toward a tech-driven society, one critical issue demands urgent attention and that’s security. Tech leaders like IntelligIS CEO Marcus Wilson, BizTech Fusion CEO Xadean Ahmasi and ECF Data CEO Joseph Hendrson see cloud migration as more than just a technical change. They consider it crucial for building organizational resilience and strengthening security posture, with Fortune Business Insights projecting that the global IT security market to reach $578.2 billion by 2033. The Breakdown You Need To Know: Cloud adoption without robust IT security…

With major changes happening at the Department of Education, and mass layoffs happening at the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), many student loan borrowers are wondering where they can turn for help if something happens with their student loans. While federal government options are limited, they’re still available. But many borrowers can also seek assistance from their state governments for help with their loans. In fact, over the last decade, many states have added resources to help student loan borrowers and also hold loan servicers and other agencies accountable. States have created agencies or groups that have been specifically focused…

A financial plan is a strategic framework for building long-term security and reaching your goals with confidence. It helps you make informed decisions, stay on track, and adapt as life changes. This article outlines 11 essential components of a strong financial plan, covering everything from goal setting and investment strategy to insurance, taxes, and estate planning. Understanding these elements can help you take control of your financial future and build a life of greater clarity, stability, and peace of mind. 1. Clear Financial Goals It is essential to first clarify what you are working toward, be it buying a home,…

More than five million student loan borrowers are in the Department of Education’s crosshairs after the Trump administration announced new collections efforts targeting those in default on their federal student loans earlier this week. These borrowers may soon be subject to draconian collections actions by the government including wage garnishment and the offset of Social Security payments and other federal income streams. Millions of additional borrowers may also be targeted as they begin to fall further behind on their monthly payments. “American taxpayers will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for irresponsible student loan policies,” said U.S. Secretary…

If you haven’t been able to keep up with the twists and turns of financial markets in the last couple of weeks, since Donald Trump announced additional tariffs, then said he’d hold off on the highest tariff levels on virtually all countries, then announced even higher tariffs on China, it’s not you. And it’s not a cold and calculated set of financial calculations and strategies. What you’re seeing is a global manifestation of humanity’s psychological struggle. It’s the battle between emotions of fear and trust. The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad…

We soon will learn what Congress and the Trump Administration have in store for Medicaid. But while the state/federal program has become a high-profile target, it is widely misunderstood. And so are the consequences of major Medicaid changes for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Yes, Medicaid provides medical insurance for low-income working age people and their children. But Medicaid spends more than half its budget on medical and long-term care for frail, low-income older adults and younger people with disabilities. And about one-quarter of all Medicaid benefits, more than $200 billion, goes to long-term care for about…

On April 21, Nadine Menendez, the wife of former Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted of 15 counts of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice following a three-week trial. There is an old saying among trial lawyers that there are three trials: the one for which you prepare, the one you put on and the one that you would have put on had you known at the beginning of the trial what you learned by the end. In the case of Nadine Menendez, the trial was essentially a rehashing of her husband’s trial. Bob Menendez was convicted in July 2024 of…

On April 21st, Nadine Menendez, the wife of former senator Bob Menendez, was convicted of 15 counts of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice following a three week trial. There is an old saying among trial lawyers that there are three trials, the one for which you prepare, the one you put on and the one that you would have put on had you known at the beginning of the trial what you learned by the end. In the case of Nadine Menendez, the trial was essentially a rehashing of her husband’s trial. Bob Menendez was convicted in July 2024…