In a world of instant communications and consumer expectations of same-day delivery of goods, it’s easy to overlook how much time in advance is necessary to enable speed and convenience. President Donald Trump imposed a series of increased tariffs on goods from China, which, in turn, imposed higher tariffs on goods from the U.S. This isn’t an abstract issue but one that is already in effect and will create a waterfall of additional domestic consequences. How Products Get From Ports To Customers China has been the third-largest trading partner of the U.S. and the third-largest source of imports here so…

Student loans are a major financial concern for millions of Americans, often impacting everything from career choices to homeownership. With total student loan debt in the U.S. reaching over $1.77 trillion based on recent Federal Reserve data, many borrowers seek ways to better manage repayment. This article provides an overview of two of the most common strategies for managing student loan debt: consolidation and refinancing. It also discusses ideal scenarios for each strategy to help you decide. What Is Student Loan Consolidation? Student loan consolidation is a federal debt management strategy that allows borrowers to combine multiple federal student loans…

Game Changer Update: Using Bilt Rewards For Student Loans What if your most significant monthly expense could also help erase your student loans? That’s the promise behind a game-changing update to Bilt Rewards, which will now allow members to use Bilt rewards for student loans. Renters can turn the points earned on rent, an expense that typically yields no rewards, into extra payments toward student debt. “Research shows that student debt is now the second-largest form of consumer debt in America,” said Bilt CEO Ankur Jain in a company press release. “By enabling members to redeem Bilt Points toward student…

Trump Executive Order On College Accreditation Reform Has Big Potential Implications For Borrowers President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 23 titled, “Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education,” which promises a significant shake-up in how colleges are accredited and, by extension, how federal student aid flows. The Trump executive order is framed as a student loan accreditation reform to raise the bar on college quality, refocus accreditors on student outcomes, and strip access to federal funds from low-performing institutions. The Trump executive order focuses on how too many students leave college with heavy debt and poor returns. The…

Trump Floats $5,000 Baby Bonus To Boost Birthrate President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a one-time $5,000 baby bonus for new parents to tackle America’s declining birth rate, according to reporting by the New York Times . This so-called Trump baby bonus would give every American mother a $5,000 cash payment after the birth of a child. After the NYT article came out, Trump was asked about the potential of providing the financial incentive, to which he responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me,” The Hill reported. The idea is to encourage more Americans to get married and have…

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,…