Personal Finance
Since taking office, the Trump administration has taken a number of actions to reduce investigations of white collar crime including directing the Justice Department to stop prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which outlaws bribery and corruption in foreign countries, disbanding the Justice Department’s Cryptocurrency Enforcement Unit and reducing the size and support of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section which prosecutes public officials accused of corruption and the IRS’ Criminal Investigation Unit. In addition, a number of white collar crime prosecutions begun under the previous administration have been dropped including an action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau…
In a recent study, we analyzed and identified the most expensive ZIP codes in Nebraska. During that process of conducting that research, we decided that we should evaluated its neighbor to the east — Kansas. For this article, we wanted to breakdown the most expensive ZIP codes in Kansas. Read on to find out the most expensive ZIP codes in Kansas in 2025, based on the latest data from Zillow’s home value index. The Most Expensive ZIP Codes in Kansas In order to identify the most expensive ZIP codes in each state, we turned to data from Zillow’s home value…
Financial stress is a heavy burden for small business owners. It’s more than just a set of numbers causing unease; it’s a complex issue that weaves itself into daily operations, personal well-being, and professional decision-making. Unlike isolated financial challenges, financial stress often feels like a constant companion for entrepreneurs navigating payroll, debt, and unpredictable revenue streams. Managing this stress starts with understanding what it is, recognizing its impact, and learning how to tackle it. What Is Financial Stress? Financial stress is the anxiety, worry, or unease triggered by money-related concerns. For business owners, common sources include slow-paying clients, insufficient cash…
The full consequences of dismantling or shutting down several functions of the Department of Education remain unclear, and many uncertainties persist. However, one certainty is that the proposal will negatively impact all levels of education – from early childhood to graduate and post-doctoral education and training. Experts in the field of education assert that the effects on lower-income and minority students will be both significant and detrimental. For example, the impact on Latinos in higher education will likely have long-term effects on degree completion rates, job and career opportunities, lifetime earnings, and wealth accumulation. These factors are likely to hinder…
Student loan borrowers got a much-needed court victory on Friday after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop dismantling a key financial watchdog agency. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is an independent federal agency that was established in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The CFBP’s mission is to protect Americans from unfair, deceptive, harmful, and predatory activities in the financial services industry. A substantial part of the CFPB’s work has been overseeing student loan lenders, servicers, and debt collectors. But the CFPB, long targeted by conservatives who argue that the agency is too powerful and interferes…
When it comes to managing your money, few decisions carry more weight than choosing the right financial advisor. This person will not only guide your investment strategies, tax planning, and retirement savings, but also play a pivotal role in shaping your long-term financial well-being. If the signs say it’s time to consult one, this article discusses ten essential questions to help you evaluate a potential advisor’s qualifications, integrity, and fit for your unique situation. Each question is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and control in your selection process. 1. Are You A Fiduciary? The first and most critical question…
Financial advisors provide expert guidance on various aspects of your finances, including investments, retirement planning, tax optimization, financial planning, and even budgeting. They help you make informed decisions based on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Unfortunately, not all financial advisors are legally required to act in your best interest. This is where the concept of a fiduciary becomes crucial. This article contrasts the fiduciary and suitability standards and explores the core principles of fiduciary duty. It also identifies who qualifies as a fiduciary, and discusses what you can do if you encounter breaches of fiduciary duty. What…
Trump Order Eliminates Collective Bargaining in Bureau of Prisons President Trump has issued an Executive Order eliminating collective bargaining rights for federal unions, including those representing Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees. Using the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), the order excludes DOJ agencies (including the BOP) from the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program, effectively stripping unions of their right to negotiate on behalf of employees. The order cites unions as obstructing agency management, justifying their exclusion from Chapter 71 of the U.S. Code, which previously granted unions their authority. One of those agencies falling under the order is the…
For Visa and rival Mastercard, fighting the explosion of fraud attempts is both a big expense–and an opportunity for profit. Visa’s Cyber Fusion Center in Ashburn, Virginia is so secure that Michael Jabbara, the San Francisco-based global head of fraud services for the credit card network, has trouble getting through its double set of doors. With a Forbes reporter in tow, he scans his badge to get through the first door, a sensor beeps, but it doesn’t unlock. Finally, with the help of the on-site security team, we get through both sets (the second requiring a fingerprint as well as…
There are many reasons to set up a DBA in the state of Michigan. Perhaps you’re an author wanting to operate strictly using your pen name. Alternatively, you have a small business and would prefer using a DBA to registering a second LLC. In any case, getting your DBA is a straightforward process. That said, it might be a little confusing for first-time applicants. Don’t fret: We did the research for you to create this simple guide on filing your DBA in Michigan. What Is a DBA? A DBA, short for “doing business as,” refers to an assumed name or…
Director Is Out But No One Is In A look at the Bureau of Prisons website and you will see some missing people in leadership. On January 20, 2025, former Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Colette Peters was dismissed and has since filed a challenge with the Merit Systems Protection Board over her termination. In a subsequent statement, Peters described the BOP as a “rudderless” organization without her leadership. Shortly after her dismissal, William Lathrop was named Acting Director, but heretired on February 28, 2025, leaving the agency leaderless. According to a BOP source, there is currently no acting director,…
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