Personal Finance

Associated Press Article Released It has been nearly 5 years since Associated Press journalists Michael Balsamo and Michael Sisak reported on the number of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees who had been arrested for criminal acts. The charges ranged from a warden indicted for sexual abuse, an associate warden charged with murder, guards taking cash to smuggle drugs and weapons, and supervisors stealing property such as tires and tractors. Even with that widely read piece and the subsequent congressional hearings, the BOP still has rogue employees who are hurting the agency. As of May 4, 2024, the Federal Bureau…

Building financial independence isn’t just about saving—it’s about growing your income and taking charge of your future by making wise decisions. For many, that means starting a business to fuel their financial freedom. In the past, launching a company—especially one in tech—came with a pricey tag. However, today, costs have dropped, making entrepreneurship attainable and more accessible than ever. For those who have hesitated due to financial concerns, now may be the right time to take the leap. Advances in technology have eliminated many of the barriers that once made starting a business expensive, allowing more people to turn their…

I’d bet a pint of Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day that anyone who’s been a financial advisor for more than a minute has been faced with a client crying at some point. Some would even argue, only half kiddingly, that if you haven’t had someone cry in your presence as a financial advisor, you’re probably not doing it right. But almost none of us have gotten any training on what to do—and what not to do—when a client reaches that intensity of emotion in our presence. Yet there is a right and wrong way to handle it; or, at least,…

Many Amazon sellers are small business owners relying on the platform as a side job to earn extra income or as the backbone of their small and medium-sized businesses. For these entrepreneurs, every dollar counts, and losing revenue to fulfillment mishaps can have a significant impact on their bottom line. The $1.2 billion lost annually due to misplaced inventory, damaged goods, and overlooked discrepancies isn’t just a statistic—it’s a direct hit to their ability to grow, reinvest, and stay competitive. Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program has revolutionized e-commerce, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Every year, millions of sellers…

A Roth solo 401(k) can make up for the loss of your access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Planning for retirement is crucial, especially for self-employed individuals or those without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. One effective option to consider is the Solo 401(k), also known as an Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k). This plan offers significant tax advantages and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for business owners without full-time employees. What is a Roth Solo 401(k)? A Roth Solo 401(k) is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for self-employed individuals or business owners with no full-time employees, except…

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) on March 21, 2025, announced that it has issued an interim final rule that eliminates the requirement for U.S. companies and persons to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) as still required by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This means, however, that non-U.S. companies with certain contacts to the U.S. will still have to file the BOI report, though these companies need not report the beneficial ownership of U.S. equity owners and those U.S. equity owners of foreign companies are no longer required to file a separate report. The CTA allowed the Treasury Department…

Scams are an ever-present part of life but sometimes it’s worth calling out some of the new ones to remember vigilance and some basic safety tips. No, Warren Buffett Isn’t Sharing Stock Tips With You This first scam is pernicious because it’s a crude example of what will be coming, only more convincing. I don’t remember where on social media I saw this but there is a video clip of famous investor Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. You hear what sounds to be his voice claiming that you can be updated on what he’s investing in and then get…

This article explores the mechanics of panic selling, how it damages your portfolio, and what you can do to stay on track. If you’ve ever been tempted to sell during a market crash, this guide will help you make better-informed decisions and build lasting wealth. What Is Panic Selling? Panic selling is when you hastily liquidate your assets in response to a sharp market downturn. This reaction is driven by fear rather than a rational assessment of a stock’s value or a company’s long-term prospects. It often results in significant financial losses because you sell at a low point and…

The Disconnect Between Federal and State Reentry Policies: A Costly Burden on Taxpayers Imagine moving from New York to Maryland with a credit score of 700, only to be told your history doesn’t count and your score is now 300—you have to start over. This is precisely what happens to federally incarcerated individuals who complete rehabilitation programs, only to face state-level barriers that ignore their progress under the First Step Act (FSA). Each year, thousands of federal prisoners leave prison in hopes of a second chance, particularly those who are minimum and low security prisoners who participate in FSA, a…

President Donald Trump on Friday unexpectedly announced that he would be moving the entire federal student loan system from the U.S. Department of Education to the Small Business Association. “I’ve decided that the SBA, the Small Business Administration, headed by Kelly Loeffler, will handle will all of the student loan portfolio,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The transfer will happen “immediately,” he said. Trump’s statement comes one day after he issued an order to close the Department of Education – which most legal experts agree cannot be done without Congressional authorization. It also comes after the Trump administration…

During Women’s History Month, Latinas’ contributions, accomplishments, and struggles are too often overlooked. Latinas In The U.S. Just over two-thirds of the Latina population is native-born, and their numbers are increasing. There are over 31 million Latinas in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau, an increase of nearly 90% from the 16.6 million in 2010. Among racial and ethnic groups, this growth constitutes the largest increase for females. According to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Latinas comprise 49.4% of the total Hispanic population and 17% of all adult women nationwide. Sixty percent of Latinas are…