Personal Finance
Regarding expenses, retirees are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of higher costs. With fixed or limited income, the threats and implementation of tariffs plus the effect of years of relatively high inflation rates has taken their toll. If you’re already feeling stretched at the checkout aisle, the problems are likely to get worse and here’s what you need to do to prepare. Invest in Inflation Resistant Assets When you put your money in a high-yield savings account, you may get a reasonable interest rate, but it often lags behind inflation. This is fine for short-term funds, as you still want…
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, coordinates law enforcement efforts among 195 member countries’ police forces around the world to combat transnational crime. Between November 2024 and February 2025, in a joint effort with the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, it coordinated an investigation into cybercrime including mobile banking scams, investment scams and messaging app scams throughout Africa that culminated in the arrests in the African countries of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo and Zambia as announced by Interpol on March 24. Contributing to the efforts of Interpol and AFJOC were private security companies Group-IB, Kaspersky and…
Unless you’ve got a large financial cushion and have bet against the economy, you likely have no reason to rejoice in the idea that gross domestic product growth is slowing. Crashing Economy? The disturbing news is that it could be slowing far faster than the overall Federal Reserve expected, potentially into the realm of contraction that could set the stage for a recession. The Atlanta Fed’s GDP growth predictor’s estimate on March 28 was that the first quarter would see -2.8% growth. Somewhat more optimistically, a small group of 14 economists polled by CNBC estimated that first-quarter growth will only…
The federal student loan system remains mired in turmoil due to multiple legal challenges and major changes proposed by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. But there are several important dates that student loan borrowers should be aware of as they try to access affordable repayment plans and federal student loan forgiveness programs amid all of the ongoing disruptions. While the landscape is more confusing than ever and can sometimes seem like it is changing by the day, understanding these important milestones for 2025 may help student loan borrowers navigate their options. Here’s a breakdown. Three Key Dates For Income…
Student Loan Wage Garnishment Looms For Millions Federal student loan borrowers are facing a harsh new reality: the pandemic-era reprieve is over, and student loan wage garnishment looms as a real threat. Delinquency rates on student loans have skyrocketed since payments resumed, roughly doubling in just a few months. Education Department data from February showed more than four million borrowers were already behind on their payments. A new study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York now estimates that close to 10 million student loan borrowers became past due on their student loan bills after the pandemic payment pause…
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…