Robert Hillis Miller was found by a jury to have violated federal securities laws and a $160,000 judgment was entered against him in SEC v. Miller, D.Md. Case No. DLB-19-2810 (Oct. 21, 2014). The security violations are not the subject of this article and thus we can omit them from discussion, but there is something that is very interesting about this case. During the jury trial, Miller in his sworn testimony made it clear that he simply would not pay the judgment, stating that “[m]y assets are held by these offshore companies until I get out of this mess.” Based…

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, coupled with Republican control of the Senate and possibly of the House could result in a far more limited government role in the care of frail older adults and younger people with disabilities. Most immediately, Trump’s proposed mass deportations will make the current shortage of care workers much worse, increasing the burden on family caregivers. Trump himself has shown relatively little interest in health-related issues. But he’s surrounded by past and current advisers who are deeply committed to making major changes in health and long-term care. For example, Project 2025, written by a…

Investing can be both exciting and daunting, especially for newcomers who face a myriad of choices. To build a successful investment portfolio, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can derail your financial goals. This article offers practical insights on the importance of diversification, understanding your risk tolerance, managing fees, and maintaining a long-term perspective. By following these tips, you can navigate the complexities of investing with confidence, ultimately setting yourself up for sustainable growth and financial success over time. 1. Know Your Risk Tolerance And Time Horizon Investing is not one-size-fits-all so your approach should be tailored to both…

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives are increasingly in jeopardy. But even borrowers who weren’t expecting loan forgiveness anytime soon could be facing a new threat: higher payments. With mass student debt cancellation initiatives effectively dead on arrival once Trump is sworn in again, the question for many borrowers will largely be what repayment plans will look like. The SAVE plan, a new income-driven repayment program that provided borrowers with lower monthly payments and an interest subsidy, appears destined for elimination — either by the 8th Circuit Court of…

“We have absolutely no control over what happens to us in life, but what we have paramount control over is how to respond to those events,” said Viktor Frankl, the renowned psychologist, while imprisoned in a German concentration camp. The context of that statement gives it so much more power, doesn’t it? Compare his context, for example, to ours right now—following what was likely the most contentious presidential election cycle of (at least) my lifetime. You did your part, right? You did your research, cast your ballot, and your preferred candidate either won or lost, and afterward, you felt a…

The Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a scam perpetrated by scammers who, using social engineering tactics, pose as company executives or trusted vendors to lure employees at their targeted companies to transfer funds to the scammers. The FBI first began tracking the (BEC) in 2013 and the scam has gotten bigger and bigger each year. The FBI reports that between October 2013 and December 2023 there were 305,033 incidents of the BEC domestically and internationally with losses pegged at $55,499,915,582. The BEC is an equal opportunity scam, targeting both small businesses and large corporations with incidents being reported in every…

AI is reshaping industries and changing how individuals approach personal finance. As companies like OpenAI and Google attract the best AI talent with salaries reaching the millions, startups and even established financial firms increasingly turn to development studios like Lateral, Aristek Systems, and InData Labs to build AI capabilities. This trend presents new economic opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals in finance, as well as for everyday consumers. AI-Driven Tools for Personal Finance Management AI-driven financial tools are increasingly accessible to consumers, allowing people to improve their finances with minimal effort. Outsourced AI development enables financial institutions to provide innovative…

An initial draft of this script was created by NerdWallet using automation technology, then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by NerdWallet’s human writers and editors.If you’re looking to lower a utility bill, calling a customer service representative can help. (Look for this number on your bill or company website.)You could potentially get a lower bill, or, more likely, find ways to cut costs through rebates and assistance programs. Or you may make charges more predictable and easier to plan for with an alternative payment plan.Your script for finding ways to saveThe script below will help you ask about these opportunities…

Tariffs play a crucial role in shaping trade policies, influencing prices, and ultimately impacting household finances. Understanding tariffs can help consumers, investors, and workers make better financial decisions. This article explores what tariffs are, examines their effects, and provides strategies for navigating such effects on personal finances. What Are Tariffs? A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods or services. Typically, tariffs serve two purposes: they protect domestic industries from foreign competition and generate government revenue. By making foreign goods more expensive, tariffs encourage consumers to buy domestically produced products, which can help support the local…

With the holidays approaching, many people are worried about how to afford gifts without falling into debt. While the season can bring joy, it also brings pressure to spend. A new study from WalletHub shows 46% of Americans are still paying off debt from the last holiday season. But with careful planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the holidays without compromising your finances or going into debt. Here are three practical strategies to avoid holiday debt while still giving meaningful gifts and creating cherished memories. 1. Create A Realistic Budget And Stick To It A well-planned budget can prevent overspending…