If you have a federal student loan and have been consistently struggling to make payments, there’s one important deadline you have to remember: Borrowers enter default after 270 days of missed payments. Once your loans are in default, you can have your wages garnished and tax refunds withheld. Although the …
When economic times are rocky, people tend to hit the books. A September 2025 questionnaire from Aurora University found that 3 in 4 young professionals said that layoffs are influencing their decision to go to graduate school. The idea is that stacking up on credentials will help them stay competitive …
The Federal Reserve meets for the last time this year on December 10, and, again, the big question centers around what will happen with interest rates. The federal funds rate certainly influences our everyday lives: It determines how expensive it is for Americans to borrow money, how rewarding it is …
‘Tis the season of giving back — whether it’s in the form of gifts, donations or a thank-you tip to seasonal workers. Discussions around tipping have sparked debate in recent years as Americans found themselves bewildered to be asked to tip at a self-service checkout. But one thing we can …
How close of an eye do you keep on your checking account — would you notice if $1 went missing? Most people think of financial fraud showing up as a large, unusual charge on their bank account, but it’s the little transactions that can actually be the biggest red flags. …
The year’s biggest shopping week is here — and it’s bringing in the highest shopper turnout on record. An unprecedented nearly 187 million Americans plan to shop this Thanksgiving weekend, the National Retail Federation (NRF) found. Though debit cards are the most popular payment choice at checkout, per NRF, other …
A strong market is boosting Americans’ nest eggs: Average 401(k), IRA and 403(b) account balances hit record highs in the third quarter, according to Fidelity’s latest data. Year over year, 401(k) balances are up 9% at $144,400, IRA balances up 7% to $137,902 and 403(b) balances up 10% to $131,200. …
If you’re struggling to afford homeownership, you’re not alone. In the U.S. in 2025, the average age of first-time homebuyers clocked in at 40 years old, up from age 29 in 1985, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And waiting to buy isn’t necessarily …
If you’re planning on using buy now, pay later (BNPL) to cover your holiday shopping this year — and half of shoppers are, per PayPal — know that there are alternative financing options out there offering similar flexibility. While BNPL helps you pay for things over time, it can encourage …
It can take more than two months to list, market and close on a home sale. For sellers who don’t have that kind of time, there is a faster alternative. IBuyers (short for “instant buyers”) are investment firms that make all-cash offers on properties, sight unseen. Companies like Opendoor use …
