For years, families have been lulled into a false sense of security when it comes to affording college. Parents often believe that their initial optimism—believing they can handle the costs once their child is accepted—will sustain through the financial reality of tuition bills. However, this illusion shatters quickly once faced with the stark figures. Recent
Personal
The landscape of American household finances is shifting unsettlingly as credit card balances continue their upward trajectory into 2025. A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that credit card debt has grown by a staggering $27 billion in the second quarter alone, reaching a total of $1.21 trillion. This marks
The recent overhaul of the SALT deduction cap under President Trump’s legislation appears, at first glance, to offer substantial relief to taxpayers in high-tax states. By raising the federal deduction limit to $40,000 starting in 2025, with incremental increases until 2029, and then a gradual rollback to $10,000 by 2030, the law strongly signals a
For decades, Southwest Airlines set itself apart with a distinct philosophy rooted in simplicity, affordability, and the egalitarian spirit of first-come, first-served boarding. This approach, once cherished by travelers tired of navigating complex fare classes and tiered service, fostered a sense of fairness and spontaneity. However, the recent decision to introduce assigned seating marks a
Many financial advisors emphasize the importance of retirement accounts, but a profound oversight persists: the neglect of emergency savings. While contributing steadily to a 401(k) or IRA is often touted, the reality is that without a readily accessible safety net, those investments are far more vulnerable to premature depletion. Emergency funds serve as a critical
In the complex landscape of social welfare, legislation like the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts represent a crucial step toward fostering independence for individuals with disabilities. For families like the Dickinsons, these financial tools symbolize more than just tax advantages—they embody a potential lifeline that could redefine their loved ones’ futures. Yet, beneath
For years, public servants like Katy Punch believed that their dedicated service would be rewarded with the relief promised by the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This initiative, introduced in 2007 amidst bipartisan support, was supposed to be a lifeline for teachers, healthcare workers, and other federal employees carrying the burden of student debt.
Despite earning substantial incomes—sometimes exceeding $300,000 annually—many high earners find themselves entangled in a cycle of dissatisfaction and financial strain. These individuals, often called “HENRYs” (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), challenge the conventional narrative that high income guarantees financial security or happiness. Their experience reveals a disheartening truth: money alone does not equate to wealth
In recent years, the promise of student loan forgiveness has been heralded as a vital lifeline for millions drowning in educational debt. Politicians across the spectrum have cast it as a compassionate gesture, a step toward economic justice. Yet, beneath this appealing narrative lies an often-overlooked financial trap—a potential avalanche of tax liabilities that can
In the current political climate, talk of ending or loosening capital gains taxes on home sales is circulating, with President Trump even hinting at such a move. While the prospect may excite homeowners dreaming of profit without tax deductions, it distracts from an uncomfortable truth: much of the control over taxes lies within individual hands.