The recent announcement by the Biden administration about resuming collections on defaulted student loans has caught many borrowers off guard. After years of relative calm, where collections were largely suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, students and graduates are now faced with the harsh reality of financial repercussions that could significantly impact their lives. For
Personal
Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) made headlines by reducing the withholding rate for overpayments on benefits from a steep 100% to a still alarming 50%. While this change initially sounds like a victory for beneficiaries, it’s essential to recognize that this adjustment still leaves many individuals walking a financial tightrope. With Title II benefits,
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the 2026 contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), marking a modest increase that can have significant implications for savers. For individuals covered by self-only health plans, the contribution limit will rise to $4,400, an increase from $4,300 in 2025. In contrast, families can now contribute up to
As the political arena heats up around President Trump’s potential policy changes, particularly with the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, we must tread cautiously through the implications of such reforms. The SALT deduction, capped at $10,000 since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, has been a hot-button issue, particularly in high-tax
While gold has long been regarded as a resilient investment, especially during economic uncertainty, many investors considering gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are woefully unaware of an impending tax shock that could significantly dent their profits. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) categorizes gold and other precious metals as “collectibles,” equating them with physical assets such as
In the wake of ongoing tariff-induced market fluctuations, investors face uncertainty that can impact their financial strategies significantly. Amid this instability, however, lies a unique opportunity for savvy investors willing to explore Roth conversions—a method of transferring funds to a Roth IRA that allows for tax-free growth. The surge in Roth conversions, reported to have
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), established in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, has been under constant threat since the Trump administration took office. The bureau was intended to be a steadfast guardian of consumer rights, orchestrating the enforcement of regulations that protect individuals from predatory lending and unfair financial practices. However, recent
Private equity (PE) has traditionally been the exclusive domain of institutional investors and accredited individuals—those financially savvy enough to navigate the murky waters of complex financial products. However, a seismic shift is occurring within the finance world as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) moves to redefine the “accredited investor” criteria, thereby opening the floodgates
As we inch closer to the May 7 deadline for acquiring a Real ID, the pressure is mounting for American travelers. The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, mandates that Americans must present this upgraded form of identification—marked with a star—when accessing federal facilities, including airports. While one might expect a smooth transition, the reality
The student loan forgiveness landscape has undergone seismic shifts with the transition from the Biden administration to Donald Trump’s presidency. In a few glaring months, what seemed like a slate of promising debt relief opportunities has grown uncertain, leaving many unaware or misinformed about their options. Trump’s executive order aimed at curtailing the Public Service