by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterWith rising rents and housing costs, people all over the United States are being priced out of the cities they once called home.In 2021, rents jumped up by 20 to 30% in cities ranging from Phoenix to Boise to Tampa, and more rent hikes are coming in 2022. Home prices have been rising at a record pace, too.It’s not just the notoriously expensive cities like New York
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterWouldn’t it be great to be the first millionaire in your family? Think of the bragging rights!None of your relatives would ever be able to question your judgment again. You could brush them off by asking, “I’m sorry, are YOU a millionaire?”Also, as a millionaire, you’d be able to help the rest of your family, if you’re into that sort of thing.Ah, but how to make your
by Adam HardyContributorAnytime a letter bearing the seal of the Social Security Administration arrives, James feels afraid to open it.A 34-year-old with cerebral palsy, he depends on Social Security disability benefits for the majority of his income. The benefits cover his rent and bills each month. But it’s not enough to live on, so he supplements it with side gigs like DoorDash, Instacart and other delivery apps.It’s a difficult, frustrating
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterPrices in 2021 rose at the fastest pace in nearly 40 years, and inflation looks like it’s going to be Americans’ biggest economic challenge in 2022. Consumer demand, supply chain problems and the spread of the Omicron variant threaten to keep prices rising sharply this year.A lot of us are feeling the effects at the grocery store, but there are things you can do to save money
by Kari FaberStaff Writer The only constant in our world is change, right? And the financial world is no exception. No, we’re not talking about a shake-up on the executive floor of the JP Morgan building in Manhattan — but there are day-to-day changes that you might not even notice happening. And those are the ones you’ve got to watch out for. We spoke to one of our own in-house
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorCollege was a struggle for me. As a student with a learning disability, I struggled and school took longer. When I graduated with my master’s of arts in 2008, the economy collapsed, and we went into survival mode. After 10 years of struggle, I FINALLY found my dream job, which is part time. Now I have a second job that uses my
by Robert BruceSenior WriterUncle Sam wants you, and he’s willing to pay you a good chunk of cash.The U.S. Army announced that it will pay up to $50,000 – its largest bonus ever – to recruits who qualify and sign on for a six-year active-duty enlistment. The bonus package is based on a number of factors that include the selected career field, individual qualifications, length of the contract and the
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterDuring the pandemic, workers 55 and older lost jobs earlier, were rehired slower and faced higher unemployment rates than younger workers, according to an October 2020 study by The New School for Social Research.These obstacles are especially daunting for low-income seniors, who may lack the education, training or wrap-around resources necessary to re-enter the labor force.If you’re 55 or older and unemployed, a free work-based job
by Robert BruceSenior WriterA major student loan servicing company has reached a settlement that will cancel $1.7 billion in student loan debt for around 66,000 borrowers, as well as provide $95 million in restitution – around $260 each – to 350,000 borrowers.“Today’s settlement corrects Navient’s past behavior . . . and puts in place safeguards to ensure this company never preys on student loan borrowers again,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior Editor If you have private health insurance, you’re eligible for free at-home COVID tests starting Saturday, Jan. 15. The Biden Administration announced earlier this week that private insurers would be required to foot the bill for eight home COVID tests per month for each customer covered under a plan. But finding tests could still be a challenge in the weeks to come. Also, many insurers won’t
