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
by Kari FaberStaff WriterCongratulations! You finally got that raise you’ve been working toward. The extra money in your bank account is going to help secure your finances and get you closer to your goals… right?Not always. Sometimes the excitement of putting more cash in your pocket on a regular basis can have a bigger influence on your heart, not your brain. And that can lead to lifestyle creep — when
by Kent McDill There is one time of the year that TV retailers know you are going to be watching your television and are in the market for the best TV deals. Super Bowl Sunday — this year Feb. 13 — is the most official unofficial holiday on the calendar, and 100 million people watch that game annually. So it’s the perfect time to be looking for TV deals unless
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterThey’re calling it “the Great Resignation,” because everybody’s quitting their jobs now. At least it feels like everyone’s quitting.The COVID-19 pandemic has many of us reevaluating our lives and our careers. Some of us are burned out. Some of us aren’t ever going back to the office. Nearly 4 million Americans quit their jobs in June alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.In fact, most
