money

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

by Kent McDill The NFL playoff schedule for the 2021-22 season is set and the 14 teams that have a chance to get to the championship game in Los Angeles are now beginning their post-season play. And, you will begin preparations for watching your favorite team or the team you love to hate play in games that really, really matter. But, you don’t have cable TV service any longer. You

by Kari FaberStaff WriterHomeownership is the American dream, right? We spend years — sometimes decades — saving up enough money for a down payment for our first home and mark it as a major milestone in our lives.But sorry to rain on your parade — just the down payment isn’t enough.Sure, you’ll get the keys and have takeout on top of a box marked “front hall closet” on your first

by Timothy MooreContributorNational parks offer an affordable way to experience some otherworldly places without leaving the country and, with thousands of trails to hike, rivers to kayak and lakes to swim, they allow you to enjoy a socially distanced vacation experience that is all outdoors.Since the start of COVID-19, I’ve pivoted my travel away from international flights and indoor museums to the deep waters of Biscayne in Southern Florida, the

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterCredit card debt is the worst, am I right? And the really nasty part is, your credit card companies are counting on you falling behind on your payments. That’s how they really make their money.Sure, it’s awfully handy to swipe that plastic whenever you want something. But before you know it, you’ve got an outstanding balance you can’t pay off that month. It sticks around month after