As we step into 2025, many Americans are grappling with an unsettling economic trend. A recent report by Bankrate reveals that nearly half of credit card holders—exactly 48%—find themselves trapped in the cycle of carrying debt from one month to the next. This alarming statistic marks a noticeable rise from the 44% recorded at the
Personal
As borrowers cautiously resume their financial commitments in the wake of the student loan payment pause, a critical aspect of tax planning emerges: the student loan interest deduction. This provision enables eligible individuals to deduct as much as $2,500 from their taxable income for interest accrued on qualifying student loans—both federal and private. Historically, this
The year 2025 brings fresh optimism for many wage earners as changes in federal income tax brackets promise slight increases in take-home pay. With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcing the alterations to the federal income tax structure in October 2024, an examination of these adjustments is timely and necessary. Let’s delve deeper into what
On a significant day for American consumers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shaped the landscape of personal finance by announcing a transformative rule aimed at alleviating the burden of medical debt on credit reports. By removing approximately $49 billion in medical debt from the financial histories of those affected, this change stands to benefit
In recent years, target-date funds (TDFs) have emerged as one of the predominant investment options available within 401(k) retirement plans. Their appeal lies in the simplicity they offer to investors, allowing individuals who may lack investment expertise or time to engage in complex financial planning to still allocate their retirement savings efficiently. As of 2023,
With retirement on the horizon for many, the importance of effective savings strategies cannot be overstated. A recent CNBC poll highlights the urgency for Americans to catch up, indicating that approximately 40% are lagging behind in their retirement planning and savings efforts. As changes come into effect for 401(k) plans in 2025, it’s essential to
The student loan crisis in the United States has generated considerable discussion, especially with the recent lack of an expansive forgiveness policy from the Biden administration. Despite initial intentions to relieve millions of borrowers of their debt, the administration’s decision to retract such plans has left many feeling disheartened. However, experts urge borrowers to explore
As we enter 2025, it’s essential for individuals focused on their retirement to reassess their 401(k) contributions. A recent survey by Bankrate highlights a prevailing concern among American workers: over half of them feel unprepared for retirement. As we gear up for a year of potential financial growth, now is an opportune moment to ramp
The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted remote work into the mainstream, reshaping how companies and employees view their work environments. Notably, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, tasked by President-elect Donald Trump to revolutionize the federal government’s operational efficiency, expressed their intent to eliminate remote work policies, deeming them a “Covid-era privilege.” Their recent op-ed in the Wall
The landscape of student debt relief in the United States is poised to undergo significant upheaval as President Joe Biden prepares to hand over the reins to President-elect Donald Trump. With approximately 40 million federal student loan borrowers awaiting direction, the focus shifts to managing expectations and understanding the options available in this uncertain environment.