The prospect of inheriting an individual retirement account (IRA) often brings thoughts of financial relief and long-term security. However, complexities in the rules governing these accounts could lead to unexpected pitfalls, particularly for heirs set to inherit IRAs starting in 2025. The introduction of mandatory yearly withdrawals and associated penalties for missed distributions could dramatically
Personal
The re-election of President Donald Trump and the initiation of his second term raises numerous questions about his economic policies and their effects on American finances. While Trump’s campaign promises included lofty goals such as lower taxes, reduced prices on goods, and an overall stronger economy, these aspirations cannot be actualized without significant legislative backing
The recent announcement that Equifax has been fined $15 million by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlights serious concerns regarding the practices of one of America’s largest credit reporting agencies. The CFPB’s assertion that Equifax failed to adequately investigate disputes lodged by consumers is alarming, given the significant role that credit reports play in
As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump approaches, significant changes are anticipated in the American regulatory landscape. With a stated goal of enhancing government efficiency, Trump has indicated a willingness to make sweeping alterations to federal agencies, particularly in the financial sector. Appointing prominent figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as co-chairs of the
The anticipation of a new year often comes with resolutions, goals, and for many, travel plans. As we approach 2025, an essential consideration for American travelers is the cost associated with flight and accommodation. Recent data from Skyscanner reveals that a significant 51% of Americans will let flight costs guide their choice of travel destinations
On Thursday, the Biden administration unveiled what it termed the final push for student loan forgiveness, discharging over $600 million in accumulated debt for thousands of borrowers across the nation. This initiative primarily benefits 4,550 individuals who are eligible under the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, along with an additional 4,100 former students of DeVry University.
After a significant pause on federal student loan collections prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial landscape for borrowers is poised to shift dramatically. For the first time in five years, those who have defaulted on their federal student loans will face intense collection activities, including the garnishment of wages and social security benefits. This
As the political landscape in Washington shifts and a new administration prepares to take the reigns, discussions surrounding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are gaining momentum, particularly among House Republicans. With the possibility of significant tax changes on the horizon, lawmakers are pushing for immediate extensions to the tax provisions initially set to
The Biden administration’s ongoing student loan forgiveness initiatives have emerged as a lifeline for many American borrowers, particularly as the government’s commitment to alleviating educational debt comes into sharper focus. In a recent announcement, it was revealed that over 150,000 borrowers will benefit from a significant $4.2 billion wave of student loan cancellations. This development
As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finds itself under increasing scrutiny from a Republican-dominated Congress, there are critical discussions surrounding its funding, particularly affecting taxpayer services and technological advancements. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, Erin Collins, the current budget allocations reflect a significant imbalance, favoring enforcement measures over essential taxpayer support services. This misalignment