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In a groundbreaking move, Harvard University has declared that starting in the academic year 2025-2026, tuition will be entirely free for undergraduate students from families earning $200,000 or less. This colossal step does not merely represent a financial initiative but rather a profound shift in the ethos of elite higher education institutions. It signals that

The loss of a spouse is an emotional earthquake that shakes the very foundations of one’s life. Amidst dealing with grief and the task of adjusting to life as a single individual, surviving spouses often face an unforgiving realization—the transition to single-filing status brings with it the dreadfully termed “survivor’s penalty.” This phenomenon amplifies the

As layoffs sweep across various sectors, millions are grappling with the daunting challenge of sustaining their student loan payments. The pandemic fallout has contributed significantly to a volatile job market, where job security is becoming an illusory concept for many. With more than 40 million Americans burdened by student debt—a staggering total exceeding $1.6 trillion—the

In today’s financial landscape, many individuals find themselves ensnared in the allure of pre-tax retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. While the idea of deferring taxes on contributions might seem appealing, it is crucial to remember that these “tax-advantaged” vehicles can create significant liability when the time comes to withdraw funds. Certified public

In times of financial uncertainty, the idea of having cash readily available at home might seem comforting. Many individuals feel that stashing money in hidden nooks is a safeguard against whatever calamity might come their way. However, numerous experts argue that this practice may not only be misguided but may expose individuals to several risks

In 2024, a troubling statistic emerged: consumers collectively lost a staggering $5.7 billion to investment scams, marking them as the most devastating type of fraud in the United States. This shocking figure represents a 24% rise from the previous year, signaling an urgent crisis in financial safety. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data underscores a

Military families often find themselves in a unique financial landscape, one often fraught with complexities and misperceptions about their tax responsibilities and opportunities. While many Americans grapple with their tax obligations, service members possess access to a suite of tax breaks that remain hidden to the general populace. These advantages, though beneficial, can seem overwhelming

In a remarkable show of unity, attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia have banded together to challenge the Trump administration’s recent and alarming actions that threaten the very foundation of the U.S. Department of Education. This lawsuit is ignited by the administration’s drastic decision to lay off over 1,300 employees, which

The state and local tax (SALT) deduction has ignited fierce debates among lawmakers, particularly as the looming 2025 taxation landscape approaches. Enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, the current $10,000 SALT cap has become a focal point of contention, especially for residents of higher-tax states like California, New

In an alarming move, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to implement a draconian 100% withholding rate on benefits for individuals who have been overpaid. This announcement, made last week, starkly contrasts with the more sympathetic 10% withholding rate that had been in place for just a year, offering some relief to beneficiaries grappling