When President Donald Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order that would strip the U.S. Department of Education of its essential functions, the implications were profound and unsettling. With a move that seems more suited for a hostile takeover rather than a thoughtful governance strategy, the future of the department’s critical $1.6 trillion
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In a bold move, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is taking the U.S. Department of Education to court, challenging recent regulatory changes that have severely restricted access to income-driven repayment plans (IDR). This lawsuit highlights a critical issue: the systematic dismantling of vital support for student loan borrowers under the Trump administration. The actions
In a surprising twist within the academic landscape, Harvard University has stepped into the limelight, proclaiming that undergraduate tuition will be free for students hailing from families with incomes of $200,000 or less starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This groundbreaking announcement positions Harvard among a select group of Ivy League and “Ivy Plus” institutions
Death is undeniably one of life’s most devastating experiences, and losing a spouse is an emotional upheaval that can send one spiraling into despair. However, the grief doesn’t stop when the funeral ends. Surviving spouses often find themselves navigating a complex and harsh world of financial repercussions—the infamous survivor’s penalty. This phenomenon is not just
In a world where job security is increasingly elusive, the burden of student loan debt becomes a haunting specter for millions of Americans. With over 40 million borrowers grappling with a staggering $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loans, the recent spate of job cuts adds another layer of urgency to the already dire situation. For
In the modern world where digital transactions reign supreme, the urge to bury cash in the depths of your home may seem quaint, but it’s an alarming trend that begs scrutiny. Recent research points out that the average American has approximately $544 in cash and valuables stored at home. While stashing cash for emergencies may
When it comes to securing our financial future, many individuals gravitate towards pre-tax retirement savings options like 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs, often overlooking the lurking complexities of future tax implications. It’s important to consider that while pre-tax contributions can reduce your taxable income today, they also transform your nest egg into a future tax
In an alarming twist of fate, consumers lost a staggering $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This figure eclipses all other types of fraud, illuminating a pressing concern that extends far beyond mere statistics. The raw numbers
Navigating the vast landscape of tax obligations can feel overwhelming for average Americans, but for military families, this process is laden with additional complexities and unique opportunities. Members of the armed forces often find themselves privy to a plethora of tax benefits not accessible to their civilian counterparts. While some may be aware of the
In a striking display of unity, a coalition of 20 Democratic state attorneys general and the District of Columbia has launched a robust legal challenge against the Trump administration’s alarming initiative to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This lawsuit is not just a routine protest; it’s a clarion call aimed at defending the values