55% of workers say their pay isn’t keeping up with inflation. What experts recommend doing if you feel underpaid

Globalstock | E+ | Getty Images If you feel like your income hasn’t kept up with rising prices, you’re not alone. More than half, 55%, of respondents in a new survey from Bankrate.com say their incomes have not kept up with rising household expenses amid persistent high inflation. Only 33% of respondents said their incomes…

Millions of borrowers may be eligible for a refund on student loan payments made during Covid. Here’s what to know

Fizkes | Istock | Getty Images There’s good news for the millions of people with federal student loans who’ve made payments on that debt during the Covid pandemic: many of them will be eligible to get the money back. The U.S. Department of Education says that many borrowers eligible for President Joe Biden‘s student loan…

Taxpayers can avoid a ‘very nasty surprise’ by making quarterly payments by Sept. 15

Getty Images If you haven’t been sending part of your income to the IRS in recent months, this week is the last chance to avoid a tax penalty. The deadline for third-quarter estimated taxes is Sept. 15, applying to income from self-employment, small businesses, investments, gig economy work and more, according to the agency. “It’s…

There could be a record high Social Security cost-of-living adjustment in 2023, but it’s not set in stone: 3 things to watch

Klaus Vedfelt | Getty Images An 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could be possible in 2023, based on government inflation data released Tuesday. The estimate comes from The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior group, which found that increase would boost the $1,656 average monthly retirement benefit by $144.10. Such an annual increase in benefits…

Here’s how to weigh whether a health savings account makes sense for your 2023 insurance coverage

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images As open enrollment season gets underway, you may find yourself having to decide whether a health savings account should be part of your 2023 medical coverage. These tax-advantaged accounts let users save for medical expenses. Many companies will soon — or already have started to — hold their annual…

Inflation is still rising, but it’s less likely to hurt some retirees — here’s why

Sollina Images | Tetra Images | Getty Images Despite falling gas prices, inflation was higher than expected in August, curbing optimism for lower day-to-day expenses. But some retirees won’t feel the sting of elevated costs, experts say. Annual inflation rose by 8.3% in August, fueled by growing costs for food, shelter and medical care services,…

When to apply for student loan forgiveness — 4 key dates to know

Olena Ruban | Moment | Getty Images By next month, tens of millions of Americans should be able to start applying for student loan forgiveness. For a number of reasons, experts say borrowers should fill out their application sooner rather than later. These are 4 dates that should be on your radar, including three before…

NBA star James Harden is putting his nonprofit’s support behind an effort to boost financial literacy among young adults

James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to pass against the Toronto Raptors during game five of the Eastern Conference First Round on April 25, 2022. Tim Nwachukwu | Getty Images For NBA player James Harden, boosting financial know-how among young adults is personal. Harden, a point guard and shooting guard who recently signed a…

Who benefits most from student loan forgiveness? Economists, investment banks and education experts weigh in

Helen Cortez / EyeEm | Getty Images Determining who benefits most from student loan forgiveness — the poor, middle class or wealthy — may sound like a straightforward exercise. But an exact calculation is difficult, according to economists and education experts. Aside from challenges related to the available data, future financial benefits that will accrue…

How to save 20% on airfare — if you don’t mind taking some risks

Flashpop | Stone | Getty Images There’s a surefire way to save money on plane tickets — but those savings may not be worth it for some travelers, depending on their tolerance for certain headaches. The money-saving strategy likely doesn’t come as a surprise: Booking a flight with one or multiple stops is generally less…

‘It’s not enough:’ Student loan forgiveness means less for the millions of borrowers who never finished college

Like many borrowers, Halid Hamade, 28, is poised to benefit — at least somewhat — from student loan forgiveness. After President Joe Biden announced he will forgive $10,000 in federal education debt and up to $20,000 for recipients of Pell Grants who meet the income threshold, Hamade said he was happy. Still, “it’s not enough,”…

While you wait for student debt forgiveness, ‘don’t refinance your federal loans,’ warns expert: Do these 5 things instead

A student walks to class at Rice University in Houston on Aug. 29, 2022. Brandon Bell | Getty Images News | Getty Images The application for student loan forgiveness will be ready by early October, the U.S. Department of Education says. After people apply, they could see the relief within six weeks. While borrowers wait…