How much does college really cost? It may be much less than you think

For most families looking at colleges, the price tag seems overwhelming. But things aren’t always what they seem. That’s because about 66% of all full-time students receive aid, which can lower the cost significantly. For example, tuition and fees plus room and board at highly selective four-year colleges average more than $74,000. However, the price…

Another record-high Social Security cost-of-living adjustment in 2023 could put more money in retirees’ wallets, impact program’s funds

Westend61 / Josep Rovirosa | Getty Images Social Security beneficiaries saw the biggest cost-of-living adjustment in about 40 years in 2022, when they received a 5.9% boost to their monthly checks. Next year, that annual adjustment may even go as high as 8%, according to early estimates. That is despite the fact the annual Social…

Biden’s decision on student loan forgiveness is likely to come in July or August, report says

President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House on June 2, 2022. Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Biden administration is unlikely to announce a decision on student loan forgiveness until later this summer, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The more than 40 million Americans saddled with…

More wealthy Americans are living paycheck to paycheck after inflation surge

In this article LC With inflation still hovering near 40-year highs, it’s getting harder for workers across all income levels to make ends meet. The Consumer Price Index, a key inflation metric, increased 8.3% in April from a year ago, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Although it was down slightly…

Ready to buy muni bonds again? Consider this hidden tax before piling in

Peter Cade | Getty Images After a rough period for municipal bonds, also known as muni bonds, investors may be returning. But there’s a hidden tax retirees need to consider before piling in. While weekly inflows for U.S. muni bond funds have been negative for most of 2022, outflows dropped significantly last week, according to…

‘Cancel it all or do nothing’: Readers react to the chance of $10,000 in student loan forgiveness

The White House, Washington, D.C. Joe Daniel Price | Moment | Getty Images Tens of millions of Americans are waiting anxiously for word from the Biden administration on what it plans to do on broad-based student loan forgiveness. Most recently, the White House was reported to be leaning toward a cancellation plan of $10,000 per…

That socially responsible fund may not be as ‘green’ as you think. Here’s how to pick one

Tetra Images – Erik Isakson | Brand X Pictures | Getty Images Investment funds that promote values like the environment and social good have become more popular. But trying to pick a so-called ESG fund — especially one that aligns well with your interests — may seem about as easy as drying a towel in…

Nearly half of families with kids can no longer afford enough food 5 months after child tax credit ended

lisegagne | E+ | Getty Images Without the child tax credit, Stormy Johnson has been skipping her own meals so her kids can eat. Johnson, 45, works as a student support specialist in Preston County Schools in Kingwood, West Virginia. Before the monthly enhanced child tax credit payments lapsed in December, she received an additional…

There’s a push in Congress for a new national retirement plan to fill big savings gap

Itza Villavicencio Urbieta | Istock | Getty Images As retirement legislation continues to evolve in Congress, some lawmakers are hoping to address what they view as a persistent problem: lack of access to a workplace plan among low- and middle-income workers. A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers has started work on a bill to tackle…

Here are key steps women can take to to close the retirement savings gap

moodboard | Image Source | Getty Images Women face a unique set of challenges when it comes to retirement planning. Unfortunately, research shows female workers are coming up short compared to their male counterparts. The good news is there is room for women workers to take steps now to improve their prospects for a better-quality…

Health insurers poised to pay $1 billion in rebates to 8.2 million people this year

Sdi Productions | E+ | Getty Images There’s a chance your health insurance company owes you some cash. Depending on how you get your coverage, you may be one of the 8.2 million policyholders expected to get a piece of $1 billion in premium rebates this fall from various insurers, according to a preliminary analysis…

House Democrats push Treasury, IRS for repeal of rule blocking state and local taxes cap workaround

Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference announcing the State and Local Taxes (SALT) Caucus outside the U.S. Capitol on April 15, 2021. Sarah Silbiger | Bloomberg | Getty Images Three House Democrats are still pushing for relief on the $10,000 limit on the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known as…