Unless congress passes additional coronavirus relief legislation soon, the student loan forbearance provided by the CARES Act ends on September 30. That means federal student loan borrowers should plan to resume making monthly student loan payments in October. Unfortunately, the pandemic continues, and many borrowers find themselves unemployed or m...
During financially uncertain times, it’s understandable that consumers become curious about declaring bankruptcy. For certain consumers with high levels of unsecured debt, bankruptcy can ease the constant worry of how they’re going to pay bills and can be the beginning of gradually rebuilding a solid financial foundation. But one of the persist...
The CARES Act makes it possible for consumers to take up to $100,000 from their 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans with no penalty. And, although it is taxable, they can pay the taxes over three years. The normal 20% withholding is waived as well. The legislation passed because many people are facing significant financial challenges due to the COVID...
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are getting tested, visiting health care providers and being hospitalized more than ever before. That means more of us are receiving medical billing statements. Whether for a simple procedure or a multi-day hospital stay, reading medical bills can be frustrating and confusing for those who don’t do it...
One of the many things that’s changed dramatically over the last several months is how Americans interview for jobs. Interviews conducted over video chat are the new norm, and this efficient trend is likely to continue even after in-person interactions fully resume. But if you’re new to video chatting, not used to interviewing (or both), it can...
Our lives have changed in so many ways over the last several months, and we can expect more changes as we all adapt to a “new normal.” For many, there’s been a radical shift for the better in how we look at spending and saving money. And these quarantine money habits are worth continuing, even when all the lockdowns are eventually lifted. Let...
Have you ever tried to use a credit card, only to discover it’s been closed without your knowledge? Or checked your credit report to find your score had dropped because the creditor closed your longest-standing account without letting you know? Having credit accounts closed when you haven’t initiated the closure can send your finances — and c...
We have all been spending a lot more time than usual at home over the past few months. For some of us, that means looking around and seeing opportunities to undertake home improvements. Unfortunately, many people are also dealing with reduced income or unemployment as a result of the ongoing pandemic. So, before you hire a contractor or head to the...
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed what summer vacations are going to look like this year. Non-essential travel is still discouraged, and many popular vacation destinations are still closed. Even those that slowly re-open will have limited capacity and restrictions on certain activities. At the same time, we could all use a break now more...
American workers are continuing to experience the loss of jobs and income due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many businesses have been forced to close and lay off workers permanently, others have opted to place workers on furlough, with the anticipation they’ll return to their jobs once conditions improve. It may create a sense of security to...
COVID-19 Update