Money

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2024 Student Survey,1 new college graduates prioritize economic security, citing job stability, good benefits, and annual salary increases as top attributes in their ideal job.  However, employers often perceive a gap between the skills graduates have and what is needed in the workplace. This disconnect can lead to missed opportunities in lucrative and fulfilling careers that graduates may overlook.  Here are 14 jobs that offer competitive salaries and solid prospects based on data from Glassdoor, but are sometimes passed over due to misconceptions or lack of awareness: 1. Waste Management Technician …

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Have you ever looked at your bank statement and wondered, “Where did that money go?” It’s a sinking feeling, realizing that funds have vanished from your account without your knowledge or consent.  In some cases, your bank has the legal right to withdraw money without your permission. This might sound alarming, but it’s a reality that many people are unaware of. When Can a Bank Withdraw from Your Account? Banks can, in specific circumstances, take money out of your checking account without your explicit permission. Here are some of the most common scenarios:   Can a Bank Withdraw to Settle Credit …

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Did you know that nine states have chosen to forgo income taxes entirely, relying on other revenue sources to fund their governments and services.  If you live in these states, you probably experience seeing your entire paycheck hit your bank account without a state tax deduction. But, what are the trade-offs? Let’s look into the surprising list of nine US states that let you live income tax-free. 1. Alaska 2. Florida 3. Nevada 4. New Hampshire 5. South Dakota 6. Tennessee 7. Texas 8. Washington 9. Wyoming The absence of a broad-based state income tax does not necessarily mean a …

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The Department of Education’s latest student loan forgiveness program has made headlines, wiping out a staggering $168.5 billion in debt for 4.8 million borrowers—that’s nearly 1 in 10 Americans with student loans.1  This move has ignited a fierce debate about the fairness and long-term consequences of such widespread debt forgiveness.  Here are some key arguments against forgiving student loan debt.  1. Moral Hazard & Personal Responsibility Forgiving student loans could create a moral hazard, where future borrowers might take on excessive debt expecting it to be forgiven later. It also undermines the principle of personal responsibility for financial decisions. Students …

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Believe it or not, the path to early retirement might be simpler than you think. A surprising number of Americans are already exploring retirement in some form, with 27% considering themselves retired and 13% still working part-time.1 Want to retire early? It’s not about bigger paychecks—it’s mastering your spending by doing this simple math.  How Your Savings Rate Dictates Your Retirement Date Your savings rate is the single most critical factor in determining when you can retire. It’s the percentage of your income that you consistently set aside for the future. A higher savings rate means you’ll reach your retirement …

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