In 2016, Bernadette Joy stood at a crossroads typical of many young professionals—she had just completed her MBA but was burdened with approximately $300,000 in debt, encompassing student loans and mortgage responsibilities. This situation, while daunting, provided her with a unique perspective on financial management that not only enabled her to eliminate that debt by
Personal
For retirees looking to make year-end charitable donations, leveraging Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) presents a key strategy to optimize tax benefits. Essentially, QCDs allow individuals aged 70½ and older to direct transfers from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) directly to qualifying non-profit organizations. This financial maneuver not only assists in philanthropy but also enhances personal
As Thanksgiving approaches, families prepare for a time of gathering and gratitude, but one significant topic often remains unspoken: finances. While conversations about family bonds and traditions will dominate the table, discussions about financial health and estate planning are frequently avoided. This omission can have detrimental implications, particularly for families with aging parents. As highlighted
The idea of early retirement is a tantalizing dream for countless individuals. However, recent findings from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in collaboration with the Transamerica Institute, paint a sobering picture. An astonishing 58% of workers end up leaving the workforce sooner than they had planned—often due to unexpected life events rather than financial
As the year draws to a close, many individuals and families look at the possibility of making charitable donations not only to give back but also to optimize their tax situation. A recent report from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy highlighted that in 2023, total charitable giving in the U.S. amounted to
As the United States approached its most recent election, a stark division among voters was evident. This divide was particularly pronounced when examining gender dynamics, revealing important insights into the political landscape. Women overwhelmingly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, while men predominantly backed President Trump. With a striking 21-point gender gap in preferences, these trends
As the holiday season approaches, the trend of extravagant spending among parents, particularly millennials, is becoming increasingly apparent. This demographic is making significant financial commitments to ensure a joyful holiday experience for their children. With 63% of millennials indicating plans to spend the same or even more this year than last on holiday shopping—according to
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance, planning for retirement remains an area where many Americans struggle. A significant percentage of the population — approximately 40% of workers — report feeling behind in their retirement savings efforts. This sentiment is largely influenced by factors such as overwhelming debt, insufficient income, or starting their savings journey
The landscape of student loans in the United States has recently shifted, leaving millions of borrowers in a state of uncertainty as the Biden administration’s latest repayment plan struggles through legal complications. This pause on regular payments, while seen as a welcome relief by some, has raised significant concerns among federal student loan borrowers, particularly
In the ever-evolving landscape of consumerism, the notion of giving dupes—affordable alternatives to more expensive, branded products—has dramatically changed the way people approach gift-giving during the holiday season. Traditionally viewed as inferior imitations, dupes have gained popularity, transforming from a secret indulgence to a celebrated choice. As budget-conscious shoppers seek to make their dollar stretch