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President Joe Biden recently announced that he was canceling federal student loans for nearly 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the plan, known as the SAVE plan. For Lauran Michael and her husband, the SAVE plan has reduced student loan payments by half. If you are interested in applying for the SAVE plan, here's what you need to know:WHAT IS AN INCOME-DRIVEN REPAYMENT PLAN? Borrowers can apply to the SAVE plan using the Income-Driven Repayment Plan request through the Education Department’s website. If you’d like to repay your federal student loans under an income-driven plan, the first step is to fill out an application through the Federal Student Aid website.

Persons: Joe Biden, Michael, they've, ”, you’ve, they’re, Biden’s, Charles Schwab Organizations: SAVE, U.S . Education Department, WHO, PLAN, Program, Education, Education Department, Public, Defense, Federal, Aid, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: U.S, Raleigh , North Carolina

Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesSchools won't get the information they need to award financial aid until next month, forcing them to adapt. Just this past week, Virginia Tech, for example, said it had moved its admissions deposit deadline for first-year college students to May 15. More than 17 million students use the FAFSA every year to receive financial aid for their college education. Rachel Reniva of Dothan, Alabama, said the financial aid decision will affect not only her son’s future but also her entire family’s. Although Jaramillo lives in Toronto, he is a U.S. citizen and thus eligible for financial aid.

Persons: they’ll, ”, Jenny Nicholas of Keene, “, ” Juan Espinoza, Agata James, ” James ’, James, Miguel Cardona, Rachel Reniva, Jesus Noyola, hasn’t, It’s, Noyola, Travis Hill, Lorenzo Jaramillo, Jaramillo, Helen Faith, —, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Student Aid, The Education Department, Virginia Tech, New, Queens, Education Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Social Security, Dallas, Social, Financial, University of Wisconsin, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Jenny Nicholas of Keene , New Hampshire, New York, Dothan , Alabama, Troy , New York, Texas, Toronto, U.S, Madison

“Losing the love was worse than losing the money,” said Kleinart, 70, who lost tens of thousands to a romance scam over several months. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received over 64,000 romance scams reports that translated into $1.14 billion in reported losses. Romance scams often target lonely and isolated individuals, according to Will Maxson, assistant director of the Division of Marketing Practices at the FTC. Specifically for older people, romance scams are among the most common scams, said Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention at AARP. However, she noted people from all ages can fall for a romance scam.

Persons: Kate Kleinart, ”, Kleinart, Will Maxson, “, —, Kathy Stokes, Genevieve Waterman, Waterman, ” Waterman, scammers, it’s, Stokes, Hey, ” Stokes, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, AARP, National Council, Aging, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Spain

Closing the wealth gap is more difficult because a significantly larger number of white households traditionally have money in stocks and mutual funds. A separate Fed survey shows that as of 2022, about 65.6% of white households had investments in stocks, compared with 28.3% for Hispanic households and 39.2% for Black households. More than 50% of Black financial wealth is invested in pensions, the New York Fed found. In contrast, less than 30% of white financial wealth is invested in pensions, with about 50% invested in businesses, equities, and mutual funds. In April of 2020, more than 40% of Black business owners reported they were not working, compared with only 17% of white business owners.

Persons: ”, Janelle Jones, Jones, Walley Adeyemo, Adeyemo, ___, Charles Schwab Organizations: New York Federal Reserve Bank, Black, Washington Center for Equitable, Federal Reserve, New York Fed, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: U.S, America

A combination of inflation, increased interest rates, and the end of pandemic-tied relief, such as the moratorium on student loan payments, has led to record credit card debt, experts say. A recent report from credit rating company Moody’s found credit card delinquencies are now well above 2019, or pre-pandemic levels. If you're facing increased credit card debt, while feeling the ongoing effects of inflation, here's what to consider:ASK FOR A RATE CUTPhotos You Should See View All 45 ImagesOne of the first things you should do is ask your credit card company to lower your rates. While the Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that its first interest rate cut is likely months away, the average credit card interest rate is already far and away higher than the rate set by the Fed. PAY OFF HIGHER-INTEREST DEBT FIRSTKnown as the “avalanche approach,” paying off debt that accumulates interest more quickly will always be more efficient than paying off lower-interest debt first.

Persons: Moody’s, Silvio Tavares, ”, Kia McCallister, Charles Schwab Organizations: —, Federal Reserve, ASK, Fed, National Foundation, Credit, nfcc.org, Federal Trade, Public, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Federation of America, America, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: realtor.com

—Tax credits, such as child tax credit, retirement savings contributions credit, etc. Earlier this month, Congress announced a bipartisan agreement to enhance the current child tax credit. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. If you can’t see what your tax preparer is working on, get a copy of the tax return and ask questions about each of the entries. If you are due for a refund, you will not receive a penalty and you will receive your tax return payment.

Persons: Courtney Alev, ” Alev, Tom O’Saben, O'Saben, O’Saben, “, ” O’Saben, —, Alev, You’re, you’ve, It’s, ___, Charles Schwab, ” Organizations: —, Credit Karma, Savings, IRS, National Association of Tax, Elderly, People, Social Security, Social, Center, Budget, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: United States

Two-thirds of U.S. taxpayers say they spend “too much” on federal income taxes, as tax season begins. About 7 in 10 say the same about local property taxes, while roughly 6 in 10 feel that way about state sales tax. Generally speaking, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view taxes as unfair, to say they are paying too much in taxes, and to see taxes as a poor value. “We tend to think of local government as less partisan.”Among those who pay federal income taxes, half say they would prefer having fewer government services if it meant reducing their bill. About one-quarter say they grasp the calculations for federal income tax.

Persons: Chris Berry, ‘ There’s, ”, Danny Velasquez, Velasquez, “, Loretta Mwangi, Grettel, ” Grettel Mesa, Mesa, Charles Schwab Organizations: University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Associated Press, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, University of Chicago Harris School of Public, Democratic, Democrat, ”, federal Social Security, Republican, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Boston, Baltimore, U.S, Mesa, Fort Lauderdale , Florida

If you’re worried you could be laid off — or if you’ve lost your job — personal finance professionals and career advisers have recommendations for how to cope. You can do this by leaving space in your resume to include keywords that are specific to the job you are applying for. IF YOU HAVE BEEN LAID OFFPRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTHYour mental health can be heavily affected after a job loss. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEIt can be hard to talk about losing your job, and you should only share if you feel comfortable. “It shows that you have grit, that you’re willing to work hard and take care of your responsibilities,” she said.

Persons: you’re, you’ve, Jesse Mecham, Mecham, It’s, Scott Dobroski, “, ”, Marlo Lyons, Lyons, Dobroski, “ I’ve, ” Lyons, “ Don’t, Charles Schwab Organizations: eBay, Riot Games, Los Angeles Times, YOU, Jobs, LinkedIn, “, Labor Department, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Lafayette , Colorado, U.S

WHAT IS AN OVERDRAFT FEE? HOW CAN I AVOID INCURRING OVERDRAFT FEES? The simplest way to avoid overdraft fees is to find an account that does not charge them. Capital One and Ally Bank also offer consumers accounts that will not charge overdraft fees. Some banks call this “overdraft protection,” rather than “overdraft coverage.”WILL THE BANK EVER WAIVE OR REVERSE AN OVERDRAFT FEE?

Persons: you'll, —, Charles Schwab Organizations: Consumer, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Ally Bank, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

According to research conducted by Bankrate last August, the average overdraft fee was $26.61. The CFPB has signaled for months that it planned to curtail the collection of overdraft fees, with regulators making statements and the bureau putting out research that shows overdraft fees overwhelmingly impact the poor and households of color, who often overdraft multiple times a year. The rules spare small banks and credit unions, some of which rely disproportionately on overdraft fees. Overdraft fees have been a financial bonanza for the banking industry, with the CFPB estimating that banks collected $280 billion in overdraft fees in the last 20 years. While overdraft fees have fallen in recent years, a Bankrate survey found that 91% of bank accounts still can charge overdraft fees.

Persons: Biden, Banks, Overdraft, Joe Biden, Bankrate, ”, Rohit Chopra, rebuff, Charles Schwab Organizations: White, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Truist, Bank of America, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Student and legal advocacy groups are petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lift the interview requirement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants to receive food aid. The groups argue the interview requirement is burdensome and prevents those who qualify for food aid from receiving it. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesEligible households next receive a notice indicating their certification period, or how long they'll receive SNAP benefits. But interviews are not mandated by the federal statute governing the SNAP program, the organizations petitioning the government note. A 2021 review of enrollment data in California found that 31% of SNAP applicants in Los Angeles County were denied SNAP due to missing their interview, compared to just 6% who were denied for failing to meet eligibility requirements.

Persons: Aviana Kimani, Kimani, it’s, ” Kimani, “, you’re, Allan Rodriguez, Ty Jones Cox, ”, Aaron Ament, Charles Schwab Organizations: U.S . Department of Agriculture, Nutrition Assistance, SNAP, Student Legal Defense Network, Center for Law, Social, California, Aid, Department of Agriculture, West Los Angeles College, Agriculture Department, Center for Budget, Student, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: California, Los Angeles County

Overall, Adobe estimates one in five Americans plan to use buy now, pay later plans to purchase holiday gifts. Retailers have found that customers offered a buy now, pay later option are more likely to have bigger cart sizes or to convert from browsing to checking out. In its report, the Fed cites research that finds that customers spend 20% more when buy now, pay later is available. LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides many buy now, pay later lenders with alternative credit scores for assessing consumers seeking loans, including those who may not have a traditional credit score. In the past two years, Williams has used buy now, pay later plans at stores including Target, BoxLunch, EyeBuyDirect, and Skims.

Persons: Vivek Pandya, Demishia Alford, Alford, “, ”, she’ll, I’ll, I’m, ” Kevin King, Kevin, ” Alford, Jessica Sarceda, ” Sarceda, Sarceda, Allison Williams, Williams, —, ” Jinal Shah, Charles Schwab Organizations: —, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Adobe, Adobe Digital, ”, Retailers, Fed, Consumers, Walmart, LexisNexis, Solutions, Nike, Target, Zip, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Greensboro , North Carolina, Santa Monica , California, Amelia , Ohio

From having a lot of empathy to knowing how to report a scam, experts shared their recommendations for talking about scams:Political Cartoons View All 1239 ImagesKNOW WHICH SCAMS COMMONLY TARGET OLDER PEOPLEKnowing which scams are most commonly used to target older people can help. According to the FTC, common lies by scammers include “I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail” and “I can teach you how to invest.”Other common scams are investment scams, tech support scams, and impersonation scams. HAVE CONSTANT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SCAMSOne of the best ways to raise awareness about scams is to talk to each other about them. To keep your older family members safe, Waterman recommends that families talk about scams more often in their day-to-day lives. If you’re looking for guides to avoid scams for older adults, you can find a variety of them on the National Council on Aging’s website.

Persons: Daniel Goldstein’s, hadn’t, it’s, scammers, ”, Genevieve Waterman, Kathy Stokes, ” Waterman, Waterman, Goldstein, they've, it's, Stokes, “, ” Stokes, ’ ”, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, National Council, Aging, AARP, FTC, Watch Network, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: scammers, ”

NEW YORK (AP) — “Junk fees” are just what they sound like: hidden or misleading charges that increase the total cost of concert tickets, hotel rooms, utility bills and other goods and services. Here's what to know:WHAT QUALIFIES AS A JUNK FEE? That should reduce junk fees for financial advice for people saving for retirement. HOW CAN I AVOID PAYING JUNK FEES? HOW MUCH DO THESE FEES COST CONSUMERS?

Persons: Biden, Ariel Nelson, Nelson, ”, “, Lina Kahn, Lael Brainard, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, Department of Labor, National Consumer Law Center, Republican, Consumer Financial, Department, Labor, Securities and Exchange Commission, Interest, White, National Economic Council, FTC, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Tens of millions of older Americans will see a modest increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments. Here's what to keep in mind:Political Cartoons View All 1209 ImagesHOW DOES SOCIAL SECURITY WORK? The Social Security program pays roughly $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 71 million people each year, including low-income individuals with disabilities. The short answer is that taxes fund Social Security. While the money is used to pay people currently receiving benefits, any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund.

Persons: Kathleen Romig, ”, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, Charles Schwab Organizations: Social, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer, Social Security, Budget, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, “, Boomers, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal student loan borrowers will need to start making payments again this month after a three-year-plus pause due to the pandemic. It's likely that most borrowers have received their bill already but if you have not, visit your loan servicer account. Czulada also recommended that you look at which type of student loan you have, so you know which income-driven repayment plans you might qualify for. Borrowers can find out what their monthly student loan payment will be on their account with their loan servicer. Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, recommends that you research if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan.

Persons: haven't, servicers, Amy Czulada, Czulada, Joe Biden, Betsy Mayotte, Biden, you’ve, they’re, you’re, you’ll, ”, Charles Schwab Organizations: — Federal, Student, Protection, The, Student Loan Advisors, Public, Federal, Aid, Department, Education, Department of Education, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — Millions of Americans must start repaying their federal student loans again in October, with monthly payments averaging hundreds of dollars a month. She'll put the $235 she was spending on her car payment toward her student loan, but that still leaves another $270 or so she'll have to reallocate or earn. “If they were forgiven out of the blue, I'd be ecstatic.”The Supreme Court in July rejected a plan by President Joe Biden's administration to wipe away $400 billion in student loan debt. According to credit bureau TransUnion, more than half of student loan holders added credit card debt during the pandemic. The program erases remaining debts for federal student loan holders who work in public service while making 10 years of payments.

Persons: Megan McClelland, She'll, “, ” Justin Cole, Cole, ”, I'd, Joe Biden's, McClelland, She's, It's, —, — McClelland, ” McClelland, Charles Schwab Organizations: Petaluma High School, Valuable, Target, Public, White, Sonoma, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Petaluma, California, Rock , Arkansas, Boston, Sonoma State

NEW YORK (AP) — Karin Engstrom thought she’d be paying off her federal student loans for the rest of her life. It also credits borrowers for periods before the pandemic when they were allowed to pause or reduce payments due to financial hardships. “Info: Your student loans have been forgiven,” the letter read. Borrowers who have made 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments (depending on the repayment plan) qualify, if they hold direct loans or Federal Family Education Loans with the Education Department, including borrowers with Parent PLUS loans. The official Federal Student Aid guide to the Income Driven Repayment adjustment is a good resource for updates.

Persons: — Karin Engstrom, she’d, Biden, It's, servicers, Engstrom didn't, Harris, ” Engstrom, ” Patricia Vener, Saavedra, “, ”, who's, “ He's, Vener, Charles Schwab Organizations: Department of Education, Federal, Aid, Harris Administration, Edfinancial Services, WHO, Family, Education Department, Parent, WHAT, IF, of Education, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Hamden , Connecticut

NEW YORK (AP) — When the unexpected happens — whether fire, hail, or human error — renters insurance can provide much-needed stability. The average cost of a renters insurance policy in 2023 was $148 per year, or about $12 per month, according to the most recent analysis by NerdWallet. Here's what to keep in mind:WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT ACQUIRING RENTERS INSURANCE? WHAT’S COVERED BY RENTERS INSURANCE? Most renters insurance policies include:— Personal property protection.

Persons: Linda Klamm, “, Klamm, ” Klamm, you’re, policyholders, ”, Charles Schwab Organizations: Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, Insurance, Institute, Financial Health Network, Financial Health, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: Oakland , California, California, Florida , Louisiana , Texas, Washington

NEW YORK (AP) — Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially if you're a first-time owner and don't know what to expect. Once you get them home, pets need a bed, food, leashes and harnesses and grooming supplies, among other things. Gelber ended up paying a small fraction of those amounts because she had pet insurance, which she got knowing that French bulldogs are prone to getting sick. But Simon, who has had dogs for 25 years, has never gotten pet insurance and has not needed it during that time. Regardless of how much they have spent on their dogs, Chavez, Gelbert and Simon agree they don't regret having them in their lives.

Persons: it's, ”, Wendy Hauser, Melissa Chavez, Milo, “ I’ve, ” Chavez, Kerry O'Hara, Lauren Gelber, Gelber, Sharon Simon, Simon, Hauser, “, Maine coons, " Hauser, Chavez, I’m, “ Don’t, Gelbert, Charles Schwab Organizations: American Pet Products Association, American Society for, French bulldogs, bulldogs, Facebook, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: APPA, Marin , California, Europe, Salinas , California, Maine

NEW YORK (AP) — Information theft is on the rise. Colleen Tressler, a senior project manager for the FTC, has tracked consumer issues including identity theft for more than three decades. “They’re imposters, so they’re going after your personal information and your financial information however they can," she said. The Federal Student Aid site provides more guidance about avoiding identity theft online. Medical ID theft and tax ID theft are also common, especially during tax season or Medicare re-enrollment periods.

Persons: Colleen Tressler, They’re, “, Tressler, Scammers, servicer, ” Tressler, —, you've, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal, Department of Education, Medicare, Social Security, “ Insurance, Bills, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP Locations: U.S, IdentityTheft.gov

☆ Debt bomb, biotech bump and a bond rally: 2023 money predictions
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

What does 2023 hold for investors? Prediction: Debt bombSarah NewcombSarah Newcomb, director of financial psychology at Morningstar“I’m concerned about the lack of saving in America as a whole. We had a moment of higher savings rates when the pandemic first hit, and people realized they needed to be prepared for anything. The optimism of these entrepreneurs for continued growth in the new year points to resilience amid some tough financial decisions they’ll likely make in 2023. “For instance, we expect to see a rise in debt consolidation as business owners look to combat the rate environment.

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