In the landscape of modern finance, the sheer volume of insurance products can be overwhelming. From the practical to the truly eccentric—such as policies for celebrity taste buds or alien abduction—the market offers a safeguard for almost any conceivable risk. However, navigating this industry requires a discerning eye. Not every policy is a necessity, and…
Across state capitals from Annapolis to Olympia, a new fiscal frontier is emerging. Policymakers, driven by a mixture of budgetary necessity and a desire to curb the perceived outsized influence of "Big Tech," are increasingly targeting data processing and digital services for new tax revenue. While these proposals are often framed as targeted levies on…
By: Abby Shafroth Date: July 1, 2026 As of today, July 1, 2026, the landscape of federal student loan repayment has undergone its most significant transformation in over a decade. Millions of borrowers across the United States are waking up to a new regulatory environment—one defined by the sunsetting of previous income-driven repayment frameworks and…
By PYMNTS July 20, 2026 In a decisive move to bolster its technological sovereignty and streamline its financial product offerings, FinWise Bancorp—the parent entity of FinWise Bank—announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, that it has successfully acquired the technology platform and related assets of Tallied Technologies. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for the institution,…
For years, Navient—one of the most prominent names in the student loan servicing industry—provided a pathway for borrowers to lower their interest rates through its dedicated refinancing arm, NaviRefi. However, in a landscape defined by rapid consolidation and shifting corporate strategies, that brand has officially been retired. For many borrowers, attempting to access NaviRefi today…
As a seasoned financial adviser, I have witnessed a recurring psychological phenomenon: the dual-sided nature of retirement. Clients approach this milestone with a palpable blend of euphoria—the dream of newfound freedom, travel, and leisure—and a profound, underlying angst. This anxiety is not merely about having enough to “get by”; it is a deeper, more systemic…
LENEXA, KANSAS — In a move that underscores the tightening regulatory grip on undercapitalized financial institutions, Kansas state regulators officially closed Lenexa-based Small Business Bank on Friday. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was appointed as receiver, marking the fourth bank failure in the United States in 2026 and signaling continued volatility within the small-cap…
Navigating the complexities of federal tax obligations is a hallmark of responsible business ownership. For S corporations, the centerpiece of this annual requirement is Form 1120-S, the U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation. While the filing process can initially appear daunting due to the intricate nature of pass-through taxation, modern e-filing technology has…
For the past two years, the narrative surrounding the short-term rental (STR) market has been one of gloom. Real estate pundits and casual investors alike declared the "Airbnb Gold Rush" dead, citing widespread market saturation, shrinking profit margins, and a regulatory landscape that felt increasingly hostile. However, a significant plot twist has emerged in the…
In the shadowy, high-stakes world of airline loyalty programs, travelers are accustomed to warnings about phishing scams, account takeovers, and the illicit secondary market for reward points. However, a bizarre and unprecedented case of "mileage hijacking" has surfaced, leaving both industry experts and security analysts baffled. A traveler recently discovered that their Cathay Pacific business…
