For many college students, the transition from cramped dormitories to independent off-campus living is a major milestone. It represents adulthood, personal freedom, and a break from communal campus rules. However, the excitement of browsing local rental listings and touring off-campus apartments is quickly tempered by a major financial question: Can I actually use student loans…
By Bruce McClary, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Updated: July 3, 2026 Main Facts In an era defined by economic volatility, rising costs of living, and complex financial products, managing personal finances has paradoxically become more overwhelming yet essential than ever. Addressing this widespread challenge, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has re-released…
August 27, 2026 For millions of American homeowners, the memories of the 2007 subprime mortgage crisis have long since faded. Many who weathered the storm through loan modifications or short sales believed their financial pasts were settled. However, a new, predatory phenomenon is emerging from the wreckage of the Great Recession, threatening to displace families…
Introduction and Main Facts Financing higher education has traditionally been viewed as a student-centric responsibility, primarily managed through federal student loans. However, millions of families rely on parental assistance to bridge the widening gap between the rising cost of attendance and available financial aid. Through the federal Parent PLUS Loan program administered by the U.S….
Author: Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Updated: July 10, 2026 Introduction and Main Facts For millions of Americans holding federal student loans, the landscape of higher education financing has felt like a moving target over the past several years. A barrage of shifting federal policies, court injunctions, and conflicting public announcements has…
When approaching the threshold of eligibility for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the traditional milestones of later life usually involve settling down, enjoying the fruits of a decades-long career, and transitioning into a secure, debt-free retirement. However, for a rapidly growing demographic of older Americans, these golden years are clouded by a formidable…
By Barry Coleman, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Published: July 17, 2026 (Originally published March 2022) Main Facts Millions of student loan borrowers across the United States continue to face significant hurdles when attempting to navigate complex repayment structures, changing federal guidelines, and mounting financial pressure. According to recent economic indicators from the Federal…
September 2, 2026 In an era defined by persistent economic volatility, the financial safety net for millions of Americans has begun to fray. A growing trend in the fintech sector—the expansion of "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services into the realm of essential living expenses—has moved from a niche convenience to a critical indicator of…
Navigating the federal student loan system can often feel like trying to solve a complex, high-stakes puzzle without a picture on the box. With billions of dollars in outstanding debt held by American households, understanding the mechanics of repayment plans, tax filing statuses, and shifting federal regulations is more critical than ever. To demystify these…
Dealing with debt collectors is an experience that often ranks among the most stressful financial encounters an individual can face. When a debt remains unpaid for an extended period—typically three months or more—the original creditor often offloads the account to a third-party collection agency. Suddenly, the silence of your inbox is replaced by persistent phone…
