The United States remains the premier destination for international scholars seeking world-class education. According to the Open Doors Report, the U.S. hosts over one million international students annually. However, behind the prestige of an American degree lies a complex financial reality. For non-U.S. citizens, the path to funding higher education is fraught with systemic hurdles,…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated to reflect the evolving financial landscape of 2026. For millions of Americans, the weight of monthly debt obligations can feel like an anchor dragging down their financial future. When credit card statements, personal loan bills, and medical debts begin to pile…
For many, a college degree is viewed as the primary gateway to professional advancement and higher earning potential. However, the reality of modern education is often more complex. Life events—ranging from financial hardship and family emergencies to changing career interests—frequently interrupt the path to graduation. According to data from the Education Data Initiative, approximately 39%…
By Editorial Staff Originally published May 2019 | Updated May 28, 2026 Securing the keys to a new home is a milestone achievement, representing both a significant financial investment and a personal sanctuary. Yet, for many new homeowners, the "post-closing high" is quickly tempered by the daunting reality of an empty house. In 2026, the…
In a landmark legal development that has sent shockwaves through the higher education landscape, two separate federal courts have intervened to halt the implementation of new, contentious regulations governing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The rules, which were scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, would have granted the Secretary of Education…
By Bill Edwards | June 5, 2026 (Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2019. Its advice remains highly relevant in today’s volatile housing market.) As the summer sun begins to warm the landscape, homeowners across the country are casting a critical eye on their yards. It is a common seasonal phenomenon: staring…
The landscape of federal student loan repayment has shifted dramatically following the judicial intervention that effectively dismantled the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. For millions of borrowers, particularly those working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), the loss of this cornerstone program creates immediate financial uncertainty. However, while the headlines are alarming, a…
By Bruce McClary, NFCC Originally published July 2019 | Updated June 6, 2026 Your credit report is more than just a document; it is the financial fingerprint that determines your access to housing, employment opportunities, and affordable credit. When that document contains inaccuracies, it can feel like a silent barrier to your personal and financial…
For millions of Americans, the federal student loan landscape has been defined by a state of suspended animation. Following years of intense litigation and regulatory upheaval, the "Saving on a Valuable Education" (SAVE) plan—the Biden administration’s flagship income-driven repayment (IDR) initiative—is officially being dismantled. As the Department of Education begins the complex process of transitioning…
By Barry Coleman, NFCC Published: June 14, 2026 (Updated from August 2017) Few financial events are as anxiety-inducing as receiving a notice that a debt has been moved to collections. The sudden influx of aggressive phone calls, the looming threat of legal action, and the realization that your credit score—the gatekeeper to your financial future—is…
