Editor’s Note: This article, originally published in May 2019 and updated in May 2026, addresses a recurring challenge faced by many families: managing the financial obligations of aging parents who possess limited assets and fixed incomes. Managing the financial affairs of an elderly parent is a duty that often comes with immense emotional and logistical…
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…
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…
July 17, 2026 — The landscape of American higher education finance has undergone a seismic shift. Following the federal government’s definitive decision to sunset the Graduate PLUS loan program for new borrowers, a vacuum has emerged in the student aid ecosystem. As graduate students scramble to secure funding for advanced degrees, a patchwork of state-level…
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…
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…
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…
By Bruce McClary, NFCC Updated: June 22, 2026 (Originally published: October 2016) For many prospective homebuyers, the journey toward purchasing a property is a long-term marathon, not a sprint. It involves months, sometimes years, of disciplined saving for down payments, calculating closing costs, and obsessively monitoring credit reports. Yet, amidst the excitement of house hunting,…
By Hermond Palmer, NFCC June 24, 2026 Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2020. Given the evolving economic landscape and the ongoing importance of housing stability, the following guidance has been updated to reflect current best practices for homeowners facing potential mortgage default. For many, a home is more than just a…
