Author: Sarah Brady, NFCC Updated: August 4, 2026 Main Facts As the U.S. housing market continues to navigate complex economic pressures, home foreclosures are once again on the rise. Current estimates indicate that approximately 227,500 American households are facing the daunting prospect of foreclosure in 2026. For families caught in this financial storm, the situation…
Author: Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Updated: August 12, 2026 For millions of Americans, the return of student loan obligations or sudden payment increases has triggered a wave of financial anxiety. As household budgets stretch to accommodate the rising costs of housing, groceries, and everyday essentials, absorbing a reinstated student loan bill…
Author: Consumers’ Checkbook Updated: August 20, 2026 Main Facts As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, it has unlocked a sinister new frontier for cybercriminals. No longer confined to poorly translated phishing emails and clunky text messages, con artists now deploy sophisticated AI algorithms to engineer hyper-realistic websites, deepfake audio, convincing video calls, and immaculate digital correspondence….
By Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Published: September 14, 2026 Main Facts: The Current Economic Realities Facing Service Members In an era defined by economic fluctuations and a persistently high cost of living, American families face unprecedented budgetary pressures. However, while inflation impacts civilian households nationwide, active-duty service members, veterans, and their…
As the landscape of higher education financing undergoes its most radical transformation in decades, a new and alarming threat is capturing the attention of consumer advocates. While students and families have long navigated the binary choice between federal loans and private commercial lenders, a third, insidious category has quietly expanded: state-based student loans. A comprehensive…
By Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Updated: June 25, 2026 Landing a new job is undeniably thrilling. Whether it is an unexpected promotion within your current company, a coveted role across the country, or an international career pivot, a professional move symbolizes growth, ambition, and new horizons. However, beneath the glamour of…
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…
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…
