By Callie McGill Published: September 16, 2026 Main Facts Raising a child is one of the most rewarding endeavors a person can undertake, yet the associated financial burdens frequently push families into profound economic distress. According to a comprehensive 2026 survey, infant day care alone now costs an average of $17,264 per year. This astronomical…
For millions of Americans navigating the labyrinth of higher education debt, federal student loan repayment is rarely a straightforward journey. Unlike traditional commercial banking, where consumers hold the power to vote with their wallets and switch providers for better customer service or lower fees, federal student loan borrowers have zero autonomy in selecting who manages…
For borrowers blessed with robust credit profiles, refinancing student loans is often a straightforward financial win. By swapping high-interest debt for a new loan featuring a lower rate or more favorable terms, graduates can shave thousands of dollars off their total repayment costs. This strategy is particularly effective for those holding private student loans or…
By PYMNTS Published: October 2, 2026 Main Facts American Airlines has officially announced a major upgrade to its flagship AAdvantage loyalty program, introducing a long-awaited “cash and miles” payment option for eligible members. Set to roll out across its official website (aa.com) and mobile application over the coming weeks, the new feature gives travelers unprecedented…
Author: Sarah Brady, NFCC Updated: July 31, 2026 (Editor’s Note: This comprehensive guide was originally published in December 2020 and has been fully updated to reflect current economic realities, interest rate environments, and regulatory standards as of mid-2026.) Main Facts For millions of consumers grappling with overwhelming financial obligations, finding a reliable way out of…
Main Facts In a landmark development bridging traditional finance and distributed ledger technology, Cboe Global Markets and S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) have announced a massive 25-year extension of their exclusive licensing partnership. The agreement, which secures Cboe’s exclusive rights to offer options on the world-famous S&P 500 Index (SPX) through 2051, contains a…
By Sarah Brady, NFCC Updated: July 31, 2026 (Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been extensively updated to reflect current economic realities, interest rates, and regulatory standards.) Main Facts For millions of consumers, the psychological and financial weight of overwhelming debt can feel insurmountable. When individuals look for a…
Author: Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Published: December 2020 | Updated: July 31, 2026 For millions of consumers facing mounting financial pressure, the landscape of debt relief can feel like an overwhelming labyrinth. A quick internet search reveals dozens of for-profit companies, financial institutions, and legal avenues, all promising a quick escape…
Main Facts: The Landscape of MOHELA and Federal Student Loans The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) stands as a central pillar in the massive $1.7 trillion federal student loan debt portfolio. As one of the principal federal student loan servicers contracted by the U.S. Department of Education, MOHELA handles critical day-to-day operations for millions…
Author: Sarah Brady, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Updated: July 31, 2026 (Originally published December 2020) Main Facts Struggling with overwhelming debt is a stressful reality for millions of households. When monthly minimum payments outpace income, individuals often search for a lifeline, only to find themselves paralyzed by the sheer volume of choices. The…
