WASHINGTON — In one of the most aggressive inter-agency enforcement actions in recent history, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has joined forces with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Treasury to root out historic levels of pandemic-era fraud. The joint initiative has flagged approximately $100 billion…
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 grapple with complex repayment options, mounting financial stress, and the daily anxiety of debt management. Recent data highlights the severity of this ongoing economic challenge:…
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…
Author: Sarah Brady, NFCC Published: September 14, 2026 Main Facts As the broader American populace continues to grapple with persistent economic headwinds, military families and veterans find themselves disproportionately impacted by the rising cost of living. Data from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling’s (NFCC) 2025 Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey reveals a sobering reality:…
Author: Barry Coleman, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Published: July 17, 2026 (Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in March 2022 and has been fully updated for the current economic and regulatory landscape of 2026.) Main Facts The student loan crisis in the United States continues to exert intense financial pressure on millions…
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…
Main Facts Mortgage interest rates experienced a modest downward correction heading into the weekend, offering a brief moment of breathing room for prospective home buyers and real estate investors. According to market data provided to financial analysts by Zillow, the average interest rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage slipped to 7.23% APR. While this…
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…
WASHINGTON — In a significant policy shift aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of Americans, the U.S. Department of Education has announced a temporary quadrupling of the federal student loan autopay interest rate discount. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible borrowers who enroll in automatic monthly debit will receive a full 1% reduction on…
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…
