Unexpected job loss can be traumatic. If you were laid off or furloughed because of the coronavirus outbreak, money might be tight. You may need to make some difficult decisions as you navigate paying bills and putting food on the table during financial uncertainty. After you assess your current financial situation, prioritizing and eliminating non-essential…
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How to Increase Your College Admissions Chances
What matters most when you’re trying to get into college? In a word: grades. If you do nothing else in high school, keep your grades up. At a basic level, it really is that simple. More specifically, the factors that matter most to colleges are these: high school GPA grades in college preparatory courses strength…
The COVID-19 Stimulus Package: What’s in it for you?
The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is full of provisions that help individuals, small businesses, and families. No matter your circumstances, there’s likely some part of this act that will benefit your finances and help you stay afloat while we ride out this pandemic. Here’s what you need to…
What is EFC? 6 Things to Know About Your Expected Family Contribution
A college education can be a significant financial investment. So most parents and aspiring students look to financial aid to make otherwise costly institutions affordable options for their families. The majority of students — 85% of them — do receive some form of aid. But the amount they obtain depends considerably on one very important…
This One Mistake Could Cost You Your Stimulus Check
Economic Impact Payment checks have started going out. If you qualify for a stimulus check and want to be sure you don’t lose it due to one simple mistake, read on. For most Americans who qualify, their stimulus checks will be a direct deposit into their bank accounts, which started on April 11, and will…
Haven’t received your stimulus check yet? Here’s why.
The IRS began direct depositing stimulus checks on Saturday, April 11, as part of the first wave of payments to go out under the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The IRS processed 80 million more direct deposits this week. Additional payments will continue to go out in waves in the coming…
How to Tap Your 401(k) or IRA Penalty-Free Under the CARES ACT
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” or “CARES Act” changed the rules regarding retirement plan withdrawals and tax penalties for 2020. Here’s how the new law, also called the coronavirus stimulus package or H.R.748, could let you tap your retirement savings if needed. Retirement plan distributions: Up to $100,000 penalty-free Normally, distributions from…
