Jonathan Rase

Weekend Reading: Surprise... FAFSA is opened a little earlier this year! If you have a child in college, its time to set aside an evening to go through their FAFSA application.

FAFSA opens early: Why families should apply for college aid now College-bound students and their families can now complete the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Weekend Reading: The Fed raised rates, now what?

Fed raises rates: What it means for your credit cards, mortgages, savings accounts and auto loans The Fed's quarter-point rate hike will impact a range of consumer borrowing and savings costs, including mortgages, credit cards, car loans and deposit rates.

Weekend Reading: U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


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Credit card debt rises to $1.26 trillion, nearing all-time record Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

Weekend Reading: 🏈 Football season is almost here, and all 32 NFL teams are bringing something new to the field.

From offseason moves and fresh faces to shifting expectations across every division, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into 2026.

By the time of this post, the season will have opened with the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl 60 rematch, and that’s just the beginning. (My bet is on the Seahawks to win)

Whether you’re following your hometown team, setting a fantasy lineup, or just counting down to Sundays on the couch, now’s a great time to catch up on what changed during the offseason.

🏆 Which team are you watching most closely this season?


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2026 NFL Kickoff guide: Everything you need to know for the upcoming season NBC Sports has 32 team previews full of stats, storylines and projections that could shape your favorite team’s season.

Today, we remember and pay tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11. Their stories remind us that even in the darkest hours, the spirit of courage and selflessness shines through. Let's stand strong and work towards a future filled with peace and harmony.

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


Source:

Credit card debt rises to $1.26 trillion, nearing all-time record Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

Weekend Reading: I've seen in my own area more individuals and families taking the leap in moving amid one of many challenges purchasing a home in this market. Here's how the buzz around bond yields from last week and in the future impact borrowing costs.

Bond yields are climbing. Here’s what that means for mortgages and other consumer borrowing Long-term government bond yields have risen sharply in recent days. Higher bond yields push consumer borrowing costs up, sometimes immediately.

Weekend Reading: If it feels like the Federal Reserve has been getting more attention over the past decade… you’re right.

Since the Great Financial Crisis, the Fed has gone from a behind‑the‑scenes institution to one of the most watched players in the economy.

Why the rise in attention?

After 2008, the Fed kept interest rates near zero for years and used new tools like large‑scale asset purchases (QE).

COVID brought another round of emergency support, pushing rates back to zero and expanding the balance sheet dramatically.

Then came the fastest rate‑hiking cycle in modern history from 2021–2023, taking rates from near zero to over 5% to fight the strongest inflation in 40 years.
When the Fed moves this dramatically, people pay attention — because it affects everything from mortgages to markets.

What does the Fed actually do?

Sets interest rates to balance inflation and employment

Manages the money supply through open market operations

Supervises banks to keep the financial system stable

Acts in crises as a lender of last resort

Fun fact: The Fed Funds Rate stayed near zero for seven years after the GFC, then again during COVID — but the 2021–2023 tightening cycle was one of the sharpest in history.

The more the Fed shapes the financial landscape, the more important it is for everyday people to understand how it works.

Weekend Reading: Back‑to‑school season is officially underway, and according to new data from the National Retail Federation, most families are getting a head start. The NRF reports that about 62% of shoppers begin their back‑to‑school buying by early July, continuing the trend of families spreading out purchases and hunting for value earlier in the summer.
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Many shoppers say they’re watching prices closely, waiting for deals, and grabbing essentials before items sell out. The NRF notes that 46% of shoppers who haven’t finished their list are waiting for better deals, and 54% took advantage of major June sales events like Prime Day, Walmart Deals, and Target Circle Days to knock out part of their school shopping.
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Whether you’re shopping for K–12 kids or helping a college student gear up for the fall, here are some practical tips to make the most of the season:

• Start early, but don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Many families grab the must‑haves first and wait for later sales on clothing, accessories, and non‑essentials.

• Keep an eye on summer promotions. Retailers often roll out tech deals, dorm bundles, and back‑to‑school discounts throughout July and August. Tax‑free weekends (depending on your state) can also help stretch your budget.

• Compare prices across stores. Electronics, shoes, and backpacks can vary widely depending on the retailer, so a quick price check can save real money.

• Separate “need now” from “nice to have.” For K–12 students, focus on classroom basics first. For college students, prioritize dorm essentials like bedding, storage, and tech before worrying about décor.

• Use student discounts when possible. College students can often save on laptops, software, and subscriptions through programs offered by Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Spotify, Amazon, and more.

• Don’t overlook secondhand options. Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and campus buy/sell groups are great for finding dorm furniture, calculators, textbooks, and even clothing.

• Create a shared list if you’re coordinating for multiple kids or roommates. It helps avoid duplicates and keeps spending organized.

Back‑to‑school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little planning and some smart deal‑hunting, you can make the season smoother — and maybe even save a few dollars along the way.

Majority of Back-to-School Shoppers Get a Head Start on the Season | NRF Consumers are getting an early start on back-to-school shopping, with 62% of shoppers having already started shopping for the school year by early July.

Weekend Reading: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) just changed again—and if you work in healthcare or love someone who does, these updates deserve real attention.

Student loan policy doesn’t always make headlines, but it absolutely shapes long‑term financial planning for nurses, physicians, therapists, and anyone serving in nonprofit or public‑sector healthcare. With my wife working in healthcare, I pay close attention to these shifts because they can quietly alter a family’s 10‑year forgiveness trajectory.

Here’s what actually changed and why it matters:

1. A new “default” repayment plan that doesn’t qualify for PSLF
Beginning July 1, new borrowers are automatically placed into the Tiered Standard Plan—and this plan earns zero PSLF credit.

That means:

If a new healthcare worker doesn’t proactively choose the new income‑driven Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), they could unknowingly lose months or years of forgiveness progress.

This is especially important for new grads entering hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit systems this summer and fall.

Takeaway: If PSLF is part of the plan, choosing the right repayment plan is now a critical first step—not something to revisit later.

2. Parent PLUS access is narrowing
Parent PLUS loans taken after July 1 can no longer enter income‑driven repayment. Without IDR, there’s no path to PSLF.

This affects:

Parents helping their children through nursing school, medical school, or allied health programs

Families who assumed PSLF would be available after consolidating

Takeaway: Parent PLUS borrowers need to double‑check their loan type and consolidation status. The window for PSLF eligibility is now much narrower.

3. Employer eligibility remains stable—for now
A proposed rule that could have disqualified certain nonprofits was struck down in court. That means:

Hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit health systems remain eligible

Borrowers should continue submitting annual employer certification forms to keep their PSLF timeline clean

Takeaway: Employer eligibility isn’t changing today, but the fact that it was challenged at all is a reminder that PSLF rules can shift quickly.

Why this matters for healthcare families
Healthcare workers often carry high student loan balances, and PSLF is one of the few programs that can meaningfully reduce that burden. When rules change—especially repayment plan eligibility—small administrative decisions can have big financial consequences.

For families like mine, staying informed isn’t optional. It’s part of protecting long‑term financial stability.

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Public Service Loan Forgiveness has new rules — 3 changes borrowers should know about Recent changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness should prompt borrowers to confirm that their repayment plan and loan type remain eligible for the relief.