Author: Arabian Media staff
Key Takeaways Federal student loans are undergoing significant changes in 2025, with updates to repayment plans and income-based options.Borrowers may be forced to switch repayment plans, which could result in higher monthly payments. Income-driven repayment (IDR) plans are still in flux, and borrowers should know that switching plans may impact their payment amount and long-term forgiveness eligibility.Helping clients navigate their choices can provide value, reduce stress, and ultimately save money in the long run. Managing student loan debt in 2025 could be especially tough for federal borrowers. Interest rates are near-record highs and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans are in flux. A…
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Key Takeaways Unpaid medical bills can hurt your credit score, turning a health issue into a long-term financial problem. Although the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) tried to stop medical debt from appearing on credit reports, a judge overturned the rule last month. If you’re facing large or surprise medical bills, you may be able to negotiate a lower amount or set up a payment plan with your health care provider. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible savings accounts (FSAs) let you set aside pre-tax money to help cover medical costs. Unpaid medical bills can damage your credit, making it…
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The benefits of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) include, among others: Diversification of product and service offerings An increase in plant capacity Larger market share Utilization of operational expertise and research and development (R&D) Reduction of financial risk If a merger goes well, the value of the new company should appreciate as investors anticipate synergies to be actualized, creating cost savings, and/or increased revenues for the new entity. However, time and again, executives face major stumbling blocks after the deal is consummated. Cultural clashes and turf wars can prevent post-integration plans from being properly executed. Different systems and processes, dilution of a…
Key Takeaways High starting yields and expected rate cuts in 2025 make bonds a compelling income and growth opportunity, especially over savings accounts. Bonds can offer more stability and diversification than equities, particularly in volatile markets. Bonds might be quietly offering their best opportunity in years—and many investors are missing it. With yields hitting levels not seen in years and interest rate cuts on the horizon, 2025 could be the year bonds deliver both the income you need and the growth you want. This year is not just about chasing returns, it’s about making thoughtful choices that give your money…
Key Takeaways In contrast to most financial advisors, Munger called wide diversification “protection against ignorance,” useful only when you don’t have conviction. Holding too many positions, he argued, can raise costs, blunt big winners, and still leave you exposed to market shocks.Munger advocated a balanced approach—owning a few great companies plus low-cost index funds—that can capture upside without unnecessary clutter.But he said “know-nothing” investors—which is most people—should rely on broad market index funds. Diversification is almost a sacred word when it comes to investing, but the late Charlie Munger—Warren Buffett’s longtime partner at Berkshire Hathaway—argued that some investors should avoid it…
Many Americans record their charitable contributions, mortgage interest, property taxes, and other expenses each year, hoping to clear the dollar threshold that will enable them to claim itemized deductions that are greater than the standard deductions. But don’t worry if you don’t cross that threshold. You can declare other deductions even if you don’t itemize. These deductions are called above-the-line deductions. Below, you’ll find some of the most common deductions that fall into this category along with some specialized ones. Key Takeaways Don’t itemize if the sum of your deductions doesn’t exceed the standard deduction.You can take above-the-line deductions even…
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs under the Department of Homeland Security and can help make your travel days more enjoyable. They’re similar programs, but have some key differences that can help you decide which one is right for you and your adventures. TSA PreCheck offers expedited security screening benefits for domestic flights departing from U.S. airports, allowing travelers to keep their belts on and laptops packed at over 200 U.S. airports and with more than 90 participating airlines. The lines for TSA PreCheck are often shorter than standard security lines, which can make the difference between…
Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.US food industry groups are pushing for exemptions from Donald Trump’s tariffs, arguing that products from fish to cucumbers cannot be affordably grown at home. The advocacy comes as the US president hit dozens of trading partners with sweeping duties this month, driving the US’s effective tariff rate to its highest level in decades in a move that threatens to reorder global trade.Industry groups warn that the food sector is uniquely vulnerable to tariffs because some affected countries grow ingredients that will never…