When interest rates are low, it can feel like a mixed bag. On one hand, your savings may not be growing as fast as you'd like. On the other, it creates unique opportunities to save money and accelerate your financial goals. A low interest rate environment, often a signal of a central bank's effort to stimulate the economy, can be a powerful tool in your financial toolbox—if you know how to use it.

Preparing to apply for Social Security disability benefits involves understanding the two main programs (SSDI and SSI) and the SSA’s strict definition of disability.

The SSA’s Adult Disability Starter Kit provides a checklist, worksheet, and fact sheet to help applicants organize personal, medical, and employment information, increasing the chances of a successful application.

Living with a chronic health condition often means navigating a complex health care system, managing ongoing treatments, and making difficult medical decisions. For many, the uncertainty of how their health may progress raises important questions: What will happen if I can’t make my own health care choices? Who will speak for me if I become unable to express my wishes?

The Social Security Administration has added 13 new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, bringing the total to 300, to expedite disability benefit applications for individuals with severe medical conditions.

This often comes as a shock during a stressful time, like a college visit to the emergency room or a sudden illness away from home. Without the proper legal documents in place, even in an emergency, doctors may be legally prohibited from sharing information with you or following your wishes, no matter how dire the situation.

For many high school seniors, the college application process can feel like a daunting maze of essays, deadlines, and fees. But for North Carolina public high school students, a new and groundbreaking program is making the path to higher education clearer than ever before. It's called NC College Connect, and it's a game-changer for automatic university enrollment.

Preparing for a child's college education is a significant financial goal for many families. Fortunately, you don't have to tackle this challenge alone. There are a variety of savings vehicles designed to help you reach your goals, each with its own set of benefits. Let's explore some of the most popular options available.

As parents, we’ve spent years guiding our children through school, life skills, and big decisions. Now, as they head to college, it's time to tackle another crucial life lesson: financial responsibility. And it starts with their credit score. This isn't just about a number; it's the foundation for their financial independence, affecting everything from loan rates to renting their first apartment. Here’s how you can help them build a strong start.