Getting ready for college is exciting, but navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming. The key to unlocking grants, scholarships, and federal loans is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. The 2026-27 FAFSA form opens on October 1, 2025 , and this guide will walk you through every step to ensure you’re prepared. Let’s get you ready to maximize your financial aid opportunities! Quick Summary: What You Need to Know Now The 2026–27 FAFSA goes live for everyone on October 1, 2025 . Before you start, make sure both the student and every required contributor (like a parent or spouse) have their own FSA ID . You'll need Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or Alien Registration Numbers (ARNs), and everyone must consent to sharing IRS data . The fastest way to complete the form is to file online at StudentAid.gov and have all contributors e-sign on the same day. Get Ready: Your 15-Minute FAFSA Prep Checklist Before you sit down to fill out the form, gather these it...

It’s the end of the U.S. government's fiscal year, and you check the Visa Bulletin only to see the word you dread: “Unavailable.” What does this mean for your employment-based green card application? Don't panic. This status is common in August and September as annual visa quotas are met. Think of it as a temporary pause, not a full stop. This guide will walk you through exactly what "Unavailable" means, what you should do right now to prepare, and how to be ready for the moment visa numbers reset on October 1, 2025 . TL;DR: Your September Strategy As the U.S. fiscal year ends, popular employment-based (EB) green card categories often run out of visas. When a category’s annual limit is reached, it becomes “Unavailable,” and no new green cards can be approved until the numbers reset on October 1 . Use this time wisely. Prepare your medical exam (Form I-693), get a fresh job verification letter, and map out your strategy so you can file or be approved as soon as t...

Navigating non-compete agreements in the United States has become a complex puzzle. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a near-total ban on non-competes, only for it to be blocked by a federal court. This has left many employers and workers wondering: what are the rules now? The short answer is that state law is now more important than ever . This guide breaks down the current situation, providing a clear state-by-state map, practical playbooks, and answers to your most pressing questions. Key Takeaways (The TL;DR) As of September 4, 2025 , the FTC’s nationwide non-compete ban is blocked by a Texas federal court and is currently on appeal. Because of this, the enforceability of a non-compete agreement is determined by state law . Broad employment bans are in effect in California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma . Many other states only permit non-competes with specific salary thresholds, notice requirements, or narrowly defined scopes. Safer alternatives l...

Are you a small business owner or a salaried employee trying to make sense of the 2025 overtime rules? You're not alone. With federal changes being blocked by courts and state laws constantly evolving, it's easy to get confused. This guide cuts through the noise. We'll give you clear, actionable information on the current federal and state salary thresholds for overtime exemption, so you can ensure you're compliant and making informed decisions. Key Takeaways for 2025 Federal Rule Unchanged: The proposed federal increases for 2024 and 2025 were blocked by a federal court . The current federal minimum salary for overtime exemption remains at $684 per week ($35,568 per year), a level set back in 2019. State Laws Are Key: Many states have set their own, much higher salary thresholds for 2025. This includes states like California ($68,640/year) , New York (up to $1,237.50/week) , and Washington (up to $1,499.40/week) . The Golden Rule: You must always follow the ...

If you sell on platforms like Etsy, eBay, PayPal, or even resell tickets online, you’ve probably heard about Form 1099-K. The rules for who gets this form have been changing, causing a lot of confusion for casual sellers and small business owners. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new 1099-K reporting thresholds, what to do when you get a form, and how to report your income correctly. The Bottom Line: New 1099-K Thresholds at a Glance Confused by the numbers? Here are the key thresholds for online marketplaces and payment apps (also known as Third-Party Settlement Organizations or TPSOs): For Tax Year 2024: You will receive a Form 1099-K if your gross payments exceed $5,000 . For Tax Year 2025: The threshold drops to $2,500 . For Tax Year 2026 and beyond: The threshold is planned to be $600 . Remember, this is a phased-in approach by the IRS to help taxpayers adjust. And one crucial rule never changes: you must report all your income, whether you...

You’re standing in the TSA line, ready for your trip. You hand over your new REAL ID, but when the officer scans it… nothing happens. It’s a stressful situation that’s becoming more common, especially for travelers with new licenses from Maine and New Hampshire. Don’t panic. This guide breaks down why this is happening and gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to get through security and on your way. Quick Summary: What You Need to Know The Problem: Some REAL IDs from Maine have poorly printed barcodes that fail to scan. New Hampshire's new license design is not yet recognized by all TSA scanners nationwide. The Deadline: Starting May 7, 2025 , all travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID to fly within the U.S. Your Best Bet: Always carry a backup form of identification, like a U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or a Global Entry card. Immediate Fix: If your ID won’t scan, ask the TSA officer for a manual review or to perform an identity veri...

Tired of fighting for a refund when your flight gets canceled or massively delayed? Good news. A new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rule makes getting your money back easier and—in many cases—automatic. No more jumping through hoops or accepting unwanted vouchers. This guide breaks down exactly when you're owed a refund, what to do, and how to get your cash back fast. TL;DR: The 60-Second Summary If your flight is canceled or significantly changed (a departure/arrival shift of 3+ hours for domestic or 6+ hours for international ), you are entitled to an automatic cash refund to your original payment method . This also applies if your checked bag is delayed over 12 hours domestically. Airlines must issue refunds promptly : within 7 business days for credit cards and 20 calendar days for other payment types. When Are You Owed an Automatic Refund? The new DOT rule covers more than just cancellations. If you find yourself in one of these situations and you choose ...

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is overwhelming. On top of everything else, you have to find a good lawyer—and figure out how to pay for one. The right attorney can make a huge difference in getting the compensation you deserve, but the process can feel confusing. This guide will break down how car accident lawyers charge for their services, give you practical tips for choosing the best one for your case, and explain key state laws to help you make a confident decision. How Car Accident Lawyers Get Paid The good news is that most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis . In simple terms, this means you don't pay any attorney fees unless you win your case . The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the money they recover for you. Here’s a look at the most common fee structures: Fee Structure How It Works Typical Range Contingency Fee The lawyer receives a percentage of your final settlement or court award. If you don't win, you ow...