Kate Dore, Candidate for CFP® Certification

Few things are more isolating than defaulting on your debt. Especially when that debt is so common, like student loans. But the truth is, you are far from alone. According to a recent Urban Institute report, 22 percent of other borrowers have also defaulted.

It may feel like a worst-case scenario, but federal student loan default does offer a few good options. We have taken a deep dive on federal default—and your best choices going forward.

President Trump made headlines by signing our country’s largest tax overhaul in 30 years into law. Now that we can actually feel the impacts of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), have they made a huge difference in our bank accounts, or were those promises just fake news? Here is a look at some of the law’s major changes—and how they may affect your tax returns.

It’s normal to feel jealous while scrolling through Instagram. The photos of your friends’ jaunts to Morocco or Thailand always seem to linger long after the trip has ended. Seeing these pictures may spark an interest in your own vacation. The only problem is, traveling is expensive. If you daydream about going overseas, but there is little room in your budget, it’s time to get creative.

The secret about Nashville is out. As transplants flock to ‘It City,’ fewer homes are available, and buying may feel out of reach. “Finding an affordable home can be difficult,” says Teresa Cepicky, a mortgage loan originator with FirstBank in Cool Springs and Columbia, TN.

According to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Vital Signs report, the median cost of housing increased by 54 percent over the past 10 years, and locals are feeling the pinch. With folks spending more than 50 percent of their income on housing and transportation, affordability is a growing concern.

When you’re basking in the glow of a new engagement, it’s easy to get lost in visions of your big day. In reality, events cost money and figuring out exactly how much is no small task. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush affair or intimate backyard bash, it all begins with a budget. We tapped experts to make crafting yours easier.

When it comes to saving money, millennials don’t have the best reputation. And last year’s avocado toast meme only further reinforced stereotypes. The problem is, overspending can lead to issues down the road. A recent report found that more than 66 percent of millennials have nothing saved for the future. It’s unfair to place the blame on avocado toast or $4 lattes, but it’s safe to say there’s work to do.

When you’re flushed with new love, it’s hard to imagine things ever ending badly. But the reality is, breakups do happen. As awkward as it feels, the beginning is the perfect time to discuss one another’s needs in the event of a crisis. If you’re ready to share a home, these conversations are critical. There’s nothing sexy about a cohabitation agreement, but the stakes are too high not to have one.

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar. You spend hours preparing for a company meeting on employee benefits. But when it's time to share information, some employees are visibly less interested. By the end of the meeting, eyes have glazed over, and attention has disappeared.

There's a lot to love about health savings accounts (HSAs). Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), your HSA is portable. Don't bother stacking doctor's appointments before December ends. Skip the last minute health shopping spree. The balance is still yours on January 1st.

When it comes to saving for the future, your health savings account (HSA) may not currently be a top priority. But an HSA is more like a traditional retirement account than you may expect. And there's no tax bill when the money is spent on medical expenses. HSAs can supercharge your savings — but only if you avoid these common missteps.

At the beginning of the year, you have the best intentions. Taking care your money may be one of your resolutions, but life gets in the way. Before you know it, you’re heading into fall with no progress on your goals. A financial tune-up is the perfect way to tie up all the loose ends and get on track before the holidays.

Freelancing is liberating in many ways, especially when it comes to escaping the office. Excessive meetings, long commutes, and the dreaded open office floor plan are a few unpleasant aspects of 9-to-5 life to which freelancers can wave farewell. Ditching your work clothes for sweatpants only sweetens the deal.

As you chat with other freelancers, the topic of forming an LLC is bound to come up. If this makes you feel uneasy, you aren’t alone. We spoke to an expert to decode the legal jargon—and help you decide the best move for your business. Sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S corporations are the most common business types for freelancers. Here is a rundown on the key differences between each one.

I was planning on just the opposite — a scrappy how-to guide on nailing the CFP exam on my first try as a career changer. I visualized the “preliminary pass” notification on my computer screen. I imagined a wave of relief while strutting through the test center doors. Then, I would text friends and family the good news from the parking lot. But passing the CFP exam didn’t happen for me.

What’s your most valuable asset? Your iPhone? Your engagement ring? Your condo? What about your income? Disability insurance can help protect such a valuable asset.