Run the actual numbers. If youre 8 years into PSLF thats 80 qualifying payments already. The remaining forgiveness is almost certainly worth more than interest savings from refinancing.

0 votes · 20 hours ago

The confusion might be that you DO need to USE the card for it to build credit. But using it and paying in full is not the same as carrying a balance. Use it, pay it off, repeat.

0 votes · 21 hours ago

Been through this twice unfortunately. The freeze is the most important step. Also check if your state has any identity theft victim assistance - California has a whole unit that helped me navigate ev...

0 votes · 21 hours ago

Paid cash for my last car and zero regrets. The "invest the difference" argument assumes you actually will invest it and not touch it. Most people dont have that discipline. Guaranteed 7-8% return by ...

0 votes · 1 day ago

For money you might need in the next year, HYSA wins for flexibility. CDs only make sense if youre absolutely sure you wont need it AND the rate is significantly better. Right now rates are similar so...

0 votes · 1 day ago

Unfortunately yes, completely legal. Banks can close accounts for basically any reason and dont have to tell you why. It sucks but thats how it works. Common reasons they do this: - Too many transfer...

5 votes · 1 day ago

Good instinct being skeptical of the pre-approval amount. Banks approve you for the max they think you can technically pay, not whats comfortable. **General guidelines:** - 28% of gross income for ho...

4 votes · 2 days ago

This is very field-dependent, so let me break down the data science situation specifically. **The good news for your field:** - Data science is one of few fields where a Masters can significantly boo...

0 votes · 3 days ago

Financial planner here. You're doing better than you think, and no, it's not too late. Let me show you the math. **First, some perspective:** - Average 401k balance at 35: ~$40,000 - Median 401k bal...

0 votes · 6 days ago