HISTORICAL FACTS: 12 - The Untold Story

10 States Where New Credit Card Borrowing Is Changing Fastest

Credit card borrowing looks different depending on where you live, and the latest state-by-state numbers reveal some surprising movement. While some states carry enormous balances, other states have seen their average credit card debt climb much faster over the past year.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 2

7 Refund Payments Consumers Could Receive From the FTC Right Now

A refund from the Federal Trade Commission can feel like finding money in a coat pocket, except this time there is an actual reason the money exists. The FTC currently lists dozens of active refund programs, and several are sending payments during 2026 to consumers, workers, students, and customers affected…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 2

FDIC Changes Reciprocal Deposit Rules for Banks Under New Housing Law

Banks participating in reciprocal deposit networks have new federal rules to follow after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation implemented changes Congress made to how certain deposits are treated under banking regulations. The FDIC’s interim final rule took effect September 1 and implements Section 902 of the 21st Century ROAD to…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 2

Walmart Agrees to Pay $50 Million Over Allegations Its Pharmacies Filled Invalid Opioid Prescriptions

Walmart has agreed to pay $50 million to resolve federal allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, ending a major federal case that dates back nearly six years.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

IRS Is Shutting Down the FIRE Filing System Nov. 19 — What Businesses Need to Do Before 2027

The IRS is warning businesses, tax professionals and other information-return filers that its long-running FIRE electronic filing system is approaching its final shutdown, with the last opportunity to submit information returns through the platform coming in November 2026.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

What Would You Change About Your Financial Plan If You Knew You’d Live to 100?

A retirement plan built for a long life looks very different from one built around a short retirement. If someone knew with absolute certainty that they would reach 100, suddenly every early-retirement splurge, oversized house, aggressive withdrawal, and “deal with it later” financial decision would deserve another look.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

You Retire With $1 Million on the Day the Market Drops 20%. Now What?

Retiring with $1 million sounds like a milestone worth celebrating. Retiring with $1 million on the exact day the stock market drops 20% sounds more like the universe has a strange sense of humor.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

Should You Pay Off a 0% Credit Card Before the Promotional Rate Ends?

A 0% credit card can feel like a rare financial freebie, but the deal comes with a ticking clock. If a balance remains when the promotional period ends, the regular APR generally kicks in on the remaining balance, which can turn a comfortable payment plan into a much more expensive…

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

You Can Afford the Car Payment. Can You Afford the Car?

A car payment can fit neatly into a monthly budget while the car itself quietly eats that budget alive. The payment only covers the money borrowed to buy the vehicle, not the insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration, tires, parking, or depreciation that come along for the ride.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 31

You Own 12 Different Funds. Are You Actually Diversified?

You own 12 different funds, so your portfolio must be diversified, right? Not necessarily. Twelve fund names can create an impressive-looking list while many of those funds quietly own the same companies, sectors, or even the same underlying investments.

The Free Financial Advisor · Aug 30