Emma Kerr

Mar 1, 2024 | usnews.com | Emma Kerr |Sarah Wood

1/15 Credit(Getty Images)|View as articleQualified expenses that 529s coverAnyone can open a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan, including students, parents, grandparents and other relatives. It is used to pay for college, but not all expenses qualify. Withdrawals from 529 plans are called distributions, and they must be used toward qualified education expenses – otherwise they will face federal income tax and a 10% penalty. Health insurance and child care, for example, don't qualify.

Jan 11, 2024 | usnews.com | Cole Claybourn |Emma Kerr

Because of its prestigious reputation, the Rhodes scholarship draws applications from thousands of the world's top college students each year. But only a select few who best demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to others and character traits like courage and kindness are chosen for the scholarship, which allows students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Jan 11, 2024 | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Tanza Loudenback |Barri Segal |Emma Kerr

Key Takeaways: Interest rates will drop slightly. Inflation will move toward the 2% target. White-collar jobs will increase. We may go into a mild recession. The housing market won't improve. Low- to moderate-income households will feel squeezed. Are you wondering what to expect on the personal finance front in 2024? After a tumultuous two years, the economy is showing signs of stability, but we're not out of the woods yet. Here are six 2024 predictions from financial experts: 1.

Nov 17, 2023 | usnews.com | Emma Kerr |Sarah Wood

Before filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, applicants must first determine their dependency status – which dictates whose information needs to be submitted on the form. An undergraduate student can't simply choose to file as an independent on the FAFSA, the application that most schools use to determine financial aid awards. They must meet certain legal requirements to file independently. For instance, undergraduates born before Jan.

Oct 25, 2023 | money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Colin Hogan |Barri Segal |Emma Kerr

The traditionally expensive winter season is just around the corner. According to a National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend an average of $875 on such things as gifts, decorations, food and other seasonal items in 2023. And if travel is included, that figure will go even higher. For this reason, it makes sense to save as much money as possible in the preceding months.