Kaitlin Mulhere
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Now: writer/editor @MONEY | Then: @insidehighered & @keene_sentinel | Still: @UFJschool alumna, Florida native, lover of traveling & chocolate
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Articles by Kaitlin Mulhere
Scammers Are Using Politicians' Names to Steal Your Money Ahead of Midterms Original
With the midterm just weeks away, scammers are looking to cash in on Americans' political enthusiasm by impersonating candidates and their campaigns. The FBI released an alert Thursday warning that fraudsters could exploit the upcoming elections to trick voters into making fraudulent campaign donations, purchasing merchandise they'll never receive or handing over sensitive personal information.
Would You Take a Hit to Your Credit to Get Out of Debt Faster? Most Americans Say 'Yes' Original
In a survey of 1,800 Americans with $10,000-plus in unsecured debt, 79% said they’d accept a credit score drop to become debt-free sooner, according to a 2026 Freedom Debt Relief report. Experts say temporary dips can be fine but you should protect your score if you'll seek a mortgage, car or apartment in the next two years. When it comes to your finances, there’s no escaping your credit score.
Will Mortgage Rates Keep Climbing Higher? 3 Housing Economists Weigh In Original
Mortgage rates have been slowly but steadily ticking up throughout 2026, approaching their pandemic-era high. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 7.4%, according to Freddie Mac on Thursday, unchanged from the previous week but a jump from 6.7% in September. It's the highest rate since October 2023, when mortgage rates reached 7.8%.
Have an HSA? Check This Number During Open Enrollment to Avoid Paying a Penalty
If you have a health savings account, pay close attention to the deductible on your health insurance this open enrollment season. Most workers go on autopilot, selecting the same benefits as the year before, but doing so this fall could turn into a costly mistake. Also known as HSAs, these tax-advantaged accounts require enrollment in a high-deductible health insurance plan to make contributions. And the minimum deductible to qualify is increasing in 2027.
That Random Phone Call From Your Relative Begging for Money Is Probably an AI Scam Original
Scammers have long posed as relatives to trick people into sending money. Now, after years of warning about the threat of voice cloning scams, AI-generated voices are making this old scheme harder to recognize. Local Better Business Bureau (BBB) officials are warning Americans about scammers using artificial intelligence to make familiar voices another tool for stealing money.
Are You Only Paying the Minimum on Your Credit Card Bills? Here’s How to Break the Cycle Original
If it feels like you can't get ahead on your credit card debt, you're not alone. Twenty-eight percent of debt-laden people can only make the minimum monthly payments on their accounts, according to a recent survey of 1,800 Americans with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt from Freedom Debt Relief and Money.com. It’s little surprise many borrowers aren’t able to prioritize debt payoff, given the pressure of high prices for housing, groceries, gas and more.
How Bad Is Raiding Your 401(k) to Pay Down Debt, Really? Original
One-third of Americans with significant unsecured debt pulled money out of their retirement accounts for debt payments, per a 2026 Freedom Debt Relief survey. The move costs you in two ways: Early withdrawal fees and missed investment gains that can decrease the size of your nest egg when you retire. Advisors say withdrawing from a retirement account should be a last resort.
Americans Don’t Just Want to Get Rid of Debt — They Want to Feel in Control Again: Survey Original
Stress relief and regaining control are the top debt-payoff motivations, with each cited by 48% of respondents in a 2026 Freedom Debt Relief survey. Financial motivators were commonly cited by survey respondents, but they ranked second to more emotional ones. To help regain a sense of control, planners recommend funding a $1,000 to $2,500 starter emergency fund before you aggressively attack debt.
Best Student Loan Refinance Companies of October 2026 Original
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad Earnest claims the best overall title with its flexible repayment options; you can choose your monthly bill amount and create a term around it. Other top companies include SoFi and RISLA. Borrowers with federal undergraduate loans will have a hard time beating their interest rate on the private market. But federal graduate loans, federal parent loans and private loans carry higher interest rates and offer a better shot at savings.
7 Best Private Student Loans of October 2026
Private student loans can help you fill in the funding gap after you’ve tallied all your scholarships and grants and maxed out federal student loans. Private student loans are credit based, meaning not every student or parent will qualify. In fact, nearly 90% of undergraduate private student loans have a cosigner since undergraduates are often too young to have an established credit history. Our top picks for best student loans The following companies are listed in alphabetical order.
How to Apply for FAFSA Original
The 2027-28 FAFSA is now available for students seeking help paying for higher education. Most undergraduates will also need their parents to fill out the form. The federal deadline isn’t until June 30, 2028, but state and college deadlines will be much sooner. Submitting the application early is best since some aid is awarded on a first come, first-served basis. You’ll use 2025 tax information to fill in this year’s form.
7 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers of October 2026 Original
Money named Indeed as the best overall job posting site because its high web traffic will help employers get in front of a large pool of applicants, and it has budget-based pricing for paid posts, as well as relatively generous free job listing rules. Other top sites included LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter and Handshake. Online job posting sites are the fastest way to find applicants and onboard qualified hires.
Roblox Scams Are Everywhere. Here's How to Protect Your Kids' Info (and Your Money) Original
For a young Roblox player, finding a link to “free Robux” might feel like hitting the jackpot. But scammers are using the promise of this virtual currency to lure kids into handing over their login details. Roblox, a popular online game platform, is played daily by around 40 million kids around the world. Players can use the in-game currency Robux to buy avatar clothing, special animations and other content.
4 Best Debt Relief Companies of October 2026 Original
Companies we ranked include Accredited Debt Relief, CuraDebt, DebtBlue, Freedom Debt Relief and National Debt Relief. The best debt relief companies offer transparency and trustworthy reputations, a user-friendly experience and quick resolution from unsecured debt. Methodology: We evaluated more than 20 companies, considering enrollment fees and program duration. We analyzed over 140 reputation data points from third-party review sites and accrediting organizations.
Best Debt Consolidation Loans of October 2026 Original
*Rates and APRs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of September 28, 2026. Overview: Money chose LightStream as the best overall debt consolidation loan provider because of its competitive APRs, low fees and wide range of terms. Discover, PenFed, SoFi and Universal Credit are also named as top lenders.
Millions of Student Loan Borrowers Will Soon Be Forced Out of SAVE Forbearance Original
Millions of student loan borrowers could soon be moved into new repayment plans, which could drastically change their monthly loan bills. The deadline has been a long time coming. It affects those who remain enrolled in the defunct Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan. For months, the Department of Education has been advising SAVE holdouts to switch to one of several other repayment options.
The 2027-2028 FAFSA Is Here Early: What's New and When to File
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, is now live — earlier than ever. The U.S. Department of Education released the 2027-2028 FAFSA Wednesday, eight days ahead of its normal release date of Oct. 1. This is the earliest the annual form has ever been available, as the department broke its own record set last year by one day.
AI-Powered Dating Apps Are Reviving an Old-School Romance Scam
Dating apps are supposed to help you find a match, but a newly uncovered network of apps has been setting up users with machines and charging them virtual coins to keep the conversation going. In a report released earlier this month, Anthropic says it identified more than 20 apps that advertised authentic romantic connections, while filling feeds with more than 4,700 AI-generated personas. About three-quarters of these profiles were powered by Claude, the company's own AI.
America's Billionaires Hold More Wealth Than the Bottom 57% of U.S. Households
America's billionaires collectively hold $6.7 trillion in wealth, which is significantly more than the bottom half of U.S. households combined. The United States has more billionaires than any other country by far, according to the 2026 billionaire census from Altrata released earlier this month. The 1,265 U.S. billionaires account for roughly one-third of the global total of 3,795 and outnumber those in the next seven countries combined.
Medicare Scams Are Surging Ahead of Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment, when beneficiaries can change their Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage, doesn't begin until Oct. 15. But scammers are already on the prowl. One recent retiree told Scripps News that she receives more than a dozen Medicare-related calls a day despite being on the Do Not Call Registry. The pitches vary but they usually have the same goal: getting your Medicare number or other personal information.
Student Loan Interest Rates for October 2026
Borrow responsibly Loans for Undergraduate & Career Training Students are not intended for graduate students and are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Student must attend a participating school. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence.
7 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers of September 2026
Money named Indeed as the best overall job posting site because its high web traffic will help employers get in front of a large pool of applicants, and it has budget-based pricing for paid posts, as well as relatively generous free job listing rules. Online job posting sites are the fastest way to find applicants and onboard qualified hires. While there are dozens of job posting sites to choose from, only a few are worth your time and money — particularly in today's challenging hiring market.
Weekly Scam Alert: Scammers Are Using Fake Order Receipts to Get You on the Phone Original
Shop app users in multiple states are reporting mysterious orders for more than $300 for computer services they never purchased in the latest version of a common fake receipt scam. These fake orders look especially convincing because they appear inside the Shop app, a Shopify service that lets you discover products, make purchases and track packages, rather than arriving through a suspicious email or text.
Weekly Scam Alert: Scammers Are Copying Rental Listings to Steal Deposits Original
Be extra careful if you're hunting for an apartment, off-campus housing or a last-minute vacation rental. Reports of rental scams are surging across New England, according to a recent consumer alert from the Boston Division of the FBI. But this is far from a regional problem. Last year, more than 12,000 Americans nationwide reported real estate scams to the FBI, with losses topping $275 million.
Weekly Scam Alert: Fraudsters Posing as FCC Officials Are Trying to Steal Your Information Original
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is warning consumers about a wave of fraudsters impersonating the agency’s officials. In some cases, they're using the names of actual FCC employees to make their stories seem more convincing. According to the agency's new alert, the scammers are calling and texting people to claim their phone number is under investigation for criminal activity.
Your Tuition Payments Might Be Funding Your College's Sports Teams
Powerhouse college sports teams are frequently praised as major revenue drivers and overall boons for schools. But new research shows that the vast majority of athletics programs are bleeding millions of dollars each year. Increasingly, students are footing the bill.
Want a Raise? Learning This Skill Could Earn You Up to 62% More
Artificial intelligence has sparked plenty of anxiety around the possibility of a job apocalypse. But there’s another side of the story — the roles and raises the technology may help create. PwC’s latest AI Jobs Barometer found that jobs requiring AI skills offer an average 62% wage premium over similar roles that don’t require those skills.
15 Colleges That Students Can Attend Tuition-Free Original
Rice University just made it easier for middle-income families to afford one of the country's most selective colleges. The Houston-based university announced this week that, beginning with students entering in fall 2027, families earning up to $200,000 a year will qualify for free tuition through its expanded Rice Investment financial aid program. Students from families earning less than $100,000 will receive grants covering tuition, mandatory fees, room and board.
Want a Raise? Learning This Skill Could Earn You Up to 62% More
Artificial intelligence has sparked plenty of anxiety around the possibility of a job apocalypse. But there’s another side of the story — the roles and raises the technology may help create. PwC’s latest AI Jobs Barometer found that jobs requiring AI skills offer an average 62% wage premium over similar roles that don’t require those skills.
Best student loan refinance companies of August 2026
Refinancing student loans can help borrowers pay off debt faster or lower their monthly bills to free up cash for other priorities. The move doesn't make sense for all borrowers, but it can be a smart strategy for some — particularly if your credit score and financial profile have improved since you took out your loans.
Weekly Scam Alert: Fraudsters Are Tricking Homeowners Into Signing Away Their Homes Original
Scammers are preying on Americans struggling to make their mortgage payments, leading officials around the country to warn homeowners as foreclosures rise. While the offers may sound like a rescue plan — a loan modification, a way to reverse a sale or a promise that you can stay in your home if you just sign the right paperwork — these so-called 'home savers' are actually trying to steal your money and equity. The timing makes this type of scheme especially predatory.
Sallie Mae Student Loans Review
Sallie Mae is one of the largest private student loan providers in the country. Since 2014, it has provided financing to over 1.4 million families. Like other lenders, it offers competitive rates on undergraduate and graduate student loans. But unlike other lenders that only have loan options for those pursuing degrees, Sallie Mae also provides loans for career training, certificate programs, bar exam preparation and medical school residencies.
Best Debt Consolidation Loans of August 2026
*Rates and APRs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of July 29, 2026. Overview: Money chose LightStream as the best overall debt consolidation loan provider because of its competitive APRs, low fees and wide range of terms. Discover, PenFed, SoFi and Universal Credit are also named as top lenders.
The Common HSA Mistake That Could Cost You in Retirement
Health savings accounts are one of the best ways to save for medical expenses. But new research suggests that many people aren't taking full advantage of one of the account's biggest benefits. HSAs offer what's known as a "triple tax advantage": Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, investments grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.
The college savings mistakes everyone is making
Saving for college is a state of mind. That's the (simplified) takeaway from new research on 529 college savings plans. Researchers at the University of Chicago found what they described as a “striking paradox at the heart of America's college affordability crisis”: Financial constraints do limit what parents can stash away in a 529 account, but behavioral barriers may be just as critical as economic ones.
Can't Afford Your New Student Loan Bill? Here's What to Do Original
Some federal student loan borrowers could soon see their monthly payments jump by hundreds of dollars after years of paying little — or nothing at all. Millions of borrowers are now starting a 90-day countdown to choose a new repayment plan as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan comes to an end. Notices explaining the transition are being sent out in waves, giving borrowers three months from the date they receive one to select a new option.
Trump’s New Student Loan Repayment Plans Are Live. Here's a Crash Course for Borrowers
President Donald Trump’s student loan reforms are now in effect, leaving federal borrowers to wade through a reshaped set of repayment options. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created two new repayment plans, which launched July 1. At the same time, the Education Department has begun sending out notices to millions of borrowers on the defunct Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, giving them 90 days to switch into a different plan.
Weekly Scam Alert: Fake World Cup Betting Sites Are Ripping Off Fans
With only three games to go before the World Cup championship match, scammers continue to cash in on soccer fever with fake prediction and betting sites. Despite promising to reward fans for picking winners, what they deliver are often worthless crypto tokens — or nothing at all. Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes investigated one such site directly. It found that the site matched several well-known scam patterns tied to fake ticketing, fixed-match betting and fan-branded meme coins.
Weekly Scam Alert: Fake FTC, Microsoft Scams Cost Victims More than $600K in Three Days Original
An 84-year-old Washington resident lost more than $400,000 in a scam after being told they were under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission for child pornography and money laundering — and that their bank accounts were at risk of seizure.
How to File for Bankruptcy in 2026
The number of Americans filing for individual bankruptcy continues to climb. Filings for Chapter 7 bankruptcy — the most common kind — were up 14% in April, according to Epiq, a firm that tracks bankruptcy cases. If you're part of the growing share of consumers who are falling behind on their debt and you're considering bankruptcy, it's important that you understand the move can hurt your credit and limit borrowing options for years to come. But for some borrowers, it's a necessary fresh start.
More Americans Than Ever Are Relying on Personal Loans. Here’s What You Need to Know
Personal loans are steadily gaining popularity as consumers lean on unsecured borrowing to pay their rising bills. The share of Americans with personal loans reached a new high in 2025, with nearly four in 10 adults now using one, according to Experian data. “U.S. consumers continue to spend, based on recent retail sales figures, and credit card balances continue to climb,” the report said.
Best Student Loan Refinance Companies of June 2026
Overview: Earnest claims the best overall title with its flexible repayment options; you can choose your monthly bill amount and create a term around it. Other top companies include SoFi and RISLA. Editor's take: Borrowers with federal undergraduate loans will have a hard time beating their interest rate on the private market. But federal graduate loans, federal parent loans and private loans carry higher interest rates and offer a better shot at savings.
Student Loan Interest Rates for June 2026
Private student loan rates are holding steady, with eight major lenders offering a fixed rate starting below 3%. Refinance rates, meanwhile, remain elevated compared to their pandemic-era lows. Although private lenders often advertise rates that are lower than federal loans, only borrowers with the strongest credit will qualify for rates low enough to beat federal financing.
Weekly Scam Alert: Watch Out for Fake Health Screenings Targeting Student Athletes Original
Free health screenings for your kid might sound like a no-brainer, but that’s exactly what fraudsters are counting on. A consumer alert from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is warning about scammers who use fears about sudden cardiac arrest to push fake tests and bill insurers for unnecessary services. The agency says these schemes typically target parents, caregivers, athletic programs and students.
After a Life of Saving, Spending Money in Retirement Can Be Surprisingly Hard
A growing body of research suggests retirees aren’t spending as much money as they could, and it’s likely due to FORO: the fear of running out. A study published this month in the academic journal Financial Planning Review found that, contrary to many financial models, inflation-adjusted spending in retirement tends to decrease over time — even for retirees with more than enough savings to live comfortably.
Didn’t Get Into Your Top College? Here's How to Get a Do-Over
Receiving a rejection letter from a university you had your heart set on attending can feel devastating, but it might not be the end of the road. An underutilized admissions strategy may help you get a second chance at getting accepted and could save you money to boot. The idea is simple: Attend a community college first — ideally one affiliated with your four-year college of choice — and then reapply as a transfer student.
Weekly Scam Alert: Fraudsters Are Using Fake Text Messages and AI-Coded Websites to Steal Your Information Original
A Google lawsuit filed last week reveals how a prolific group of fraudsters is taking advantage of AI to run a large-scale phishing operation. The group, which federal law enforcement is calling "Outsider," has been using Google’s Gemini to build thousands of fake websites, which the FBI says have caused $1.9 billion in losses since July 2023. Outsider’s scheme works by sending attention-grabbing text messages that get consumers to visit bogus sites.
Money's Best Colleges: These 42 Schools Offer the Biggest Bang for Your Buck Original
The old promise of college — get a degree and you’ll land a good-paying job that leads to a long career — is under extra pressure this year. New graduates are facing some of the weakest hiring prospects in more than a decade, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The college wage premium, or the gap between what college degree holders and high school diploma holders earn, has stopped growing, according to a recent working paper from economists at the San Francisco Fed.
The Hidden Health Costs of Debt: Skipped Care, Headaches and Fatigue
For some Americans, debt isn’t just hurting their finances. It’s affecting their health. In a recent survey of 2,000 consumers conducted by personal finance company Achieve and Money.com, some borrowers said their debt has pushed them to delay medical treatment, skip medication or struggle with anxiety. Most borrowers are aware of the financial costs of borrowing, like compounding interest, late fees and potential damage to your credit score.
Weekly Scam Alert: JCPenney Hack Allegedly Exposed Social Security Numbers Original
You may want to keep a close eye on your credit if you've ever worked or shopped at JCPenney. The criminal hacking group ShinyHunters claimed last week that it stole hundreds of thousands of records from the department store chain along with several other well-known retail brands operating under Catalyst Brands and Authentic Brands Group.
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