Howard Dvorkin receiving the Horatio Alger Award on stage, holding the bronze bust and medal while congratulating fellow honorees during the formal ceremony.

In the News

When major media outlets need the perspective of a personal finance expert, they call Howard.

More people are avoiding cash. That might not be a good thing

By: Anna Bahney | Source: CNN Business

Relying heavily on credit cards could not come at a worse time for the millions who have lost income or suffered a job loss as a result of shutdowns. It’s especially bad for those who may have already been in debt.

What to do if you can’t open a bank account

By: Sarah Sharkey | Source: Bankrate

f you are struggling to open a bank account, you aren’t alone. Many consumers are unable to open bank accounts if they have a history of mismanaging their funds. No matter what circumstances brought you to this point, there are still options.

How to Invest For Your Kids and Teach Them to Invest Themselves

By: Lou Carlozo, Paulina Likos | Source: Yahoo! News

Many parents are anxious about providing for their children into adulthood but they can start to share this duty by gradually incorporating their kids into money management decisions.

Best credit monitoring services for 2020

By: Rebecca Lake | Source: CreditCards.com

Credit card identity theft is on the rise. These services can help you monitor your credit and catch mistakes as early as possible.

Best ways to refinance Parent PLUS student loans

By: Aly Yale | Source: Fox 10 Phoenix

Parent PLUS Loans are just one of many student loan options available through the U.S. federal government. Unlike others, though, these are taken out by a parent of the student attending school — not the student themselves.

IRS may grant additional coronavirus-related tax penalty relief, experts say

By: Brittany De Lea | Source: Fox Business

This year’s tax filing deadline is approaching – and as coronavirus cases continue to rise in many states throughout the United States, some experts believe the IRS may consider additional penalty relief in the coming months.

What are credit repair services — and are they worth the money?

By: Oscar Gonzalez | Source: CNET

All the pros and cons of paying someone to fix your credit.

30 Money Mistakes You’re Probably Making This Summer

By: Cameron Huddleston | Source: GOBankingRates

Summer is usually a time to cut loose and have fun, and while you may not be traveling as much this year, there are still ways to enjoy the season. If you’re not careful, though, fun can lead to overspending and a multitude of other money mistakes.

How to qualify for low interest rates on personal loans

By: Aly Yale | Source: Fox 10 Phoenix

If you’re applying for a personal loan, securing a low interest rate is critical — especially if you’re borrowing a large amount of money. While shopping around for lenders can certainly help (rates vary greatly from one to the next), there are other things you can do to improve your chances of getting a low interest rate personal loan, too.

First coronavirus stimulus fraud charges filed against two men seeking $500K in PPP loans

By: Brittany De Lea | Source: Fox Business

The first fraud charges have been filed in Rhode Island against two men attempting to defraud the coronavirus stimulus program. The application for the Paycheck Protection Program stated they were seeking $500,000 for employees’ wages when they have no employees working at any of their businesses. Unfortunately, this may not be the last instance of fraudsters seeking the program’s funds.

Coronavirus relief tax deduction denial: Is your PPP loan worth less?

By: Brittany De Lea | Source: Fox Business

The question of whether the government intended to reduce the worth of the Paycheck Protection Program loan or if it was red tape oversight doesn’t really matter since the result remains the same. The IRS has issued guidance for business owners that prevents a tax deduction claim for a forgiven PPP loan, ensuring no one receives a double tax benefit. However, these high-quality low-interest-rate loans are a clear advantage for businesses fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

How coronavirus could damage Social Security

By: Brittany De Lea | Source: Fox Business

Funding for Social Security was on shaky ground even before the coronavirus pandemic began, but now concerns have been raised over the strength of the fund, with projections pointing to only a portion of benefits to be received. However, the major damage concern is the continued unemployment which reduces payroll tax revenues that fund the social security program. Find out more about potential impacts on the program’s future.