Jonathan Bennett 
The Federal Reserve — or simply “the Fed” — is one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Its decisions influence everything from mortgage rates to job growth to the price of groceries. Yet for many Americans, the Fed feels distant, confusing, or even mysterious. In 2025, the Fed is back in headlines after … Read more
Buying your first home is exciting, intimidating, and often overwhelming. For most people, it’s the biggest purchase of their life — and the mortgage you take on will shape your finances for decades. In 2025, first-time buyers face a complicated mix of challenges: high home prices, elevated mortgage rates compared to pre-2020 levels, and now … Read more
A Gut Reaction That Speaks Truth When news broke that the U.S. would now charge $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications, the immediate reaction from many was visceral: “This is disgusting.” That instinct is not an overreaction — it is clarity. Sometimes, a single policy can crystallize the direction a country is heading, exposing deeper … Read more
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves most people will ever make, and the mortgage you choose can shape your finances for decades. The choice between a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is one of the most important decisions in that process. With the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates … Read more
Debt feels heavy enough on its own. Add in rising or falling interest rates, and it can feel like you’re chasing a moving target. One month your credit card bill climbs faster than you can pay it; the next, a small dip in rates gives you just enough breathing room to wonder: Is now the … Read more
In April 2025, U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest point since 2020, according to the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. The index dropped sharply to 94.7, down from 102.4 in March — marking a steep and sudden dip in public sentiment. This isn’t just a psychological shift. Confidence — or the lack of it … Read more
The World on Edge As 2025 unfolds, the world finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Multiple global crises, once viewed as distant or isolated, are now accelerating simultaneously, forcing governments, businesses, and everyday people into a high-stakes triage situation. Climate systems are faltering, global economic alliances are fracturing under the weight of aggressive trade wars, … Read more
Will Prices Fall or Climb Under Trump? As the U.S. economy continues to grapple with rising costs, many Americans are wondering whether a second Trump administration will offer any relief — or make inflation worse. With policies ranging from steep tariffs to hardline immigration crackdowns, the answer isn’t simple. But one thing is clear: the … Read more
If you’ve ever tried to read through your homeowners insurance policy, you know it can feel like decoding a foreign language. Between the legal jargon, acronyms, and fine print, it’s easy to miss what your policy actually does (and doesn’t) cover. This post breaks it all down in plain English—so you can finally understand what … Read more
When disaster strikes and you’re forced out of your home, Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage can be the financial bridge that keeps you afloat. It helps cover the cost of living somewhere else while your home is being repaired due to a covered loss—like a fire, storm, or burst pipe. But how much ALE coverage … Read more
