Financial Literacy Blog

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone significant updates in the past year, with a new form that launched on November 21, 2024. The Department of Education aimed to simplify and improve the application process to better support students and families seeking financial aid for college.

The term Black Friday made its first appearance way back in 1869, in reference to the crash of the U.S. gold market. The term has had a few lives over the years, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that retailers developed the image of the shopping holiday we know today.

 The holiday season will be here before you know it, so it’s almost time to start thinking about gift-giving. While buying gifts can become expensive very quickly, there are some ways to find the perfect, meaningful gifts for your loved ones, while still staying under budget. A favorite for many during the holiday season is to give gifts from local businesses or DIY (do-it-yourself) gifts. These gifting methods support your local community while also saving you money along the way.

Just because summer is quickly slipping by, does not mean you have to rule out that family vacation. Trips can be a big financial burden, but with some planning, you can still have a fun getaway with the whole family! There are a few ways to plan your trips that can help make for a more enjoyable and finance-friendly vacation.