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Latest Articles

Scholarship Mistakes
Scholarship
January 1, 2026

The 2027 Side Hustlin’ Student Scholarship Opportunity

We’re proud to offer a $2,500 scholarship opportunity to the student who shares the best story about how they are earning money in school.

Roth vs Traditional IRA
Retirement
January 1, 2026

Ultimate Guide On Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA Contributions

This guide breaks down both Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA, and when you should make contributions to each and why.

A stylized graphic illustrates the concept of writing a financial aid appeal letter, a key topic for students seeking to increase their financial aid package. On a light gray background, a white document titled "Appeal" is prominently displayed on the right, with several lines representing text. This document is layered over a dark teal rectangular shape, adding depth to the composition. To the left, various abstract elements in teal and white create visual interest: a square grid of dots, two plus signs, and a circle. The image visually reinforces the article's focus on how to write a successful financial aid appeal, emphasizing the importance of providing relevant new information about special circumstances to college financial aid administrators. Source: The College Investor
Financial Aid
December 31, 2025

How To Appeal A Financial Aid Award (Merit And Need-Based)

Is a sudden loss of income or other circumstance leaving you unable to pay your college bills? Find out how to write a financial aid appeal letter. Learn more.

A family of four, including two adults and two young children, stands hand-in-hand facing away from the viewer, looking out over a sun-drenched, golden field at sunset or sunrise. The father, on the left, wears a plaid shirt and jeans, holding his daughter's hand. The daughter, in a striped shirt, holds her younger brother's hand, who is wearing a plaid shirt and a straw hat. The mother, on the right, wears a striped shirt, dark pants, and a plaid shirt tied around her waist, holding her son's hand. The warm, golden light of the sun, positioned centrally in the background, casts long shadows and illuminates the family and the expansive landscape of rolling hills and mountains in the distance. This image visually represents the "Family of Four Middle Class Squeeze" discussed in the article, highlighting the challenges middle-class families face with rising living costs and benefit cliffs, despite earning $100,000 to $200,000, as they struggle to get ahead financially. Source: The College Investor
News
December 31, 2025

The New Middle-Class Squeeze: Why $100K Feels Broke

The hidden math behind why America’s middle class can’t get ahead, even on six figures.

Close-up of a calculator, U.S. hundred-dollar bills, and a tax form with the word "Refund" circled in bold red ink. This image highlights the projected increase in 2026 tax refunds due to retroactive tax law changes, such as new deductions for tip income, overtime pay, and auto loan interest, which were not reflected in paycheck withholding throughout the year. Source: The College Investor
News
December 30, 2025

Why Tax Refunds May Be Bigger in 2026

New tax deductions could push 2026 refunds higher. Here’s why many Americans may see larger checks from the IRS.

Close-up of a finger pressing a computer keyboard key next to a bright green button labeled "EITC Earned Income Tax Credit." This illustrates that eligible taxpayers must actively claim the benefit on their return, as the IRS does not apply it automatically. Source: The College Investor
Tax Credits
December 30, 2025

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2026: Income Limits, Max Credit, And How To Qualify

The Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $8,231 for 2026 ($8,046 for 2025). See the income limits by filing status and number of children, who qualifies, when EITC refunds arrive, and how to claim up to three prior years.

First Mid Bank and Trust Review
Tax Guide
December 29, 2025

IRS Raises Standard Mileage Rate To 72.5 Cents for 2026

The IRS has announced the 2026 mileage rates: 72.5¢ for business, 20.5¢ for medical/moving, and 14¢ for charity. Find out what this means for you.

This illustrative image visually represents the challenges students face when trying to afford college and the role of financial aid. A large, stylized hand labeled "FINANCIAL AID" extends from above, holding a paper boat in which a small figure is cheering, symbolizing assistance being offered to students. Below, several other small figures are depicted in various states of distress, some in sinking paper boats, others struggling in the water, surrounded by euro coin symbols, suggesting the financial burden of tuition. The overall scene conveys the desperate need for support when facing the high costs of higher education. This image directly relates to the article's focus on options for paying for school when financial aid is insufficient, highlighting the sticky situations students can find themselves in without enough assistance.
Financial Aid
December 29, 2025

Options If You Can’t Afford College Due To Not Enough Financial Aid

Can’t afford college because you didn’t get enough aid? Here are ten options to help pay for school when you don’t have enough financial aid.

A brightly colored, illustrated image on a light blue background depicts elements related to contacting the IRS and tax assistance. In the foreground, a prominent blue magnifying glass is centered, symbolizing the act of searching for information or examining tax documents. Behind it to the left, a white tax form or document with the word "TAX" clearly visible at the top is partially displayed, suggesting the need for help with tax issues. To the right, three golden coins with dollar signs are stacked, representing financial aspects and money associated with taxes. In the background, subtly visible green banknotes further emphasize the financial context of the Internal Revenue Service. The overall image, titled "CONTACT THE IRS (IRS PHONE NUMBERS)," visually reinforces the article's focus on how to contact the IRS the fastest and the best IRS phone numbers to call for assistance with tax-related problems. Source: The College Investor
Taxes
December 29, 2025

Best Ways To Contact The IRS (And Actually Get Through)

Here’s how to contact the IRS the fastest if you need assistance with tax issues and the best IRS phone numbers to call.

An illustrative image depicts a large, dark grey building with prominent columns, resembling a bank or financial institution, positioned on a solid orange geometric shape. Above the building, a white square with a bold orange dollar sign signifies money or financial transactions. To the left, a black graduation cap with a tassel symbolizes education, specifically MBA student loans. The background features various abstract shapes, including an orange semi-circle, scattered black and orange dots, thin black lines, an outline of a speech bubble with a question mark inside, and a geometric triangle outline, all contributing to a modern, clean design. This visual effectively represents the core topic of the article: refinancing MBA student loans and the important considerations, such as interest rates, private loans, and federal loan protections, that borrowers should evaluate before making financial decisions.
Student Loan Refinance
December 28, 2025

Should You Refinance Your MBA Student Loans?

Should you refinance your MBA student loans? Learn when it makes sense, the pros and cons, and the best lenders for business school graduates.

A visually striking image depicting financial growth and increasing costs in the context of tax filing software. The foreground features stacks of green paper currency, representing money, alongside gleaming gold coins with dollar signs, symbolizing wealth and investment. Dominating the background is a series of red arrows pointing upwards and to the right, signifying rising prices and an upward trend, set against a subtle gray grid pattern. This powerful visual metaphor directly relates to the article's discussion of TaxAct's substantial price increases over the last two years without significant product improvements, prompting users to seek "TaxAct alternatives" and "the best tax software" for maximizing their refunds this filing season. The "THE COLLEGE INVESTOR" logo is prominently displayed in the bottom left corner, branding the image within the financial advice context.
Tax Software Alternatives
December 28, 2025

TaxAct Alternatives 2026: 5 Other Popular Choices

If you’re not satisfied with TaxAct, there are lots of other great TaxAct alternatives to get you dialed in. Here are five.

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A dynamic infographic illustration titled "The College Investor: Best Side Hustles" features a stylized figure of a man in a black shirt on the lower center, gesturing with an open hand towards a list of icons on a light blue panel on the right. The background is a mix of white and light blue, adorned with scattered light blue polka dots and minimalist black line art shapes like plus signs and triangles. The man's gesture highlights three black icons arranged vertically: a funnel, a camera, and a chef's hat, each accompanied by five blue stars, suggesting high ratings for these side hustle categories. This visual aims to help readers identify worthwhile side hustles with high earning potential, good scheduling flexibility, and growth opportunities, tying into the article's focus on effective ways to earn extra money to achieve financial goals like paying off student loans or saving for retirement.

20 Best Side Hustles of 2026: Ranked by Earnings, Flexibility, and Growth

Photograph of the historic Vassar College, a private, coeducational, liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar

30 Most Expensive Colleges in 2026: Tuition Tops $72,000 at Every School on the List

A man with blonde hair, dressed in a white collared shirt, sits relaxed on a wooden bench with his hands clasped behind his head, gazing out over a calm body of water at sunset. A silver laptop is visible next to him on the bench, suggesting he has just finished working or is taking a break while his investments generate passive income. The warm, soft light of the setting sun creates a tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the freedom and peace of mind associated with achieving financial independence through passive income streams. This image perfectly illustrates the article's core message about earning money without continuous active effort, highlighting the desired outcome of strategic monetary or time investments.

30 Passive Income Ideas To Build Wealth In 2026

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IRS Tax Refund Calendar And Schedule 2026 (Updated)

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How To Fill Out The FAFSA: 2027-28 Step-By-Step Guide

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529 Plans: The Ultimate Guide To College Savings Plans

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MINNEAPOLIS/USA - July 23: Tate Labratory on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is a university in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN and the 6th largest university in the USA.

Why Is College So Expensive? 5 Forces Behind Rising Tuition Costs

EVANSTON, IL,USA - JUNE 20, 2021 - Entrance sign and gardens to Northwestern University.

Are Expensive Colleges Worth It? New Data on Price, Selectivity, and Graduation Rates

Profile views of a young woman and a young man facing each other, set against a grey background adorned with hand-drawn lightbulbs. A single bright yellow lightbulb glows centrally between them, symbolizing the realization or "bright idea" regarding the shifting gender dynamics in higher education. This visual metaphor accompanies an analysis of the growing gender gap in college degree attainment, where women now outpace men in earning Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. Source: The College Investor

Gender Gap in College Degrees: 50 Years of Data Explained

Institutional Merit Grants

Who Gets Merit Based Scholarships At Private Colleges?

This image depicts a stylized graphic representing college education and its perceived value, set against a dynamic background of gold and black shapes. A prominent white circular icon in the center showcases a black graduation cap with a tassel, positioned above a rolled-up diploma tied with a ribbon, symbolizing academic achievement and a college degree. To the left, the top of a person's head and shoulders are visible, suggesting a student or individual considering their educational path. The background features various abstract shapes, including long, rounded rectangles in black and gold, smaller white dots, and thin diagonal lines, creating a sense of movement and modern relevance. This visual reinforces the article's theme about Americans weighing in on college costs, education policy, and the worth of a college degree in 2025, particularly given that public sentiment on college value is currently low.

New Poll Reveals How Americans Feel About College

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