Author: Mark Garro

As the Federal Reserve holds off on raising interest rates, there’s still a cloud of financial uncertainty looming. Let’s break down what all this borrowing means for Americans, especially with elections around the corner. Rate Pause Explained The Federal Reserve might not raise interest rates further, but that doesn’t mean rates will stop climbing. U.S. […]

New York’s reputation as America’s financial powerhouse is under threat. High taxes and a less-than-friendly business environment have driven away high-earning residents, putting the state’s financial industry—and by extension, its economy—at risk. The Empire State’s Decline New York is seeing a drop in its financial prowess. A recent study shows that the state’s status as […]

The cloud of a potential government shutdown in 2023 was 0lifted, but not all is clear on the horizon. Goldman Sachs recently retracted its forecast for a U.S. government shutdown this year yet warned of possible disruptions in 2024. Shift in Predictions Goldman Sachs dropped its previous forecast that suggested a U.S. government shutdown was […]

As wealth inequality widens, this gap underlines a shortfall in financial accessibility for vast segments of society. The need for a more inclusive monetary system is increasingly urgent. The government and financial institutions must play a pivotal role in bridging this divide. Financial Inclusion Creates Economic Stability  While financial inclusion remains crucial in addressing these […]

The rise of Airbnb and similar short-term rental (STR) platforms has sparked a significant debate over their impact on housing affordability. Urban centers worldwide face escalating rental prices and a shrinking pool of affordable housing. Consequently, these platforms face increasing scrutiny for their role in this crisis. Is Airbnb Reducing Long-Term Housing? Critics argue that […]

Understanding tax credits can be incredibly complex, yet to ensure one can benefit from all that is available it is crucial to know what opportunities lie within the U.S. tax system.  Understanding Tax Credits Tax credits are not mere deductions; they are even more valuable. As Eric Bronnenkant, head of tax at Betterment, states, “This […]

Buying a home can be a daunting financial challenge, especially for teachers. Fortunately, several programs offer substantial aid, making homeownership more accessible for educators.  Understanding the Good Neighbor Next Door Program The Good Neighbor Next Door initiative provides eligible educators with a remarkable opportunity to purchase homes at half their appraised value. This program, however, […]

The road to retirement is a crucial aspect of financial planning, involving a variety of factors that influence when and how you can comfortably retire.  Early Entry into the Workforce: A Head Start Beginning your career at 18 can significantly shape your retirement journey. An early start allows more years to contribute to Social Security, […]

Before COVID-19, nearly half of all working women — 28 million — worked in jobs paying low wages. Sadly, that hasn’t changed in three years. It’s even worse for women of color. Even in traditionally higher-paying and more equitable industries and careers, women are typically paid 92 cents for every dollar a man earns. Disrupted […]

Financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, causing substantial monetary losses to consumers. With a range of common types to be aware of, the ongoing need for vigilance is critical to avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices. Voice Imitation Scams: A New Frontier in Fraud Advancements in technology have led to the emergence of voice […]