Adriana Morga.

FILE - Barbie-themed merchandise is displayed in a special section at Bloomingdale's, in New York, Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

How to navigate social media trends without derailing your budget

From coastal grandma to clean girl aesthetic, microtrends are everywhere on social media, and you’re often encouraged to spend money to participate. Experts warn that while trends can bring happiness, they can also derail financial goals and lead to debt. But there are ways to navigate social media trends without overspending. First, you might want to pause for a set amount of time before making a purchase and make sure it’s something you really want. Removing credit card details from your browser and disabling Apple Pay on your phone can also help ensure you think before you spend.

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FILE - A woman walks past a personal finance loan office Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Franklin, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Gen Z’s credit scores are dropping. Here’s what to do if yours is too

Gen Z has seen its credit score drop more than any other generation over the past year, largely because of student loan debt. That’s according to a new report out this week. The report from credit scoring company FICO found that the total national average credit score dropped two points this year to 715. But Gen Z’s average score dropped three points to 676. That’s the largest year-over-year decrease among  any age group since 2020. A credit score is a mathematical formula that helps lenders determine how likely you are to pay back a loan.

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FILE - FAFSA website is seen on Adjovi Golo's laptop at DePaul University in Chicago, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

FAFSA application is open for early testing. Here’s what to know.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026-27 school year has opened for a limited number of students as part of a beta test, according to the Department of Education. The department is rolling out two beta testing phases before the application becomes fully available to everyone in October. Initially, the FAFSA form will be available for a small number of students and families, chosen through existing partnerships with community organizations and schools. In September, students can request participation in the second phase of beta testing, but participation will be limited. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal financial aid for college.

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FILE - In this, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, photo a woman types on her laptop, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

If you’ve lost your job, here’s how you can take care of yourself and your finances

Mass layoffs are currently affecting thousands of Americans both in the private and public sectors. Losing your job is not an easy thing to process and you might feel the impact of this change in several aspects of your life. But, there are a few actions you can make to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of a job loss.If you’re currently experiencing a layoff, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process, approach your job search with a plan, stick through a routine and lean on community resources.

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