Adriana Morga, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - In this May 5, 2018, file photo, graduates at the University of Toledo commencement ceremony in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

What to know about student loan repayment plans and collections

February 9, 2026

It’s been a confusing time for people with student loans. Collections restarted, then were put on hold. At the same time, borrowers had to stay on top of changes to key forgiveness plans. Last year, the long-contested SAVE plan introduced by the Biden administration ended with a settlement agreement. President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” introduced new borrowing limits for graduates and raised challenges to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. While several changes for student loan borrowers will take effect this summer, other key questions remain unresolved.

FILE - A canning jar filled with money sits on a shelf in East Derry, N.H., June 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Find inspiration for achieving your financial resolutions and money goals in 2026

December 29, 2025

The start of a new year usually brings new motivation to achieve goals. Sometimes it involves eating healthier or finally cleaning your basement. But, for many, it can also include goals to pay off credit card debt, save for a new house, or simply get more educated about money. As many start writing their New Year’s resolutions, financial goals are also making the list. When building your goals for 2026, experts recommend focusing less on the past and more on an optimistic yet realistic vision for the future.

Black Friday Shoppers wait in line to enter Macy's flagship store on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Expert tips to ease financial pressure and avoid holiday overspending

December 13, 2025

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to spend money on gifts, parties, and travel this holiday season, you’re not alone. The time of year marketed as the most wonderful can quickly become stressful. That’s especially true now. The job market is tough, student loan and credit card debt are rising, and prices for many items remain high due to inflation. To avoid putting additional pressure on your finances, experts say the holidays are a good time to be extra-mindful of how you spend. It’s also important to remember that spending money isn’t the only way to show love to friends and family.

Sign shows discount available on seasonal items in a Kohl's department store, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Castle Rock, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Experts share their top tips to save money this holiday season

December 12, 2025

The holiday season means time with family and new memories, but it can also mean lots of spending — sometimes too much. From gifts to travel plans to grocery shopping, costs can pile up and become overwhelming, especially in a difficult economic environment. Shopping expert Trae Bodge says it’s important to stick to a budget and keep the risk of debt under control. Kiersten Torok is a social media content creator known on Instagram and TikTok as Torok Coupon Hunter. She recommends keeping an eye out for holiday decorations and gifts on sale after the holiday season and saving them for next year.

FILE -Customers of American International Assurance (AIA), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Insurance Group (AIG) stand in line outside the AIA office as they wait to speak to customer service officers, and some others seeking advice on terminating their insurance policies on Tuesday Sept. 16, 2008 in Singapore amid fears that that American Insurance Group, the world's largest insurer, was fighting for its survival after downgrades from major credit rating firms, adding pressure as AIG seeks billions of dollars to strengthen its balance sheet.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)

Building an emergency fund can feel daunting, but these tips can help

November 20, 2025

Maybe your car broke down, your computer was stolen, or you had a surprise visit to urgent care. Emergencies are inevitable, but you can help by building an emergency fund. The industry standard is to save three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. However, this can feel daunting if you live paycheck to paycheck or if you have debt. But if you’re in either of these situations, it’s even more crucial to build a financial safety net that can help you in times of crisis. You can start with setting small milestones for yourself to reach, then progress to bigger goals.

FILE - A Groomsman takes a break after finishing bridal party photos at a wedding on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Newtown, Ohio. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File)

Wedding etiquette includes being mindful of how much it costs guests to attend

October 23, 2025

Weddings are meant to be celebrations of love. They also may require invited guests to make a financial commitment that brings them stress. Whether it’s paying for hotels and flights to attend a destination wedding or different outfits and gifts for multiple pre-wedding events, friends and extended family often feel pressure to spend a large amount of money before the couple gets married. A sense of obligation and budget constraints can create resentment, hurt feelings and misunderstandings among friends and family. Experts say there are ways engaged couples can reduce costs for their wedding guests and guests can participate without going into debt.

FILE - The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, on Nov. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

The 2026-27 FAFSA application is live. Here’s what to know

October 15, 2025

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026-27 school year has officially opened. Jill Desjean from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators advises students to fill it out as soon as possible. Despite the government shutdown, the Education Department will continue processing applications. The form known as the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal financial aid, including work-study and loans. It also helps with state and school aid, and some private scholarships. Students should gather necessary documents and create an account on studentaid.gov to begin.

FILE - A shopper shops at a retail store in Arlington Heights, Ill., Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

How ‘The Great Lock In’ can help achieve your financial and wellness goals

October 8, 2025

A viral TikTok trend called “The Great Lock In” is helping people achieve their wellness goals. It encourages participants to focus on their life goals from September 1 through December 31. There are no set rules, and the trend can be applied to various goals, including exercise, healthier eating, or financial objectives. Participants like Julissa Mercedes are using it to build savings and improve personal habits. Experts suggest reviewing finances, setting attainable goals and finding community support to succeed.

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

September 19, 2025

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.

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.

August 8, 2025

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.

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

June 23, 2025

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.

Adriana Morga.