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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: How to get into college without applying. In other news: Solar panels in Ohio, project 2025 calls for big changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and 5 ways to practice financial self-care.

Direct Admissions: How to Get Into College Without Applying
If your senior year of high school approaches, direct admissions can help you get into college. A growing number of states are offering this path to college, and companies like Common App and Niche also provide direct admissions to students regardless of where they live.

Solar Panels in Ohio: Costs and Incentives in 2024
Ohio solar panel costs are slightly lower than the national average.

Project 2025 Calls for Big Changes to Medicare, Medicaid
The nearly 900-page conservative policy platform proposes major overhauls for a wide range of government programs and agencies.

5 Ways to Practice Financial Self-Care
Start with reflecting on your past and goals, and then make a customized plan.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Small-business lenders share an inside look at the loan process. In other news: What to know before you enroll when you are considering college at 25+, SAVE lawsuits, and weekly mortgage rates sink to 4-month low.

Small-Business Lenders Share an Inside Look at the Loan Process
Two experienced small-business lending professionals shed light on the loan process and what small-business owners can expect.

Considering College at 25+? Here’s What To Know Before You Enroll
Think about your career goals, research schools that support adult learners, apply for scholarships and grants and lean on your support network.

SAVE Lawsuits: Biden’s Student Loan Plan Blocked, Payments Paused
Borrowers on the income-driven repayment plan SAVE won’t owe student loan payments or interest until the legal situation is resolved.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Sink to 4-Month Low
We’re in the middle of homebuying season, and mortgage rates are at their lowest since March.

What college students need to know about payment apps

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For college students, sending money to friends has never been easier thanks to peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App. But that convenience poses risks, including vulnerability to errors, fraud and the tendency to overspend.

As a result, payment apps can contribute to financial stress at a time when young people are learning how to manage their finances on their own. “Peer-to-peer payment apps are cash on steroids because they’re a straw stuck into your bank account,” says Anne Lester, author of “Your Best Financial Life.”

Not only does that make spending easier and more “frictionless,” Lester explains, but it also means “if you trust the wrong person, then you’re in big trouble,” because it can be difficult or impossible to get the money back. In Kimberly Palmer’s latest for ABC News, learn what college students need to know about payment apps.

Q&A: Can 529 college savings plan fund be used to study abroad?

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Dear Liz: Can my daughter use her 529 funds for summer study abroad in Costa Rica? She will be taking two Spanish classes for credit through her university. She has a minor in Spanish. Could she use the 529 for tuition, living expenses and airfare? What if it is all part of a package deal paid to her university?

Answer: Yes, tax-free withdrawals from 529 college savings plans are allowed for study abroad as long as the classes are accepted for credit by the sponsoring university and the sponsoring university qualifies for federal financial aid (the vast majority of U.S. institutions do).

Qualifying expenses can include tuition, books and supplies, plus room and board if she’s enrolled at least half time. Other living expenses and transportation costs, including airfare, aren’t considered qualifying expenses.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Skipped college in 2021? Enroll this fall. Also in the news: Kickstarting your online clothing reselling gig, getting on board with travel subscriptions, and what it really costs to propose on the jumbotron.

Skipped College in 2021? Enroll This Fall
If you didn’t enroll or reenroll in college during the pandemic, this fall is the time to get back on the path to higher education.

Millennial Money: Kick-start your online clothing resale gig
With the recent rise of resale apps like Depop and Poshmark, the idea of selling old clothes online is becoming more fashionable.

Subscriptions are coming to travel, should you get on board?
Welcome to the Netflixification of travel.

What It Really Costs to Propose on a Jumbotron (and Better Ways to Spend That Money)
Financial literacy takes many forms, and sometimes it’s about the money you don’t spend.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Scam Alert – Be skeptical of that emergency. Also in the news: How 2 first-gen college students got into their dream schools, what to do if your tax refund is delayed, and what to look for in an offer letter (besides the money).

Scam Alert: Be Skeptical of That ‘Emergency’
Take steps to guard against criminals who may pose as family or friends seeking money in an emergency.

How 2 First-Gen College Students Got Into Their Dream Schools
Focus on what drives you, lean on your resources and don’t quit when going through the college admissions process.

What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed and Your Bills Aren’t
Coping with IRS delays.

What to Look for in an Offer Letter (Besides the Money)
Other perks to look for.