Category Archive

2026 September

FMLA

2026 September, Benefit Spotlight August 26, 2026

In 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law. This act protects your right to take leave from work when dealing with your own or a family members’ serious health condition. Eligibility for the FMLA is determined by a couple criteria:

  • Private vs. Public Sector: If you are a private sector worker or, in other words, you don’t work for the government, you would qualify for FMLA if your workplace has 50 or more employees that have worked at least 20 work weeks. You must also work at a location that has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Public sector workers, or government employees, qualify regardless of employee count. Similarly, educational workplaces, which include public school boards and elementary, middle, and high schools (both private and public), also qualify for FMLA even if there are less than 50 employees.
  • Tenure: In order to qualify for FMLA, you must have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours at your workplace. The 12 months do not need to be consecutive, but paid time off, sick leave, and previous FMLA leave do not count towards the hour quota.

Due to the 50/75 rule, or the fact that your location must have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius, you may be ineligible for FMLA if you work at a remote, satellite office. An estimated 40% of the American workforce are not eligible for FMLA due to working for a small employer, not meeting the month or hour requirement, or working at remote office.

Qualifying for the FMLA results in several protections:

  • Keeping Your Job: If you take FMLA leave, then you are assured your original job or an “equivalent” position. If you are given a different position following FMLA leave, then the new job must have identical pay, benefits, skill requirements, and working conditions to your previous position.
  • Continuing Health Benefits: During FMLA leave, your employer is required to maintain your health insurance coverage. The benefits should be the same ones you receive while working, so your employer will continue to pay its share of the premium, and you pay what’s left.
  • Reinstating Other Benefits: Once you return to work, your other benefits, such as life and disability insurance, sick leave, and vacation time will be restored to the level they were at before you took FMLA leave.

If you are eligible under the FMLA, you may take FMLA leave in the following situations:

  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, or Adoption: You are entitled leave for the birth of your child, plus time to bond with your newborn. Bonding leave can be taken by both parents and must occur within 12 months of the birth. Complications of pregnancy, including severe morning sickness, doctor-ordered bed rest, and routine appointments also qualify under the FMLA. You may also take FMLA leave when placing children into foster care or adoption, but the leave must occur within 1 year of placement.
  • Family Member’s Health: If a family member is experiencing a serious health condition, you may take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for your spouse, child, or parent. Your child, regardless of whether they are biological, adopted, or foster children, are covered by the FMLA’s definition of “child.” However, they must be under the age of 18. For adult children, the FMLA only applies to those who cannot care for themselves due to a disability. Siblings, grandparents, and in-laws are not considered qualifying family members.

Your Own Health: If you are experiencing a serious health condition that makes you unable to continue working, you may take FMLA leave. Inpatient care, which includes overnight hospital stays, recovery, and follow-up appointments are covered by the FMLA. Continuing treatment for on-going health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, severe stroke, or terminal illness are also covered by FMLA. Common colds, minor health issues, or routine physicals do qualify for FMLA leave. The condition must impair your ability to do your job and require meaningful medical treatment to qualify.

FMLA leave does not need to be taken in a single block. You can take intermittent leave or reduce your working hours in certain situations.

Your health and the health of your family should always be your priority in an emergency. Utilizing FMLA leave allows you to focus completely on recovery, without having to worry about job security or health insurance.

Student Loan Starter Guide

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

For many students and families, the college acceptance letter is quickly followed by another important question: “How are we going to pay for this?” With tuition costs continuing to rise, student loans have become a reality for millions of Americans. But not all student loans work the same way, and understanding the differences before borrowing can help students make smarter financial decisions from the start. From FAFSA applications to federal and private loan options, knowing the basics can make the process feel far less overwhelming.

FAFSA: The First Step to Financial Aid

Before students consider any type of loan, completing the FAFSA should be at the top of the list. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. Many colleges also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for school-specific aid.

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans: What’s the Difference?

Once FAFSA is completed, students may be offered federal student loans as part of their financial aid package. The two most common federal loan types are subsidized and unsubsidized loans. At first glance, they may seem nearly identical, but one major difference can impact the total cost of borrowing over time.

  • Subsidized Loans: Subsidized federal loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The key advantage is that the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time, during certain grace periods, and during approved deferment periods. Because interest does not accumulate during those times, subsidized loans are often considered one of the more affordable borrowing options for students. However, there are annual and lifetime borrowing limits, and not every student will qualify based on financial need.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized federal loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students and are not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, interest begins accruing as soon as the funds are disbursed. Students can choose to make interest payments while in school or allow the interest to accumulate until repayment begins. Although unsubsidized loans may still offer benefits like fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options, the growing interest can increase the overall loan balance over time.

Understanding this distinction is important because even a small amount of accumulated interest can significantly affect the total amount repaid after graduation.

Direct PLUS Loans: An Option for Families

For families who still need additional financial assistance after scholarships, grants, and federal student loans are applied, Direct PLUS Loans may help bridge the gap.

Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Unlike traditional federal student loans that are borrowed by the student, these loans are taken out by the parent and remain the parent’s responsibility to repay.

One advantage of Direct PLUS Loans is that they can help cover education expenses not fully paid for through other financial aid. This may include tuition, housing, meal plans, transportation, or other school-related costs.

To qualify, parents must complete the FAFSA and pass a basic credit check. While financial need is not required, borrowers with certain adverse credit histories may need an endorser or may have to meet additional requirements.

Direct PLUS Loans typically allow families to borrow up to the school’s full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. Because of this flexibility, they can be appealing to families facing larger college expenses. However, families should still carefully evaluate how much they borrow. Interest begins accruing once the loan is disbursed, and because the loan belongs to the parent, repayment can impact long-term financial goals such as retirement savings or other household expenses.

For some families, Direct PLUS Loans can provide valuable support when used strategically. The key is understanding the long-term commitment and making borrowing decisions that align with overall financial goals.

The average public university student borrows $31,960 to attain a bachelor’s degree.

Private Student Loans: Filling the Gap

Sometimes federal aid and scholarships aren’t enough to cover the full cost of attendance. That’s where private student loans may come into play.

Private loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders rather than the federal government. These loans can help cover remaining education expenses such as tuition, housing, meal plans, books, and other college-related costs.

Unlike federal loans, private loans typically rely heavily on credit history and income. Because many students have limited credit, a parent or cosigner is often required to qualify for better rates.

Private loan terms can vary widely between lenders. Interest rates may be fixed or variable, and repayment benefits may differ depending on the lender. Some private loans also offer fewer borrower protections compared to federal loans. For that reason, financial experts often recommend exhausting federal aid options first before turning to private borrowing.

Students and families should carefully compare lenders, interest rates, repayment terms, and fees before committing to a private loan.

Borrowing Smart Starts Early

Student loans can help make higher education more accessible, but understanding how different loan options work is essential before signing on the dotted line.

Completing FAFSA early, understanding the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and carefully evaluating private loan options can help students make more informed financial choices throughout their college journey.

The goal isn’t simply to borrow money for school — it’s to borrow wisely. A little research upfront can help students avoid unnecessary stress later and create a stronger financial foundation for the future.

Saving for a Rainy Day

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

Rain or shine, sometimes things just go awry. Maybe your decades old computer has finally stopped working, or rattling noise in your car has turned out to be a $500 repair. The cost of these problems may be sudden, but they’re not completely out of the blue. Rainy day funds exist to cover these types of expected expenses that aren’t included in your normal monthly budget.

Rainy day funds are separate from emergency funds in a couple different ways. An emergency fund typically contains 3 – 6 months of living expenses for large, unexpected financial events, like job loss or major medical procedures. Rainy day funds, on the other hand, range from only $500 – $5,000, depending on the size of your family. They’re designed to act as a financial buffer to keep you from spiraling into debt over a one-off expense, like vet bills, trips to the dentist, or home repairs. Rainy day funds allow you to pay in cash, rather than putting the expense on a credit card. This saves you from potentially incurring interest fees or having to take out a loan. They also work to keep your emergency funds intact, so you’re prepared for an actual emergency when one arises.

To begin your own rainy day fund, start by taking small $10-$20 pieces from your monthly paycheck and setting them aside in an easily accessible account. Or, if you’re interested in growing your rainy day funds faster, try placing tax refunds, inheritance, or other lump-sum bonuses into the account. When it comes to choosing an account, a good option might be a high-yield savings account. High-yield savings accounts are “liquid” — that is, the money is easily accessible, and you can transfer your rainy day funds to checking whenever you need to use the funds. They also offer higher interest than traditional accounts, so your funds will grow naturally on their own. Other types of accounts, like certificates of deposit (CD), may offer higher interest rates, but the funds cannot be withdrawn without penalty for a set amount of time — from a few months to several years. It’s best to avoid placing your rainy day funds in stocks, since the value can fluctuate and the money won’t be readily available. It’s important that your rainy day funds are as stable as possible. Another thing you may want to consider for your rainy day funds account is whether or not it offers debit cards, online transfers, or checks. The key to a rainy day fund is its accessibility, so choose an account that works best for you. You will also want to double-check withdrawal limits and fees, which could result in additional costs. Since the rainy day funds are relatively small in comparison to your emergency funds, every little fee counts.

Rainy day funds keep you from worrying about minor expenses, so that you can focus on your larger financial goals.

Once you meet your goal for your rainy day funds, you can safely leave it alone until the funds are needed. Since the goal of rainy funds is being a financial buffer, you don’t need to keep funneling money into the account. Instead, put the excess funds towards your emergency funds or pay off debt. Rainy day funds are your “break glass in case of fire” money, while the actual fire extinguisher is your emergency funds. You want to invest your resources in a good fire extinguisher, rather than a pane of glass.

If you need to dip into your rainy day funds, it’s important to replenish the money as soon as possible. You may need to hold off on non-essential purchases, like fast food or subscription services, until you have built your rainy day funds back up. While it may be annoying, you never know when another rainy day will strike.

Struggling to Sleep?

2026 September, Lifestyle and Wellness August 26, 2026

Having trouble sleeping? You’re not the only one. Studies show that more than half of American adults struggle with at least some form of insomnia, ranging from only a couple days to several years at a time.

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of reasons, including stress, traveling across multiple time zones, or drinking caffeine too close to bedtime. But some lesser-known reasons are eating too late in the evening and taking medications that impact sleep cycles. Your body needs time to digest food and eating a large meal can throw off your natural circadian rhythm — that is, your body’s internal clock that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Medications for allergies, asthma, diabetes, and anxiety may cause REM sleep disorder (RBD), in which you physically act out your dream through speaking or moving. Both late-night meals and RBD-causing medications can negatively affect your length and quality of sleep.

As you age, certain life changes may mean that you experience insomnia more often. Your circadian rhythm naturally weakens, meaning you get tired earlier in the evening, and wake up earlier in the morning. Ongoing health issues can also disrupt sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, which become more common with age.

Close up hand scrolling on a digital tablet at night

Regardless of the reason you’re experiencing insomnia, there are a few methods you can use to help fall asleep faster:

Slow, deep breathing can help your body relax, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm that helps you fall asleep. The easiest way to do this is through diaphragmatic breathing, which utilizes your diaphragm to breathe more deeply than you can with just your lungs. The diaphragm is located at the top of your stomach, just below your rib cage. You can breathe deeply with your diaphragm by simply following these instructions:

  • Place one hand on your chest and one hand at the top of your stomach, just below your rib cage.
  • Inhale slowly, directing your breath down into your stomach. This should cause the hand on your stomach to rise, while the hand on your chest should barely move at all.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles and exhale
  • Repeat

Since most people do not utilize their diaphragm when breathing, this method may take some practice.

Another method that expands on diaphragmatic breathing is the “military method,” which comes from Olympic sprint coach Lloyd Bud Winter’s book, “Relax and Win: Championship Performance.” The method was developed during World War II as a way for Navy pilots to fall asleep in any situation in just under 2 minutes. The steps are as follows:

  • Close your eyes and begin to breathe deeply.
  • Begin relaxing your body. Starting with your face, focus on each individual muscle, breathe deeply, and let go of any tension in the area. Continue all the way down through your body.
  • Clear your mind by focusing on an image of something calming, like a beach or a hammock under a sunny sky. If you have trouble visualizing, repeating phrases like “don’t think” or “be calm” also work.

While there’s very little evidence to prove that the “military method” works as quickly and accurately as its promoted, it does utilize well-documented relaxation techniques. As mentioned above, deep breaths have a relaxing effect on the mind. But relaxing individual muscles and visualizing calming scenarios have also been shown to help you fall asleep faster. So, while you may not fall asleep in only 2 minutes, the technique still works to combat insomnia.

Your phone’s blue light messes with your melatonin levels, making your body think it’s daytime, even when it’s night. Leave at least 1 hour before bed to be completely phone-free.

If a meditation-like approach to falling asleep isn’t your thing, another option is word games. Luc Beaudoin, an adjunct professor at the Simon Fraser University in Canada, developed a technique referred to as “cognitive shuffling” that quiets the mind and helps you fall asleep:

  • Think of a neutral word with five or more letters, such as treat.
  • Take the first letter of your chosen word and imagine as many objects as you can that begin with that letter. In our case: tree, town, or telephone. Every time you think of a word, visualize that object in your mind.
  • When you run out of words, move on to the second letter in your chosen word.

The technique works because it mimics the random thought patterns your brain naturally produces as you fall asleep, as well as helping to distract your brain from ruminating on stressful things in your waking life.

While insomnia is incredibly common, persistent or chronic insomnia may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If lack of sleep is negatively impacting your quality of life, talk to your doctor.