VFG Solutions

06/17/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


Source:

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

06/14/2026

Celebrating Flag Day today! It's a day to honor the stars and stripes and everything they represent: unity, history, and national pride. Let's commemorate this day with respect and gratitude for our beautiful flag.

06/10/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

06/05/2026

Tax reminder! Your second-quarter estimated income tax payment is due on June 16, 2026.

If you're self-employed or earn income that isn't subject to withholding, now is the time to make sure your payment is on track. Don't wait until the last minute—a missed or underpaid estimated tax payment can mean penalties come filing season.

Not sure how much to pay? A good rule of thumb is to pay at least 90% of what you'll owe this year, or 100% of last year's tax liability—whichever is smaller. If you want more specific information, check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

05/20/2026

After years of saving and preparing, some retirees hesitate to spend.

That's understandable.

But retirement isn't only about preserving what you've built. It's about using it to support the life you want to live.

The first year isn't a test.

It's a transition.

And it's okay to take it one step at a time.

If you'd like to talk through what this season looks like for you, we're here.

05/17/2026

Retirement gives you time.

A lot of it.

And while that sounds freeing, it can also feel overwhelming at first.

When you're working, much of your day is structured. In retirement, you decide what today looks like.

Some people find it helps to create a little rhythm:
▪️A weekly volunteer day
▪️Lunch with friends
▪️A standing class
▪️Mornings reserved for exercise or hobbies

Not to recreate work — just to have something to look forward to.

Freedom often feels better with a little shape.

05/14/2026

One adjustment many retirees don't expect?

Spending can feel emotionally different.

For decades, income came in the form of a paycheck, and saving was the goal. In retirement, you're drawing from what you built.

Even if the numbers work, the shift can take time.

Separating essential expenses from flexible choices often helps. Once core needs are covered, the rest becomes intentional — not stressful.

Confidence tends to grow as you settle into your new routine.

05/12/2026

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

05/11/2026

Some retirees describe the first few months as a honeymoon phase.

Travel. Projects. Rest. Catching up on everything that was postponed.

And then something shifts.

After the glow wears off, deeper questions start to surface:
▪️How do I want to spend my time?
▪️What feels meaningful now?

That transition is normal.

Retirement creates space. The first year is about deciding what deserves it.