“The secret of getting ahead is getting started." — Mark Twain

Education: In a spirited dance to alleviate the financial burdens weighing down students, the White House has stepped onto the stage with a series of promising moves, proudly showcasing its efforts to lighten the load. With a flourish, it announced plans to bid adieu to the pesky origination fees that often haunt the dreams of student loan borrowers.

"The reforms would save students and borrowers billions in unnecessary fees and improve the college and loan repayment experience," declared a statement from the Biden administration, released like a grand proclamation on a sunny Friday afternoon.

While private lenders have already tossed these origination fees into the annals of history, the federal government has been somewhat tardy to the party. Federal student loan borrowers, therefore, find themselves saddled with expenses ranging from 1% to 4% of their total borrowing amount. President Joe Biden's 2025 budget, recently unveiled to much fanfare, boldly calls for an end to these fees, marking a significant stride toward financial liberation.

This initiative, part of President Biden's broader efforts, aims to alleviate the burden on around 7 million borrowers, particularly those in noble professions like teaching and nursing.

Additionally, the administration is tackling excessive bank fees and automatic textbook charges, signaling a comprehensive push toward financial relief for students.

Tech: Starting this Sunday, most Target stores’ self-checkout lanes are about to become 10 items or less. This shift follows a successful trial period where self-service lanes were restricted to handling only 10 items or fewer across approximately 200 stores. In a bid to streamline the shopping experience, customers with larger item counts will now be gently nudged towards traditional staffed lanes to complete their transactions.

This policy shift is part of a broader trend among major retailers seeking to navigate the challenges posed by the widespread adoption of self-service kiosks.

By imposing item limits, retailers aim to cut down on "partial shrink," whereby customers inadvertently fail to scan and pay for all items in their basket. This proactive approach not only enhances efficiency at checkout but also serves as a deterrent against potential losses incurred through unintentional oversight.

Overall, Target's move towards Express Self-Checkout signals a strategic response to evolving consumer behavior and technological advancements, underscoring the retailer's commitment to delivering a seamless and secure shopping experience for all patrons.

Investments Worth Watching 

You may know the name because of Target or their Netflix show, but Studio Mcgee has managed to find a path from its humble start to become a household name.

This house furnishing and design brand started by Shea McGee has grown so popular that you likely own a bit of something by them.

They’ve managed to raise $6 million in funding and it’s clear they’ve put that money to good use.

💪 What they do: Studio McGee is a leading interior design firm and house furnishing company.

📅 Founded: 2014

🤑 Funding: $6 million in funding

😋 MMM, Yummy! 

Gearing up for St. Patty’s Day? Throw together one or a few of these yummy St. Patrick’s Day themed recipes that your friends and family are sure to enjoy.

• Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies

• Savory Party Bread

• Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle

• Chocolate-Covered Bacon