Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport. The March consumer price index report found that inflation rose 3.3% year over year, which is the fastest pace since April 2024. Put simply, higher oil prices mean higher inflation — and higher inflation means higher interest rates.

Rates have trended lower in recent weeks, partly due to the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which has decreased oil prices and bond yields. The ceasefire was extended Wednesday, and the direction of mortgage rates is likely to be influenced by the progress of peace talks.

Most experts expect over the next few years, stuck above 6% for the 30-year fixed term. Although there’s always the chance that something unexpected could happen in the U.S. economy that could send rates tumbling lower, it’s unlikely that rates will fall below 3% or even 4% in the foreseeable future.

Current Mortgage Purchase Rates

Here are today’s interest rates for conforming purchase mortgages by loan term:

— : 6.387%

— : 6.305%

— : 5.525%

— : 5.497%

— 7-year ARM: 6.404%

— : 6.842%

— 3-year ARM: 8.25%

And here are the current government-backed and nonconforming mortgage rates by loan type:

— : 6.339%

— : 5.513%

— : 5.421%

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Current Mortgage Refinance Rates

Here are today’s mortgage refinance rates:

— 6.478%

— 20-year fixed refi: 6.5%

— 5.477%

— 10-year fixed refi: 5.542%

Mortgage refinance rates tend to follow the same trends as mortgage purchase rates, although interest rates on a mortgage refinance are often a few basis points higher than on purchase mortgages.

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Mortgage Rate Trends in 2026 So Far

collects weekly mortgage rate data, which can help provide context for mortgage borrowers on how and why mortgage rates change over time. Since the mortgage giant began collecting data in 1971, the median mortgage rate is 7.24%.

The 30-year fixed rate of 2.65% in January 2021, driving up demand for purchase and refinance mortgages. Since then, mortgage rates rose to nearly 8% in October 2023 before coming down to around 6.5% currently. Still, that’s nothing compared with the record high of 18.63% recorded in 1981.

You can use the interactive mortgage rates graph below to see how 30-year fixed interest rates have changed so far in 2026, .

[CHART]

Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator

Your mortgage interest rate is just one aspect of your monthly housing payment. You’ll need to carefully consider how your home’s purchase price will impact your budget so you don’t buy more house than you can comfortably afford.

The mortgage term — or the length of your loan — will also significantly influence your monthly payments. Most borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage, which can keep monthly payments affordable because they are spread over a long repayment term. But if you can afford the higher monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.

You’ll also need to consider property taxes, home insurance, homeowners association fees and , if applicable. You can use the calculator below to run the numbers for your financial situation.

[CALCULATOR]

How to Shop for a Mortgage

The mortgage rates we display on this page are national averages from lenders as provided to U.S. 91欧美激情 by Zillow, not necessarily the exact rate you’ll receive. Mortgage rates fluctuate throughout the day, and some lenders may be able to offer more favorable pricing for your situation than others.

“With spring homebuying season in full swing, aspiring buyers should remember to shop around for the best mortgage rate, as they can potentially save thousands of dollars by getting multiple quotes,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, in a statement.

Here are a few tips to help you shop for the lowest mortgage rate possible for your financial situation:

— Get your finances in order. Collect the documents you’ll need to apply for a mortgage using . You should also check your credit score and get a copy of your credit report to see where you stand.

— Apply through three to five lenders. Be sure to consider different loan types (such as ) as well as different types of lenders (like online lenders versus credit unions). Keep your rate shopping to a two-week window to minimize the negative impact to your credit score.

— Compare loan estimates. This document will outline the loan’s costs, including origination charges, lender credits, discount points, as well as the loan’s interest rate and or APR. The APR includes the interest rate as well as any fees, making it a holistic way to compare the cost of multiple loan offers.

Check out this from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to get a better idea of what to expect when comparing loan offers.

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But what levels of care does assisted living offer and who is each level designed to support?

Here, we’ll break down the common care levels in assisted living communities to help you determine how best to take advantage of the benefits this can offer older adults.

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What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities aim to preserve your loved one’s independence while providing support for , including:

— Medication management

— Bathing

— Dressing

— Toileting

— Emergency assistance

They also generally keep an eye on your loved one, making sure they’re eating well and engaging with other residents.

“When home care is no longer an option, assisted living can be a godsend,” says Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatrician based in the San Francisco area. She offers an online telemedicine, education and support resource for eldercare professionals, and families.

[READ: ]

Levels of Care in Assisted Living Communities

No two are exactly alike, but many offer up to five levels of care in assisted living.

Quick check: Which level matches your needs?

Level 1: No assistance

Also sometimes called , this lowest level is for seniors who don’t need daily assistance. At this level, older adults effectively live independently and manage their own affairs, but they have access to assistance and support if they need it. For example, this resident may benefit from reminders to take their as directed. Or, when a resident needs assistance with a complicated task — like programming a new smartphone or setting up a new television — staff can lend a hand.

This resident is ; they may still be working or volunteering and can drive off campus as they wish. Their decision to join the community is often driven by a desire for social contact and and access to age-appropriate activities or to alleviate the demands of maintaining a home.

Access to communal meals and also enables the resident to pursue other interests and reduces the burden of managing dietary needs, shopping and meal preparation.

Level 2: Low or minimal assistance

Adults residing in this are still largely mobile and don’t require ongoing supervision, but they typically need support with one of the ADLs, such as bathing or dressing. This resident may also benefit from more contact with staff and other residents.

For example, if they , more frequent check-ins may prevent a slide into , which often leads to more intensive care needs.

In addition, residents at this assisted living care level typically show signs of difficulty with some of the more complex ADLs. For example, a resident may have lost some dexterity due to and may need help opening pill bottles or buttoning a shirt. Many also benefit from reminders about:

— Meal times

— When to take medications

— How best to manage personal hygiene

Level 3: Moderate assistance

Residents who’ve progressed to this level of care typically retain some mobility and but likely need assistance or supervision with most or all ADLs. For example, a resident at this level might be able to dress on their own but need staff to help them with bathing.

Residents in the moderate assistance tier often struggle with meal preparation or remembering to take medications, and they can still benefit greatly from social interaction and activities with staff and other residents.

Level 4: Full assistance

What is the highest level of care in assisted living? In many facilities, it’s Level 4. At this level, residents may not be mobile and may need near-constant support.

The care can look similar to that provided in a but it is not medical in nature. Rather, the services offered focus on helping the resident do what they still can for themselves, whether that’s eating with a fork, brushing their hair or participating in a group craft project according to their ability.

Level 5: Memory care

Communities that offer often list it as a separate level because of its specialized nature.

In , the Level 5 resident is a patient with dementia or another type of cognitive impairment who is unable to care for themselves.

At this level, residents receive ongoing support and supervision based on their needs. Care typically covers all ADLs and is administered by staff who have been specially trained in techniques to assist people with and other cognitive impairments.

“Dedicated memory care ‘neighborhoods’ are generally equipped to care for a senior through and dementia with the various behaviors associated with those diseases,” explains Haidy Andrawes, center administrator at Park Vista Assisted Living in Fullerton, California.

Communities that cater to memory care patients may further stratify the levels of care in assisted living on offer. Some may have specialized tiers designed to support people with:

—

— Other types of dementia

—

— Other conditions that lead to cognitive decline

Since these conditions are progressive, patients in earlier stages of these diseases typically need less hands-on support than people with advanced dementia. As those needs advance, staff will provide more direct, hands-on care to residents.

What Is Enhanced Assisted Living Care?

Some assisted living communities offer an additional tier of care sometimes called “enhanced assisted living care.” This type of personalized care features medical support, such as nurses or checking in regularly. This level of care in assisted living is aimed at supporting residents with complex medical needs.

This care is similar to but still less intensive than what’s typically found in . It may also share some similarities with memory care, as people with dementia and other progressive, chronic conditions may benefit from more intensive medical intervention before needing to move to a .

A key difference between enhanced assisted living care and more conventional assisted living is the staff-to-patient ratio. Residents in an enhanced assisted living situation typically have more direct contact with staff, and those workers may have additional training to better manage medically complex residents.

[Read: ]

How Do Assisted Living Communities Make Care Assessments?

Assisted living communities typically use a formal evaluation process to determine the appropriate level of care for a prospective resident. These assessments may consider a wide range of factors, such as:

— Whether the senior has any medical conditions or chronic diseases that require daily intervention

— Whether the senior is experiencing any loss of cognitive function

— How well the senior is able to communicate needs and preferences

— Whether the senior is able to perform any or all ADLs without assistance

— How involved family members plan to be while the senior is in assisted living

These assessments are made in several ways, including:

— Observation of how they engage with others and perform tasks

— Reports from any (family or a home health aide, for example) who have been involved in the senior’s care previously

— The senior’s doctors or other health care providers

— A physical exam that checks mobility and fine motor skills

— Questioning and evaluation for mental health challenges or or reasoning ability

Once staff at the assisted living facility have evaluated the senior, they can draw up a personalized care plan that caters to their specific needs.

You can also bring in a to aid in the assessment process, says Jenny Munro, executive director of The Heritage at Fox Run, a senior living community in Council Bluffs, Iowa, that’s part of Heritage Communities based in Omaha, Nebraska.

Geriatric care managers have varied educational and professional backgrounds with a specialized focus on issues associated with , Munro adds. Through consultation, assessments and , care coordination and , these senior care professionals can help develop the right approach for your loved one.

How Assisted Living Levels of Care Affect Cost

Generally speaking, the more care you need, the more it will cost. Pricing, however, can vary, depending on the type of facility, location and which services are used.

The median in the U.S. is $6,200per month, according to . Memory care costs, such as in Level 5, tend to be higher than assisted living because of the specialized care and staff training. U.S. 91欧美激情 estimates that the average is $7,645 per month.

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However, not all ATMs accept cash, and some of those that do charge fees. If you want to deposit cash at an ATM, learn how to choose the right one and what steps to take next.

Before You Go to Make a Deposit

If you have cash that you’d like to deposit via ATM, it’s a good idea to do a bit of prep work. First, you’ll need to locate an ATM that accepts cash deposits. “Not all banks or ATMs will offer this feature,” says Anthony Martin, CEO of Choice Mutual Insurance Agency.

He says your best bet is usually an ATM that’s associated with your bank or its network. For instance, Allpoint is a network of about 55,000 ATMs around the world that allows customers from participating banks, and providers to use them without fees. To find an in-network ATM, you can usually use your bank’s website or mobile app to search by location.

You may be able to deposit cash at certain out-of-network ATMs as well. Keep in mind that if you do find an out-of-network ATM that accepts cash deposits, you’ll likely have to pay a fee and wait a few business days for the .

Also check whether any limits apply to cash deposits. In most cases, there is no cap on the dollar amount you can deposit through an ATM. However, there may be a maximum number of items you can deposit.

Finally, be extra cautious when handling cash at an ATM. “You can be vulnerable to robbery if you spend too much time openly counting and recounting cash,” says Gates Little, president and CEO of The Southern Bank Co. He recommends having your money organized and secured in an envelope ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to stick with ATMs that are well-lit and, ideally, secured behind a door that requires access via your debit card.

[Read: ]

How to Make a Cash Deposit at an ATM

Once you’re ready to deposit your cash, take the following steps:

— Log in to your account. Typically, ATMs require a debit card and PIN to access your bank account. Some banks, such as , allow you to log in using a mobile wallet.

— Choose your account. If you have more than one account with the bank, you’ll need to indicate which one the money is going into.

— Insert your bills. When prompted, insert the cash into the ATM. Some ATMs allow you to insert a stack of bills directly into the machine, while some may require you to put the money in a designated envelope first. If you do need an envelope, check whether you need to fill out any information on the envelope.

— Double check the deposit. Be sure that the ATM counted the correct amount to be deposited.

— Get a receipt. Always keep a record of the transaction, just in case there are any issues with the deposit. Some ATMs let you choose whether you’d like to receive a printed receipt or have it emailed or texted to you.

[READ ]

What If You’re With an Online-Only Bank?

You might be wondering how to deposit cash if you have an account with an . “Online-only banks are a bit tricky because they usually don’t have brick-and-mortar branches with secure ATMs and bank tellers,” Little says. There are some exceptions, such as , which does have physical ATMs and branches. It allows cash deposits at its Capital One branded ATMs, though not at MoneyPass or Allpoint partner ATMs.

Little says that an increasing number of online banks are also partnering with existing financial institutions to provide ATM services. Varo Bank, for instance, allows customers to deposit cash at CVS locations for free.

If your online bank doesn’t allow cash deposits, there are a couple of potential solutions. If you also have a checking account at a , you may be able to deposit cash into that account and then transfer the funds to your online account. You could also consider converting your cash to a money order and then depositing it into your online-only bank via mobile check deposit. Again, this may involve a fee, depending on your bank.

[Read: ]

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Understanding what to pay attention to while reading your credit reports can help you catch credit reporting errors and even signs of identity theft. Keep reading to learn what’s in your credit reports, how often to check them and how to access them for free.

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What Is a Credit Report?

A credit report is a document that details your financial history, including payment history, the status of your accounts and any outstanding balances. The three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and Transunion — collect this information from creditors and public records.

Your credit score is calculated based on the information in your credit reports. Positive information listed in your reports, such as on-time payments, can help you build credit. On the other hand, late payments in your report can drag down your score.

How Are Credit Reports Used?

When you apply for credit, such as a home or auto loan, lenders typically review your credit reports to determine whether to lend you money, how much you can borrow and your interest rate.

Having a strong credit history can improve your chances of qualifying for a lender’s lowest advertised rates. However, if you have little credit history or negative marks like missed payments, you may have trouble securing a loan without a cosigner.

When you apply for an apartment, landlords might review your credit reports to decide whether to approve your application. Depending on where you live, an insurance provider might review your credit-based insurance score, which is calculated based on information on your credit reports, to determine your insurance rates.

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What Information Is Included?

The information in each of your credit reports may vary depending on which credit bureau compiled it. But they all generally contain the following information.

— Personal information. Your credit reports contain your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and employment information.

— List of credit accounts. Credit reports also include records of your current and previous credit accounts. These records list details about your accounts, including payment history, outstanding balances, account statuses, lender names and the dates you opened and closed the accounts.

— Credit inquiries. Credit inquiries show who has access to your credit reports. There are two types of credit inquiries: . A soft credit check has no impact on your credit score. A hard credit check, which usually happens when you apply for credit, can temporarily lower your credit score.

— Public records. Public records, such as bankruptcies, civil judgments and foreclosures, may also appear on your credit reports. Foreclosures can stay on your credit reports for up to seven years, while bankruptcies can remain for up to 10 years.

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How Often Should You Check Your Credit Reports?

John Ulzheimer, a credit expert formerly with and Equifax, recommends checking your credit reports every few months. Doing so can help you catch potential errors and maintain good credit health.

“It’s also a good practice to review your credit report three to six months ahead of making a large purchase, such as a mortgage or auto loan,” says Christina Roman, consumer education and advocacy manager at Experian. She says doing this enables you to take steps to before applying, if necessary.

How to Get Free Copies of Your Credit Report

The easiest way to access your credit reports is to visit AnnualCreditReport.com. This government-authorized website allows you to request from the three major credit bureaus.

What You Should Pay Attention to When Reading Your Credit Report

“When reviewing your credit report, first and foremost, ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date,” says Roman. She recommends examining your credit accounts and paying close attention to your outstanding balances, payment history and account statuses.

Ulzheimer says if you spot one of these items on your reports, it could be a sign of fraud:

— An address where you’ve never lived

— Hard inquiries by a lender from whom you never applied

— An account reported by a lender you don’t have a relationship with

— A debt collector attempting to collect a balance from a creditor you had no relationship with

If you spot any credit reporting mistakes, you can with the respective credit bureau. If you think you’ve become a victim of identity theft or fraud, consider placing a freeze on your credit reports. This prevents someone from opening a new account in your name. You can also file a police report and claim on IdentityTheft.Gov.

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The key to maximizing a 5% cash back card is to pick one that matches your lifestyle — and to be willing to do some legwork to make it work for you.

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Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards for You

These are our picks for the best 5% cash back cards and tips on how to pick and use the right one for you.

Best for Groceries and Streaming:

The Blue Cash Preferred庐 Card from American Express is great for people who spend a good portion of their budget on groceries and have multiple streaming subscriptions (no other card offers a higher bonus in either category). The downside is that the 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is capped at a $6,000 spend per year — an average of $500 per month.

If your grocery expenses exceed that amount, consider the , which earns four points per dollar on groceries on up to $25,000 in expenses per year.

Best for Maximizing Travel Rewards: Chase Freedom Flex庐 Credit Card

frequently features convenient categories in its quarterly 5% rotation offering, including supermarkets and gas stations, which you must activate. And if you pair it with the or the , your points can be worth more when redeemed through Chase Travel? — or you can transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 , further stretching their value. Add to the mix and you’ll hit the .

Best for Rotating Categories:

Cardholders of the Discover it庐 Cash Back card earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like restaurants and streaming services, on up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. And while the card doesn’t offer any additional rewards, Discover matches all the cash back you earn in your first year — essentially letting you earn 10% cash back on select categories for the first 12 months of card ownership.

Best for Picking Your Own 5% Category:

As its name implies, the Citi Custom Cash庐 Card lets you pick which categories will give you 5% cash back. The eligible options fit nearly any type of lifestyle, so it can be hard to go wrong with this card. And you don’t need to fuss about activation or enrollment requirements — the card automatically gives you 5% back on the one category you spend the most on every month.

Best for Retail Stores: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards庐 Visa Signature庐 Card

If you are looking to earn elevated rewards at your favorite retailers, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards庐 Visa Signature庐 Card lets you pick two retailers and earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 spent on combined purchases every quarter. The store selection is healthy — 24 retailers, including Target, Ikea and Walmart — so you can pick your rewards strategically, or seasonally, to fit your shopping plans. The downside? The card comes with a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year.

Best for Using as a Single Card:

The downside of many rotating cash back cards is that sometimes the categories don’t match your lifestyle — for example, public transit if you drive everywhere, or fitness clubs if you work out at home. Enter U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, which lets you choose two 5% and one 2% cash back categories per quarter. You have more than 10 elevated categories to choose from — including fast food and home utilities — and the 2% options feature popular everyday categories, like grocery stores and restaurants.

Best for Amazon Prime:

If you’re an Amazon or Whole Foods loyalist, Prime Visa may be the card for you. It offers unlimited 5% cash back on Whole Foods Market and Amazon purchases — which can sometimes be stretched to 6% if you pick the Amazon Day Delivery option. The Prime Visa also offers the flexibility of paying for certain Amazon products in no-interest installments instead of earning cash back, which can be a convenient choice, especially on big items. But you need to be an Amazon Prime member to be eligible for the card.

Best for Office Expenses:

The Ink Business Cash庐 Credit Card is a great option to earn elevated rewards on common business expenses, including office supply store purchases and internet, cable and phone bills. Elevated rewards earning is capped at $25,000 in combined purchases per year, so it can be a great fit for small business owners and side hustlers alike. The best part? There’s no annual fee.

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Learn more about how the rule works, the impact it could have on your retirement strategy, and some alternative ways to save for your golden years.

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What Is a Catch-up Contribution?

refer to the higher amounts that people 50 or older can make to their retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs. Because this group is closer to retirement age, the IRS provides a window to contribute additional funds beyond the standard annual limits

For 2026, the catch-up contribution allows savers to contribute an additional $8,000 to their 401(k)s. If you’re between 60 and 63, your catch-up contribution limit is even higher for 2026 — up to $11,250 this year.

These catch-up contribution limits are not changing, however — the tax treatment of some of those extra contributions is shifting, Frank Davis, president of New Era Financial Services in Toms River, New Jersey, wrote in an email.

What Does the New Roth Catch-up Rule Do?

Before this year, all earners with 401(k)s were allowed to put their catch-up contributions directly into the pre-tax retirement accounts.

Now, higher-income earners must make 401(k) catch-up contributions with after-tax dollars and place them in a Roth account. This applies to anyone whose were more than $150,000 in 2025. Catch-up contributions to IRAs remain unaffected by this rule.

This matters because when you use after-tax contributions, there’s no longer an up-front tax break. However, once you fund a Roth account, its balance grows tax-free, and you won’t owe taxes when you take qualified withdrawals.

The new rule may affect you if:

— You’re 50 or older with an employer-sponsored 401(k).

— Your FICA taxable income for 2025 was higher than $150,000.

— You already maxed out the standard 401(k) contribution limit for the year and want to take advantage of the catch-up contribution allowance.

[See: ]

Breaking Down the Roth Catch-Up Rule

The new Roth catch-up rule has pros and cons, but the key is knowing about the change so you can plan accordingly.

“This rule should encourage greater tax planning and diversification when preparing for retirement,” Davis says. “Having both pre-tax and Roth assets in retirement can provide more flexibility when managing withdrawals and attempting to mitigate tax liabilities.”

Here are two ways to look at it:

Loss of the Upfront Tax Deduction

“For many savers, this change means losing an immediate tax deduction on catch-up contributions for this calendar year,” Davis says. He means that each time you contribute to your 401(k) or traditional IRA, you lower your taxable income and, as a result, your tax bill decreases.

You can still claim that on regular contributions, but higher earners must now direct catch-up contributions to a Roth account.

Potential Benefit of Tax-Free Withdrawals Later

On the other hand, the rule change may simply be an example of delayed gratification for some taxpayers.

“While it is not reducing taxable income today, those dollars will grow tax-free and may be withdrawn tax-free in retirement after the allotted time,” Davis says. “This could be a net positive for individuals who expect to maintain similar income levels in retirement.”

In fact, some high earners use a “backdoor Roth” strategy to bypass the Roth IRA income limits. In 2026, your modified adjusted gross income, or MAGI, must stay below $165,000 for single filers and $252,000 for married couples filing jointly to contribute directly to a Roth.

With a backdoor Roth, you contribute to a traditional IRA using after-tax dollars and then convert the funds to a Roth account. Any gains you earned on the transferred amount count as ordinary income for the year, but if you made the conversion quickly, the tax impact should be minimal.

With a Roth, you gain the advantage of tax-free growth going forward, Steven Rog茅, certified financial planner and CEO of R.W. Rog茅 & Company, wrote in an email. “This can play a vital role in your tax planning during retirement.”

For who already use the backdoor strategy, directing catch-up contributions straight into a Roth could be a win.

[READ: ]

Alternative Strategies Savers Can Consider

If you have extra funds for a catch-up contribution but aren’t keen on the new Roth rule — or if your employer doesn’t offer a Roth 401(k) option — a financial advisor can help you explore other investment options, including:

— Health Savings Accounts: “For those eligible, offer triple tax advantages,” Rog茅 says. These accounts have tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. “They can be a powerful supplemental tool in retirement.”

— Brokerage investing: If you have extra money to invest, you don’t necessarily have to put it into an account earmarked for retirement; you can open a . “Low-cost, diversified, tax-efficient index funds, especially growth funds with little to no dividends in an ETF wrapper, can be extraordinarily tax-efficient investments that compound wealth over time,” Rog茅 says.

— Annuities: Another popular, though somewhat complex, strategy for soon-to-be retirees is . “These can be purchased with after-tax dollars, grow tax-deferred, and are not subject to required minimum distributions, which can give retirees some flexibility in when and where they withdraw retirement distributions,” Rog茅 says.

Bottom Line

Taking advantage of catch-up contributions can be a great strategy to pad your retirement savings accounts, but it’s important to know the new rule and how to use it to your advantage.

“(The new Roth rule) is less about losing an opportunity and more about adapting to a new tax strategy,” Davis says. “By creating a diverse retirement savings portfolio, you could potentially enjoy the same or possibly higher income during retirement while lowering your tax bracket and keeping more of your hard-earned money.”

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Shares of psychedelic drug companies soared on Monday, April 20, after a weekend executive order from ?President Donald Trump boosted federal funding for research and instructed regulators to fast-track their reviews of psychedelic treatments.

Under the order, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would prioritize reviews of compounds such as ibogaine, aimed at the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychedelic drugs with a Breakthrough ?Therapy tag could see their approval times slashed to as short as one or two months. The government will also put $50 million toward ibogaine research, Trump said.

[]

Recent data from Grand View Research suggests that the psychedelic drugs market will maintain an annualized 12.1% growth rate from now until 2030, and that was before the executive order was signed. That relatively high growth rate can lead to many winners in the stock market. The drugs themselves, however, have some pros and cons to consider. Some studies suggest that psychedelics can minimize anxiety, depression and headaches. However, there are notable risks, such as paranoia, psychosis and addiction, that come with withdrawal symptoms.

Just as taking psychedelics could be viewed as risky, it’s also risky to buy psychedelic stocks at the moment. However, the rewards could be massive, especially with a renewed push for these drugs under the Trump administration.

Joseph Tucker, CEO of Enveric Biosciences Inc. (ticker: ), spoke with U.S. 91欧美激情 on why the psychedelic industry is experiencing robust demand for these medical treatments: “The psychedelics sector seeks to address a large and growing unmet need in mental health with the power and open field afforded by a new mechanistic understanding of how to rapidly induce neuroplasticity.” He adds, “That nexus may have the potential to reshape treatment paradigms across depression, anxiety, PTSD and related disorders.”

However, psychedelic stocks are not for risk-averse investors. Investors must be patient and be willing to endure a bumpy ride because these stocks are quite volatile. Results from a phase 2 or 3 trial can result in substantial price movements. It’s best to put money into this sector that you will not need for multiple years, to ensure you can withstand dramatic swings.

But, there’s no denying the potential for reward. “The demand is no longer hypothetical,” Sophia Ellowen, a psychedelic therapy facilitator and founder of Psilence, told U.S. 91欧美激情. “It’s already here, and it’s growing quickly.”

Ellowen says there’s a broad clientele for psychedelic treatments that is gaining momentum, and that many types of people consider these medical drugs. “The people reaching out are not what most people expect. They are professionals, veterans, business owners, parents and people who have tried therapy, medications and everything else without getting the relief they were hoping for,” Ellowen says. “Many of them are not looking for something new or trendy. They are looking for something that actually works after everything else hasn’t.”

Investors who are interested in this industry may want to monitor these top psychedelic stocks and one :

*Enveric Biosciences is up 78.9% in the past 30 days, doubling after Trump’s executive order.

**Helus Pharma is up 21.4% in the past 30 days.

Compass Pathways PLC ()

Compass Pathways is a British that aims to improve the lives of people with mental health challenges. The company’s new model of psilocybin treatment, COMP360, is one of those designated as a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA.

A phase 2b study showed a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in symptoms of depression within three weeks, and that type of result could push COMP360 to the forefront of the psychedelics industry. Compass Pathways expects to be “launch-ready” by the end of 2026, and the commercial rollout could follow FDA approval in 2027.

Compass Pathways has a market capitalization just above $1.2 billion. After a $150 million financing and $200 million in warrant exercises, the company expects its cash position as of late March to fund operations into 2028.

Definium Therapeutics Inc. ()

Definium Therapeutics has been a red-hot stock, more than quadrupling over the past year as multiple drugs are approaching top-line results as they get closer to commercialization. Major depressive disorder drug Emerge will receive topline data in Q2, while general anxiety disorder drugs Voyage and Panorama are projected to receive additional topline data in the second half of the year.

“Each of these pivotal readouts represents an important catalyst opportunity to move DT120 ODT one step closer to delivering on its best-in-class potential in both MDD and GAD,” Definium Therapeutics CEO Rob Barrow said in a press release, referring to major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Definium Therapeutics closed the year with a $411.6 million cash position, which is an upgrade from its $273.7 million cash holdings at the end of 2024. All of that capital makes it easier for the company to make meaningful R&D investments that result in more effective drugs.

GH Research PLC ()

GH Research is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that is developing mebufotenin therapies for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The treatment is going through clinical trials on its path to commercialization, and the stock’s 136% one-year gain shows that some investors want a front-row seat before the company’s drugs are widely available.

“Our phase 2b results reinforce our conviction that GH001 has the potential to be a practice-changing therapy for patients with TRD,” GH Research CEO Velichka Valcheva said in a Q4 2025 statement that highlighted a $280.7 million cash position.

R&D expenses came to $38.8 million last year, so the company’s current offers plenty of runway. GH Research also incurred $22 million in general and administrative expenses last year. Three of its GH001 drug products are deep into phase 2 of 3. Once the third phase is completed, these drugs will be commercialized.

Enveric Biosciences Inc. ()

Enveric Biosciences’ neuroplastogenic small-molecule therapeutics aim to address depression, anxiety and addictive disorders. Its lead molecule EB-003 is a neuroplastogen that can help with difficult-to-address mental health disorders. This drug recently received positive preclinical results.

Tucker highlighted the company’s intellectual property strength in a press release that revealed Q4 2025 results. “A post-grant review petition filed by Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals, and ultimately withdrawn by AbbVie Inc., underscored the significance and breadth of our intellectual property footprint in the field,” Tucker stated.

That interaction with AbbVie Inc. () after its acquisition of Gilgamesh shows that Enveric can protect its intellectual assets; if does want to enter the industry, however, there could be lucrative opportunities for smaller firms like Enveric.

AtaiBeckley Inc. ()

AtaiBeckley is a biopharmaceutical company that is developing new mental health treatments for patients. The company has backing from Peter Thiel, Catalio Capital Management, Future Ventures and other .

Its treatment-resistant depression medication is on track for phase 3 trials in the second quarter. Its $220.7 million cash position gives it enough funds to support R&D and other expenses leading up to commercialization. Investor enthusiasm has been building for the stock as phase 3 trials are set to begin soon. The stock has tripled over the past year.

Helus Pharma Inc. ()

Helus Pharma, formerly known as Cybin, is a Canadian psychedelic company that was founded in 2019. The company is working on treatments that are designed to improve mental health conditions. The treatments use novel serotonergic agonists.

The company closed 2025 with a $195 million cash position as HLP003, the company’s lead novel serotonergic agonist, continues making progress in phase 3 trials. Helus Pharma also released positive phase 2 data for HLP004, a drug for generalized anxiety disorder, in early March.

Helus Pharma’s intellectual property portfolio includes more than 100 granted patents and more than 250 patent applications that are pending. This portfolio will make it difficult for competitors to release similar medical products.

AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF ()

You don’t have to guess which particular psychedelic stock will take off if you invest in the AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF. This fund contains a basket of psychedelics stocks, and the managers do the stock-picking for you.

PSIL has been around since Sept. 15, 2021, and it has a 1% expense ratio. Investors can also trade PSIL options for to this fund. More than 80% of the fund’s total assets are in micro-cap and small-cap stocks, and more than three-quarters of its holdings are in U.S.-based companies.

The fund is up by 20.7% year to date, which is more than enough to outperform the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite during that stretch. The fund’s top three positions are AtaiBeckley, Relmada Therapeutics Inc. (), and Definium Therapeutics.

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Growth stock analysis and selection are critical these days. Fortunately, the CFRA analyst team has identified these 10 excellent growth stocks to buy in 2026:

*From April 20 close, per CFRA price targets.

Nvidia Corp. ()

High-end Nvidia has been one of the most spectacular growth stories in the entire stock market in the past 15 years. Nvidia’s growth numbers have wowed Wall Street, especially for a company of Nvidia’s size. Nvidia’s revenue grew 73% year over year in the fiscal fourth quarter, while net income grew 94%. Analyst Angelo Zino says the next stage of Nvidia’s growth will be driven by opportunities, edge device penetration, software expansion and a widening addressable market. He projects 61% revenue growth in fiscal 2027. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $250 price target for NVDA stock, which closed at $202.06 on April 20.

Broadcom Inc. ()

Broadcom is a diversified designer, developer and supplier of analog semiconductor devices. Broadcom reported 24% revenue growth in fiscal 2025 and has maintained 29% growth as of the most recent quarter, including 106% growth in AI revenue. Zino says Broadcom’s application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) business and its networking business make the company a central player in the ongoing AI infrastructure investment boom. He anticipates Broadcom’s semiconductor revenue will triple by 2027 to over $100 billion. Zino forecasts 64% revenue growth in fiscal 2026 and 41% growth in 2027. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $428 price target for AVGO stock, which closed at $399.63 on April 20.

Meta Platforms Inc. ()

Meta Platforms is a market leader in social media and online advertising and is the parent of Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. Meta has maintained impressive growth even as the company has matured, including 24% revenue growth and 7% family daily active people growth in the fourth quarter. Zino says Meta’s AI feature integration, cost cuts, new model development, attractive valuation and surging advertising business make it a very attractive growth stock investment. He projects 25% revenue growth in 2026 and high-teens growth in 2027. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $804 price target for META stock, which closed at $670.91 on April 20.

Eli Lilly & Co. ()

Eli Lilly produces brand-name prescription drugs to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. In the fourth quarter, Lilly reported 43% revenue growth, including impressive 110% revenue growth for diabetes and Mounjaro. Revenue from diabetes and weight-loss drug Zepbound also surged 123% in the quarter. Analyst Sel Hardy says an aging U.S. population coupled with the ongoing boom in GLP-1 weight-loss drugs will support Lilly’s long-term growth. He anticipates 26% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $1,225 price target for LLY stock, which closed at $919.90 on April 20.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ()

JPMorgan Chase is one of the world’s with nearly $5 trillion in assets. JPMorgan reported 10% revenue growth in the first quarter, and net income was up 13%. Analyst Kenneth Leon says an expanding U.S. economy will be the primary growth driver for JPMorgan’s profits and sales in coming years. Leon is also expecting asset management and investment banking activities will boost fee service income and help the bank gain wallet share. He forecasts 5.2% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $340 price target for JPM stock, which closed at $316.99 on April 20.

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Bank of America Corp. ()

Bank of America is one of the largest U.S. commercial and investment banks and wealth management services providers. In the first quarter, Bank of America reported 7% revenue growth and 17% net income growth. Net interest income was up 9%, equities trading revenue was up 30% and investment banking fees were up 21% compared to a year ago. Leon says Bank of America has several growth tailwinds, including healthy consumer card spending trends and a solid U.S. economy. He projects 5.1% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $65 price target for BAC stock, which closed at $53.95 on April 20.

Palantir Technologies Inc. ()

Palantir is a big data company that builds software platforms that can analyze massive amounts of data using machine learning and AI technology. Palantir’s stock price has been on a tear in recent years, and that performance has been fueled by extraordinary growth numbers. In the fourth quarter, Palantir reported 70% revenue growth, including 137% growth in U.S. commercial revenue and 66% growth in U.S. government revenue. Analyst Janice Quek says Palantir’s growth numbers are accelerating across key metrics. She anticipates 61% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $203 price target for PLTR stock, which closed at $145.89 on April 20.

Morgan Stanley ()

Morgan Stanley is one of the largest U.S. investment banks. Morgan Stanley reported 16% revenue growth in the first quarter, including a 32% jump in trading revenue compared to a year ago. Leon says Morgan Stanley is a leader in global investment banking and should benefit from a healthy rebound in investment banking activity. In addition, he says elevated equity markets will help Morgan Stanley generate higher fee income in its Investment Management and Wealth Management businesses. Leon forecasts 7.7% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $220 price target for MS stock, which closed at $190.70 on April 20.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ()

Goldman Sachs is one of the world’s leading investment banks and securities companies. In the first quarter, Goldman reported 14.3% revenue growth and 19% net income growth. Global Banking and Markets revenue was up 19%, while equity trading revenue was up 27% in the quarter. Leon says Goldman is well positioned to capitalize on favorable investment banking trends in 2026. He says Goldman will generate higher investment banking fee revenue and will benefit from improved merger and acquisition activity. He projects 12.9% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $1,000 price target for GS stock, which closed at $941.74 on April 20.

Wells Fargo & Co. ()

Wells Fargo is one of the largest U.S. banks, lending mostly within the U.S. market. In 2025, the Federal Reserve finally lifted Wells Fargo’s punitive asset cap that had been in place since 2018 and had previously limited the bank’s growth opportunities. In the fourth quarter, Wells Fargo reported 6% revenue growth and 11% loan growth. Analyst Alexander Yokum says Wells Fargo can expand its return on tangible common equity to between 17% and 18% in the medium term. He projects 7% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $118 price target for WFC stock, which closed at $81.97 on April 20.

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A person’s ability to say what they want — and decode what others are saying — becomes increasingly difficult as dementia progresses. Someone with the disease might repeatedly rely on familiar words, begin inventing new words to describe familiar objects and easily lose their train of thought. People with will also likely have difficulty organizing words logically and, ultimately, will speak less often. As the progress, dementia delusions may become more noticeable. Understanding how to talk to someone with dementia and learning how to can help you fortify your own well-being while providing care.

“Having a loved one with dementia can be emotionally taxing, and you can’t get it right all the time,” says a board-certified neuropsychologist at UCI Health. “Remember to give yourself the same compassion that you offer your loved one.”

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The Toll of Dementia Delusions

According to recent data from the nearly 12 million family members and unpaid caregivers supported people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2024. Overburdened caregivers can be at increased risk for emotional distress, negative and declining physical health.

When a loved one develops dementia delusions, it can become especially challenging to communicate and interact with them. These false beliefs are a result of brain damage from the disease, and feel very real to the a person with dementia.

What are dementia delusions?

Dementia are a type of neuropsychiatric symptom that causes a person to firmly believe in a false reality. Some, but not all, people with dementia develop delusions throughout the course of their disease.

Dementia delusions can fall into different categories, such as theft delusions, paranoid delusions, poisoning delusions, imposter delusions and phantom boarder delusions.

For example, they might believe that personal items have been stolen by family or staff, a neighbor is poisoning their food, a loved one (often the caregiver) has been replaced by an imposter or there are people living in their home that aren’t really there.

When your loved one begins to believe you or another relative is harming them or they are in severe distress because of delusion that isn’t true, it can be extremely challenging. has shown dementia delusions are a leading cause of and depression.

“Dementia is a difficult condition for caregivers,” says a licensed therapist and the chief psychological officer with Recovered, an organization that provides information and resources for mental health and treatment. “It can feel isolating as increased time is dedicated to caring for a loved one’s needs and safety.”

Some caregivers may “suffer from loneliness as dementia destroys shared memories,” or “feel frustrated as their parent, partner, or other loved one is no longer able to function in ways they once did,” Vinall adds.

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12 Essential Rules for Communicating With Someone With Dementia

Whether you’re caregiving or hosting a , these expert tips can make your loved one more comfortable.

1. Learn how to get — and keep — attention

Start by limiting the number of distractions nearby — turn off the TV or radio, or go into a quiet room and close the door. Throughout the conversation, maintain eye contact, smile and speak with a calm tone. Touch can help, too. Try holding the person’s hand, placing your hand on his or her shoulder or gesturing by pointing to whatever you’re describing.

2. Prepare to repeat yourself

Someone with Alzheimer’s likely won’t recall certain details for more than a few moments at a time. Keep in mind this isn’t intentional or meant to frustrate you.

3. Identify yourself

A loved one with dementia may not require immediate family members or caregivers to identify themselves until the later stages of the disease, but that’s not necessarily the case for extended family or friends. Even though a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not remember who someone is or the nature of the relationship, they will find comfort in knowing a member of the family or close friend has come to visit.

4. Call them by name

If they prefer, Mary — say Mary. If they say Mrs. Jones, say Mrs. Jones. Addressing someone directly helps retain attention too.

5. Speak in slow, short sentences, not paragraphs

If you’re telling a loved one with Alzheimer’s a story or plan to share multiple ideas, consider how confusing it might sound. Instead, limit your requests or stories to short, direct sentences — with only one idea per sentence.

6. Be specific

If you want to show someone with Alzheimer’s where something is, identify objects by name — “here is your hat,” for example, rather than “here it is.” And avoid confusing and vague statements. Rather than saying, “Hop in the shower,” try, “Please come here. Your shower is ready.”

7. Ask direct questions

Opting for closed-ended questions that can either be answered with a “yes” or “no.”

8. Avoid phrases like “Don’t you remember?”

Same goes for: “Did you forget? We already talked about that. I just told you. How could you not know that? Try to remember!” This type of wording can make someone with Alzheimer’s feel worse about their inability to recall certain people, places or things.

9. Offer to help

Making slight accommodations can go a long way. Maybe they’re having difficulty finishing sentences or can’t think of the right word for a certain thing but are still very capable overall. Ask: “Does it help when I fill in the word, or does that frustrate you?” If the answer is that it helps, suggest a word you believe the person is trying to think of. Just be careful not to cause unnecessary frustration by being overly suggestive or taking over the conversation.

10. Don’t rely only on verbal communication

There are many ways to communicate beyond speaking verbally — facial expressions, body language and behavior. Just because someone might not be able to speak as eloquently as before, doesn’t mean you can’t look them in the eye, greet them by name and take them by the hand.

11. Avoid talking as if they aren’t in the room

Your family member or friend with Alzheimer’s disease is still a person. Don’t talk to someone else in the room about them as if they aren’t there. Just because they have Alzheimer’s disease, doesn’t mean they’re not in the room. People notice when they’re excluded from the conversation — it feels demeaning and can strip away dignity.

12. Relax your tone

Like anyone facing a lifelong illness, people with Alzheimer’s disease appreciate a calm and supportive attitude from caregivers, friends and family. It’s easy to get frustrated — or even angry — when one doesn’t understand what the other is trying to communicate. Keep in mind that even when someone loses their words, that person can still recognize tone.

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How to Respond to Someone With Dementia Who Is Confused or Delusional

If your loved one is expressing a dementia delusion not rooted in reality, it can help to validate the emotion behind their delusion, without supporting the delusion itself. At the same time, you don’t want to deny the person’s delusion, as this is their reality. Meeting someone where they are can look like validating their emotions and speaking in slow, simple sentences.

The connection first approach

— Validate and acknowledge their feelings. “I can see you’re feeling a bit (anxious/upset) right now.”

— Agree and offer a comfort-based pivot. “That does sound like a lot to handle. Why don’t we step into the kitchen for some tea while we figure it out together?”

— Remove the trigger and create a change of scenery. Gently guide them to a different room to leave the source of the confusion behind.

The validation method: Meet them where they are

When a loved one insists on a reality that isn’t true, your first instinct may be to correct the facts. This older approach, known as reality orientation, was once the standard. However, experts now recommend the validation method, popularized by Naomi Feil in her book “The Validation Breakthrough.”

The shift is simple but profound: Instead of trying to force the person back into our world, you enter theirs. While reality orientation often leads to shame and agitation (for example, bluntly telling someone their deceased mother is gone), the validation method prioritizes the person’s feelings over the facts. By confirming the emotions behind the confusion, you can de-escalate tension and maintain a meaningful connection.

How to use validation

Keep your interactions calm and supportive:

— Center yourself. Before responding, take a deep breath. Your calm energy is the most powerful tool you have.

— Validate the emotion, not the delusion. If a loved one is searching for a parent who passed away years ago, don’t correct the date. Instead, say, “You must really miss her. Tell me about her favorite music.”

— Rephrase and listen. Repeat what they’ve said in your own words. It shows them they are being heard, even if the logic is missing.

— Use gentle ambiguity. If you can’t understand what they are trying to say, don’t press for clarity. Use vague but kind phrases and a clear, warm tone of voice to keep the conversation flowing without frustration.

— Physical connection. When appropriate, a gentle touch on the hand or maintaining soft eye contact can communicate safety more effectively than words ever could.

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Practical Scripts: How to Respond to Common Dementia Scenarios

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How to Calm a Person With Dementia

In addition to conversational tools, you may be able to calm a dementia patient through environmental interventions and decreasing sensory stimulations. This can include:

— Physical environment. Change the lighting, reduce noise, play music or introduce a calming scent.

— Items you can give them. Consider things like weighted blankets, familiar music, favorite foods and fidget tools.

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What Not to Say: Phrases That Trigger Dementia Agitation

Caring for someone with dementia can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The good news is, doctors and researchers have mapped out some tips for you to follow — including advice on what not to do with a loved one with dementia.

Three ‘dont’s’ of dementia discussions include:

1. Don’t argue or correct

explains that “it is a universal human experience to become defensive and double down on positions when contradicted, and this is no different with people with dementia.”

“Arguing with a person with dementia will agitate them further,” Vinall says. “It will be ineffective in changing their mind, potentially increase confusion and shame, and drive a rift between you and them.”

2. Don’t ask “Do you remember?”

Asking questions like “Do you remember?” or “Don’t you remember?” can be some of the “most damaging phrases” to ask a loved one with dementia, when they are confused, Vinall says.

That’s because the questions can cause “feelings of shame, embarrassment and pressure to recall, which can lead to increased agitation,” highlighting their deficit and inciting panic, she says. Instead, Vinall recommends validating your loved one’s feelings and expressing empathy.

She suggests, “I know it must be frustrating or confusing,” as a better phrase.

3. Don’t talk over them

Talking over someone, or treating them like they aren’t in the room, can result in an uncomfortable experience for both of you. Instead, acknowledge your loved one’s presence and practice calm conversations.

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Do People With Dementia Know They’re Confused?

Some people with or other dementias are aware, or partially aware, that their memory is deteriorating. Others may not realize this, or may lose awareness over time. People with progressed dementia may develop a neurological condition called , where they become unable to recognize their memory impairment.

Kristinsson says that “awareness of one’s deficits in dementia varies widely and may change over time.”

“Some individuals, particularly in earlier stages, have partial insight and may recognize that their memory or thinking is not as reliable as it used to be,” Kristinsson adds. “This awareness can come and go, and it is often accompanied by anxiety, frustration or embarrassment.”

Caregivers Should Seek Care Too

Caring for a loved one with dementia can take a toll on your emotional health. Experts stress the importance of self-care throughout your caregiving journey, and recommend seeking if you start to experience more profound mental health symptoms.

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For many students, this content is motivating. It makes a long and isolating process feel shared. But as medfluencer culture grows, so does a quieter problem: medicine is increasingly being sold as an aesthetic, a brand and a highlight reel. In that process, nuance and realism are often the first things to disappear. This is not just about misinformation, it’s about glamorization and the pressure it creates in a system that seems to reward perfectionism.

When Inspiration Turns Into Illusion

Short-form social media platforms reward content that is fast, confident and emotionally satisfying. Medicine, by contrast, is slow, uncertain and full of caveats.

Research shows that health content on TikTok frequently contains errors. A 2022 JAMA study reviewing COVID-19–related videos found that more than one quarter included or misleading claims.

Broader analyses published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research and the Journal of Health Communication conclude that creators without formal training frequently prioritize anecdotal evidence, finding that oversimplified health content consistently generates higher engagement than careful, evidence-based explanations.

For premed culture, the bigger issue is what gets highlighted. Viral content tends to showcase aesthetic study sessions, dramatic success arcs and hustle culture framed as passion, while leaving out , academic setbacks, family responsibilities, struggles and nonlinear paths.

The result is a version of medicine that looks glamorous and endlessly productive, selling the idea that if you work hard enough and present yourself well enough, you will become the kind of future doctor people want to see. Over time, this creates the illusion that struggle is optional, success is linear and anyone who falls behind simply didn’t try hard enough.

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Confidence Without Context

Premed creators sit in an unusual space. They aren’t clinicians, but they aren’t outsiders, either. Close enough to medicine to sound authoritative, yet far enough away to lack formal responsibility. Most are well intentioned and want to share what they are learning.

But TikTok doesn’t reward uncertainty. It rewards confidence. Advice shifts from “this worked for me” to “this is what you should do.”

Over time, personal experiences harden into viral rules:

— “If you don’t have , you’re done.”

— “A 3.7 college is basically the minimum now.”

— “You need a prestigious lab.”

— “If you struggle, maybe medicine isn’t for you.”

Not one of these is universally true. But repeated often enough, they start to feel official.

Professional organizations have warned about this. The Association of American Medical Colleges and American Medical Association emphasize that students and trainees should avoid presenting themselves as medical authorities online and should maintain professional boundaries in digital spaces

Still, TikTok rewards certainty, not nuance, and nuance is exactly what medicine requires.

Glamour, Algorithms and Who Gets Seen

Unlike forums you have to search for, TikTok pushes content to you. Watch a few “study” or “premed” videos and your feed quickly becomes a stream of medical ambition, quietly teaching you what a “real” premed student is supposed to look like.

But producing that image requires time, space, technology and emotional energy — resources that aren’t evenly distributed. For many first-generation or underresourced students, TikTok becomes a stand-in adviser, even though simplified or inaccurate content often spreads faster than careful guidance, making algorithm-driven advice especially risky without strong mentorship.

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At the same time, students feel pressure to perform a “professional but inspirational” persona online, hiding struggle, or doubt. For premeds, who already feel like they are constantly auditioning, that pressure is even stronger.

The result is a feedback loop: glamorous content performs well, defines what success looks like, gets copied and is rewarded again. Over time, premed culture becomes shaped less by reality and more by what looks good on a screen.

Navigating the Noise

Most medical school admissions committees aren’t hunting for TikTok scandals, but many have described social media as a double-edged sword in academic medicine. It can show communication skill and , or raise concerns about .

Whether you create content or just consume it, a few principles help cut through the noise:

1. Separate inspiration from instruction. It’s fine to feel motivated by someone’s story — just don’t turn their path into your blueprint.

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2. Remember that viral doesn’t mean true. Algorithms reward what keeps people watching, not what is accurate.

3. Treat advice as an anecdote unless proven otherwise. One person’s cycle, score or strategy doesn’t define yours.

4. Notice what is missing. If every video looks perfect, ask what is not being shown.

5. For those who do create content, boundaries matter. Share experiences, not medical advice. Avoid sweeping claims. Fact-check anything that sounds definitive. Be honest about uncertainty. And remember that mentors, faculty and admissions committees may one day see what you post.

The TikTok era isn’t going away, and neither is the desire to see what medicine looks like before you your life to it. But medicine isn’t a brand, a vibe or a highlight reel. It’s a slow, uncertain, exhausting, meaningful and deeply human path.

Medfluencer culture can inspire, connect and educate, but it can also glamorize struggle, oversimplify success and quietly reshape what students think they are supposed to be. So be mindful about how you engage without letting an algorithm define your worth, your or your future.

In a world that glamorizes medicine, the most radical thing you can do may be this: Let your path be real, even when it is not pretty enough to go viral.

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Here’s everything you need to know about how to maximize the rewards on your Chime Credit Card with your Chime Prime membership.

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Earning Rewards With Chime Prime

The Chime Credit Card replaced the Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, but it’s still a secured credit card. This makes the new rewards structure all the more beneficial for Chime cardholders. Not many offer such high rewards, let alone among secured credit cards.

With the Chime Card — and a Chime Plus membership — cardholders can earn 2% cash back in one category of their choosing (on up to $1,500 in eligible purchases monthly). With the introduction of the third tier, Chime Prime, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on those purchases instead of 2%.

If you don’t select a category for the month, your last selected category will roll over automatically. Categories include:

— Grocery stores

— Gas

— Monthly bills (utilities, cable, streaming, etc.)

— Restaurants

— Ride-hailing/taxi

— Travel

To qualify for Chime Prime, you need to receive at least $3,000 in direct deposits every month. Your membership will automatically adjust based on your direct deposit amount, so there’s nothing extra you need to do to change tiers. That being said, gig workers should probably be wary if their monthly income is a little too unpredictable.

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Chime Memberships at a Glance

Here’s how each membership tier compares.

Chime Prime Credit Card Perks

Airport Lounge Access

When you pair your Chime Credit Card with your Chime Prime membership, you gain access to a number of travel perks.

One travel benefit Chime Card holders can use is the free Priority Pass membership, which includes two complimentary visits per year at any of more than 1,800 airport lounges around the world.

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Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection

Another travel perk is gaining access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection. Chime Card holders with Chime Prime status can receive seven benefits at these hotels worldwide. The benefits include:

— Best available rate guarantee

— Automatic room upgrade upon arrival, when available

— Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, when available

— Complimentary breakfast for two

— $25 food or beverage credit

— VIP guest status

— Late check-out upon request, when available

Visa Signature Concierge

Chime Card holders with Chime Prime status also have access to Visa Signature Concierge services. Some examples of what concierges can recommend and help book/secure are:

— Travel and travel-related plans

— Restaurant reservations

— Tickets for events and concerts

— Gifts and floral arrangement delivery

If you’re unsure how to use a concierge, think outside the box a little. One user on the social media platform Reddit posted that they asked a Visa Signature Concierge to check nearby Costcos to see if a piano was in stock. The user said it “saved like one and a half hours of my time.” Another user says they use concierges “for restaurant suggestions and reservations for when I travel and don’t speak the local language.”

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Patrick Ball

How you know him: HBO Max’s “The Pitt”

School:

In his words: “I paid off my student loans like three months into “The Pitt,” and that was a really profound moment ’cause I thought I was gonna die with it,” Ball said in a 2026 “Cultured” interview. “It’s a huge burden to carry, and a lot of people carry it. I was $80,000 in debt and I had been through a series of failed relationships where my financial insecurity was a real problem.”

Takeaway: Student loan debt doesn’t just affect finances. Strained relationships, career finances and personal decisions are worth factoring when considering how much to borrow.

[IMAGE]

Ryan Coogler

How you know him: Director of “Black Panther” and “Sinners”

School:

In his words: “I was $200,000 in debt for film school. It was bad,” Ryan Coogler shared in 2026 on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast. “We don’t come from no money.”

Takeaway: Even highly successful careers can begin with significant student debt. Be cautious about taking on large loan balances, especially in fields with unpredictable income.

[IMAGE]

Ilhan Omar

How you know her: Representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District

School:

In her words: “I am a working mom with student loan debt,” Oman said on X in 2025 after an X user criticized her finances. “Unlike some of my colleagues — and similar to most Americans — I am not a millionaire and am raising a family while maintaining a residence in both Minneapolis and D.C., which are among the most expensive housing markets in the country.”

Takeaway: A high income doesn’t make student loans disappear. Expensive housing markets and family costs can keep debt in the picture longer than you might expect.

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Natasha Rothwell

How you know her: HBO Max’s “The White Lotus”

School:

In her words: “I wrote a check to myself for like $40,000, because that would pay off my student loans, or a portion of it, and I just carried it around with me in my wallet while I was broke, picking up Metrocards in New York, and hoping one of them could get me home,” Rothwell shared in a 2025 CNN interview. “And it was just, I was like, ‘One day, I am gonna be able to cash this check and pay off (my loans).’ And I just remember, when I was on the phone with Sallie Mae and closing out my account, and I had that check in my hand.”

Takeaway: Having a concrete goal — even if it’s symbolic — can help borrowers stay motivated over a long repayment timeline.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

How you know her: Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional District

School:

In her words: “I have student loans, too,” Ocasio-Cortez said during a 2019 press conference. “I think it’s so funny, a year ago, I was waiting tables in a restaurant and it was literally easier for me to become the youngest woman in American history elected to Congress than it is to pay off my student loan debt.”

Takeaway: Ocasio-Cortez noted that her student loan debt previously made it more difficult to afford things like health care. Consider the ways borrowing can affect one’s life plans, such as the goal of buying a home.

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Barack Obama

How you know him: Former president of the United States

Schools: , ,

In his words: “I was in my 40s when we finished paying off our debt,” Obama said during a speech at the in 2013. “And (Michelle and I) should have been saving for Malia and Sasha by that time.”

Takeaway: Student borrowers with children must weigh paying down their own debt versus saving for their children’s education. One resource: .

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Cheryl Strayed

How you know her: New York Times bestselling author of “Wild,” which was adapted into the 2014 movie starring Reese Witherspoon

School: ,

In her words: “Here’s another thing that’s so interesting about money that people never talk about: there are all these invisible advantages and privileges people have,” Strayed said in a 2017 published interview. “Parents who help out with a down payment, or a grandparent who takes the kids every Tuesday. Parents who pay for college. We didn’t have any of that. I also had student loan debt from my undergraduate degree that I finally paid off on my 44th birthday, thanks to ‘Wild.'”

Takeaway: Like Strayed, it can take years for borrowers to pay off federal or private student loans. But implementing strategies such as using credit card reward points can expedite the process.

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Finesse Mitchell

How you know him: “Saturday Night Live,” 2003-2006

School:

In his words: “I do know a lot about bill collectors,” Mitchell said in 2004 on “Saturday Night Live.” “So, right now I’m speaking on behalf of all the people who ever took out a student loan for college, when I say, ‘Back up off me, Student CitiBank!’ Back up! Cause I know I’m late on my payments.”

Takeaway: Dodging collectors can result in a host of negative consequences, including default, wage garnishment and loss of a driver’s license.

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Gabrielle Union

How you know her: Movies like “Bring It On” and BET’s “Being Mary Jane”

School:

In her words: “I want people to know the work that it took to get through UCLA, that I had student loans and worked,” Union said in a 2015 interview. “I was eating Top Ramen and lived well below my means. Now that it’s time to get married to a man who happens to play basketball and has done well for himself, I want to make it clear that I have in no way hitched my wagon to his star. I have my own wagon and star.”

Takeaway: Working during college can help students avoid taking on excessive debt. Consider participating in a federal work study program or taking on a part-time job that pay for college.

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Gina Rodriguez

How you know her: Netflix’s “Someone Great” and The CW’s “Jane the Virgin”

School:

In her words: “Yeah dude … I just paid it off,” Rodriguez said during a 2017 interview on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” during which the host noted it took the actress more than 10 years to repay her student loan debt. “College education is so expensive, but it’s so necessary. I would never change it for the world but yes, it took me way too long.”

Takeaway: Sometimes it takes longer than anticipated to repay student loans. To stay on track, keep a detailed spending plan and focus on paying down the principal.

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Jane Lynch

How you know her: Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” and Fox’s “Glee”

Schools: ,

In her words: “I went to a public university that my parents helped pay for, and we supplemented with student loans,” Lynch said in a 2012 interview. “And I was out of debt by the time I was 30. And I deferred a few times.”

Takeaway: Borrowers can take a page out of Lynch’s songbook. Her savvy college cost moves included attending an in-state university, postponing payments instead of defaulting, and quickly repaying her loans.

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Jon Hamm

How you know him: Apple TV’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” and AMC’s “Mad Men”

School:

In his words: “I went to three universities in four years, and I had no financial aid at all,” Hamm said during a 2014 rally for Sen. Al Franken held at the . “It wasn’t that long ago I was dealing with the stuff you guys are dealing with.”

Takeaway: Hamm empathized with students, saying accessibility to higher education should be improved and noting that he wasn’t able to pay off his student loan debt until he started landing acting jobs more than 10 years after he graduated. He encouraged students to vote, noting the power of elections to affect college affordability.

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Kate Walsh

How you know her: ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”

School:

In her words: “I am a person who came out of college with, oh, jeez, just thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars in debt,” Walsh said in a 2016 interview. “And the only way I was, honestly, able to pay off my student loans was at age 37, because I happened to get on a big, fat TV show called ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and I was able to finally pay my student loan debt. And that’s insane — it was just interest accruing and accruing and accruing. And that just shouldn’t be the price tag of trying to get an education in this country.”

Takeaway: The cost of college is significant and rising: The average tuition and fees at private ranked National Universities have jumped 112% from 2006 to 2016, according to U.S. 91欧美激情 data. But keep in mind these costs are just sticker prices — the price advertised by colleges before financial aid is applied.

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Kerry Washington

How you know her: Apple TV’s “Imperfect Women” and ABC’s “Scandal”

School:

In her words: “I’m here, not just as an actress, but as a woman, an African American, a granddaughter of Ellis Island immigrants, a person who could not have afforded college without the help of student loans,” Washington said during a 2012 speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Takeaway: The average net price for federal loan recipients at GW was $34,462, per U.S. 91欧美激情 data, so Washington isn’t alone. But student loans help borrowers afford college, establish credit and, if they are federally backed, come with some generous repayment options.

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Kevin Bozeman

How you know him: Stand-up comic with appearances on Comedy Central, NBC and Fox

School:

In his words: “I got one thing out of college: bad credit. That was all I got — some student loans, man. I didn’t know they wanted you to pay that back. I thought that was only if you graduated.”

Takeaway: At one point, he says, he had his wages garnished. He later enrolled in a repayment plan. “I just felt like it’d hovered over my head long enough,” he told U.S. 91欧美激情 in 2015.

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Marco Rubio

How you know him: U.S. Secretary of State and former Florida senator

Schools: Tarkio College, ,

In his words: “The only reason why I was able to go to college was because of federal grants and loans,” Rubio said in a 2012 speech. “But when I graduated from law school, I had close to $150,000 in student debt.”

Takeaway: Attending public in-state colleges can be a cost-conscious move. The of in-state tuition and fees at ranked public schools in 2025-2026 is $11,371, according to U.S. 91欧美激情 data.

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Martin O’Malley

How you know him: Maryland’s former governor and former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration of the United States

Schools his daughters attended: ,

In his words: The O’Malley family borrowed around $339,200 in mostly . “I wanted (my daughters) to go in-state,” O’Malley said in 2015. “But I lost the vote.”

Takeaway: Parent PLUS loans used to available up to the full cost of attendance, minus other aid. This allowed parents, just like the O’Malley family, to get into trouble and incur massive amounts of debt. Changes to the Federal student loan program that go into effect on July 1, 2026 cap Parent PLUS loans at $20,000 per year with a $65,000 aggregate limit.

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Michelle Obama

How you know her: Former first lady of the United States

Schools: ,

In her words: “The first thing was that I hated being a lawyer,” Obama wrote in “Becoming,” her 2018 memoir. “I wasn’t suited to the work. I felt empty doing it, even if I was plenty good at it. This was a distressing thing to admit, given how hard I’d worked and how in debt I was. In my blinding drive to excel, in my need to do things perfectly, I’d missed the signs and taken the wrong road.”

Takeaway: In addition to reviewing a school’s employment and salary statistics of its graduates, students should also consider their passion when choosing a major or career, experts say.

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Miles Teller

How you know him: Movies “Eternity,” “Fantastic Four” and “Divergent”

School: New York University

In his words: Teller told Vulture in 2015 that he borrowed $100,000 in student loans. “My business manager says the interest is so low, there’s no sense in paying them off. I can, if I want to have that badge of accomplishment, but until then I still very much have my NYU loans.”

Takeaway: Borrowing $100,000 for college was a risky move. Experts recommend borrowing no more than your expected first year’s salary.

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Pete Buttigieg

How you know him: Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana

School: ,

In his words: “(My husband) Chasten is a teacher, so that involved getting a master’s degree, and between the teacher training programs he was in as well as his bachelor’s and master’s, it’s left us with a lot of debt,” Buttigieg said in 2019. “I had the great fortune of getting the Rhodes scholarship and was able to come through Harvard without a lot of debt. But between the two of us, we’re going to have to deal with a lot of debt.”

Takeaway: Student loan borrowers who work full time in the public or nonprofit service sector, like teachers, have the option to enroll in the . But with a complicated qualification process, experts advise caution.

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Roxane Gay

How you know her: New York Times bestselling author of “Bad Feminist” and “Hunger”

School:

In her words: “I took out my first student loans more than 20 years ago,” Gay wrote in a 2020 New York Times article. “I had dropped out of college just before the start of my junior year. I took a couple of years off, and when I went back I had to pay for my final two years myself. I understood the responsibility I was assuming, but I was working minimum wage jobs at the time — retail, telemarketing, bartending. Repayment seemed like a vague, distant concept in large part because I could not fathom being able to repay such staggering amounts of money. I went to graduate school and got two more degrees, and though those programs were funded, I took out student loans because it was impossible to live on the meager stipends we were given.”

Takeaway: Federal student loan payments were temporarily suspended under the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, in March 2020. Payments officially resumed in October 2023.

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Ted Cruz

How you know him: Senator from Texas

Schools:,

In his words: “(I) took over $100,000 in school loans — loans I suspect a lot of y’all can relate to — loans that I’ll point out I just paid off a few years ago,” Cruz said in a 2015 speech announcing his presidential bid.

Takeaway: While Cruz didn’t say which school his debt is from in that speech, six-figure student loan debt is typical for law school grads.

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The appeal comes down to a few core traits: gold is widely accepted, highly liquid and has historically preserved purchasing power over long periods.

Its finite supply makes it resistant to currency debasement, whether through central bank balance sheet expansion or government spending, and it has generally kept pace ahead of inflation across centuries.

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Silver does not share that same status as a central bank reserve asset, but it remains , nonetheless. Beyond jewelry, silver is increasingly used as a critical industrial input.

One of the key drivers is electrification, which refers to the trend of replacing systems that rely on fossil fuels with to reduce carbon emissions. Silver’s high ductility and conductivity makes it essential in electrification build-outs.

A January study published in the journal of Resources, Conservation and Recycling highlights this dynamic. The authors project that global silver supply may only meet 62% to 70% of demand by 2030, with total demand estimated at 48,000 to 54,000 tons annually.

Photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity for solar panels, are expected to be the fastest-growing source of demand, even amid competition from sectors like automotive and electronics.

This ties directly into broader shifts in energy consumption. As artificial intelligence compute demand drives exponential growth in , hyperscalers are discovering that power and the materials required to generate it, not chips, may be the real bottleneck.

In March, several major technology firms agreed to a White House-backed pledge to fully fund the energy required for their data centers, rather than passing costs onto consumers.

With fossil fuel supply facing uncertainty tied to geopolitical tensions, including , renewable energy sources like solar are once again in focus. Silver sits at the center of that transition and is highly investable thanks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

“Physically backed silver ETFs offer three significant advantages over other types of silver investments: transparency, liquidity and convenience,” says Sean August, CEO of the August Wealth Management Group. “These ETFs regularly disclose the amount of silver held, are easily traded on major exchanges and grant exposure to silver prices without the need to store and insure bullion.”

Here are seven of the best silver ETFs to buy today:

abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF ()

“I really like silver ETFs over other ways to hold silver,” says Anessa Custovic, chief investment officer at Cardinal Retirement Planning Inc. “You get the diversification benefits of holding silver without the headache of trying to purchase and store bullion.” Using a silver ETF can help investors avoid costly dealer spreads and markups, storage and insurance concerns, and transport security risks.

SIVR is currently the lowest-cost physically backed silver ETF in the U.S. market, with an expense ratio of 0.3%. For a $10,000 investment, that works out to just $30 a year in fees. This low cost is partly due to a fee waiver, with the sponsor covering 0.15% and committing to maintain that waiver until further notice. The ETF currently has just under $5.5 billion in assets under management (AUM).

iShares Silver Trust ()

SIVR may be the most affordable U.S.-listed spot silver ETF, but it is not the largest. Despite managing a sizable $5.5 billion in assets, it is dwarfed by SLV, which launched in April 2006 and has grown into a $39 billion giant. Its scale and long track record have made it the default choice for many institutional and retail investors seeking direct exposure to silver prices. SLV also has options available for active traders.

SLV tracks the LBMA silver price and holds physical silver in trust, currently totaling about 492.3 million ounces, or roughly 15,310 tons. However, investors should be aware that during or heightened demand, the ETF’s market price can deviate from its net asset value (NAV). As of April 17, SLV was trading at a modest 2.5% premium to NAV. The ETF charges a 0.50% expense ratio.

Global X Silver Miners ETF ()

“Silver mining stocks can offer indirect exposure to silver prices and tend to be leveraged plays on silver prices, owing to the fixed costs of extracting the metal,” explains Roberta Caselli, commodities investment strategist at Global X ETFs. “Unlike investing directly in silver, miners can expand production as profit margins grow, which can benefit their share prices.” For silver miners, Global X ETFs offers SIL.

SIL tracks the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, a benchmark of 38 companies that sit almost entirely within the materials sector. Geographically, just under 65% of the portfolio is allocated to Canadian-domiciled miners, reflecting the country’s long-standing role as a global hub for resource development. The ETF charges a 0.65% expense ratio and has $5.7 billion in AUM.

Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF ()

“Silver’s recent rally has been driven by tight physical supply, strong industrial demand and a more supportive macro environment,” says Nathan Miller, vice president of product development at Amplify ETFs. “That backdrop can favor junior silver miners, which tend to exhibit higher operating leverage as prices rise.” Thanks to the silver bull market, SILJ has returned 43% annualized over the last three years.

“SILJ provides diversified exposure to smaller silver producers and developers, offering a higher-beta way to express a bullish silver view,” Miller explains. “The trade-off is increased volatility, but sustained higher silver prices could disproportionately benefit junior miners.”

The ETF charges a 0.69% expense ratio, and also has an income-oriented counterpart, the Amplify SILJ Junior Silver Miners Covered Call ETF ().

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Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF ()

While popular, SIL isn’t the only option for investors seeking . A strong competitor is SLVR from Sprott ETFs, a firm known for its deep expertise in commodities and precious metals. Many investors may already be familiar with Sprott through its lineup of physically backed closed-end trusts, which provide exposure to gold, silver, copper and even .

The majority of SLVR’s portfolio is allocated to silver mining equities via the Nasdaq Sprott Silver Miners Index, resulting in a heavy materials sector tilt and high Canadian equity representation. What sets SLVR apart is its explicit allocation to the Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV), which introduces direct exposure to spot silver prices within the same ETF structure. The ETF charges a 0.65% expense ratio.

iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miner ETF ()

Investors focused on silver miners may also want to keep multiple ETFs on their radar for tax-loss harvesting purposes. Silver miners tend to be more volatile than spot silver due to operating leverage, meaning they can fall harder during downturns. Having an alternative ETF that is not considered substantially identical by the IRS allows investors to realize losses without violating the .

SLVP can serve as a tax-loss harvesting partner for either SLVR or SIL. It tracks the MSCI ACWI Select Silver Miners Investable Market Index, which differs in construction and methodology but still has meaningful overlap in holdings. As an added benefit, SLVP comes with a lower 0.39% expense ratio. The ETF returned 200.8% in 2025, making it one of the best-performing ETFs for that year.

Themes Silver Miners ETF ()

Most of the silver and silver miner ETFs discussed so far charge at least 0.3% or more. Investors focused on affordability, however, may want to keep AGMI on their radar. This ETF tracks the STOXX Global Silver Miners Index. It launched in May 2024 and remains relatively small in terms of AUM compared to more established peers. Still, it undercuts even SLVP with a 0.35% expense ratio.

That said, expense ratios are only one part of the cost equation. AGMI currently has a relatively wide 0.87% 30-day median bid-ask spread. For active traders, that lower liquidity can translate into higher implicit trading costs, though this could improve over time if the ETF is able to scale up in assets and trading volume. Contrast this with SIL, which has a lower 0.16% 30-day median bid-ask spread.

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Several factors affect the cost of in-home care, including location and state regulations, the level of care your loved one needs, the qualifications of the caregiver and how often you will need to have someone visit the home. We’ll break down the expenses and what you’ll need to consider if you decide to spend money on .

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Agency vs. Private Hire: Which In-Home Care Option Is Best?

When you’re thinking about hiring in-home care, you essentially have two options:

— You can work with an agency.

— You can hire someone directly.

Agency vs. direct hire

Is it cheaper to hire a private caregiver or an agency?

In a nutshell, it’s cheaper to hire someone yourself, but it’s far easier to work with an agency, says

, Chicago-based author of “The Complete Eldercare Planner, 4th Edition” and “Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?”

“Lower cost is the major benefit,” she points out.

But the savings come with its own cost: time.

“When you are hiring individuals outside of an agency, you become an employer,” Loverde explains.

This requires you to:

— Pay employer taxes, insurance and workers’ compensation

— Track and file payroll tax reports

— Perform your own background checks

— Arrange a plan B for backup care if the person you hire is sick

Your role also isn’t over even after you hire the perfect caregiver.

“ does not guarantee quality of services provided by an employee,” Loverde says. “It’s important to continuously monitor the quality of services rendered by anyone you bring into your parent’s home.”

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Cost of In-Home Caregivers

The median cost for nonmedical caregivers in the U.S. is $35 per hour, and a private duty nurse is $90 per hour, according to CareScout.

There are a number of factors that can affect cost:

— Location: Areas with a higher cost of living will also dictate higher wages.

— Level of care: The degree of care your loved one needs can significantly affect cost, especially if it means hiring a trained caregiver.

— Certification and training: A licensed medical professional, such as a certified home health aide, will cost more than home care aides or nonmedical caregivers. State regulations may also require additional certifications.

— Minimum wage: “In areas that adhere to the federal minimum wage, I would expect prices to be around $20 to $25 an hour, whereas I would expect to see something closer to $35 an hour in areas with a $15 an hour minimum wage,” says , a certified senior advisor and the owner of Seniors Helping Seniors Bethesda, a home care agency in Maryland.

In-Home Care Cost Plans

How many hours per week you need in-home care for can also play a role in the cost.

— Part-time help (seven hours a week): $1,062 per month. This is assuming the senior who could use some help can generally function fine independently. A lot of home care agencies won’t work for less than seven hours a week, which is generally going to be enough time to prepare meals and do some light housework, and to just hang out, for an hour a day. that is a serious problem.

— Daily check-ins (14 hours a week): $2,123 per month. So you feel like your loved one could use a little more one-on-one time? Two hours a day would mean more time making meals and perhaps helping with daily tasks.

— Full-time support (40 hours a week): $6,066 per month. Maybe you live with an elderly parent, but you work. You could have someone with your parent while you’re out of the house.

— Around-the-clock care (24/7): $25,479 per month. This assumes that you have someone watching your loved one full time.

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Types of In-Home Caregivers and Cost Differences

How much you’ll spend depends on whether you need someone who has medical training (which will always cost more) or only need someone who can cook a few meals and bring in the mail.

Personal care and assistance (nonmedical help)

A nonmedical aide can assist with , such as helping a client bathe, get dressed and groom themselves.

“Oftentimes, caregiving requires heavy lifting,” Loverde adds. “This is why in-home bathing and showering services are gaining in popularity. Aides may also drive clients to and from medical appointments.”

Skilled nursing care

Medical aides, such as certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, can help with medical care. This includes medication management, wound care and working with doctors on individualized care plans.

Specialized care

If your loved one has or , they may need specialized care. Depending on the , they may still be able to do a lot of things on their own, like watch TV and call friends and get dressed and bathe. On the other hand, they may need help with grooming and preparing meals and planning activities.

Loverde says she recently helped a client find care for an elderly family member.

“His 24/7 care was provided by two sisters who were licensed to provide both medical and nonmedical services. The cost was $12,000 per month,” Loverde explains, though she adds that she lives in Chicago and someone in a city with a lower cost of living might spend less.

Cost sources: U.S. 91欧美激情 and CareScout

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Does Medicare Pay for an In-Home Caregiver?

Generally, .

“Most people should expect to pay out-of-pocket for a caregiver. Health insurance rarely covers the cost of an in-home caregiver, and Medicare only covers an in-home caregiver for a limited time and under very specific situations,” Chernow says.

will cover some home health services, including wound care, , speech-language pathologist services, home health aide care and medical monitoring under very specific guidelines. For example, you must be unable to leave your home because of illness or injury or had a medical professional recommend that you remain homebound.

Loverde says that if somebody on Medicare needs a home care aide after a hospital visit, it would pay for that, “but it’s limited in time and duration.” So Medicare can pay for in-home senior care, but only in short bursts. It isn’t a fix for a long-term situation.

7 Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care

There are a number of ways people pay for senior care. Some of your options include:

Private pay

It may not be palatable or your first choice, but many households find the money to pay for senior care by pooling resources, among the adult children and from the senior’s retirement fund.

Private insurance

In many cases, private insurance won’t pay for home health aides, or at least what will be paid may be limited. You’ll want to check with your loved one’s insurance to see what will be paid and what won’t.

Long-term care insurance

generally does pay for home health aides. But it’s not a perfect system, in that there is generally a benefit period that you can use it. You may be able to get home health care for three to five years, for instance. If your loved one hopes and expects to live another 10 or 20 years, you may want to hold off before utilizing long-term care insurance to pay for a home health aide.

Medicaid

may provide coverage for home health aides, “but eligibility and coverage will vary from state to state,” Loverde says.

Making matters more uncertain are the cuts to Medicaid that were passed in July 2025, in what was often called . Most of the cuts haven’t gone into effect, but states have been trimming Medicaid budgets. With all of the cutting, there has been fear that that will mean less money to go toward home health aides and that more people could wind up needing to .

Help for veterans

If your loved one is a , you’ll want to reach out to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They have for elderly vets who need it.

Home equity

This is another one of those financial solutions that isn’t very palatable, but some seniors draw upon their home equity to help them pay for in-home care.

Local help

If Medicaid isn’t an avenue you’re pursuing, Loverde says that some states have local programs devoted to covering senior care costs.

For example, Idaho has the . Ohio has the . The has aging programs. Louisiana has its . You may have to do some searching on the internet to locate your state’s aging agency, and you’re not likely to find a service that pays for all of your loved one’s home health aide needs, of course, but your state may offer more senior care assistance than you realize.

You may also want to try . It’s a nonprofit that offers help to elderly seniors, with the goal of keeping them in their home.

Tips for Reducing In-Home Care Costs

Not all of these scenarios will work for everyone, but if your loved one doesn’t need constant supervision, you could try:

—

— Pooling family resources and having family members visit the relative multiple times a day or at least once a day to help as needed

— Leveraging benefits to save time and money, such as free transportation to and from doctors’ offices, if your loved one has this kind of plan

— Seeing if your community center has suggestions on local services or nonprofits, such as Meals on Wheels, that your loved one may be able to use

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“Your instant reaction is to panic,” says Ruth Schau, director of retirement at Novant Health, whose role at a previous employer was eliminated as part of that company’s restructuring. As an , she felt the unexpected layoff stole from her the opportunity to retire when and how she wanted.

Others might be experiencing the same concerns as layoffs surged last month. According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement and executive coaching firm, U.S. employers announced 60,620 job cuts in March 2026, a 25% increase from February. The technology sector accounted for a significant share of the losses, shedding nearly 19,000 jobs in March.

“The actual replacing of roles can be seen in technology companies, where AI can replace coding functions,” the Challenger report said. “Other industries are testing the limits of this new technology, and while it can’t replace jobs completely, it is costing jobs.”

As a result, workers in the rapidly evolving tech industry may find it more difficult to find new employment than those in roles like managerial positions, which have more transferable skills.

Regardless of your professional background, finding yourself laid off within a few years of retirement can be especially disruptive. Take these steps to get your plans back on track.

— Pump the brakes on spending

— Run the numbers

— Consider your income options

— Decide whether to be a job seeker or an early retiree

— Reevaluate your Social Security strategy

— Connect with your network

— Rethink your interview strategy

— Call in your friends

— Savor some downtime

Pump the Brakes on Spending

Now is not the time to make big purchases or spend frivolously. Instead, while the dust settles.

“I went into the mode of ‘I can’t spend a dime,'” Schau says.

You may not need to go to that extreme, but be mindful of your spending until you finish the next step.

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Run the Numbers

Before you make any decisions, you need to know where you stand financially, both in terms of expenses and savings. You may also need to consider how you will get health insurance and how much that will cost.

With her background in actuarial science, Schau created spreadsheets to forecast her expected expenses and cash flow under different scenarios. However, you might need to find a professional to help.

“The first call should definitely be to a certified financial planner,” says Melissa Murphy Pavone, a certified financial planner and founder of Mindful Financial Partners, a Long Island, New York-based firm that works with clients nationwide. “Make sure it’s someone with credentials.”

A can review your savings and expenses to determine if and for how long you can go without earned income. They can also help identify your , which is the next step in this process.

Consider Your Income Options

Retirees who are at least 59 1/2 can tap into tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as . Those younger than 59 1/2 will incur a 10% tax penalty for most withdrawals from these accounts.

One exception is for workers who are at least 55 years old. They can take penalty-free withdrawals from a 401(k) held by the employer they just left. However, any withdrawals from 401(k) accounts held by other employers will be subject to a 10% penalty.

Another option for penalty-free withdrawals before age 59 1/2 is to make substantially equal periodic payments, also known as SEPP. People of any age can utilize this option, but once you begin receiving these payments, they can’t be easily changed or stopped.

“We don’t want to turn on any income that isn’t reversible,” Pavone says. She suggests first tapping into home equity, savings or even downsizing to bridge the gap in a budget after a later-in-life layoff.

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Decide Whether to Be a Job Seeker or an Early Retiree

Once you have looked at the numbers, you will better understand whether early retirement is feasible or more income is needed. Of course, even those who can afford to retire early may prefer to .

“I really like what I do, and I wasn’t ready to leave my job,” Schau says.

If you decide to look for a new job, consider whether you need to continue working in the same capacity.

“Take stock of where you are in terms of your skills,” says Raymond Lee, president of Careerminds, a global virtual outplacement firm. He suggests people consider what would make them feel fulfilled. “That could be .” Lee notes that fractional jobs are becoming more common, allowing professionals with extensive expertise to do high-level work on a limited basis.

Others may find joy in less demanding part-time work. “People in that (pre-retiree to retiree) age bracket really like to turn their passions into part-time jobs,” according to Pavone. They may find employment at a golf clubhouse, sports shop or other store that caters to their interests.

Reevaluate Your Social Security Strategy

Most workers begin anywhere from age 62 to age 70.

“I don’t suggest taking Social Security early because you’re giving yourself a permanent haircut,” Pavone says.

Starting benefits at 62 can result in a permanent 35% reduction in your monthly payment amount. Those born in 1960 or later need to wait until age 67 to reach their , which is the age at which they can claim benefits without any reduction. Waiting longer to begin benefits will give retirees an 8% boost in their monthly payments for each year they wait past their full retirement age until age 70.

You may have already carefully considered when you plan to begin benefits. However, a layoff may require that you revisit those plans. In some situations, early retirees may find they have no choice but to if they lack other sources of income.

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Connect With Your Network

If you have decided to look for a new job, reach out to your professional network to let them know. You may find employment leads from old colleagues, bosses and work acquaintances.

Networking can take the form of personal meetings and phone calls, but don’t overlook your online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile and personal website if you have one. And if you don’t have a professional presence online, now is the time to create one. At the very least, create a LinkedIn profile to serve as your online resume.

“If you’re 60 and have any uncertainty (about your job), take action today,” Lee says. Don’t wait for a layoff to start this step.

Rethink Your Interview Strategy

When you land a job interview, take care to appear up to date on the latest innovations in your field.

“The biggest challenge I see is that you’re not relevant,” Lee says.

By that, he means older workers may go into an interview and talk about how they remember the earlier days of an industry and how things used to be done. The message that an employer may hear is that you are stuck in the past.

“That’s where you get in trouble,” Lee says. “You have to scrap that and show you’re relevant. Talk about the present.”

“Whenever I interviewed for a job, I did a lot of homework,” Schau says. She searched Google and LinkedIn for the latest news about a potential employer. Her preparation paid off, and she was hired for her new job six months after her layoff.

Call In Your Friends

Schau says workers laid off later in life should take a tip from the Beatles and get by with a little help from their friends.

“No one should think alone on this. Talking to people was a savior for me,” she explains.

Friends can provide encouragement and commiseration, and some may have their own experiences to share. “I was amazed how many people reached out to me with similar stories,” Schau says.

Savor Some Downtime

A layoff just before retirement is stressful, but it also presents an opportunity to regroup and consider how you’d like to close your career. Ideally, you’ll have some or leave with a severance package that affords some financial breathing room.

Schau says some of the best advice she received was: “Just enjoy yourself for a few months.”

It may be easier said than done, but make a point of savoring the chance to step out of the rat race and reflect on what’s important to you.

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Update 04/20/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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