finances

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election.

Tips were once reserved for hospitality services like bars and restaurants, but now more businesses are adding tip options — and the suggested amount has increased. University of Kansas associate professor Rob Waiser discusses the change tip culture and what businesses should consider before making the ask.

Inflation and unemployment in America are low, but many people are still feeling the pain of a tough economy. At a forum at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, panelists discussed what’s leading to high prices, and how a “K-shaped” economy explains the disconnect.

A Missouri House bill would establish a "Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund" that would buy, trade, and sell Bitcoin. But over the last 14 years, the cryptocurrency has lost more than 60% of its value six different times.

While more teens are getting their financial advice from social media, one group of students are taking charge of a real-life credit union from inside a high school in the North Kansas City School District. And yes, they use real money.

As a state audit continues, the Hickman Mills School District is approving cuts and restructuring to improve its financial sustainability by the end of the 2027 school year.

Toys for Tots, the 80-year-old program run by the U.S. Marines, is seeing toy donations down by almost 20% this year. Staff Sgt. Christian Martinez was once the recipient of one of those toys. Now, as coordinator of the Kansas City chapter of Toys for Tots, he's worried that other little boys won't get the same joy he did.

Last year's chaotic FAFSA rollout and the Trump administration’s goal of closing the U.S. Department of Education have some Kansas City area college students nervous about access to some of their main sources of financial aid being further complicated or lost entirely.

El año pasado, la solicitud de ayuda federal para estudiantes fue lanzada con muchos problemas y fallas, dejando los planes universitarios de algunos estudiantes en el limbo. Ahora, los asesores universitarios del área de Kansas City se aseguran de que los estudiantes puedan completar el formulario de este año con menos problemas.

Last year's federal student aid application launched with glitches and issues, leaving college plans for some students in limbo. Now, Kansas City area college advisors are ensuring students are able to complete this year's form with fewer problems.

Learning how to navigate important and often confusing student loan decisions can be difficult. KCUR's Up To Date spoke with two financial advisors to learn helpful tips that can make it more manageable.

This year's new version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid was delayed and glitchy, so many students struggled to complete it. College classes start soon, so education professionals are still helping students fill it out to get financial aid.