Roborock Drops the Premium Q8 Max by Almost 50%, Now as Cheap as an Entry-Level Vacuum
Right now, you can grab the Roborock Q8 Max for just $229, down from its regular price of $400: That's a 43% discount which makes this premium robot vacuum as affordable as some entry-level models.
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With its impressive 5,500Pa suction power, it easily lifts dirt, dust and pet hair from hard floors, carpets, wood, and tile. The dual rubber brushes are a game-changer for homes with pets or long hair as they pick up 20% more hair and help prevent tangles for a much smoother cleaning experience.
The combined 470 ml dustbin and 350 ml water tank mean you can clean large areas without frequent stops to empty or refill. With 30 adjustable water flow levels, you can fine-tune the mopping to suit delicate surfaces or tackle stubborn grime. Switching between vacuuming and mopping is simple, so you can adapt your cleaning routine to your home's needs.
Roborock's PreciSense LiDAR system maps your home in detail, and allows the robot to plan the most efficient cleaning routes. Quick Mapping gets your home mapped up to six times faster before its first clean, so you're up and running in no time. The robot also features obstacle avoidance, so it can detect and navigate around furniture, cords, and pet bowls, reducing the need to tidy up before each run. It even suggests No-Go Zones for stairs or tricky spots for a smooth and uninterrupted cleaning session.
The Q8 Max can automatically recognize and remember up to four different floors so you don't have to reset or buy extra docks. The Roborock app makes it easy to control your robot from your phone, letting you schedule cleanings, set custom zones and track performance with just a few taps. You can also use voice commands or the onboard buttons for quick control.
his record low price won't last long, so it's the perfect moment to upgrade your cleaning routine.
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CNN
3 minutes ago
- CNN
Gear up for back-to-school season with these 73 editor-approved deals
The back-to-school countdown is officially on. Whether you're hunting for supplies for your middle schooler or dorm furniture for a college student, now's the perfect time to snag back-to-school deals that make returning to the classroom a little easier (and way more affordable). From school backpacks that can survive a playground apocalypse to tech gadgets that help make homework less painful, these deals aren't just good; they're borderline essential. If you're a parent juggling beach days with backpack shopping, you know the drill. So, while you're soaking up those last rays of summer, let our deals experts help you get ahead of the game with the best back-to-school steals to start the school year strong. We've wrangled clothing scores at brands like Lululemon and Old Navy, electronics from Apple, Dell, Lenovo and more. Apple AirTag, 4-Pack Stash this Bluetooth tracker in little ones' backpacks and lunches. New drivers can attach one to their keys, or those who travel on campus by bike can use them to locate their rides quickly. A pack of four is bundled for just $80. Read our review Beats Solo 4 Lock into study time with noise-canceling headphones that block out the distractions. The expert-tested pick offers quality sound and an uninterrupted battery life of up to two weeks. Choose from three on-sale colors. Read our review Wade Logan Checkered Indoor Rug Moving them into a dorm this fall? Wayfair has everything you need to furnish and decorate their room — from desks and table lamps to rugs like this stylish checkered option that's up to 58% off in multiple colors. Kipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack Kipling backpacks have been around for years, with their signature monkey keychain in tow. It comes with a bevy of pockets and padded straps. The price just dropped by $50 in seven colors. Apple 15-Inch MacBook Air M4 The 15-inch MacBook Air M4 is the laptop our tech writer is telling everyone to get. Its combines a larger display with Apple's nimble M4 performance and excellent our review Inbox Zero Koree Standing and Height-Adjustable Desks Whether you're a high schooler, college student or teacher, a standing desk can give you flexibility in your routine to stretch your legs and continue working as needed. This one from Wayfair just got a steep 69% markdown. Staples Essentials Ergonomic Fabric Swivel Task Chair Just think of all the hours you'll be stuck cramming or making lesson plans at your desk. An ergonomic office chair like this one will give you more comfort and support. It's also $100 off at Staples. • Amazon: Backpacks from brands like JanSport and Adidas are on sale, plus everything else you'll need for a budget-friendly shopping spree. • Best Buy: Score top deals on tons of tech essentials, from laptops and headphones to printers and dorm appliances. • eBay: You can always count on eBay to offer markdowns, and right now is no different. Save on back-to-school must-haves like iPads, laptops, dorm essentials and more. • Etsy: Unique school accessories, back-to-college decor and more are on sale. Plus, find deals on personalized backpacks, sweatshirts, water bottles and more. • Macy's: You'll find nice discounts on back-to-school styles for all ages as well as backpacks, learning tools, dorm decor and more. • Office Depot: Get steep discounts on school supplies, dorm must-haves and classroom essentials at this tried-and-true retailer. • Staples: Binders, notebooks, pens — no matter what you're looking for, Staples has deals for students of all ages. • Target: Everything from lunch boxes to electronics is on sale right now, plus discounts on kids' uniforms, school supplies and more up to 30% off. • Walmart: Check off your entire list in one go at Walmart and save on first-day fashion, snacks, backpacks, laptops and more. School supplies start at just 25 cents. • Wayfair: Get all the dorm must-haves in one place and save, thanks to discounts on everything from bath mats to laundry hampers to coffee machines. HP Instant Ink: Never run out of ink. Get three free months of HP Instant Ink when you enroll today and enjoy hassle-free ink delivery and recycling this school year. Exclusions and qualifications apply. HP Smart Tank: Top-rated HP printers are majorly discounted right now, including the Smart Tank 5101 for $70 off and Smart Tank 6001 for $100 off. Apple iPad Air M2 A high-end tablet that can handle everything from daily note-taking to creative school projects, the powerful iPad Air M2 comes with nearly $150 in our review Microsoft Surface Laptop Students benefit from perks like extended returns until Oct. 1, 60-day price protection and flexible financing. Right now, this port-heavy laptop comes with discounted add-ons like extra storage. Apple AirPods Pro 2 As they head from class to class or go on runs around campus, they'll likely want the most coveted earbuds out there. Luckily, the top-tested AirPods Pro 2s are 32% off on Amazon. Read our review HP Envy Inspire 7255e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer Save yourself the trouble of running to the library to collect printed documents now that this color inkjet printer is down to its lowest price of the year at 30% off. GE 6-Foot 6-Outlet Power Strip With USB Ports Dorm rooms never have enough power outlets. Thankfully, this GE power strip includes six extra AC outlets at 30% off the going rate. We also love the extended 6-foot power cord. Twelve South HiRise Pro Adjustable MacBook Stand Senior deals editor Rikka Altland loves how how quality this MacBook stand is. It has a weighted base for extra stability and room to stow your phone out of sight to stay focused on work. • Back Market: You'll save extra with refurbished tech, and right now Back Market is offering exclusive savings for students and educators. • JBL: Power them through study sessions by shopping discounts on select portable speakers, noise-canceling headphones, earbuds and more. • Lenovo: Save hundreds on Chromebooks, tablets, gaming accessories, backpacks and more at Lenovo. • Logitech: Desktop accessories like mice, microphones, keyboards and more are discounted at Logitech. Plus, larger orders can save even more with upwards of $100 in extra savings. • Microsoft: Shop Microsoft's deals on Surface tablets, gaming consoles and essentials like Teams and Microsoft 365. • Newegg: Shop this back-to-school sale with new deals dropping weekly on laptops, desktops and more. • Samsung: Select earbuds, wearable tech, phones and more are up to hundreds off, so save now in anticipation of a busy semester. Columbia Women's Hikebound II Jacket No doubt a rain jacket will come in handy for any season of the year. Snag this one while it's discounted during Columbia's Annual Summer Sale. Crocs Unisex Baya Clog Sandals Ease them into dorm life with these editor-loved Crocs. Their nonslip, silicone design makes them a great choice to keep alongside shower caddies. Adidas Own the Run Shorts If you'll be participating in athletics or even just wanting to keep comfortable while heading to and from classes, you can snag these classic Adidas track shorts for just $25. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Knit Mesh Lululemon's popular fanny pack comes in a breathable knit mesh. It can hold anything from passports to lip glosses to IDs, and it's great for game days or field trips. Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes The school season will most certainly bring a flurry of activity. If you'll be on your feet, invest in a pair of Hoka running shoes, like this pick prized for its stability. Levi's Women's Premium 501 '90s Lightweight Jeans Everyone needs a solid pair of jeans. These classic 501 style goes with just about any ensemble, and based on our deals editor's own experience, they will last for years to come. Adidas Samba OG Shoes Arguably one of the trendiest sneakers right now, the Adidas Sambas are discounted at Dick's Sporting Goods in four different colors. • American Eagle: High schoolers and college students alike can find something on sale while the brand offers 30% off sitewide. • Athleta: Gear up on activewear during Athleta's Endless Summer Sale. • Banana Republic: During this sale, take up to 60% off school- and work-friendly styles, plus an extra 30% off sale items. • Carter's: Take 40% off clothing for kids of all ages, including first-day-ready fashions. • Champion: Stock up and save 25% on select clothes and athletic apparel. • Columbia: The Annual Summer Sale is on, which means up to 50% off outdoor apparel like rain jackets and hiking boots. • Converse: Take up to 40% off almost everything sitewide with code SUMMERSALE. • Crocs: Score Crocs for up to 50% off and accessorize with Jibbitz as low as $3. • Dick's Sporting Goods: Brands like Nike, Hoka, Adidas and Under Armour are up to 25% off for everything from class to after-school activities. • Gap: Score up to 60% off during the Back-to-School Event, including backpacks starting at just $29. • HeyDude: The familiar boat shoes are 25% off during their back-to-school sale. • Factory: Get up to 60% off everything and an extra 60% off clearance for a limited time. • Kt by Knix: Prepare for periods ahead with discounted bundles of leakproof underwear. • Lands' End: The outfitter has no shortage of deals on summer-ready styles, including swimwear, dresses and more. • Lululemon: Summer Scores can be found in Lululemon's We Made Too Much section. • Naadam: During this End of Season Sale, take up to half off a wide selection of cashmere, plus warm weather styles too. • Nike: Get set for school with an additional 20% off select products like Air Jordan sneakers, polo shirts and cargo pants. Just use code SPORT to lock in the extra savings. • Old Navy: Get major discounts on kids' clothes — including dress code and uniform-approved fits — with 40% off styles and 50% off back-to-school picks through July 31. • Patagonia: Shop past-season gear and apparel in the brand's Web Specials for your upcoming outdoor adventures • Reebok: There's a lot to love during this back-to-school promo, with 35% off full-priced styles and an extra 50% off select sale styles with code BTS through Aug. 5. • Rothy's: Whether you're headed back to campus or commuting to the office, Rothy's shoes are chic wardrobe staples, and a bunch of last-chance styles are up to 50% off. • Stitch Fix Kids: Outfit your growing kid with the help of this online personal styling service, now offering new clients 20% off and a waived styling fee with their first Fix. • ThirdLove: Select bestselling bras like the T-Shirt Bra are discounted in the brand's sale section. • Under Armour: Tons of athletic gear deals are live at Under Armour's outlet. • Urban Outfitters: Score BOGO 50% off all denim from UO's in-house brand, BDG, in addition to other deals on trendy home and apparel. • Zappos: A ton of school-ready footwear and clothes are up to 50% off at Zappos for an affordable one-stop shop. Glasses USA Ottoto Weston Available in clear, tortoiseshell, red and more, these prescription frames are stylish and more affordable during the eyeglass retailer's sale. Dae Freshly Squeezed Wash Set Stock up their shower caddy with this pleasant, grapefruit-scented hair care set. The travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and dry shampoo is bundled now for less. Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex No matter what their days ahead look like, this speedy hair dryer will get them ready in record time. Bundled with four attachments, it's discounted by $50 at Dermstore. La Roche-Posay 6.7-Ounce Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Quell breakouts and cystic acne with this blemish-fighting facial wash. It hails from the popular French-founded brand La Roche-Posay and touts a frills-free formula. • Dermstore: Your favorite beauty brands like Paula's Choice, Anastasia Beverly Hills and more are up to 30% off. • Glasses USA: Snag prescription eyeglass frames for 30% off when you use code SAVE30. Those who need an upgrade to progressive lenses can save 50% off. • Kinship: Save up to 30% on skin care like the Probiotic Sunscreen. • Murad: Shop the Friends + Family Sale for 25% off sitewide. Use code FAMILY25. • Sephora: Popular brands like Youth to the People, Fenty, Tarte, Too Faced and more are on sale. • Soko Glam: In Soko's sale section, take up to 30% off select K-beauty skin care brands. • Ulta Beauty: Ulta's Glow Back to School Sale is still live for a limited time, with deals on SPFs, makeup and more. Calpak Kids' School Essentials Bundle With Small Backpack One of our favorite luggage makers has tons of backpacks for school and travel that our editors are big fans of. In June, the brand launched its kids' collection and this five-piece set is already down to just $99. Vera Bradley Bancroft Backpack This quintessential quilted backpack hails from Vera Bradley, and it's been used by students for years to tote their belongings, including laptops up to 17 inches. The popular style is down to $100 during the Back-to-School Shopping Event. Pottery Barn Kids Spencer Stainless Nesting Container Trio Pack anything from trail mix to fruits to soup inside these handy stainless steel containers. For $23, they come with secure silicone lids to prevent the contents from spilling on commutes. Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Set When deals editor Jacqueline Saguin graduated from high school, she was gifted a set of luggage that followed her to college, on study abroad and through the move to her first apartment. Snag this carry-on and checked luggage duo for 43% off. Kipling City Zip Mini Printed Backpack The mini version of Kipling's iconic backpack is up to 50% off right now. It can fit smaller books, a water bottle and more. Just note that it's best suited for an elementary-aged kid, as its a bit more compact than the original. Cotopaxi 20L Moda Cada Día Backpack This go-anywhere backpack turns into sport mode with its cinchable top. It builds in organizational pockets, like a laptop sleeve, a mesh water bottle pocket and a couple of smaller slots that your calculator and notebooks can slide into. Fjällräven Kånken Backpack This Swedish brand's bags are durable enough to survive winters in the Arctic Circle, so they can easily handle trips to the classroom. This iconic backpack is made from dirtproof and water-resistant material and includes zip pockets and ergonomic shoulder straps. Cotopaxi 6-Liter Botana Lunch Bag Save 50% on this tastefully colorblocked lunch bag from Cotopaxi. The brand makes some of our favorite daypacks and outdoor gear, but its deep discounts on backpacks, totes and more are stealing the show ahead of the back-to-school season. • Calpak: Return to campus in style and save. Right now a selection of backpacks, totes, tech organizers and more are up to 50% off at Calpak. • Cotopaxi: One of our favorite outdoor clothing and gear brands marked down tons of backpacks, totes and even lunch bags. • Kipling: Back-to-school styles are up to 40% off at the brand that makes our associate deals editor's favorite backpack. • Pottery Barn Kids: Score up to 60% off backpacks, lunch boxes and more in a bunch of patterns and styles right now. • Samsonite: For all their study abroad plans or for extra storage, snag sturdy luggage for up to 40% off. • Vera Bradley: For a limited time, shop the Back-to-School Shopping Event, which includes savings on quilted backpacks, lunch totes and more. Brooklinen Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Towel Move-In Bundle This plush bath towel set contains everything you need if you're moving into a new space sans linens. Get bath and hand towels, washcloths and a mat all for 25% off. The Container Store 3-Tier Rolling Cart Fill that empty corner in your bathroom with this $28 rolling cart. It has three containers for makeup, toiletries and the like, and will help maximize storage in your space on a budget. Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid Mattress Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin adores her Amerisleep mattress for its cloud like feel. Currently, it's best selling AS3 along with others is $500 off. This model is great for those who run hot and offers a "medium feel." Coop Sleep Goods Original Mattress Topper If buying a new mattress is out of the budget, Coop makes a mattress topper that'll make it feel like new. It offers down-like comfort that you can sink into and is 20% off in all four sizes. Ostrichpillow Memory Foam Bed Pillow Stay comfortable on the go with Ostrichpillow's foldable bed pillow. It can fit in a carry-on bag or backpack so you can sleep soundly on your next leisure or work trip. Vaya Mattress Score $300 off any mattress at Vaya with code VAYA300. Foam mattresses from the brand start at as low as $449 and give off a cooling effect with its open-cell and sweat-wicking design. Brooklyn Bedding Chunky-Knit Weighted Blanket Wrap yourself in a buttery soft and calming weighted blanket. Choose a weight of 10 or 15 pounds in two neutral colors that'll go with anything in your GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Back and stomach sleepers will adore the low-profile build on this Helix memory foam pillow. You can try it out for a month risk free. Plus, now it's 20% off with code LDW20. • Amerisleep: Take $500 off any mattress with code AS500. • Brooklinen: Take 15% off your first order, which includes bath items — from towels to bath mats to robes. • Brooklyn Bedding: Mattresses, pillows, adjustable bases and more are 25% off with code SCHOOL25. • Coop Sleep Goods: Save 20% on Coop's back-to-school essentials, like adjustable pillows, cooling sheet sets and mattress toppers. • FlexiSpot: Take up to 50% off an assortment of motorized standing desks loved by CNN Underscored editors. • Gravity: Ensure a good night's sleep before the big exam now that Gravity's weighted blankets and more discounted. • Helix: The mattress retailer's Labor Day sale has begun with 20% off sitewide using code LDW20. • Ikea: Shop college essential deals and get up to 15% off desks, bed and bath linens, storage and more. • Lovesac: Lovesac offers ingenious modular furniture solutions like embedded speakers and adaptable sectionals. Take up to 30% off Sac bundles and up to 25% off Sactionals. • The Container Store: Shop savings at The Container Store's College Shop, featuring all the organization, kitchen essentials and furniture you'll need. Just text COLLEGE to 22822 for 25% off your purchase. • Ostrichpillow: Save on cooling products like the Memory Foam Bed Pillow. • Vaya: Save $300 on any mattress using code VAYA300. • Zoma: Take 25% off any mattress with code SLEEP25 with free shipping and returns through Aug. 10. Papier Delftware Spiral Academic Year Planner Grab one journal for jotting recipes and another for tracking wellness goals, or one for class notes and one for, well, journaling. Either way, students get a 15% discount. Medium 17-Month Academic Planner Stay on top of your assignments and extracurriculars come fall with this 17-month planner. It's packed with tons of stickers, a coloring page and charts to track what you're reading. Use code CAKE for 30% off. Society 6 Midcentury Abstract Shapes Spring Laptop Sleeve Keep your laptop stylish and protected with a slim sleeve from Society 6. Many of us shopped at this retailer during undergrad, and it sells prints, accessories and more that are geared toward recent grads. Sticker Book Stay motivated all school year long with the coolest stickers designed by cool artists at The flip book comes with over 700 pieces that are arranged by color, if you happen to be type-A or are a fan of intentional designs. Papier Monogram Black Leather Notebook If you want a discreet notebook to jot down thoughts, this one stands the test of the time with its classic monogram design. There are many options to save: Students save 15%, or you can apply "buy one, get one 25% off" notebooks. The Happy Planner 2025–2026 Teaching Seasons Customizable Teacher Planner Teachers can get their lesson plans all sorted for the year with this planner's monthly and weekly spreads and classroom checklist pages. Its seasonal dividers bring a bit more fun to work. Society 6 Wide Stripe Desk Mat As you type through papers or stare at your monitor, bring some whimsy to your desk with this striped mat. It'll give you a smoother mouse scroll while sitting pretty underneath keyboards. For Society 6's sale, it's $10 off. The Happy Planner Silver Deluxe Cover A polished way to keep your planner in order, this shiny, snap-close cover is great for toting to and from classes or for bringing to your lesson planning. • Save 30% off everything you need to make your space feel more like a home with code CAKE. We're talking decor like vases, dishes and more, with 17% off everything else with code ICECREAM. • Happy Planner: Get organized with discounted planners. • Papier: For the Birthday Sale, score up to 30% sitewide, while taking 10% off academic planners. • Society6: During this back-to-school sale, you'll get up to 30% off dorm decor, like wall art, tapestries, throw pillows and more. Stack an extra 10% with code ADD10. This summer's back‑to‑school deals offer savvy shoppers a head start on savings — and a chance to beat last‑minute price hikes. With major retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart (to name a few) rolling out discounts on tech, dorm essentials, school supplies, apparel and more, now's the time for parents and students alike to stock up early and lock in deep markdowns before items sell out or prices rise on laptops, tablets, headphones and backpacks. Quite simply, our goal is to save you money. With decades of experience combined, our team of deals editors — Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo — know how to advocate for buyers by making sure we're only recommending the best prices on the best products. We source deals on products loved by CNN Underscored experts or tested by experts, so you know you're getting a worthwhile buy on all fronts.
Forbes
3 minutes ago
- Forbes
How Relief Is Tackling America's Unspoken Debt Emergency
While headlines focus on inflation, market instability, and job growth, another crisis has been quietly unfolding: student loan debt. As of April 2025, roughly 5.8 million federal student loan borrowers were 90 days or more behind on their payments. That's nearly one-third of all borrowers who currently have a payment due. This delinquency rate is almost three times higher than it was before the pandemic and represents a silent yet deeply personal financial emergency affecting millions of households. While experts debate interest rate hikes and economic policy, the reality is far more personal and immediate. For millions of Americans, it's not just about broad economic indicators. It's about getting through the month without falling further into a financial hole. Debt has become a heavy, invisible weight, dragging down families who are otherwise trying to stay afloat, build a life, support a family, or plan for the future. In the first few months of 2025 alone, over 2.2 million people saw their credit scores drop by 100 points or more. Another million saw drops of 150 points or more. Credit impacts are comparable to bankruptcy. Just one single delinquent student loan can slash 87 to 171 points off a borrower's score, putting credit cards, mortgages, and even employment at risk. In this landscape, where the financial lives of millions are in a state of suspended animation, where household budgets are increasingly strained, the fintech world has been surprisingly quiet. For a sector that thrives on disrupting traditional finance and identifying unmet needs, the lack of innovative, accessible solutions for debt relief has been a glaring blind spot. Instead, tech startups have flocked to sexier domains like crypto wallets, stock trading platforms, and AI-powered savings tools. But the fundamental problem of financial distress, especially the kind caused by mounting, unmanaged debt, has remained unaddressed. Relief is looking to change that. A company that is finally bringing a modern, intuitive solution to an age-old problem. Relief is a first-of-its-kind mobile app that helps users reduce, manage, and take action on their debt, from student loans to credit cards all in one place. Since its public launch, over 150,000 people who have used Relief have enrolled over $8 billion in unsecured debt on the platform including credit cards, personal loans, and student loans. It cuts through the complexity and bureaucracy that has long been a barrier for borrowers. It started with overdue credit card balances and has since expanded to include full student loan support: syncing loans, comparing repayment and forgiveness options, and helping users complete their applications, all from their phone. With just a few taps, borrowers can link their student loan accounts, discover which repayment or forgiveness programs they qualify for, and even reduce their monthly payments in a matter of minutes. In a world where debt repayment often requires deciphering fine print and sitting through hours of call center hold music, Relief offers a dramatically simpler, more human-centered approach. But Relief doesn't stop at student loans. The app also tackles another looming crisis: credit card and personal loan debt. Credit card balances are at historic highs, and the number of delinquencies has reached record levels. Relief understands that most people don't just have a single source of debt, they're often juggling multiple overdue accounts, each with its own terms, interest rates, and emotional toll. 'That's why the app was designed to let users handle everything privately, no awkward calls or negotiations. When someone can see all their debts in one place, choose a realistic path forward, and start making progress, the psychological lift is real. Users report better sleep, less anxiety about opening the mail, and a renewed sense of self-worth that spills into work, relationships, and long-term planning. The app guides people step by step, celebrates progress, and removes the high-pressure interactions that often make people shut down. In short, Relief exists because financial recovery is not just about dollars.' added Samantha Intagliata, Head of Marketing at Relief. The app takes a holistic approach, giving users a comprehensive view of their entire debt portfolio. By syncing with accounts from across the financial spectrum, Relief can identify areas where users may be eligible for debt reduction, interest rate adjustments, or lower monthly payments. This allows users to take control of their situation and move from overwhelm to action. Users are already seeing significant results. On average, users are able to reduce their student loan payments by nearly $200 per month. That's not just a number, it's money that can go toward rent, groceries, or building a safety net. For many, it means avoiding default and staying out of collections. Relief also offers a balance reduction feature. This tool allows users to submit requests to creditors to reduce what they owe. The results have been impressive: users are saving an average of 50% on their balances, with some reductions reaching as high as 70%. What Relief does so well is bring transparency and possibility into a space that has historically been riddled with confusion and avoidance. By using technology to simplify and automate the process, Relief turns something that feels impossible to overcome into something has made great strides in enabling people to spend, save, and invest more conveniently. But when it comes to helping those in the deepest financial distress, it has lagged behind. The student loan crisis is not a niche issue; it's a mainstream threat to economic mobility and stability. And that's where Relief is positioning itself, not just as another financial app, but as a tool for social and economic recovery. CEO Jason Saltzman's mission is not just in helping individuals but in stabilizing the financial health of an entire generation where people no longer feel helpless in the face of debt but instead have the tools and guidance to take control. 'The goal,' he says, 'is to put the power back in the hands of people who are struggling with debt.' By addressing the debt problem head-on, Relief is setting a new standard for what fintech can do by reshaping the financial future for those who need help the most. As the debt crisis only continues to deepen, Relief is leading the way for the change the market needs.
Associated Press
3 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Tips to help manage your buy now, pay later loans
NEW YORK (AP) — Between rising prices and dwindling job growth, using 'buy now, pay later' on everything from concert tickets to fast food deliveries is becoming increasingly appealing. But greater use could also mean greater trouble, as more people fall behind on repaying these loans. Buy now, pay later loans gained popularity during the pandemic, especially among young people. While these loans can help you make large purchases without paying interest or undergoing a hard inquiry in your credit report, they can also easily be overused. About 4 in 10 Americans under the age of 45 say they've used 'buy now, pay later″ services when spending on entertainment or restaurant meals, or when paying for essentials like groceries or medical care, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Buy now, pay later loans were not previously reported to the three major credit reporting bureaus. But consumers will soon see the impact of buy now, pay later loans on their FICO credit scores. Whether you're a first-time or recurring user of buy now, pay later plans, here are some expert recommendations to use this tool responsibly. Focus on needs vs. wants Buy now, pay later plans divide purchases in monthly installments, typically in four payments. These loans are marketed as having low or no interest. Klarna, Afterpay, PayPal Later and Affirm are among the most popular buy now, pay later companies. These loans should ideally be used for large purchases or necessities, said Lauren Bringle, Accredited Financial Counselor at Self Financial. Bringle recommends asking yourself these questions before purchasing: Can I survive without this purchase right now? Do I need it for work, school, or a basic household need? Buy now, pay later is best used when you have a plan for the purchase, not for impulse buys. For example, when you need to buy a computer for school or a new refrigerator for your house, recommended Tyler Horn, head of planning at Origin, a budgeting app. Pause before purchasing Before deciding to take out a buy now, pay later loan, it's a good idea to pause and consider if it's the best financial decision for you, recommended Erika Rasure, Chief Financial Wellness advisor for Beyond Finance. Buy now, pay later plans can be positive budgeting tools when used strategically. However, it's essential you know your spending behaviors before using them, said Rasure. If you're an emotional spender, it might be hard for you to moderate your use of this tool and you could end up adding to your financial stress. 'Buy now, pay later can become a coping mechanism rather than a financial tool that can get you a good deal or improve your cash flow,' said Rasure. If you have other payments due, such as credit card or student loan payments, consider how a buy now, pay later loan will add to your monthly payments, recommended Sarah Rathner, Senior Writer for NerdWallet. Read the fine print Like credit cards, each buy now, pay later loan has terms and conditions that can vary by purchase and providers. It's crucial that you know what you're agreeing to before you sign up, recommended Michael Savino, Chief Lending Officer at Municipal Credit Union. 'Always read the fine print. Understand fees, repayment schedules, and what happens if you miss a payment or go into default,' said Savino. In general, if you miss a buy now, pay later payment, you can face fees, interest, or the possibility of being banned from using the services in the future. Avoid stacking BNPL loans You can easily run into difficulty keeping up with the cost and schedule of your repayments if you're trying to simultaneously pay off two, three or more loans, Savino said. 'Juggling multiple plans creates a blind spot and overall debt load, and multiple repayment dates are hard to manage,' Savino said. 'So more loans makes it more difficult to budget.' The best approach: Stay mindful of your overall spending, and limit the number of buy now, pay later loans. Keep track of your loan(s) Whether or not you're paying for multiple buy now, pay later purchases at once, you want to be aware of where your money is going at any given time, recommended Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karma. 'Buy now, pay later often requires automatic payments, so you want to make sure that your account is funded so that those payments are processing successfully,' recommended Jennifer Seitz, director of education at Greenlight, a financial literacy app for families. There are many ways to track your loan payments — from setting a reminder on your calendar, to creating an intricate excel spreadsheet or tracking them on an app, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the budgeting app YNAB. Finding the best method that works for you will help you stay on track and avoid late fees. Make buy now, pay later work for you For shoppers with low credit scores or no credit history, buy now, pay later loans can seem like the best, if not the only, loan option. If used moderately and responsibly, these short-term loans can be a positive lending exercise, said Savino. 'It allows you to to establish a baseline (and) get access to other affordable credit options that you can leverage that will ultimately provide financial wellness,' he added. Still, NerdWallet's Rathner emphasized that shoppers using these tools always remember that buy now, pay later is a form of borrowing money. 'It just kind of feels like you're given a little extra time to pay back,' Rathner said. 'But the reality is, if you miss payments, it can hurt your credit, much like missing payments with any other loan.' —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
