Michelle Jackson

Images from Michigan’s historic Idlewild resort are striking for their depictions of Black people vacationing and having a good time during a period in history where sociopolitical conditions made it nearly impossible.
Families playfully making sandcastles together; young boys diving off wooden piers into the lake, and couples sitting outside of quaint wooden cabins; beauty pageant contestants strutting down a grassy runway; vacationers horseback riding and boating; all seemingly enjoying the...

If you're needing help keeping your finances organized, bank account alerts are a simple and low-tech way to keep track of transactions in your bank account.

While Day 1 CPT programs may seem attractive, it's important to fully understand the implications enrolling in one may have on your legal and immigration status.
For many international students, the opportunity to work within the United States is part of what attracted them to international study. For F-1 visa holders, it’s possible to become eligible to work on a limited basis within the United States. These are through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)...

Requesting an immigration benefit can take a long time — here’s one way to change that.
Applying for an immigration benefit from the United States can be an intimidating process. There are so many aspects to it that are out of your control. One of the most challenging aspects to making this request is factoring in the amount of time it will take to adjudicate, or process, that request.
While the United States Customs and Immigration Service does provide general guidance for how long it may ta...

Why the L-2 visa may be the right visa for you and your family — and how to navigate the application process.
There are a number of perks available to those working for a multinational corporation. These could include being paid a great salary, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to work in the United States.
Many professionals looking to work in the US may already be familiar with the H-1B visa, E-2 visa for international business investment in the US, the Conditional Permanent Residen...

You’ve made the decision to change your status and aim for that handy Green Card. But how exactly do you navigate the process? We’ve got you covered.
You’ve worked in the United States for a few years and have now decided to begin the process to apply for a Green Card. Congrats!
For H-1B visa holders, the Adjustment of Status process has several aspects that the applicant should consider. Your successful request may be impacted by your country of origin, the type of work that you do, and is a...

So, your spouse has received a H-1B visa and your family will be making its way to the United States to work sometime soon — exciting times! And one of the most exciting aspects of going to the US on an H-1B visa is the potential opportunity for your spouse to secure an H-4 EAD and follow their professional interests while in the United States with you.
Fortunately, there is an option available for these individuals looking to work while in the United States — one that many people might not k...

So, your spouse has received a H-1B visa and your family will be making its way to the United States to work sometime soon — exciting times! And one of the most exciting aspects of going to the US on an H-1B visa is the potential opportunity for your spouse to secure an H-4 EAD and follow their professional interests while in the United States with you.
Fortunately, there is an option available for these individuals looking to work while in the United States — one that many people might not k...

When President Biden signed legislation this week making Juneteenth a national holiday, it marked the swift rise in recognition of the day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. After decades of delay, the movement gained momentum last summer during the protests following the murder of George Floyd, when U.S. corporations began honoring the day as part of their commitments on behalf of racial justice. Why should it matter for all Americans? “African Americans should not have to bear the...

There are two things that no one tells you before signing up for Amazon Prime.
The first is that you have to fight against the urge to buy everything each time you scroll through your favorite Amazon listings. The second is that it’s very easy to go broke buying must-have items on Amazon.This urge to spend was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that we all had to stay home for a large part of the year.
I’m in good company as it’s reported that there are over 126 million Prime su...

Are you interested in how the student loan forgiveness program works? This post walks through which jobs qualify for the program and what to consider.

For many businesses, COVID-19 has been a devastating event that has highlighted how vulnerable client-facing businesses can be.
In many cases, business foot traffic was decimated overnight. Entrepreneurs who are fighting for survival are now looking for new and innovative ways to keep their businesses open.
As business owners navigate this chaotic time, many have chosen to embrace beneficial partnerships as a strategy to keep their doors open. In many cases, these synergies are proving to be a mu...

Courtesy Michelle Jackson
Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. We may receive a small commission from our partners, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
I used to love shopping at Target, and every item would excite me. I'd walk out with a huge bill every time — and I shopped for groceries the same way.
To cut back on my spending, I started buying essentials on sale and in ...

For many businesses, COVID-19 has been a devastating event that has highlighted how vulnerable client-facing businesses can be.
In many cases, business foot traffic was decimated overnight. Entrepreneurs who are fighting for survival are now looking for new and innovative ways to keep their businesses open.
As business owners navigate this chaotic time, many have chosen to embrace beneficial partnerships as a strategy to keep their doors open. In many cases, these synergies are proving to be a mu...

As we embark on moving toward a post-COVID economy, don't be surprised if you begin to question the validity of some of the most popular financial mantras.
The longer COVID remains a part of our daily lives, the more our spending habits will continue to change. Initially, we were unable to pop into our favorite stores, head out and enjoy happy hour with friends, or attend the debut of a new play. As we continue to navigate our way through this new, ever-evolving reality, we are often reminded ...