Getting into gear
What’s ahead
Celebrating Juneteenth
Don’t let involuntary collections catch you off guard
Get ready for Stackwell Sounds
Stacking knowledge
Celebrating Juneteenth
This month, we celebrated Juneteenth — a holiday rooted in the ongoing pursuit of freedom.
At Stackwell, freedom is more than a principle — it’s our purpose. That’s why we work hard every day to make financial freedom a reality.
Juneteenth invites us to reflect, to reset, and to recommit to the mission that gives our work meaning.
“At Stackwell, we are so proud to build products and programs that support people as they take control of their own financial futures,” said Trevor Rozier-Byrd, Stackwell Founder and CEO. “And none of this would be possible without you.”
Don’t let involuntary collections catch you off guard
If you’ve been ignoring your federal student loans, it’s time to check your mail.
As of May 5th, the Department of Education has resumed involuntary collections — but what does that mean?
Involuntary collections are the government’s system for collecting defaulted federal student loans by intercepting payments being made to individuals with loans in default.
Borrowers in default could see tax refunds seized, federal wages garnished, or even Social Security benefits reduced.
The Treasury Department has begun issuing offset notices, which authorize these actions — and private employers could follow as soon as the end of this month.
If your loan is in default, don’t panic. You’re not alone and you still have options. Even if you have already received an offset notice, you may still have a 30-60 day window to take action.
Look into loan consolidation or rehabilitation. Loan consolidation involves the issuing of a new loan, while rehabilitation requires you to make a series of on-time payments. Federal Student Aid’s default guide can help you decide if one of these strategies is right for you.
See if you qualify for student loan forgiveness. You may be able to discharge your loan due to disability, school conduct, bankruptcy, and a few other special circumstances. Review Federal Student Aid’s student loan forgiveness guide to find out if you qualify.
Check for mistakes. Think your loan may have been incorrectly placed in default? Contact your loan holder with proof of payments. Make sure you’ve fulfilled all the responsibilities of a borrower as outlined in your initial agreement — including the little things like notifying them of any change of address
Want to avoid default? Set yourself up for success.
Revisit your budget. During the COVID-era pause, paying off your student loans may not have been at the top of your priority lists. As the Dept. of Education gets more aggressive about payments, you should too. Prioritize paying down your debt when dividing up your paycheck.
Explore Income Driven Repayment (IDR) plans. IDR plans set your monthly loan payments according to your income and family size. FSA’sIDR guide can help you compare the options and find the right one for you.
FSA offers this helpful tool to support you as you choose the right IDR for you and consider whether to consolidate your loans. Now is the time to revisit your strategy. Check your loan status, explore your options, and don’t wait for a notice to take action. With the right plan, you can stay ahead and stay in control.
Get ready for Stackwell Sounds
We’ve always said financial wellness is a journey. Now, it has a soundtrack.
Introducing Stackwell Sounds — curated playlists for every step of the stack. Wherever you’re at, there’s a vibe for that.
Follow us on Spotify, and stay tuned — we’ll be dropping fresh picks every quarter.
June is Black Music Month — and we’re proud to feature some of the artists, sounds, and stories that continue to move culture forward.
Because stacking isn’t just a strategy. It’s a lifestyle.
Stacking knowledge
School might be out, but we’re still hitting the books. Summer’s the perfect time to brush up on your money moves and build the kind of knowledge that compounds over time, just like your investments. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your strategy, a strong grasp of the basics can make a big difference.
Here are five terms to keep in your financial toolkit:
Asset allocation. Think of this as your financial game plan. Asset allocation is how you divide your money across different investment types — like stocks, bonds, and cash — based on your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.
Diversification. You’ve heard the expression don’t put all your eggs in one basket — that’s the principle behind diversification. Simply put, it’s spreading your investments across a mix of assets and industries. Why? Because when one part of the market dips, another might rise. It’s a smart way to reduce risk and optimize your investment strategy for the long haul.
Index fund. Imagine a pre-packed basket of investments that mirrors the performance of a specific part of the market — like the S&P 500. Instead of picking individual stocks, you buy into the whole group. It’s low-cost, hands-off, and a favorite for long-term investors who want to grow their money without micromanaging.
Liquidity. Consider this a measure of how easily you can turn an investment into cash without losing value. Got cash in your savings account? That’s super liquid. A rare piece of art hanging on the wall? Not so much. The more liquid your asset, the faster you can access your money when you need it. It’s all about flexibility.
Annualized return. Want to know how much your investment grew in a year? Your annualized return gives you a picture of long-term performance. Whether you’re looking back or planning ahead, annualized return helps you measure progress and set smart goals.
The more you know, the more confident you feel — and confidence is key to making bold, informed moves with your money. Whether you’re investing for the first time or expanding your strategy, our in-app Learning Center is here to help. Dive in this summer and take the first step toward owning your financial future.