The deadline to file your 2021 tax returns or request an extension is coming up on April 18th. As you prepare, we wanted to offer a few tips to help you get through the season and understand what has changed since last year.

After a busy year of studying, working a part-time job, and participating in extracurriculars, Cori has learned a lot about budgeting and preparing for unexpected challenges. Winning the Essay Challenge last year equipped her with the financial skills necessary to launch a successful college career. She drafts budgets for rent and food, confidently makes payments at her university cashier's office, and saves for unexpected expenses—all using the lessons she learned as a high school senior in our scholarship program.

For months, each Orange County Housing Report has mentioned the insane pace of the current Hot Seller’s Market. This trend has not changed. As the spring market approaches on March 20th, demand continues to outpace inventory. We’re still in the middle of a massive inventory crisis.

We’re gearing up to award six promising high school seniors a total of $30,000 through our annual Essay Challenge scholarship program! Now through April 22nd, seniors in AK, AZ, CA, WA, and WY can earn $5,000 for college in the fall by submitting an essay answering this question: What does financial success mean to you?